As a homeowner, choosing the right roofing material is a high-stakes decision. After all, quality roofs aren’t cheap, and your roof affects the integrity of your entire house. But how do you know whether to go with wood or simulated shake shingles? Or how about traditional asphalt or laminate? Before selecting your shingles of choice, research your options and decide the look you want to achieve. If you want a classic, affordable, and understated roof, go with asphalt or laminate. Just be sure to take the pros and cons of laminate shingles into consideration.
Types of Wood Shingles
There’s something timeless about a roof with wood shingles. From European-style cottages to historic colonial homes, different types of wood shingles can give your roof depth and dynamic texture. When it comes to choosing the right type of wood shingle for your home, be sure to keep durability and style in mind. This is a big investment, after all, and your choice will live on for decades to come.
Why Do Asphalt Shingles Curl?
Along with algae, mold, and moss, you can add curled shingles to the list of unsightly roof problems. Curled shingles aren’t just eyesores; they are also detrimental to the integrity of your entire roof. The curled edges expose the vulnerable layers of your roofing system, leaving it susceptible to ice and even harsh sunrays. But why do asphalt shingles curl? Learn what causes the damage so you can get to the root of the problem and prevent future issues.
Pros and Cons of APP-Modified Bitumen
When you research flat or low-slope roofing materials, you’ll find a list of everything from rubber to self-adhered roofing. One material you might come across during your research is atactic polypropylene (APP) modified bitumen. Since the 1970s, roofers all across America have been laying APP-modified bitumen roofs (source). Whether you’ve just found out that your roof is made out of APP-modified bitumen or you’re thinking about making the switch, take the pros and cons of APP-modified bitumen into consideration.
Pros and Cons of Self-Adhered Roofing
A self-adhered roofing system is one of the most cost-effective, environmentally friendly roofing options on the market today. If you’re looking for a mess-free roofing system that performs well in cold weather, this might be the system for you. However, like any major home investment, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of self-adhered roofing.
BUR Roofing Maintenance
Built-up roofs (BUR) are certainly investments. With their layers of asphalt, felt, and gravel, the materials add up and so does the cost. However, by practicing good BUR roofing maintenance habits, your roof should be in great shape for years to come. Learn how to protect your BUR roof and its sturdy layers from the elements, no matter what type of climate they must endure.
Rubber Roof Maintenance
What’s not to love about rubber roofs? They are affordable, long-lasting, energy efficient, and fire resistant. In addition, rubber roof maintenance and repair is fairly easy. For these reasons and more, rubber roofs are found on many flat commercial buildings. Familiarize yourself with how to keep your rubber roof in the best shape possible to protect your building from water damage. [Read more…] about Rubber Roof Maintenance
Asphalt vs. Fiberglass Shingles
From three-tab asphalt shingles to flashy copper roofs, there are a staggering number of roofing materials available. Depending on your desired roof aesthetic, you can choose from dozens of colors, styles, and materials. If you’re a first-time homeowner, you’ll likely want to start with either asphalt or fiberglass shingles, which are two of the most common shingle types. Deciding between asphalt vs. fiberglass shingles requires weighing the pros and cons of each material, including durability, longevity, and affordability.
When to Replace Soffits and Fascias
Even if you rely on a contractor’s expertise to maintain your roof, it is important to be a responsible homeowner and keep an eye out for problems. After all, a lot can go wrong between yearly inspections. Two parts of the roof that often get overlooked are soffits and fascias. These architectural elements do much more than simply add a finished look to your home. Soffits and fascias are located on the part of the roof that protrudes away from the side of your home. The fascia is the lining on the bottom edge of the roof (typically what you attach gutters to), and the soffit is the flat section underneath your roof. Knowing when to replace soffits and fascias can protect your roof from other costly repairs. [Read more…] about When to Replace Soffits and Fascias
TPO Roof Maintenance
Are you the proud owner of a building with TPO roofing? Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) is an eco-friendly, synthetic material commonly used on commercial roofs. In fact, one of the most energy-efficient buildings in Canada, the Earth Rangers Centre in Woodbridge, Ontario, has a TPO roof. It uses 90 percent less energy than other buildings of its size, thanks to the reflective roof. TPO membranes also reflect UV radiation, so they help keep buildings cool during the hot summer months, saving you money on your cooling bill (source). Finally, TPO roofs are extremely durable and water-resistant, which are both huge pluses if you live in a region that experiences heavy rain or snowfall. To ensure that your roof can last for decades, it’s important that you stay on top of TPO roof maintenance.
