Roofing materials
November 26, 2008 by Laminate & Hardwood Flooring
Filed under Roofing Materials & Contractors
A variety of roofing materials, each with advantages and disadvantages, can be used to top a house. Location is a top concern when selecting materials, for example in coastal areas where hurricanes are common a sturdier material is used. In the medical profession a popular phrase is “doctor heal thyself,” but for homeowners it’s “owner know thy roof.”
Fiberglass asphalt shingles consist of a base of glass fibers covered with ceramic coated mineral granules . This is an inorganic shingle with a high fire rating and often a longer warranty (and life span) than other types of shingles. This shingle resists water and cracking. According to Underwriter Laboratories it can also withstand high winds. Sounds like a winner!
Architectural shingle is an inorganic, three dimensional shingle. Because it is multi layered it has depth and thus an appearance closer to wood or slate roofing. Disadvantages are weight and cost, both more than other shingles.
Roll roofing is less expensive than shingles. It can be used on roofs with shallow grades, or in addition to shingles on steeper roofs. This is used most often on industrial buildings. It has a heavy felt base, saturated with asphalt, covered by a smooth or mineral surface. Easy to install, this type of material will last between 10 and 20 years.
Metal roofing is steel panels used in place of shingles. The best steel panels are made with zinc. Like roll roofing this is most common on industrial buildings. Durable, long lasting and resistant to fire, metal roofing is a great choice.
The earliest shingles were made of wood, and wood shingles are still used in modern construction. Cedar is the most common wood used for these shingles, but many consist of a variety of woods. These are more difficult to install than asphalt shingles. Wood burns. A fire-retardant coating reduces the flammability, but does not eliminate it.
A roof has other elements in addition to the shingles. These are not shingles or tiles or total roof coverings, but nevertheless are elements of a roof. Flashing consists of roofing material or sheet metal strips placed to cover joints, to make the joints waterproof. A special type of flashing is a “boot,” made to fit around a vent pipe. The boot is sometimes plastic. A Drip Edge is an “L” shaped, weather-resistant material placed at exposed roof edges to help protect wood portions of the roof by shedding water. Felt paper, or building paper, is a sheet with a tough, fibrous base saturated with asphalt installed under shingles. Felt paper also contributes to protecting the wood portions of the roof, particularly the frame.
A great source of information on roofing materials is the Internet. The more you know the less likely you are to get wet.
Rubber roofing
December 26, 2008 by Laminate & Hardwood Flooring
Filed under Roofing Materials & Contractors
Rubber baby buggy bumpers. I’m rubber you’re glue, what you say bounces off me and sticks to you. Rubber ducky you’re the one. Rubber roofing. What? Rubber roofing? Stop pulling my leg, rubber roofing indeed. Yes there is. If rubber keeps rain and weather off a person when worn as a rain coat or rain boots, why not keep water and the elements out of a house as a roof?
Number one with a rubber roof is a myth . It’s perfectly fine to install rubber roofing over an existing roof. After all, it saves time from removing the old roof. And in areas where the old roof is intact there’s double protection. Wrong! There are good reasons a roof warranty becomes void if it’s installed over an existing roof. So get ready for that removal. It’s step one.
Rubber roofs can be easy to self install. Both rolls and shingles come in a variety of styles and colors. A perfect material for large flat roofs, rubber roofing will last for years, and won’t split or crack. Rubber roofing experiences less stress than other material shingles because it expands and contracts with the roof in response to weather changes. In fact the first rubber roof, which was installed in Wisconsin in 1980, is still in perfect condition after nearly three decades of service.
Adhesive is used to attach both roll and shingle rubber roofing to the roof. Therefore make sure the roof is as clean as possible with nothing protruding which could pierce the rubber. The surface must be dry and clean of oils or dirt. Use a blower or broom to clear away dirt and debris.
When the base is clean, the rubber roof can be rolled out onto the area being covered, and cut to fit over vents and pipes. It’s a mistake to apply adhesive before the rubber roofing is cut and shaped. Imagine securing portions of the roof only to find it doesn’t fit, or to develop a bubble or seam. When the roof is cut and fit then roll back about half to apply the adhesive. Apply it evenly with a roller, then give it time to become tacky.
It is nearly impossible to lift the roofing once it’s stuck to the roof. So once the adhesive has set carefully roll the rubber roofing into place. The first half will have to dry for about an hour before the second half can be secured.
The home or building now has a rubber roof. Wow.
