What Time of the Year Is the Best to Undertake a Roof Replacement?

Anyone wanting to replace their roof has to be able to choose the right time for it. While the end of the year might be great if you get a bonus from your workplace, it’s not always great for the roofing materials your roofers might work with. In fact, it could be a real nightmare when some materials freeze entirely and the roofing cement can’t even achieve the right level of consistency to be used at all.

Fortunately, things aren’t always so grim. Aurora roof repair specialists tell us that as long as you know what to look forward to, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what time of the year you can consider getting your roof replaced.

Aurora roof repair

What Factors You Need to Take Into Account

Cold and concrete don’t mix, and metal roofs are also very challenging to install in cold weather due to most metals’ tendency to contract. Also, you have to keep mind that the snow or cold, unexpected rain showers can really mess with your roofers’ work.

So let’s take a closer look at what you might need to consider on an overall basis:

  1. What is the climate like where your home is located? Is it warmer or hotter? When (if at all) does the freeze set in? Depending on your answers, you can typically choose to have your roof replaced earlier in the spring or later in the autumn than in most northern areas. If you live in the South, you can even think of getting everything done in late October or early November, so long as the weather forecast will allow it.
  2. Do you need to install a roof that has a complex setup process and requires materials that would normally need stable temperature and humidity conditions? If that’s the case, then you might want to consider early autumn or late spring as your preferred time for a roof replacement? Any other time could be fraught with problems, from sudden temperature drops in the late autumn to rain, hail and increased humidity in the summer. Always go for the safer choice if you can.
  3. Living in an area with a temperate and overall stable continental climate might enable you to get your roof installed in the later months of autumn or even in early December. This is a strategy many homeowners adopt when trying to save money, since most roofers will not have a lot of work in that period, and they could be persuaded to help you out with a discount or two. However, you have to be very careful as there is a measure of risk involved when temperatures threaten to drop below a certain level.

Always Discuss the Matter with Your Roofer

If you hire an experienced Aurora roofing contractor, you will be able to discuss everything with them and make the best decision. Always hire a local roofer, since they can advise you accurately on what time of the year is best depending on the local climate.

The most important thing is to communicate and ask questions. Inquire about the material you want for your roof, and ask if there could be a better time for starting the project. Sometimes, even though the time is right, you might find that your roofing contractor will recommend that you wait a month or two instead of rushing in, so that the chance of a perfect installation process can be as high as possible.

The Latest Roof Styles for the Homes that have a Modern Architecture     

roofing contractors Houston

In the urban environment, modern houses are characterized by an architecture that highlights the elements related to modern functionalities, without neglecting the aesthetics. A flat roof efficiently addresses both aspects, so that, in addition to the special qualities related to thermal and sound insulation, it can be arranged as an elegant terrace for leisure, or even as a green area. Moreover, if the family expands and you need additional living space, this type of roof can practically meet your new needs, allowing you to add a new floor or a spacious attic to complete the house, which is functional and also offers a new aesthetic dimension. Ultimately, if the area where the house is located offers favorable climatic conditions for the production of renewable energy, the flat roof will also allow the installation of solar panels.

According to some of the most trusted roofing contractors Houston hosts,  flat roof houses nowadays are not only modern and fashionable, but also have a number of advantages:

  • They are cheaper than those with a pitched roof
  • A flat roof builds faster and can be turned into a space for different activities (garden, terrace, relaxation area)
  • Household installations (solar panels, air conditioning units, etc.) can be installed on a flat roof, instead of taking up space in the yard or on exterior walls
  • A flat roof is very easy to maintain and repair

The quality insulation materials are essential for optimal long-term operation of a flat roof.

A trendy alternative to the flat roof is the green roof.

The eco-friendly lifestyle, i.e. the nature-friendly lifestyle, tries to make as little contribution as possible to the impact on the environment. A consequence of this lifestyle is the increasing popularity of green roofs. The concept of green roofing is not new, on the contrary, but nowadays it is more in more present in projects of houses with modern architecture. Projects that include green roofs using state-of-the-art technologies are spreading fast.

What green roofs are appreciated for?

  • Protection of the existing roof – it is estimated a the green roof will last 2 times longer than a conventional roof, which leads to reduced maintenance costs
  • Reducing energy consumption – a green roof can reduce summer air cooling costs by 25%
  • Sound insulation – soil and plants help reduce noise, by absorbing low and high sound frequencies.
  • The particular aesthetics of a house with a green roof increases the value of the entire property, shortening the selling process.
  • Reducing the greenhouse effect, especially in big cities

Here are a couple of examples of modern buildings with very interesting green roofs:

University of California

It has a 2.5-acre roof top covered with fields and rolling hills also serving as an outdoor classroom. This special building was designed by Renzo Piano and was completed in 2008.

Mill Valley House

This is a residence in two separate dwellings, with a green roof, for a minimum of disturbance and energy consumption. The house was designed by McGlashan Architecure.

 

 

 

Taking a Look at Some of the Main Advantages of Metal Roofing

roof repair Gaithersburg

Are you looking to have a new roof installed? While you might be thinking about a basic asphalt shingle roof, or something expensive like natural slate, it’s worth giving metal roofing a look too. Metal roofs are typically much cheaper when compared to slate and concrete, but they are not only almost just as resilient, but can also have many other benefits to offer as well.

Why Metal Roofing Might Be Better Than You Think

  1. Metal is highly resilient. Whether you choose a cheaper steel roof, a metal panel roof for commercial purposes, or a high end copper roof, you’ll find your metal roof can easily last for decades with very little required maintenance. Minimal care is typically required only, and a sturdy metal roof can be known to last for up to 50-75 years, depending on the specific material and workmanship.
  2. Since metal is a good conductor of electricity, some metal constructions can be made to act as a Faraday cage protecting your home from lightning. While other roofs might catch on fire, metal roofs can safely channel electricity to the ground without ever letting it touch your home.
  3. One of the main advantages of a metal roof is its remarkable versatility when it comes to the elements that it can protect your house from. Fireproof and able to protect you from storms, hail and snow, a well-designed metal roof can also act as a cool roof during the summer and reflect much of the harmful UV radiation that would threaten to overheat your home. Because of this fact, metal roofing systems are also known to be quite energy-efficient and able to reduce the load on your HVAC system to help you save a lot of money on heating and AC.
  4. Wind and hail damage are among the most problematic forms of damage that most roofs have to deal with. A sturdy steel roof can protect you from having to spend hundreds of dollars (or more) each year to fix dents, damaged flashing, as well as missing or cracked shingles. Experienced roof repair Gaithersburg contractors substantiate that steel is highly resilient, and the amount of money you can save over time by avoiding hefty repairs after powerful hail storms can be substantial.
  5. Aesthetics are also important when you get a new roof, and one of the greatest advantages of a metal roof is its exceptional diversity when it comes to the aesthetic textures and patterns it can mimic. With a reliable contractor at your disposal, you can have your metal roof imitate even the most intricate wood or slate patterns almost perfectly.

Should You Choose a Metal Roof?

Whether you live in an overly cold or overly warm area, metal roofing can help you a lot. With just a small investment, you can have a brand new, highly advanced metal roof installed in the place of your old one, and you’ll be free from spending a lot of money on roofing for many years to come.

With a new metal roof, you can avoid expensive storm damage repair, and it’s very likely that you won’t have to call a Gaithersburg roofer to have your roof replaced again for a very long time.

Rules to Know If You Need Roof Replacement Instead of Repair

Some types of roof damage can be fixed through repair, while others can only be solved with replacement. Whatever the type of your roof, the replacement of the old structure will surely be more expensive than a patch-up and replacement is also more complicated than repairs, so knowing the rules to follow is essential for any successful roof replacement. Here are some things that you need to take into consideration.

roofers in Austin

The Importance of Working with the Right Roofer

While smaller roof repairs can be successfully accomplished by DIY roofers, roof replacement should never be attempted by anyone who lacks the necessary licenses and other credentials. Roof replacement is a complex process that requires know-how to accomplish correctly – it involves lots of steps, from selecting the right materials to taking the materials up on the roof and installing them. The process should always be performed by qualified roofers in Austin not only because amateurs lack the professional knowledge, but also because roof work can be dangerous for anyone who is not familiar with moving around at heights as well as because only installation performed by a legally operating roofing business can ensure the validity of the warranty certificate that accompany the materials used on your roof.

The process of finding the right Austin roofer can start with a quick online search to identify the suitable roofers in your area. The next step should be to check the experience and the reputation of the businesses behind the roofing websites, then you should contact the roofers on your list to discuss your project and to request cost estimates. Collect three or four estimates to be able to evaluate the offers in terms of material quality, labor rates, warranties and price, then pick your roofer and include all the details of your agreement into a contract.

Choose the Right Materials

Experienced roofers will help you pick the roofing material that suits your climate zone, your budget as well as the local features that your roof needs to fit in with. However, it is a good idea to carry out a little research of your own to be able to make an informed decision when you pick your materials. The aspects you should have in mind include material durability, aesthetic appeal, maintenance needs, resistance to specific climate-related challenges, energy-efficiency and pricing.

Find Out about Permits

Not all roofing situations require you to obtain a permit and the permitting requirements are different from one state to the other. To ensure that your roof is in compliance with all local regulations, find out what those requirements are and figure out the best way to meet those requirements.

Protect Your Investment

The best way to ensure that your roof will provide the long-lasting performance that you expect is to fulfill your roof maintenance duties. You will need to clean and to inspect your roof twice a year, once in spring and again in fall, to check for any faults that need repair and to ensure proper roof performance during the two seasons that are the hardest on building envelopes: summer and winter.

How do I Start Finding a Good Commercial Roofer?

When you turn to the services of a roofing company for your commercial roof, you must first make sure that it has experience in commercial roofing. Commercial buildings are generally designed with flat roofs, and such a system has its particularities, including in terms of cover materials that are different from the shingles we are so familiar with from residential buildings. Naturally, installation and maintenance requirements will be different from those of residential roofs, and a commercial roofer is prepared to address all aspects related to commercial roofs.

Make sure that the company you hire for your commercial roofing project is licensed and certified, so that the contract you sign is valid and really protects your best interest.

The services of a professional team are also highlighted by the equipment used. Roofers must have adequate equipment and use quality materials, and the works must be carried out only according to the manufacturers’ specifications, without unnecessary modifications, to ensure the validity of the warranty.

Professional roofers will be your best advisors; they will be your best source for tips – both in terms of choosing a roof cover and maintaining the roof in order to prolong its lifespan as much as possible. A professional roofer will also give you information on the energy efficiency of various roofing solutions, as well as options in terms of natural light and other important factors that determine the type of commercial roofing system you need.

Last but not least, a licensed roofing company will offer you a warranty certificate and special clauses. With this warranty certificate, you are relieved of many worries and extra expenses.

Boca Raton roofing companies

To find a professional commercial roofing team, you can use various online resources.

First of all, look for roofers in your area, because you should prioritize local roofers as it is easier to get in touch with them, verify their reputation and benefit from their services exactly when you need them.

Most Boca Raton roofing companies nowadays have websites and/ or social media pages that you should visit and read the available information. Additionally, look for discussion forums on roofing topics, as you might find useful recommendations. Once you’ve made a list of a few roofing companies, keep evaluating them. Search their name on the BBB`s website and then contact them and schedule a meeting with their representatives. During the meeting, ask for proof that the company is licensed and certified. Every reliable contractor will be more than happy to hand you copies of their credentials, because they take pride in these details. Also ask for some references (previous clients) that you can contact to get some insight on their experience with the roofing company.

The most important thing when choosing a commercial roofer is to be informed. Nowadays, you can find a lot of information on different websites. But you must know how to differentiate between correct information, prices, real offers and those that seem too good to be true; you should also move on from roofers that avoid giving you straight answers or insistently try to sell you certain products and/ or services.

What are the Longest Lasting Types of Roofing Materials?

Roofing materials differ in terms of resistance to various weather conditions, installation costs, thermal and sound insulation etc. There is the opinion that the type of roof cover is a determining factor in calculating the resistance structure, which is partly true, because there are other factors that have a large influence too, such as the static load (the snow layer) and the dynamic load (the wind) that acts on the roof.

Here are some of the longest lasting roofing materials, with pros and cons.

Metal shingles

They have a very long lifespan that can reach up to 50 years. Metal does not allow vegetation formation on the surface of the roof, it doesn`t absorb water and is lightweight. Metal shingles come in a wide range of shapes and colors and can be installed in a relative short time. On the other hand, they do not provide the best insulation and are also prone to discoloration over time. It is not recommended to install a metallic roof on a house situated on the sea shore, where the atmosphere contains salt water vapors.

Ceramic tiles

They provide better protection against cold / heat than metallic shingles, but also better sound protection. However, ceramic tiles may develop moss on their surface and absorb water if the roof slope is not appropriate. Ceramic tiles are manufactured in a variety of shapes and colors.

Corrugated fibrocement sheets

This roofing material is not flammable and has high resistance to corrosion, rot and pests. Fibrocement is a good thermal and sound insulator, it can mimic wood shingles or planks and can be painted. On the other hand, a corrugated fibrocement roof is often more costly because it requires more installation labor and it is also more susceptible to breakage, in the right circumstances.

Bituminous shingles

They are suitable for any type of roof and are easy to install, regardless of the complexity of the roof, with low installation costs. Instead, they are easily flammable and require some special measures to address this problem.

Slate

A slate roof is a natural stone product, with a unique and distinctive appearance. Slate is completely fireproof, as well as extremely durable and reliable (it can last for over a century!). The downside is that this roofing material is expensive and also very heavy (its installation may require some structural reinforcements).

roofing Centennial

How external factors influence the life of the roof

Weather conditions are a factor to consider when installing a roof and choosing the materials, because they affect its durability. Here are a few details given to us by roofing Centennial pros for you need to keep in mind:

  • the amount of rainfall – if you live in an area with a greater amount of precipitation, it is good to choose a sloped roof and opt for materials such as metal, that do not favor water absorption.
  • wind – a roof must have stability in the case of strong winds. Specialists recommend using ceramic or concrete tiles, as they are heavier and provide increased resistance
  • high temperatures – Fiber cement boards and bituminous shingles are resistant to extreme temperatures and strong UV radiation.