Blog | Roofing Center

July 26, 2024

7 Things to Consider Before a Roof Replacement

A roof replacement is a huge and expensive home improvement project. Because of this, the last thing you want is to get taken advantage of or make the wrong decisions that put your roof investment at risk. The great thing is that you can avoid this by simply taking some considerations into account. So, what should you know about a roof replacement before diving headfirst into the process? For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in being transparent with homeowners. That’s why I’ll break down the 7 things you and every homeowner should consider before a roof replacement. This article covers the following considerations: 1. Make sure you hire a local roofing company The roofing company you choose impacts every single aspect of your roof replacement, from pricing to final quality. When looking for roofing companies to hire, it’s crucial to only consider ones local to your area. Any potential roofing company should have a physical office location in your area and a local phone number. This is simply to ensure you can find them for any future problems. Another reason is to avoid being taken advantage of by a storm-chasing company looking to make a quick buck. These out-of-state companies come in after a big storm, undercut local prices, get the money, and move on to the next storm-hit town. They don’t care about adhering to local codes or properly installing your roof because they won’t be around to deal with it. On the other hand, a quality local roofing company knows the local installation codes, the paperwork required, and everything else to ensure your roof is correctly installed in compliance with your state’s requirements. 2. Get estimates from multiple roofing companies Because the roofing company you hire impacts all aspects of your roof replacement, it’s important to find the right one. The best way to do this is by talking to and getting estimates from multiple roofing companies. This also allows you to compare prices, helps you avoid getting taken advantage of, and find a roofing contractor you trust. However, it’s also important because some roofing companies try to sell you a new roof no matter what. Let’s say one roofing company is adamant you need a replacement, but two others say you only need repairs. In this scenario, it’s a pretty good bet that it’s not time for a roof replacement. 3. Get a full roof replacement instead of nailing over the old roof The next thing you need to consider before a roof replacement is to opt for a tear-off reroof (aka roof replacement) instead of nailing over your old one. A nail-over reroof skips the tear-off process and nails a new asphalt roof over the top of your old asphalt roof. A nail-over is a much cheaper option but has major drawbacks that make it risky. The main drawbacks include the following: Even if these drawbacks don’t deter you, it doesn’t mean the circumstances are right to nail over your old roof. Your current roof must be near the end of its lifespan, lying down flat, have a few penetrations, a little flashing, and no walls that butt up against the shingles. It’s your decision to replace your roof or get a nail-over, but a reputable roofing contractor will recommend a full roof replacement 99 times out of 100. 4. Don’t look for the cheapest roof replacement A roof replacement isn’t a cheap purchase, but it’s crucial not to have the mindset of finding the lowest price and cheapest roofing contractor you can find. Looking for the lowest price makes you a prime target for a bad roofer to take advantage of you. Once they know you’re looking for the cheapest roof, they’ll lower their prices to outbid other roofing contractors. What they don’t tell you is that they reach these low prices by using cheaper quality materials, cheap labor, or leaving crucial components off your roof completely. I’m not saying you must buy the most expensive roof, but I guarantee there will be problems if you try to find the cheapest roof possible. If you’re worried about budget, there are ways to afford a quality roof without breaking the bank. 5. How much you’re willing to spend on a roof replacement After knowing not to look for the cheapest price, the next thing to consider is what you’re willing to spend on your roof replacement. The average roof replacement costs around $12,000-$15,000 for an architectural asphalt shingle roof on a middle-class home. The roofing contractor you hire and your specific roof greatly impact the pricing, but the type of roofing material you choose also has a huge impact. An asphalt shingle roof is the best choice for homeowners looking for affordability. The affordability is the main reason architectural asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing material in the country. There are also premium roof systems for bigger budgets, but the price difference is significant. Upgrading to luxury asphalt shingles will be around double the price of an architectural asphalt shingle. Taking it a step further with a standing seam metal roof costs almost triple the price of an architectural asphalt shingle. Then there are also synthetic shingles, cedar shakes, and slate tiles, but these are premium roof systems most homeowners can’t afford. The important thing is to pick the one that fits your budget and make sure to invest in quality on that specific roof system. 6. Your roofing material options After determining your budget, you’re ready to choose your roofing material. I briefly mentioned their pricing above, but there are other things you need to know to determine which one is right for you. The best way to find the right one is by asking yourself these questions: Think through these questions, and check out how the different types of roofing materials match up. Click on the hyperlinks in the table to learn more about each individual roofing material. Roofing MaterialCostLifespanMaterial WarrantyCurb Appeal Architectural Shingles$22-25 years30-year (prorated after 10) warrantyLowestLuxury Shingles$$25-30 years30-year prorated warrantyHighStanding Seam Metal$$$30-50 years30-year Kynar 500 paint warrantyHighSynthetic Shingles$$$40-50 yearsLimited LifetimeVery HighCedar Shake$$$$30 yearsNoneVery HighSlate$$$$100+ yearsNoneVery High Other than picking your roofing contractor, choosing the right roofing material is the biggest decision you’ll make for your roof replacement. That’s why you need to be sure you make the right choice for you and your situation. 7. Carefully review your estimate before signing a contract This should be obvious, but it’s crucial to carefully review your estimate(s) and the line items before signing anything. If it impacts the cost of your new roof, it should be included as a line item in the estimate, from the roofing materials to dump fees to the roofing contractor’s labor and much more. Below are the things that should be included in every roof estimate: You shouldn’t just check to ensure the line items are included; you also need to compare them on the multiple estimates you get. This helps you understand why different roofing companies charge a lower or higher price. For example, there should be a line item for tarps to protect your landscaping, pool, or other areas during the roof replacement. If one company has this as a line item and another doesn’t, you’ll need to consider if the cheaper price is worth potential property damage. This is just one example, but it shows how doing things the right way can cost more. While the line items are crucial, you also need to read the fine print to check for hidden fees or statements that they aren’t responsible for damages. How much does a roof replacement cost? There you have it, the 7 things to consider before a roof replacement. However, the biggest pain point for homeowners still needs to be addressed. This is, of course, pricing. I touched on determining your budget, but it’s hard to do this without having cost numbers. Unfortunately, the roofing industry doesn’t like to put out specific numbers because of the sticker shock it causes. We don’t believe in hiding anything from homeowners about to invest their hard-earned money in a new roof. That’s why I wrote another article breaking down how much a new roof costs per square foot based on the roofing material you choose. Check out How Much a New Roof Costs to learn the budget you’ll need for your upcoming roof replacement.

Blog 0 8 min read

June 23, 2024

DO I NEED A NEW ROOF?

Have you ever pulled into your driveway and seen something that caused you to wonder about the current health of your roof? Chances are that the changes occurred slowly over time but one day you just noticed it. Maybe your neighbor got a new roof, which caused you to assess yours. Whatever caused you to look more closely at your roof, it is what it is. We’ve all been there. Most times a roof can naturally reach the end of its useful life without experiencing a roof failure or major storm damage. The roof can just look old and worn, even with routine preventive maintenance on your home. If you notice any of the below 7 warning signs, it is probably time to contact an independent roofing contractor for a roof inspection. Many homeowners dread the thought of roofing projects because it can be an unexpected expense or an inconvenience to deal with. However, if replacing an old roof is delayed, it could result in bigger problems that will need attention down the road. Plus, most contractors offer financing which helps spread out the cost of the new roof into manageable payments. Remember a new roof not only helps provide protection for your home, it also provides a beautiful transformation to your home exterior resulting in impressive curb appeal. 7 POTENTIAL SIGNS THAT YOUR ROOF MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED: 1. SHINGLE EDGES ARE CURLED OR SHINGLE TABS ARE CUPPED. 2. BALD SPOTS WHERE GRANULES ARE MISSING. 3. CRACKED SHINGLES 4. YOUR ROOF IS AT LEAST 20 YEARS OLD OR LOOKS OLD AND WORN; while many shingles today are produced for durability, many factors can accelerate the aging of shingles. For example, if your roof is not properly ventilated, it can negatively impact your shingles. 5. NEIGHBORS ARE GETTING NEW ROOFS. Homes built around the same time period can be experiencing the same types of weather conditions can mean that your roof is nearing its useful life. 6. DARK STREAKS. Naturally-occurring airborne algae cause dark streaks on roof decks. While this may not necessarily harm the roof shingles, it won’t look good 7. MOSS Moss can grow on roof surfaces that don’t get much sunlight, especially in cool, moist climates. While moss growth can be a cosmetic issue, it can hold moisture against the roof surface and over time in freezing climates can cause damage to the granules on the top of the shingles. Moss can be brushed off but it won’t prevent it from growing again and brushing it from the surface can damage the top of the shingle. Plus, great care should be taken when using a ladder or walking on your roof. You may need to contact a professional roofing contractor. If your roof is showing any of these common signs, it may be time to consider a new roof.

Blog 0 2 min read

April 2, 2024

WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE ROOFING CENTER AS YOUR ROOF CONTRACTOR

Choosing the right roof contractor makes all the difference to your home renovation project. Your roof is integral to protecting your home, and you want a company that will care about your project as much as you do. What Sets The Roofing Center Apart? We specialize in stone coated steel roofs but also offer a full line of asphalt shingles and specialty products. The quality of our products and the manufacturers we work with is critical, and we analyze the products available to the US market to choose the best ones. We do our due diligence and tour the manufacturing facilities to ensure the products meet our high standards. We also research manufacturer warranties because we know that a company that stands by its product produces quality materials. On top of that, we check on products installed over various time frames to see what holds up best. We focus on high-quality materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and time-tested techniques to bring our clients top-notch service with outstanding results. What Can You Expect When You Choose Us As Your Roof Contractor? Customer service is the heart of The Roofing Center, and you will have a comprehensive, transparent, and supportive experience from your first phone call or email. After scheduling an appointment, we will meet to discuss your project, vision, scope of work, and budget. We will then provide you with a detailed and transparent quote that offers competitive pricing. We understand that a roof replacement is a considerable investment. We also know that emergency repairs often happen at the worst times. For that reason, we offer a variety of financing options to get you the roof you need in an affordable way. Great work is the best way to build trust and a solid reputation which is why we have a portfolio of recent projects that you can browse through. We also encourage clients to look at our Google reviews before deciding if we are the best fit. We will happily provide you with a free estimate and give you the time and space to determine if we are the roof contractor for you. Our Services We specialize in stone coated steel roofing, which is a fantastic option for the Intermountain area. This roofing system has metal shingles that interlock on all four sides and has a rock-chip coating. Stone coated roof sheets have the durability of metal but look much better. The design options are versatile, and you can have shake, shingles, or concrete tile styles. This is a roofing system that you will only have to replace once in your lifetime.

Blog 0 2 min read

March 15, 2024

Top 5 Advantages of Installing a New Roof

Getting a new roof installed is a major investment, and often people find themselves asking, “Is it worth it? Do I really need a new roof?” The fact is, when it’s time for a roof replacement, delaying the process only puts your home at greater risk of damage. And that can lead to costly repairs, lowering your home value in the process. No homeowner wants that. The good news is, you don’t have to risk it. A roof replacement at the right time is well worth the effort and cost, and you’ll enjoy a host of benefits that you may not have realized are possible. Here’s why you should say yes to that new roof today. Roof Replacement Provides Lasting Benefits If your roof is nearing the end of its life, remember that the value you get from replacing those old shingles will be well worth the investment you’re making. 1. Eye-Catching Curb Appeal Your roof is one of the most visible exterior features on your house. So if your shingles are old, worn, loose, curled or missing, your property will look less than its best. Simply installing fresh roofing will dramatically improve its appearance. And whether you realize it or not, today’s brands and designs make it easier than ever to achieve a customized look. Asphalt shingles come in many lovely colors, while metal roofing can add a striking appearance that makes your home stand out. A reputable roofing company will consider your architectural style, exterior colors, landscaping, and your personal preferences as they recommend various options to you. 2. Boosts Home Value With its beauty and protection, a new roof adds great value—especially if you are planning to sell soon. Homebuyers are attracted to well-maintained properties. When they know your roof is new, they are more likely to make a good offer. It also creates a strong return on your investment. On average, homeowners enjoy around 50% ROI when they get a roof replacement before selling. 3. Improves Energy Efficiency Modern technology has made it possible to create impressive, highly efficient roofing materials. For example, some shingles reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it, which helps keep your home cooler in the summer months. Others pass the stringent requirements of the EPA to receive a coveted ENERGY STAR® rating. Updating your home with a roof replacement allows you to leverage these benefits. Your heating and cooling system won’t run as hard, your utilities will be more manageable, and your property will stay more comfortable year-round. 4. Provides Lasting Protection Keeping your home safe from the elements is the main job of your roof. As it ages, all of the weather it’s exposed to will begin to wear it down—exposing your property to moisture damage. A new roof, installed by a professional roofing company that gives attention to detail, enhances your home’s ability to resist all kinds of damage due to harsh weather like heavy rains, snowstorms, ice, hail, wind, and baking heat. By keeping excess moisture out of your attic, you lessen the opportunities for your family to be exposed to unhealthy mold and mildew growth. You reduce the likelihood of leaks that ruin prized possessions and lead to costly structural repairs. You prevent ice dams from forming on your roof, causing dangerous icicles, frozen gutters, and inadequate drainage around your foundation. 5. Eliminates the Problems Caused by Inadequate Repairs Because a new roof can require a significant investment, some homeowners are tempted to simply make repairs. But this strategy only works if the area of your roof that is damaged is small and clearly pinpointed—such as a tiny patch of shingles that blew off during a windstorm. More often, though, roofs incur more widespread wear, especially as they age or are exposed to events like hail, which affect the full roof. In such cases, repairs may not adequately protect your home from leaks and other damage. Repairs add costs to your budget, especially if they need to be repeated. And patching jobs create a mismatch in shingle color and design that looks unattractive. Learn More about Replacement vs. Repair Wondering if your roof would do better with simple fixes or a complete makeover? Check out our guide on whether roofing repair or replacement is best for your home. Metal vs. Asphalt Shingles: Which Is Right for You? Trusted, Attractive Asphalt Shingles A traditional choice for homes, asphalt shingles create a classic look that blends well with any architecture. Our preferred brands are GAF Asphalt Shingles and Owens Corning Asphalt Shingles. They come in numerous colors and styles, allowing you to enjoy a cost-effective design that looks great and performs well against the elements.

Blog 0 3 min read

March 9, 2024

7 Benefits of Installing a New Roof

You probably already know that roofs are constructed from many materials, but did you know metal roofs are not more prone to lightning strikes? Wood, asphalt, or any other materials used in roofing are just as likely to be struck by lightning. Installing a new roof won’t just protect you from the elements, it will pay for itself over time and increase your home’s energy efficiency. Read on to discover seven benefits of installing a new roof. What Are the Benefits of Installing a New Roof? We often take our roof for granted, forgetting it even needs our attention until there is a problem, but roofs are one of the most important components of our home. They protect us, shielding us from the elements, extreme temperatures, and hazardous mold. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average roof has a lifespan of 30 years, and 33% of Realtors recommend installing a new roof before selling your home. While the initial cost may leave you apprehensive, there are many benefits to installing a new roof. 1. Increased Energy Efficiency Like many things, roof installation and technology get better with time. While your roof may not be leaking water, older roofs can leak air and cannot reflect heat away from your home. In fact, the old shingles absorb heat, bringing it into your home. New roofs are cost-effective. Many shingle options repel heat more efficiently, saving you money by running your HVAC system less frequently. Additionally, you can choose a lighter, more energy-efficient color that will reduce the absorption of the sun’s rays. Your new roof will earn back some of your investment every month with reduced energy costs. 2. High Return on Investment Installing a new roof will do more than save you money on energy bills during the height of summer. A new roof can enhance resale value and help you sell your home more quickly. On average, installing a new roof increases the selling price of your home by $15,000. Homebuyers do not want to spend a lot of time making structural repairs and updates to their new home. If your roof is leaking or sagging, it is probably best to install a new roof before putting your home on the market. Roof repairs could turn off potential buyers, and many insurance companies will refuse to cover a home until they replace the roof, affecting their ability to obtain a mortgage. Installing a new roof is costly, but according to the NAR, a new roof will have a 100% return on your investment. You will recover all of your money and signal to potential buyers that you have taken care of your home. 3. Enhanced Curb Appeal Chances are good that you don’t spend a lot of time admiring your roof, but it is one of the most visible features of your home. Your roof makes up approximately 40% of your home’s exterior and is one of the most visible features. A new roof enhances curb appeal, coming in many materials and colors to match the aesthetics of your home and neighborhood. Not only will you increase your property value, but installing a new roof will give your home a much-needed makeover. 4. Reduced Health Risks Roofs protect us by keeping the elements where they belong – outside. Leaks are not always noticeable and can build up over time, creating a moist environment and contributing to mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can cause potential health problems, even in those people with no history of allergies or asthma. Replacing your roof ensures a dry environment free from the dangers of moisture. 5. Increased Safety Roofs aren’t just designed to repel water. They protect you and your home from falling debris and gusty wind. Over time, the structure of your roof weakens. Roof replacement strengthens the structural integrity of your home, reducing the risk of collapse. It is especially important to monitor the health of your roof if you live in areas with frequent inclement weather. 6. New Roof Warranty You have probably never even considered a roof warranty because yours expired long ago. However, new roofs come with new manufacturer’s warranties. Many cover certain types of repairs, and sometimes even parts and labor, for a specified period. Your new warranty will depend on the company roofing your home and the type of shingles or roofing materials you select. 7. Lower Insurance Premium Homeowner’s insurance costs an average of $1,899 per year. There are several home improvement upgrades you can make to lower the cost of your premium, including installing a new roof. A new roof can lower your premium between 5% to 35% depending on your policy details, location, and roofing materials.

Blog 0 3 min read

February 15, 2024

12 Most Common Roof Types Compared (Pros & Cons)

If you’re facing a new construction of a home, roof, or addition to your existing home, you’re going to have many decisions to make regarding materials, design, budget, etc. What might be surprising is one of the most important decisions is the roof type! Not only will this play a huge role in the overall style of your home, but it will also affect the function and performance of your home against the elements. With so many factors to consider, we’re going to help you by listing out some pros and cons of roof styles and what kind of homes they are best suited for. Gable Roofs A gable roof is what you imagine when you think of a typical house—square sides with a triangle-shaped roof. Gable roofs are incredibly common amongst many different styles and types of homes. They’re super versatile, and their simple design makes it easy to install and work well to keep your home free of standing water and sheds snow and ice. Pros of Gable Roofs Cons of Gable Roofs Dutch Gable Roofs There are many different variations of gable roofs, and we want to cover them all because despite having a similar base component, they can be vastly different and offer even more functionality. The dutch gable roof, for example, combines elements of a simple gable design plus a hip roof on the front. So they can work great for attic spaces on your home or garage and have room to add additional windows for more light. Pros of Dutch Gable Roofs Cons of Dutch Gable Roofs Clipped Gable Roofs A clipped gable roof goes by many names such as bullnose or jerkinhead. It’s called a clipped gable roof because it looks like some clipped off the ends of a basic gable roof, creating a small angle at each corner of the roof. A hip roof has a much bigger “hip” at the end of the roof, but a clipped gable roof will have one much smaller. Pros of Clipped Gable Roofs Cons of Clipped Gable Roofs Gambrel A gambrel roof is more often than not used on barns or small sheds. There are four surfaces to this roof, starting with a pitched low slope on top, which then bends down in two panels that run the rest of the way down the side of the house. It looks a bit like half an octagon shape. This four-sided design allows for a wider area and makes more head space because the pitch is a little lower and not so steep on the edges. For this reason, this roof works perfectly for barns with upper-level lofts to hold stacked hay. Pros of Gambrel Roofs Cons of Gambrel Roofs Flat Roof What is more often used in commercial structures like apartment buildings, malls, and office buildings, became widely used on mid-century modern residential homes in the 50s and 60s. It’s important to note that a flat roof is not officially flat—they must have a slight slope of at least 2% to allow for water and snow run-off. Otherwise, you’d just have sitting water that can cause leaks and cave-ins. Pros of Flat Roofs Cons of Flat Roofs Shed A shed roof is kind of like a flat roof, but it’s at a much steeper incline. With just a single slope, you will commonly find shed roofs utilized on cabins, barns, and of course, sheds. The high-pitch slope is very simple but perfectly effective for water and snow shed. Pros of Shed Roofs Cons of Shed Roofs Hip Roofs A hip roof is made up of 4 equal sloped sides that converge to a ridge in the middle. It’s almost like a pyramid, but not quite. Two sides will meet to form a small flat ridge, while the other two come to a point where it meets the ridge. Hip roofs will have a much slighter slope than other styles, and the majority of your roof’s surface will be visible looking at your home. The increased visibility means it’s essential to pick a roofing color and material that you enjoy as it makes up a large part of your home’s curb appeal. Pros of Hip Roofs Cons of Hip Roofs Mansard Roofs Mansard roofs originated in French architecture but have been adopted in America for those wanting extra attic space and room to install Dormer windows on their upper floors. It also has four sides, but then an additional slope and four sides on top, as the picture demonstrates. The sides may be a straight angle or be curved outwards for a unique design. Pros of Mansard Roofs Cons of Mansard Roofs Hexagonal Roofs You are most likely going to find a hexagonal roof on an outdoor gazebo. The hexagonal roof’s shape is an eight-sided roof, where all sides meet at a single point on the top. Pros of Hexagonal Roofs Cons of Hexagonal Roofs Saltbox A saltbox roof is similar to a gable roof as it has two sides with open ends that meet in the middle. However, one side is generally much longer than the other, and it’s also often positioned to have the open ends of the sides of your homes rather than a peak from the front view. They’ve proven very effective in climates that get snow because of their lack of flat spots and high pitch; they allow snow and ice to shed easily. Pros of Saltbox Roofs Cons of Saltbox Roofs Dormer Roof Dormer roofs are more often called Dormer windows, as they are windows added to a Mansard style house that jut outward like a small room or extension of the upper attic living space. They allow for more natural light and ventilation into the space. Pros of Dormer Roofs Cons of Dormer Roofs Butterfly Butterfly roofs get their name from, you guessed it, butterflies. The roof is shaped like their wings because rather than point up in the center to meet at the ridge, they point downwards in a V-shape and meet in a valley in the center. Pros of Butterfly Roofs Cons of Butterfly Roofs

Blog 0 9 min read

February 5, 2024

Roof Types and the importance within Design

We all know that roofs are an integral part of a house and probably one of the most important elements. Roofs keep us dry from the rain and snow, shade us from the sweltering sun and block us from the unyielding wind. Usually roof forms are dictated by technical, economic and aesthetic considerations. Did you know that there are more than a dozen basic roof types and even more combinations of those? I’m just going to touch on a few of the more popular basic forms for homes: Flat: Flat roofs are just that, flat. They are typically used where the climate is arid and drainage is of secondary importance. They are a very popular roof type for warehouses, commercial spaces, office buildings and often residential structures. Shed: This is the first category of many sloped roof types that I will be discussing. The shed, sometimes referred to as “lean to” or “mono-pitched” contains only one pitch. You can think of it as a flat roof that has been tilted slightly. It is often used on just a portion of a home. The shed roof is usually used in combination with other roof forms to create a home with interesting rooflines. Gable: A roof with two slopes that form an “A” or triangle is called a gable roof. This type of roof is very common on North American homes. The gable roof can contain roof pitches that are very shallow to ones that are extremely steep. Also, numerous gable roofs can be placed together at perpendicular angles to cover a home with many wings. Clerestory: A clerestory roof is one that combines both a gable and shed roof. A clerestory usually contains a higher gable roof that sits atop a short wall with a shed roof below. This allows for windows to be placed within the short wall for light within the interior of a large space. Hip: A roof that starts with a gable shape but has a sloped end instead of a vertical wall is called a hipped roof. The hipped roof slopes upward from all four sides of a structure, having no vertical ends. This type of roof is very common in residential designs. Gambrel: A gambrel roof is a type of gable roof with two slopes on each side, the upper being less steep than the lower. This roof form is very common in barn designs. Mansard: This type of roof is a hipped gambrel roof, thus having two slopes on every side. It can provide extra attic space or other rooms without having to build an entire additional floor. Pyramid: As the name suggests, this type of roof is shaped like a pyramid. This kind of roof is usually on a small portion of a house or on small structures such as a garage or pool house. So there you have it, the basic roof types of residential construction. To design a visually stimulating house, a few different roof types may be used together or several of the same forms may be utilized in different ways. This creates a home that uniquely responds to both its interior function and its exterior individuality.

Blog 0 2 min read

January 24, 2024

What’s the Right Roof Design for My Next Home?

Gable Roof: Gable roof designs are one of the most simplistic roof designs, making an inverted or upside down V shape. Remember in grade school when you learned how to draw a house? Who knew back then we were all drawing gable roof designs! What makes it so popular is that the slant, or pitch, of the gables varies, giving architects the flexibility to incorporate it in a variety of architectural styles from Craftsman to Contemporary, to Colonial, Rustic and Tudor homes. Gables can also be used as added embellishment for entry porches, dormers, and garages. Pros: Gable roofs will easily shed water, snow and debris, while providing more ventilation in the attic space. Another great point is that they are simple to design and build, leading to cheaper labor costs. Gabled roofs can be covered with almost any type of roofing material including concrete roof tiles. Your roofing contractor can provide more details. Cons: If you live in some areas of the Sunbelt, this roof style may not be for you. Gable roofs can become problematic when faced with high winds and severe weather, possibly making them ineligible for insurance discounts. If the frames don’t provide adequate support, the roof can and will collapse. Flat Roof: Flat roofs are commonly seen on commercial or industrial buildings. However, they can also be installed on residential houses. Flat roofs have little to no pitch; a shallow pitch would be around 1 or 2 degrees. Flat roofs are not ideal as they don’t shed rain and snow as quickly as a sloped roof will. Typically, these roofs can be found on Modern-style buildings and homes. However, traditional homes also can feature flat roofs above porches & garages, as well as over shed dormers. Pros: Simple! Flat roofs can be used as an accent on a residential home along with a nice hipped roof. Because this is a completely flat surface, objects like heating and cooling systems can be placed on the roof without an issue – a common practice in commercial roofing. Cons: Water Damage. Flat roofs take a pounding from harsh weather, and with little to no pitch, water has no way of escaping leading to corrosion and expensive roof repairs. Hip Roof: Hip roofs are by far the most common roof style seen in bungalows and cottages, and have been integral to styles such as the American Foursquare. However, the hip roof has been used in many different styles of architecture and in a wide array of structures. A hip roof style has four sloping sides. It’s where the joint between two adjacent slopes on a roof meet. Some complex roofs have several hips. This roof style is also frequently combined with the gable style to give the roof more variety. Pros: Hip roofs are one of the strongest designs for a roof. The inward slope on all four sides of a hip roof makes it an excellent design for both high wind and snowy areas. These designs also allow for more ventilation and grand vaulted ceilings or attics. Many roofing materials will work with a hip roof, but concrete roof tiles by far accentuate the beauty of this design and provide added protection for climates that experience severe weather. Cons: Hip roofs are more expensive to build because of its complexity. Likewise, additional seams can make it easier for water to get in, creating leaks to form if a roofing system is not properly installed. Mansard Roof: Mansard roofs are a characteristic of French Renaissance architecture and can be very difficult to construct. Today, these roofs are occasionally used on one- and two-story apartment buildings, restaurants, Second Empire–style houses, and French Manor or Country style, as well as Neo-eclectic houses. They have no gables and the roof itself is made up of four slopes, two on each side of a home. Pro: This French-style roof allows for additional living or storage space at the top portion of the home. This is ideal for those with a small lot size looking to create a full attic or garret area. It also gives homeowners the flexibility to make additions later to their home as their needs change, while adding style and character. Cons: The low pitched portion of a mansard roof isn’t usually ideal for areas receiving snowfall. Mansard roofs also typically cost more because of the embellishments and details that go into the construction.

Blog 0 3 min read

January 8, 2024

Top 10 Benefits of a Brand New Roof

Should you get your roof repaired or fully replaced? If you asked this question to most people, they would answer “Repaired, of course” and their reasoning, in general, would be sound. For most things, it’s better to seek less expensive repairs than a complete replacement, but roofs are always a special story. Your roof isn’t just a feature of your house, it’s an important structural and protective installation that requires constant maintenance by skilled technicians. While most of the time it’s better to repair, if your home was built more than 30 years ago, if it has stood vacant for more than a year, suffered extensive storm damage, or the roof simply shows signs of long-term repair problems it may be time to go with a whole new roof instead. Still not sure? Let us ease your mind with a list of the top ten benefits of a brand new roof. Sometimes it’s the best option and there are plenty of perks to help you along on this decision. 1) Newer Technology First and foremost, roofing technology has come a long way since many residential homes were built around the 60s. Even if you want approximately the same kind of roof, the techniques for manufacturing the tiles or shingles and laying them expertly into the roof design have improved massively. With a new roof, you get all the economic, ecological, and protective benefits of a modern residential roof. 2) Energy Efficiency As you might have guessed from point one, modern asphalt composite shingles are a lot cooler than they appear to be on the surface. Recent innovations have allowed manufacturers to create shingles that reflect more of the sun’s rays rather than absorbing them. A new roof earns back some of your investment with every power bill. 3) Curb Appeal Almost no one realizes how their roof really affects the outside impression of the home until there’s something to compare it to. Your old roof may be subtly sagging, faded, dirty, or showing signs of wear that are hard to notice at a distance but compile into an older-looking house. A new roof, properly shaped and beautifully colored, adds fantastic curb appeal to any home whether you’re selling or not. 4) Manufacturer Warranty How long has it been since your roof was under warranty? Most homeowners have no idea because the warranty was long gone by the time they bought the property. The warranty will cover certain kinds of repairs and possibly even parts and labor for a designated period of time. This means you might not even be paying for roof repairs for a few years after this installation. 5) Safety for Roof Cleaning Old roofs have all sorts of hidden hazards for people who need to get on your roof. Soft spots, uneven surfaces, and piles of damp leaves where a roof has sagged can all put you, your maintenance services, and your roof cleaners or anyone else who needs to get on your roof may be in danger while spending time on the roof. A new roof, on the other hand, is even, firm, and much safer for careful movement. 6) Property Value Should you sell the property any time in the next five years, a new roof is something you can not only advertise but seriously up your asking price over. After all, you’d be offering your buyers the opportunity to snag a house with a certifiably safe and low-maintenance roof, possibly still under warranty. Some have found their resale value increased by well over $10K. 7) Cost Effective Maintenance Even without the new warranty which should cover most of your future repairs, a new roof should need far fewer maintenance visits than an old one. Over time, your old roof developed weaknesses and soft areas that would slowly become more and more difficult to maintain. A new roof, on the other hand, will require much less concern or costly servicing. 8) Installing New Features It might not have occurred to you yet, but a new roof actually opens up a whole variety of possibilities. You can add skylights, dormer windows, vents, even a new chimney if you wanted to combine your re-roofing with other renovations. Since you’re already tearing the old roof out, you can simply integrate new features into the new roof’s design. 9) No Built-Up Problems Every year, a few new things happen to degrade the integrity of a roof. Humid weeks increase moisture in the support beams even if the rain keeps the water out. Leaf piles can stay damp at the bottom and begin to soak through a roof creating dangerous soft spots. Insects try to burrow under and the sun slowly decays everything it touches. Old roofs always have a myriad of problems but a new roof needs several years before it even begins to wear down. 10) A New Look Finally, a new roof is your opportunity to completely change the look of your home. Simply by choosing a new color (even subtly), your house will look different from the street, give a different impression to visitors, and you might even forget it’s yours for the first week or so. Completely reinvent your home, ease your worries, and increase your property value with the simple choice of installing a new roof instead of extensive repairs.

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December 19, 2023

Why Is The Roof Important In Achieving Architectural Stability

The roof is one of the most important parts of a building because it helps to achieve architectural stability. It protects the building from the elements and keeps the interior dry and safe. There are many different types of roofs, and each one has its own unique set of benefits. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of the roof in achieving architectural stability. We will also take a look at some of the different types of roofs that are available on the market today. What a roof actually does? The roof is the part of the building that actually protects the occupants from the outside environment. It is what keeps the heat in during winter and the cool air in during summer. Without a properly functioning roof, a building would be uninhabitable. A roof also provides stability to a structure. The weight of the roof helps to keep the walls from toppling over. Professionals from the roofing industry leaders say that in high winds, a well-built roof will help to keep the rest of the structure from being blown away. So, as you can see, roofs are quite important in achieving architectural stability! Make sure yours is in good condition and up to code to avoid any disasters. Protection from the elements A roof is the uppermost part of a building that protects the structure and its contents from the effects of weather. The word “roof” originates from the Old English word hof, which means “covering.” A roof provides protection from sun, wind, rain, and snow. It also provides insulation against heat and cold. A well-designed and properly installed roof will last for many years with little or no maintenance. The first roofs were probably thatched roofs made of straw or reeds. These materials are still used in some parts of the world today. In other parts of the world, roofs are made of wood, metal, tile, or asphalt shingles. The type of roof you choose will depend on the climate, the type of building, and your budget. – A thatched roof is made of straw or reeds. The straw or reeds are tied together and then placed on the roof. The thatch is then held in place with wire or netting. Thatched roofs are common in countries with a warm climates, such as England, Ireland, and Japan. – A wooden roof is made of planks of wood laid side by side. The planks are usually covered with asphalt shingles or metal sheets. Wooden roofs are common in North America and Europe. – A metal roof is made of steel, aluminum, or copper sheets nailed to the rafters. Metal roofs are durable and last a long time. They are common in industrial buildings and warehouses. – A tile roof is made of clay or concrete tiles. Tile roofs are heavy and require a strong support structure. They are common in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. – Asphalt shingles are made of asphalt-coated paper or fiberglass. Asphalt shingles are lightweight and easy to install. They are the most common type of roof in North America. The roof provides insulation against heat and cold The roof is an important part of any building because it protects the contents of the building from the effects of weather. When choosing a roof for your home or business, be sure to choose one that is appropriate for the climate and the type of building you have. Also, be sure to have the roof installed by a qualified professional. A well-designed and properly installed roof will provide years of protection from the elements. The roof also provides insulation against heat and cold which is essential in many parts of the world. Without a properly functioning roof, a structure would not be able to withstand extreme temperatures and would eventually succumb to the elements. Therefore, it is evident that roofs play a vital role in achieving architectural stability. Why is it important to have a roof that is installed by a qualified professional? While it is possible to install a roof yourself, it is always best to leave this job to a qualified professional. A professional roofer will have the experience and knowledge necessary to properly install your roof. They will also be familiar with local building codes and regulations. Professional roofers will also be able to warranty their work, which gives you peace of mind in knowing that your investment is protected. Hiring a qualified professional to install your roof is the best way to ensure that your home or business has the best possible chance of weathering the elements. A well-designed and properly installed roof will provide years of protection from sun, wind, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.

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