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Are there signs of wear I can look for myself?
Yes, you can safely make some preliminary checks of your own.
(Hint: prior to getting the ladder out, use binoculars or a zoom-lens camera to check the general condition of the roof.)Look for the obvious; warped, cracked or missing shingles. If these conditions exist, surface repairs may be in order or, it may mean that more serious undetectable damage could exist beneath these areas. Indoors, examine walls and ceilings in the general areas of the damaged shingles.
Look for flaking plaster or peeling paint. If you suspect trouble, call in a roofer to look it over. Its too risky to leave it to your own judgement once you think you've found preliminary signs of damage.
When should a roof be replaced?
A roof should be replaced before serious damage occurs. If you suspect there may be a problem have it inspected right away. Some problems are only obvious in very bad weather. Don’t ignore these signs just because the weather has turned nice and the problem has seemed to go away. Unseen damage can bring on serious structural and health issues (such as black mold).
What does the weight of shingles mean?
The weight is literally the amount of weight - in pounds - that 100 square feet of shingles weighs (a square of shingles - see next question). 240 lb weight shingles literally means a 10 foot by 10 foot spread of shingles will weigh 240 pounds. In general the higher the weight the thicker the shingle will be. Thicker shingles generally cost more and last longer.
What does a square of material mean?
A square is the amount of material (shingles) that will cover 100 square feet of roof (i.e. 10 foof by 10 foot area.)
How can I tell if serious damage is occurring if I can’t see it?
A professional roofing company should inspect your roof every one to three years, especially if your roof is over 15 years old. The sun does the most damage to your roof.
Are there any signs that indicate that my roof needs attention?
There is at least one that is readily detectable if you look for it. If the shingles are dried out and break almost at the touch, you can be sure you’ll need a new roof before long. Shingles at this stage are likely to fail to prevent water penetration.
What signs should I look for that indicate trouble?
Blistered or curled shingles indicate that a roof is aging. It should be watched carefully. Another subtle sign is excessive loss of the surface granules (colored gritty material). Look for them in the rain gutters or near the down spouts if they empty on the ground.
Dont climb up on your roof unless its unavoidable. Ladders are dangerous, roofs can be slippery and walking on an old roof can accelerate the deterioration. In the event you must go on your roof its recommended to wear rubber soled shoes, use a ladder in good repair and avoid climbing up in bad weather (snow, ice, rain or wind).
After I decide to have a new roof put on, whats the next step?
Its a good step to do your own investigating before contacting roofing companies. This will give you better idea as to their thoroughness and honesty on inspecting and reporting on your roof. Do your homework before hiring a roofing company; contact the local chamber of commerce, better business bureau and Labor/Index. These are all free resources for you (see our helpful links section for more information).
Ask for references from the roofing company and contact them directly. Be sure to ask those references if they themselves know of other people who have used the contractors services so you can contact people outside of those listed by the contractor. A good contractor will have lots of word of mouth references and referrals.
Get any quotes in writing with details on what specific work will be done and what specific materials will be used. The brand names and manufacturer specifications will help in comparing material quality between bids.
What general information about roofing should I have when its time to decide the kind to buy?
Most important is the basic roofing itself that is, the type of material, its weight, etc. You must also decide upon texture and pattern that pleases you and suits the house and its surroundings. Color is the final consideration.
Tile color can look different from being on a complete roof as opposed to looking at a small sample in your home. If possible ask the roofing company to provide an address where a roof of similar color has already been installed.
What choices are available to me insofar as basic roofing is concerned?
More than 80% of the homes in America feature the "Shingle" as the most popular basic roofing material.
Roll roofing, a longer roll-out style of material is quite similar to shingles but best used for very shallow roofs where drainage is of a major concern. Both materials are available in different weights that translate to different thicknesses. Generally, a heavier weight material will last longer.
Wood shingles and shakes, slate and tile are also available. These materials tend to be more expensive, can be very heavy but often last a long time. A small percentage of homes may be roofed with aluminum shingles, asbestos-cement shingles or built up roofing. These materials are common on flat roofs, such as above a porch.
Is there a direct relationship between the weight of a shingle and its quality? For example, does 300 Ib shingle mean its better than 240 lb shingle?
Generally the heavier the shingle the longer it will withstand the elements.
What are the other factors?
Fire resistance is an important feature to consider in selecting roof material. Burning debris from outside the house is a danger to your roof and ultimately your entire home. Each bundle of shingles carries a label from the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., on which the classification rating for fire resistance of the shingle appears.
Roofing that is classified as C has proven resistance to ignition, will not easily support combustion, and will not give off burning embers of its own. A rating of B and A means the shingles are even more resistant to combustion. Only fiberglass shingles carry the top A rating.
Is there any difference between 240 lb and 365 lb shingles other than texture?
Yes. The 240 lb roofing is guaranteed for 25 years, while the 365 lb shingle is guaranteed for 40 years.
Are asphalt shingles better to use than wood shakes?
Shingle material use is a matter of opinion, each type has its advantages. Some people prefer the look of wood over asphalt. Wood shakes require special roof design to install, are more expensive and more vulnerable to combustion than asphalt shingles. Besides their distinctive appearance, shakes can offer an additional insulation barrier to the heating effects of the sun. There are several asphalt shingles that are designed to simulate wood and may offer an attractive alternative.
Is there anything I should know about wind resistance and my roof?
All shingles contain an Underwriters Laboratory rating for resisting high winds. All UL approved shingles have withstood 2 hours of continuous wind testing. Some shingles contain a special sealant that reacts with sunlight to bond all the shingles into a single sheet. This type of shingle is extremely wind resistant. UL wind resistant ratings appear on a label with a bundle of shingles near the fire rating.
What is the least expensive way for me to have a quality roof?
The largest factor in material expense is how long the materials are warranted to last. Using less expensive materials will reduce the cost. Consider how long you want your roof to last. You can break down any construction quotes in cost per year. Divide project cost by the warranty period. Usually youll find the less expensive jobs will end up costing you the most money in the long run.
What should I consider in choosing a roof color?
Color is very important because youll be living with your choice for a long time. You will want to coordinate roof colors with the other materials and colors on your home which includes trim, siding, brick, etc. Unless you are willing to repaint your home youll want to choose a color that coordinates with your existing colors.
Light colors tend to draw the eye, add height and size. This can be very useful for one-story buildings. Dark shades have the opposite effect and can work well with two-story buildings. White goes with every color and reflects sun and heat from your roof. Soft earth and wood tones are the most popular shingles colors.
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