roof

Types of Roofs: Advantage and Cost Comparison

August 26, 2013 by Steve Wright

There are many roofing systems available on the market, and consumers need to carefully choose the one that will best suit their needs. There are several factors to consider when choosing a roof, including its cost and lifespan. Consumers also need to know the benefits and disadvantages of each type of roof before they make their decision.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing system in the country. These shingles are made of a fiberglass base that is then coated in ceramic granules, which make them hard and give them color. Asphalt shingle roofs are very durable, and they can withstand a great deal of severe weather. However, they may come loose in high winds. Asphalt shingle roofs can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, and they cost between $2.50 and $8.00 per square foot.

There are many colors and types of asphalt shingles, and some of them have been manufactured so that they are energy-efficient. Dark-colored asphalt absorbs the sun’s rays, making it very hot. According to National Geographic, it takes 40 percent more energy to cool a home with a black asphalt roof. Fortunately, new, lighter asphalt roofs are now available, and they are ENERGY STAR-qualified. Homeowners with ENERGY STAR-approved roofs may qualify for federal tax credits. In addition, a special reflective coating that’s made from polymers can reduce energy costs even more. According to the Green Building Alliance, this coating for asphalt shingles can reflect 70 to 80 percent of the sun’s heat.

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How To Fix A Leaky Roof

August 21, 2013 by Chris Martin

Contrary to what roofers might tell you, roofing repair is not an intricately complex job that should always be handled by professionals. If you’ve noticed water leaking into your attic or home, the problem may be a leaky roof that you can fix yourself. Here are some common roof leak issues and how to take care of them.

How to Replace Shingles

If you have determined that broken or deteriorating shingles are the source of your leak, here’s how to replace them:

1. Find the leaky shingle(s). Then lift up the tabs on the shingle above the problematic area.

2. Pry out the nails of the leaky shingle with a pay bar or hammer claw. Then remove the bad shingle(s).

3. Check the exposed underlayment. If you seen torn or missing pieces, patch over it with new underlayment. Cut off a piece that’s half a foot larger on either side, slip it in under the surrounding shingles, and staple it in place.

4. To install the new shingles, start at the lowest part of your roof and work upward. Before driving nails in, lift up the necessary shingle tabs.

5. Affix a bead of roofing cement to the underside of the final shingle before putting it into place.

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DIY: Temporary Patch Kit for a Leaky Roof

October 8, 2012 by Tyler Golberg

Roof leaks are typically caused when a home is damaged by severe weather. This includes strong wind, battering rain, and hail. The size of the leak will dictate type of temporary repair that are able to use on your roof. You can choose from many roof leak repair options. A permanent repair for a roof will require hiring a roofing company.

Sheeting

Measure the area of the roof where the leaking occurs by using a tape measure. Measure and cut pieces of plastic that will completely cover the leak or leaks on the roof. Run a bead of caulk around the edges of the leaking areas. Place a piece of the cut plastic over the leak and press it onto the caulk. Leave it to dry for about six hours. This will seal off the leaking area of the roof until you can arrange to have your roof permanently repaired. If you do not have any plastic sheeting, then rolls can be found at your local home improvement store.

If you do not want to use caulk, then another option will be needed. Measure and cut a piece the plastic sheeting to a size that will cover the leak on your roof. Staple the ends of the plastic onto a two-by-four board. The boards will keep the plastic from blowing off of the roof. Set the two-by-four boards on the roof and stretch the plastic over the leak. Nails can be used to secure the boards to the roof. The plastic will keep the roof from leaking until a permanent fix can be found.

Tarp

This is a solution that is similar to the use of plastic sheeting. The use of a tarp is a good solution if the roof has lost a section of shingles. A trap will cover more area and will hang over both sides of the roof to cover the leaking area. Nail one side of the tarp to a two-by-four board. Set this board along the eave line of the roof. Run the tarp over the roof to the other side and roll the end around another two-by-four board. Nail this board to the roof sheathing. Place more two-by-four boards along the perimeter of your tarp and nail to the roof.