Roofing materials

Roofing Supplies

Roofing material

When a homeowner makes a selection of a roofing material, they should, take the roofing material’s lifespan into account because this determinesthe overall lifespan of the roof. And that has an impact on long term cost.

A roof’s lifespan depends on a number of factors, including roofing style, materials, and the climate in the area where the home is located. It’s generally wise to select roofing products that have nearly the same lifespan to avoid piece by piece repairs throughout a ten to fifteen year period. Generally, roofing materials last for about twenty years. That assumes proper maintenance and no significant weather damage. Some materials have a lifespan of up to 50 years while some others last as little as 10 years. Here is a list of some common roofing materials along with lifespans.

The average lifespan of asphalt roofing is from 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Because of the low cost of the materials and the ease of repairs asphalt roofing materials are one of the most common types of roofing materials used throughout the nation.

Fiberglass roofing lasts between 15 and 20 years. Fiberglass roofing requires little maintenance and can be manufactured in many different colors and styles to give the homeowner the desired look. Roofs made from this material are water resistant and mold resistant.

Many homes in the northeastern portion of the nation use wooden shakes and shingles. These roofing materials will generally last for about 15 to 20 years, and can even last for as many as 30 years if the shakes and shingles are well maintained.

With an average lifespan of 40 to 75 years, slate roofing materials are amongst the longest lasting roofing products.

Metal roofing can last nearly 50 years. Metal roofs come in a variety of colors, finishes and styles, and can even resemble tiles and wooden shingles. These roofing products are nearly indestructible from weather and can be installed over the current roof.

A less well known option is rubber roofing. It’s easy to install, easy to maintain, and long lasting. It can be a single sheet cut to fit the roof or shingles. The very first rubber roof ever installed was in Wisconsin in 1980. It’s still doing its job after nearly 30 years.

Roofing materials come in many varieties and styles. Pick the one that’s right for you.

Install metal roofing

Let’s start with one simple rule for people who want to install metal roofing. If you cannot easily walk across the roof because it’s too steep, call a professional contractor. With that rule in mindif you want to have a metal roof but the professional bids are too high, here’s how to install it.

Gather the proper tools. The list is a measuring tape, a chalk line with plenty of chalk, a good drill, a good extension ladder and a good, sturdy step ladder, ½ pound of ¼ inch roofing nails, metal roofing screws, metal snips, and to hold the nails and screws a nail bag.

Using the tape measure the roof’s height adding the desired overhang, generally two to four inches. Make accurate measurements keeping in mind the handy man’s mantra “measure twice, cut once.” Next measure the roof’s length and height on both sides to figure out how much metal edging to add. Take these measurements to your roofing supply company. They will tell you how much roofing is needed. Remember that three to six inches of unblocked air flow is needed between layers.

It’s best to remove the old roof before laying a metal roof. Use a pitch fork, roofing shovel, or roofing pliers to remove old shingles . Then lay down 30 pound tar paper as the base for the new roof. If there’s only one layer of shingles on the old roof, lay down 1”x4”x building length pine wood boards screwed onto the old shingles. Once the roof is prepared the metal roof edging can be applied.

Now it’s time to place the metal sheets running from top to bottom rather than side to side. They are screwed into the wood slats, using a screw every two feet on both sides of the sheet. Each sheet overlaps the last. When you reach the edge cut the last metal sheet so it’s just past the edge of the roof.

When the sheets are applied to both sides of the roof it’s time to apply the metal trim along the edges at the sides of the roof. The trim also goes on the peak, first scoring it in the middle so it can be bent over the peak.

That covers installing the tin barn roof type of metal roof. Other types of metal roofs require different methods for installation. But those can be tackled equally as well by a do it yourself person who wants to install metal roofing.

Metal roofing

Many people envision the “tin barn” look when they hear “metal roof”. But metal roofing has come a long way. Today metal roofing includes a variety of styles and materials so that the roof has style and visual appeal, while retaining durability, longevity, fire resistance and easy maintenance.

Metal roofs are made from a variety of metals. Some of these are the traditional aluminum and steel, as well as copper and a variety of alloys. Modern metal roofs can be formed into shapes that imitate Spanish tiles, wood shakes, and even slate. They can be given a variety of finishes such as granulated stone topcoats to complete a realistic imitation of many other materials.

There are some negatives to a metal roof. One consideration is the cost, with a typical square running from $150 to $600. Another is that metal roofs usually require professional installation and maintenance, which also adds to the overall cost. Despite these negatives many people feel that metal roofs have benefits that make them worthwhile. A properly installed and maintained metal roof can realistically last as long as the house. That means, over the typical life expectancy of a home, the cost of a metal roof is low compared to the cost of other types of roofs that might require replacement after 15 to 20 years.

Metal roofs are light, fifty to one hundred fifty pounds per square compared to seven hundred fifty pounds per square foot for tile or nine hundred pounds per square foot for concrete tile. Metal roofs don’t require additional support when installed over existing roofs. Metal roofs resist high winds, snow slides off them, and they are resistant to mildew, insects and rot.

Pitch is another issue of concern with roofs. Other types of roofs require a steep pitch to ensure water flow so that the roof won’t leak. The pitch for a metal roof can be more shallow, with a typical recommended minimum of 3-in-12, which is three inches of height for every horizontal foot. Consider the benefits of a flatter roof next time you have to climb onto it to clean the gutters, or retrieve a ball or Frisbee thrown there by a child.

Just as with other home projects that require a professional, the best way to find a metal roof contractor is through word of mouth. Ask neighbors or friends, or look for metal roofs around the neighborhood and ask the home owners who installed them. The Internet is a good source for pre-screened metal roofing contractors, as are architects who design homes with metal roofs. Also consider the National Roofing Contractors Association. Their number is 1-800-USA-ROOF.

A cat on a hot tin roof may not be a good thing. But if you want great roof for your home, remember that traditional wood and shingles are good, but metal is better.

Fabral roofing warranty

Fabral describes itself as the leader in metal wall and roof systems. The Fabral roofing warranty on their products is one of the best in the roofing business. in a nutshell most have a lifetime integrity warranty and 20-30 year fade and chalk or corrosion warranty. Such excellent warranties make Fabral an easy choice for metal roofing.

The Fabral Grandrib 3 and Grandrib 3 Plus metal roofing are, according to Fabral, “manufactured from only the best prime quality structural steel available—no seconds ever!” The finish is Enduracoat (TM) 2000, another Fabral product. As Fabral tells it “Whether your application is new or old, commercial, agricultural or residential, Fabral’s panels and paint systems are designed to exceed your requirements and expectations.” What’s the warranty? For Grandrib 3 it’s a lifetime integrity warranty, a 30-year warranty against fade and chalk for walls and roofs, and a 10-year edge rust warranty against acid rain. As expected the Grandrib 3 Plus warranty is even better. It’s a lifetime film integrity warranty, a 30-year warranty against fade and chalk for walls and roofs, a 15-year edge rust warranty against acid rain, and a 25-year non-perforation warranty against acid rain for walls, 20 years for roofs.

Fabral describes its Horizon 16 product in the following manner. “The elements can be tough on roofing materials, but Fabral’s Horizon 16 is up to the task. Horizon 16’s tough, metal construction brings maximum protection, low maintenance, long-lasting beauty and distinctive value to residential properties. Horizon 16 is incredibly energy efficient; many colors reflect the hot rays of the sun to keep homes cooler in the summer. While Horizon 16 weighs considerably less than a shingled roof, it is extremely durable—the fire resistant material can withstand strong winds yet maintain a quiet, soothing sound during a rain storm. Horizon 16 can be installed over any solid decking, or in many cases, right over an existing roof.” Since it’s a Fabral product, the warranty is as hefty as expected; a Lifetime warranty, a 30-year chalk and fade warranty for painted, a 15-year edge rust warranty against acid rain, and a limited 20-year paint warranty on Bright Copper Penny.

Ultra-Loc is another Fabral residential roofing metal material. “Ultra-Loc’s tough, metal construction brings maximum protection, low maintenance, long-lasting beauty and distinctive value to residential properties.” The warranty includes a 30-year chalk and fade warranty for painted, a 15-year edge rust warranty against acid rain, and a limited 20-year paint warranty on Bright Copper Penny.

The verdict is in. The Fabral roofing warranty is solid, for any product. More information on all of Fabral’s products, including the Fabral roofing warranty for each, can be found at their web site http://www.fabral.com.