Get a free estimate for Roof Repair Calgary service
How Old Are Your Shingles?
One of the ways to find out the age of the asphalt roofing shingles on your house is to---surprisingly enough---look in the gutters. New asphalt shingles have colored mineral granules. These granules coat the outside of each shingle and help protect it from damage which may occur. The longer the shingles are on your roof, the more granules come loose. The granules then wash into your gutter. So, the more granules in your gutter, the older your asphalt shingle Roofing Calgary is.
Choosing the Roofing
The reasons asphalt shingles are so popular is they can be installed by a DIYer and they are comparatively inexpensive. Also known as composition roofing, asphalt shingles are easy to get, and they last a long time. Each shingle has slits, dividing it into three tabs or pieces. These tabs give the Roof Repair Calgary a textured look when it is finished, so they're often called 3-tab shingles.
The shingles are made with asphalt layering over either cellulose or fiberglass. Then a coating of mineral is added to help protect from elemental damage. Some types of asphalt shingle also include granules of copper- or zinc- coated ceramic. This helps keep moss and algae growth from occurring.
Asphalt shingles are often chosen for the region in which they will be used. For instance, they tend to last longer in cooler climates. The moss and algae resistant shingles are good for the Southeast, as well as other areas. And shingles with high wind ratings work well for houses along the coast.
Additionally, asphalt shingles with granules for cooling help reduce energy consumption when used with appropriate pigmented coatings. It's possible to qualify for a tax credit of up to $1500. Your distributor can tell you if you meet Energy Star requirements and if a certification statement is offered by the manufacturer.
Shopping for Roofing
You buy roofing materials by the "square", which is equal to 100 square feet. When buying the amount you need, add between 10 & 15 percent extra for waste.
Pick Your Color
Asphalt Shingle is available in many different colors.
Pick Your Thickness
As a rule, the thicker the shingle, the longer it will last. Thicker shingles also have more extended warranties. There are shingles called laminated or architectural shingles. They have overlapping tabs. In that way, they copy shadow patterns on materials like wood and slate.
Tearing Off Your Old Roof
It will cost $1-$3 per square foot---depending on how steep and complex your roof is---to tear the old roof off and dispose of it. It might be tempting to try to save money by adding new roofing without tearing the old shingles off. But that will mean the vent boots and flashings stay on, too, and when a roof goes bad, flashings and vent boots can be counted on to be in even worse shape than the old Best Roofing Company Calgary. In the long run, it is worth the expense to tear off everything and start fresh.
Wood Shake Roof
Wood shakes, in high demand because of their natural, rustic look, are only recommended for DIYers who have a lot of experience. Usually, they are installed over horizontal 1x6 or 1x4 furring boards. These are spaced regularly, and referred to as space sheathing. The openings between the boards let air flow. This extends the lifespan of the roofing materials. As time goes by, the wood color of the shakes will soften to gray.
If you wish to use wood shakes as roofing, be sure to get approval first. Some places don't allow wood Roofing Contractors Calgary because of the possible fire hazard. Some allow shakes installed over plywood for earthquake resistance.
Metal Roofing
Metal roof panels (standing seam) come in a variety of colors. They also last a long time.
Metal roofing panels and tiles can be up to 20 feet long. The panels are joined with "standing seams". These seams prevent water penetration. Once used for a limited type of architecture, metal roof panels are increasing in popularity for many reasons:
Metal roofing panels---
• Are lightweight
• Are strong
• Are fireproof
• Resist rot
• Come in a host of exciting colors
• Can imitate the texture of wood
• Can imitate the look of slate
• Are recyclable, so they are environmentally friendlyand last but not least...
• They last 50-75 years
Metal roofing shingles are spendy, at $300-$500 per square, and can only be installed by a professional, but they are still gaining in popularity.
Clay Tiles
Clay tile roofing, often seen in the American Southwest, are easily identified by their reddish-brown shade and barrel shape. They come in many colors and last a long time---often 75 years or more. But they are also very heavy. Before having clay tiles used to roof your house, it is always a smart idea to have a structural engineer evaluate the structure to see whether the weight would be supported and whether the building would require reinforcement. Clay tiles are strong, but they occasionally break or chip.
Recycled Rubber and Rubber Composite
If you're looking for something eco-friendly, this is it. Recycled, lasts 50 years...Roof Repair Calgary can imitate the looks of other types of shingles. $400-$800, and there's limited availability.
Getting a new roof is not an easy job and working with the best Commercial Roofing Calgary Company is recommended.
No comments:
Post a Comment