Category: Roofing

commercial roofer

you are visiting this page you are either trying to learn more about roofing or you have a roofing problem. Either way, welcome to Cougar Construction and Roofing. We know roofing is somewhat of a mystery and we are here to shed like to something things that will help you understand and make more informed decisions

Being a roofing contractor we have seen the best, the worst, and the ugly when it comes to repairing the damage. The thing we learned most is a lot of our customers underestimated or did not really know what roof damage was. Majority of people only recognize roof damage when there is a leak in the ceiling or a hole in the roof. Yes, that indeed is roof damage, BUT that is not the beginning nor the end. We tell our clients that roof damage is anything that compromised the integrity of your roof. That might seem broad, but that is because it is not a cut and dry issue

To take a step back for a bit, your roof is the main lines of defense from the outside elements; we all know that. Your shingles give your roof the protective layers that are needed. If one shingle is cracked, curling, loose or missing your roof is compromised AND you have roof damage. Once you understand those facts you can begin to look at things differently. It almost forces you to become proactive rather than reactive. Meaning you do not wait for things to suddenly go wrong, you make sure everything is working the best you can so that they do not go wrong. Subsequently, if things should go wrong you have lessened the impact saving you time and money. This sounds like a lot, but that is only because you may not have looked at your roof in this light.

If you are looking for a Lakewood commercial roofer, the same rules somewhat apply to you too. Sure your roofing material is different than residential, but being proactive is key. You should also know how your roof is constructed. Is it single ply or Asphaltic? Additionally, you should know about coating and insulation

Roofing

My Home Improvements (MHI) is one of the leading suppliers of Roofing Services. We do everything from Roof Restorations, Roof Replacements, New Roofs, Repairs and Roof Inspections. MHI Roofing are fully QBCC Licenced and members of the Housing Industry Association (HIA). This means we can fully guarantee all our workmanship and products for your absolute peace of mind.

Roof Restorations(Re-Coating)

We can restore your roof so it looks new again – Metal Roofs, Tile Roofs and Terracota roofs can be made to look like new again.  We can Repair your roof, replace broken tiles, rescrew rusty nails and then coat your roof with  “Nutech” an awarding roof coating system designed to withstand the tough environment. We can restore Tile and Metals roofs. Checkout our portfolio of roof restorations.

Roof Replacements

There are a number of circumstances where it is better to replace a roof than just perform a serious of small repairs. Your roof could be damaged by using poor materials, bad workmanship, poor maintenance or environment circumstance. The good news is that a new roof will look great, add value to your property, protect your home, reduce cooling and heating costs.

Roof Repairs

We have a full team of roofing professionals that can help you with your immediate needs such as leaking roofs, small damage such as cracked tiles, issues with sealants and flashings. We can even deal with issues such as solar fixtures and mountings, skylights and anything else up on your roof.

Roof Inspections

A professional roof inspection is the only way to properly diagnose any potential problems with your roof before things get any worse. MHI Roofing are fully licensed roofing contractors with over 20 years experience. We are experts in identifying the causes behind simple and complex roofing problems

COMMERCIAL ROOFING

What to look for in a commercial roofing company

You have several choices when it comes to finding a commercial roofing contractor in Louisiana, and it can be difficult to narrow things down. Your roof is a major investment, and you want to make sure you choose the contractor that can provide the best possible services for your needs. We are a renowned, trusted commercial roofer, and we provide full service, from commercial roof repair and replacement to new construction installation.

Make sure your contractor is licensed and has insurance

Roofing contractors need to be registered with the government, so the first thing you should do is check to make sure that they are properly licensed. It’s also crucial that they have insurance to protect their workers while they are on the job. If they don’t have insurance, your business could be held liable for any injuries or accident that happen while they are working on your roof.

Look for someone in your local community

Finding a contractor who is local to where you are based will make a big difference when it comes to the ease of getting your project done. A locally based contractor will be completely familiar with the requirements of your climate and the type of architecture that’s common in your area. This will enable them to give you better advice about the materials and structure you should use

Choose someone with experience

The more experienced your roofing contractor is, the more peace of mind you will have. When selecting a contractor, look to see what types of projects they have done in the past. Ideally, you should choose someone who has completed projects that are similar to what you need for companies like yours in the past. Look for a contractor who has worked with businesses operating to a similar budget as you, and don’t be afraid to ask for examples of their past work in their portfolio to get an idea of what they have to offer

Ultimately, you need to go with your gut when choosing a roofing contractor for your commercial project. Don’t be afraid to interview several different contractors until you find the one that you feel is the best fit.

When to Get a Commercial Roof Inspection

Protecting a commercial roof ensures longevity and health for all buildings. For businesses, in specific, it also helps to protect business owners from liability and it allows the business to operate efficiently and effectively without setbacks or interruption. For this reason, it’s usually a good idea to have a commercial roof routinely assessed or evaluated to ensure there are no needed repairs or replacements. By having your commercial roof inspected regularly, you’ll always be up-to-date on the current status of the roof. In addition

That said, if you’re looking for a commercial roof repair or replacement, roofing projects typically begin with a thorough inspection, as well. So you may be thinking, okay, when is the best time to get a commercial roof inspection complete

Commercial roof functionality

A commercial roof is a roof that is designed to shield a commercial property from the elements. Most commercial roofs are flat, and they are designed for practicality and durability, rather than aesthetics. Since most commercial roofs are flat, they give the owner of the commercial property more space to work with, for things like storage and setting up maintenance systems for the property.

In essence, a commercial roof is a roof that is designed to shield a commercial property from the elements. Some of the most common types of commercial property are properties such as retail stores, office buildings, and apartments. Each one of those commercial properties requires a roof that is durable and functional, so that it can protect the interior of the property from things like snow and rain.

Most commercial roofs are flat, which is unlike the majority of residential roofs. More often than not, flat roofs are stronger than sloped roofs, which makes them better for protecting valuable commercial property. Along with that, however, is the fact that flat roofs give the owner of the commercial property more space to work with. The space on the roof can be used for storage, for example, while also serving as an easy place for things like drainage and HVAC systems to be set up.

Things You Need To Know When Replacing Your Roof

Because new roofing systems typically last 20 to 30 years, replacing your roof is a pretty serious decision. That’s why you shouldn’t take planning and preparation lightly. When it comes to a new roofing installation, you have more options than ever to make sure you’re getting the most out of your budget.

Measure First

The best place to begin is by measuring your roof. Unless you have a clear idea of the square footage of your roof, you can’t be confident that you won’t end up paying more than you have to. A reliable roofing contractor will provide accurate measurements so that you only buy the materials you need. Once you have the exact measurements of your roof, you can more easily determine which materials and roofing options you want and fit within your budget.

Re-Roofing

Have you considered re-roofing? Re-roofing over your existing roof system requires less work than removing your old roof to install a new one. Although this option may be cheaper than a brand new installation, it can result in additional problems in the long run. For example, heat or moisture may build up between the old and new materials, resulting in more severe damage.

Materials

With a new commercial roof, there are more material options than ever before. There are no one-size-fits-all roofing systems. That’s why we recommend that you research all of your options to find an optimal solution for your needs. Selecting the right material is about finding a balance between longevity, your facility’s needs, and budget. A quality roofing contractor can work with your unique needs, goals, and budget to help you decide on the ideal roofing material for your situation.

Ventilation

As you’re planning for a new roof replacement, it’s also a good idea to check that your ventilation systems are working as they should be. Proper ventilation can help extend the life of your new roof system by regulating temperature and moisture. Before replacing your roof, ensure that you have the appropriate ventilation measures in place to protect your investment.

REGULAR ROOF MAINTENANCE EXTENDS THE LIFE EXPECTANCY OF A ROOF

Even though most people believe that they can assess a roof and identify potential problems themselves – this is best done by professionals. Certified roofing companies are also able to identify any problems that you may miss and can additionally make repair recommendations which will save your roof in the long run.

In addition, most of the commercial roof repair jobs come with at least a one-year warranty guarantee which gives businesses added peace of mind and comfort knowing that the job will be done right the first time.

If we transform these facts to numbers, we will see that an exterior and interior inspection of a roof can increase the life expectancy of it by at least 50 years. For starters, interior and exterior inspection includes looking for damage or other irregularities such as:

• Displaced, missing or loose tiles or shingles
• Curling at the edges or corners of the roof
• Damaged caulking and roofing cement
• Warmed flashing or flashing with holes
• Discolored streaks
• Standing water on the roof (the weight of which can make the roof sag and collapse in the future)
• Obstructions in the attic vents
• Water stains, moisture etc.

As you can see, all of these scenarios may lead to a damaged roof. More importantly, they are all linked to the safety and well-being of your employees, which is why they need to be carefully considered.

What Is A Roof Maintenance Plan?

A maintenance plan for a commercial flat roof is facilitated by a commercial roofing contractor to perform regular inspections, cleaning, and maintenance to prevent more severe damage from occurring.

Enrolling in a maintenance plan, or contract is an easy way for building owners and managers to ensure their commercial roof remains under warranty and in excellent condition while staying within their budget.

A typical roof warranty requires at least one roof inspection to be performed a year by an authorized contractor. This requirement is beneficial for the property owner and the company that issues the warranty. During the yearly inspection, the inspector will check for not only current problems but areas that could turn into problems in the future. This allows repairs to be made before they grow larger and become costly.

A good maintenance plan will go a step further; they will clean your gutters, mend your flashings and perform minor repairs for the cost of the program. Having a service team visit your roof regularly not only gives you peace of mind, but it expands your roof’s lifespan and keeps you within your warranty guidelines.

In addition to scheduled maintenance, it’s more important to have your roof maintenance team to your facility before and after severe weather (such as tornadoes, thunderstorms, hail or winter storms) to make sure any damage from the weather is minimized. Keep in mind that you want a contractor that has an emergency line in the event of water entering your building or any other drastic roof damage.

The Benefits of a Well-Maintained Commercial Roof

Preventive roof maintenance is about finding and repairing small roof problems, and stopping them before they cause damage. A well-maintained commercial roof has a longer life span, and can save you a significant amount of money on costly roof replacement. You won’t have to worry about a chronic roof leak causing premature roof failure, damaging inventory, or creating hazardous “slip-and-fall” conditions.  After all, you wouldn’t expect your company vehicles to run well if nobody ever changed the oil, changed the filters, or cleaned their trucks, would you?

When you don’t have to worry about major roof repairs, you start saving time and money. The cost of regularly inspecting and repairing your roof is much less than a full roof replacement. If you want to get the most value out of your initial roof investment, focus on preventing roof problems before they happen. Contact us for an initial consultation, so you can discuss and compare the details of a full roof replacement cost and our scheduled maintenance services.

The Importance Of A Roofing Maintenance Contract

Most business owners think of roofing costs as a one-time expense. After the initial cost of installing a new roof, many owners assume there’s no use in investing any more money until they need a new one. However, a roofing maintenance contract actually saves you money in the long run by proactively minimizing the cost of roof replacement or repairs. If you’re interested in how a roofing maintenance contractor can actually reduce your business’ roofing costs, keep reading.

The Benefits of a Maintenance Contract

Do you know which commercial roof repairs are covered under your warranty? If not, you’ll probably be surprised by how little is generally covered by warranties. By providing a more holistic solution, a roofing maintenance contract protects you from internal leakage that wouldn’t typically be covered by roofing warranties. Additionally, these repairs are generally covered under the terms of the maintenance contract, so you won’t be slapped by any surprise costs to keep your roof in great shape. With a maintenance contract, it’s much easier to understand what will and what won’t be covered in the event of roof issues.

Hiring a commercial roofing contractor provides these additional benefits:

• We identify significant issues before more critical damage can occur.
• Regular roof maintenance and inspection can increase your roof’s lifespan by up to 50%.
• Having a roofing maintenance contract can increase the value of your property.
• Roofing maintenance contracts can be customized for your unique needs.
• We provide you with quotes regarding any major repairs needed.
• Contracts can lower roofing costs on both a short and long-term basis.

Identifying roof issues early allows us to remedy issues more cost-effectively than waiting for long-term damage to occur before repairing. Plus, larger roofing issues can ultimately damage other aspects of your building’s infrastructure, forcing you to spend money on additional repairs.

When managing a commercial space, keeping on top of roof maintenance is extremely important.

• Protecting Employees and Customers – Commercial buildings need to be constantly maintained in order to provide a safe environment for every employee and customer who enters the building. Keeping on top of roofing maintenance can help you prevent injuries and unsafe conditions at your facility.
• Protecting Inventory – If you roofing in Scituate, MA fails, your inventory could be damaged or even destroyed. This can cause a huge loss in profits for your business, and can even put the wholes business under depending on the extent of the damage.
• Keeping Your Doors Open – In order to profit from your business operations, you need to keep your doors open. If you don’t get regular preventative maintenance on your roof, you run the risk of having to close your doors for repairs or even a roof replacement.

Tips to Help Homeowners Choose the Right Roofing Contractor

The biggest obstacle homeowners face when looking to fix or replace their roof is choosing the right person to do the job. After a damaging storm, they need to quickly get back to normal and perform the necessary roofing repairs. But that doesn’t mean they should just choose the first contractor who knocks on their door. Finding a contractor who is trustworthy, honest, and professional may sound difficult – but that’s where you come in. Contractors should share these 10 important tips with homeowners to show them that your company is reputable and can be trusted to protect their home and their wallet.

Get local referrals. There is less chance of potential issues or scams when you choose a contractor from your community. They are more familiar with local rules and code regulations and have a relationship with area crews and suppliers.

Look for manufacturer designations. Manufacturer designations are considered a badge of honor because the contractor must pass certain minimum requirements to be factory-certified (although, some manufacturers have more stringent requirements than others). GAF strictly enforces their top designation by only allowing 2% of roofing contractors per market to be recognized as Master Elite® Contractors. (Unlike other manufacturer designations, Master Elite® Contractors cannot use this top designation in another territory, only in the location of the storm. Find a Master Elite® Contractor near you.

Research Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings. Some contractors blow in (no pun intended) right after a storm looking for work, so it’s important to look them up on the BBB website and make sure they have a good score. Stay away from contractors who do not exist on BBB.org. GAF Master Elite® Contractors are required to maintain satisfactory ratings with the BBB in order to retain their certification.

Get an extensive warranty. Not all contractors can offer manufacturer warranties that include coverage of the contractor’s workmanship. If a contractor installs the roof incorrectly, it may take months or years for the damage to show up—and insurance won’t pay for it. If the contractor won’t fix it (or worse, has gone out of business), your only recourse is to pay for their mistake yourself. A Master Elite® Contractor can offer one of the longest workmanship warranties on the market—the Golden Pledge® Warranty.

How to Choose a Residential Roofing Contractor

When it comes to choosing a residential roofing contractor, it’s important to select an experienced contractor who can give your roof the quality it needs to keep your family and personal belongings safe from the outside elements. When choosing a roofing contractor for your home, you must seek out multiple candidates with the proper licensing and a great business reputation in your area. Continue reading to learn how you can choose a residential roofing contractor for your home

Contact three roofing contractors. Treat this step just as you would if hiring a new employee. Making a bad decision regarding which contractor to hire will be very painful

Verify that the roofing contractor you hire has the required applicable business licenses for your state or local area.

If you are unsure of the business licenses required for roofing contractors in your area, contact the licensing board or Department of Professional Regulation for your area or state.

You may also visit the Contractor’s Licensing website featured in the Sources section of this article to determine the licenses required by specific states

Verify that the roofing contractor or business is legitimate by asking for their tax identification number, a business address, business website or email address, and contact phone number

Ask the roofing contractor to provide you with proof of insurance, including worker’s compensation and liability coverage.

Not all areas or states require roofing contractors to have insurance, but you may want to hire a person with insurance to protect yourself from lawsuits if the contractor is injured while working on your property.

Check with the contractor to verify that the insurance covers the entire time-span during which the roofing project takes place

Tips for Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

Replacing your roof is a big decision. It goes without saying that you want the best roofing contractor for the job. But how do you know what to look for? Most people will only replace a roof once in a lifetime. It’s a big investment, and you want to make sure you choose the right company.

Ask How Long the Roofing Contractor Has Been in Business

You probably wouldn’t take your car to a mechanic who has been on the job for two weeks. And you probably wouldn’t sign up for heart surgery with a doctor fresh out of school. So why pick a roofing contractor that doesn’t have a long track record of doing high-quality work?

In many cases, homeowners allow price to dictate the contractor they choose. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. If you go with a roofing company that can give you a bargain price but can’t provide a list of happy customers, you’re probably going to end up with a substandard installation.

Double Check Licensing and Insurance

Roofing is a dangerous job, which is why we never recommend homeowners take it on themselves. It’s important to have the right tools, materials and safety equipment. It’s also important to have experience. Reputable roofing contractors hold the requisite permits and licenses for every job they perform

Look at Past Work

For most businesses that provide a service, reputation is everything. Think about the last time you went to a new restaurant, or even visited a new hair salon or dentist’s office. In past years, you might have asked a friend or relative for the names of a good place to grab dinner or get your teeth cleaned. Today, however, the internet provides unbiased, third party reviews from people who have used a business’s services in the past. In fact, 81 percent of consumers say they research online before they make a purchase. Before you spend money, it pays to do your homework.

TIPS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT RESIDENTIAL ROOFING CONTRACTOR

The right roofing contractor can ensure the success of your roofing project, whether it’s a minor repair project or a complete roof replacement. When choosing a contractor, don’t make the mistake others did by settling for the one with the lowest price. The following are tips on how to choose the right roofing contractor

Choose Among Local Contractors

Local roofing contractors have the advantage of being in close proximity, which can be handy in case of roofing emergencies. But more importantly, local roofers are more familiar with local building codes and regulations, which lessens the risk of having compliance issues that lead to unwanted delays (and possible expenses) correcting these issues. You also get the added benefit of knowing that we mean to stick around the area as long as you do and then some. Your warranty doesn’t mean a thing if your roofer has already packed up and left town.

Ask if They Have a Contractor’s License and Proper Insurance

A legitimate contractor in North Carolina must have a valid license issued by the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. Note that this is different from a business license. A contractor must have insurance coverage for both accidental property damage (liability insurance) and bodily injury (workers’ compensation). Like their references, a legitimate contractor should have no problem providing verifiable proof for both. You can call your contractor’s insurance company and check up on them. Ask if they’d had any recent complaints, and ask if they pay their bill on time every month. If they haven’t paid their insurance, then their insurance is no good, and could leave you footing the bill for costly repairs to your property, or worse.

Always Ask for References

When it comes to the quality of work, don’t take the contractor’s word for it. Talk to their past clients. Reputable contractors should be able to readily provide the contact information of at least three recent clients, whom you should call or visit to see if the contractor truly provides quality roofing services.  References also means reviews. Check out the company’s reviews on Facebook and Google .

Ask About Their Warranty Coverage

Regardless of which roofing manufacturer they represent, a roofing contractor should have warranty coverage for both materials and workmanship; the latter is especially important as most roofing problems in the first few years are due to installation errors. As a GAF Master Elite® contractor, we are authorized to offer the full range of GAF’s industry-leading warranties, including the Golden Pledge® Limited Warranty, which features  50 years of material coverage and 25 years of workmanship coverage. When it comes down to it, The warranty anybody gives you is only as good as the company giving it to you!

Tips for Choosing a Roofing Contractor

Insurance is a must

Make sure that your contractor has worker’s compensation and liability insurance. Ask to see the certificates and actually call the insurance carrier to confirm that they are valid

Choose local contractor

Make sure that the company that you choose is local. This means that they are not just operating locally now, but have an established business and reputation in the community.

Price isn’t everything

Never choose a company based on price. Cheap bids drive down the market and anyone with overhead and proper insurance has to establish pricing to cover such costs.

Avoid storm chasers

Steer clear of the knock-on-the-door, “We were in your neighborhood” roofers. This is just canvassing and selling. Pick a roofer from a referral or a sign in your area that has a satisfied client on the other end.

Get job details in writing

Both belong to you and you should be in control. We suggest that you don’t give funds until the work is complete. Make sure that you are satisfied with the result and that the terms of payment were discussed prior to the job and adhered to by both parties.

A guide to different roof tile types

When it comes to finishing a roof, there’s an array of roof tile types to choose from, with options available in various materials, shapes, profiles and sizes. Choosing the right one often comes down to aesthetics, but other factors to consider will include the roof pitch, weight, weather resistance, sustainability and budget

One of the first things to consider when making a choice is the material of the tiles. Roof tiles come in a wide range of materials, and here at Marley, we specialise in providing clay tiles, concrete tiles and cedar shingles and shakes. Other options may include natural stone and fibre cement.

Clay tiles

A traditional favourite, clay tiles have been used for thousands of years. Modern clay tiles are available in hand-crafted or machine-made formats, with the two types differing mainly in terms of look and price

Concrete tiles

An alternative to clay or slate, Marley’s concrete roof tiles offer excellent performance and can provide the appearance of other more ‘natural’ products. Colour options are similar to clay, with a range of reds, oranges, browns and greys.

edar shingles and shakes

For a truly natural appearance, cedar shingles and shakes might be the perfect solution. They’re also one of the most sustainable roofing materials available. Since they are also very lightweight (weighing between 4.0 and 8.1kg per square metre), the carbon footprint of transporting them is minimal, and they’re easy to move around on site.

How to Choose the Best Option for You

Whether you need to use roof tiles for a new or old roof, it is important to choose carefully the most suitable for your roof. In this article you will find information on the most popular types of roof tiles and the prices that are sold in the market.

When it comes to roof tiles, there are a variety of colours, shapes and materials available, which can make it difficult to choose the right one. Comparing the features of different types of roof tiles will help to find the right choice for your home, so look at all the factors concerned. For instance, colour should match the style of your house and surrounding properties, the weight of tiles should be suitable for the strength of the roof and they should meet your budget as well as being water and weatherproof.

Slate Roof Tiles

Slate roof tiles can improve the appearance of your property and also increase its value. Slate tiles are made of 100% natural stone and they are extremely durable. If a slate roof is installed and maintained properly, it can last up to 100 years. They are also environmentally friendly as they can be recycled, if they outlast the building that they are installed on.

In addition, slate is a great natural material that is dense and also water-resistant. Furthermore, slate can withstand temperature changes, making it a wonderful (and popular!) roofing tile choice. Another advantage is that slate is also resistant to insects and corrosion and that it requires very little maintenance.

Disadvantages of slate roof tiles

The biggest disadvantage of slate roof tiles are the cost and the installation. Several types of slates can cost as much as 150 per square metre while the installation cost ranges from 25 – 45 pounds per m2. Another big drawback is the difficulty of finding a truly experienced roofer to handle the installation process with care, as slate tiles can also spall or shed layers

Selecting your roof tiles

Offering the home owner a wide choice of colours, shades and styles, roof tiles can be easier to work with, especially for the novice roofer. The UK is well looked after by companies operating at either end of the price spectrum. Larger companies like Marley, Russell and Sandtoft look after the mass market sector, whilst independent manufacturers like Dreadnought offer a more bespoke and traditional roof tile that is more suitable for prestige properties.

Interlocking Tiles – amongst the cheapest and most convenient way to cover a pitched roof, some are also suitable for low pitches. These roof tiles are large so you do not need a lot of them to cover a normal sized roof (just ten tiles is enough to cover one square meter).  Interlocking tiles do not always work well on complex roof designs as they can be difficult to cut. Concrete interlocking tiles tend to be fairly chunky and may look cheap, whilst the higher quality thinner clay interlocking tiles can be pricey.

Pantiles – before interlocking tiles became fashionable, pantiles (tiles with an ‘S’ shaped profile) were popular, especially in the east of England.  Pantiles work well on almost any type of roof adding a quality and perspective not found with plain or interlocking tiles. Many colours and profiles are available manufactured from either concrete or clay.

Plain Tiles – Plain tiles are a good option for traditional roof designs and are available in many shades and colours, both traditional and modern. It takes approximately 60 plain tiles to cover one square meter of roof, so they can take longer to install than interlocking tiles, but the end result can be very pleasing.

Clay or concrete, handmade, handformed or machine made?

Handmade – a handmade tile is one that is completely made by hand. Desirable especially in period properties or where you are looking for a unique appearance and a warmer, deeper colour or shade.

Machine made tiles offer the home owner a very standard and consistent roof cover. Translating into a cheaper price, the downside is that one roof may look like any another.

Handformed tiles are a middle ground choice that offer some of the unqiue character of a handmade tile but at a cheaper price.

Clay tiles – traditional “Spanish” style clay tiles are the most well-known tiles, but there are many other designs available today.  Clay tiles tend to last slightly longer than concrete tiles (40-50 years).  Whilst clay tiles are slightly more expensive than concrete, they are warmer in colour and are much less likely to fade as the tiles age,

Concrete tiles – Concrete tiles offer a cost advantage but may not be as durable or colourfast as clay tiles. Cheaper concrete tiles also tend to have the colour ‘painted’ on one side of the tile which is more likely to wear off in time.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROOF TILE FOR YOUR HOUSE

If you’re thinking about which roof to get for your house, be prepared to pick from possibilities that range from the familiar to materials you never knew existed. Some roofing materials, such as clay tiles, asbestos or fibre cement roof, and metal roofing, have remained virtually unchanged for a long period of time. But a considerable array of other roofing materials has joined them in the Indian market; from concrete and ceramic tiles to newer products made from asphalt /bitumen like roofing shingles, Onduline roofing sheets and Onduvilla roofing tiles. In this article, we’ll help you become more acquainted with your options and the features you should consider when comparing one to another.

With a roof making up 40% of a home’s overall design, selecting the right tile can have a huge impact on a project. Choosing the best materials will ensure the durability of your roof. Selecting the right tile for the roof design requires aesthetic, technical and financial considerations, including evaluating the product life cycle – such as material performance and environmental impact – without forgetting the complexity of the installation and the need for maintenance of the roof. Let us look further into each of these factors.

DESIGN

The look and design which is being achieved for any project will also dictate the roofing materials. Contemporary, traditional, flat or pitched roofing – these all need to be considered when specifying roof tiles. If you are looking for a roof covering with a complex design incorporating a lot of features and potential tile cuts, then it may be better suited to using bitumen-based products like Onduline or shingles since they are flexible, easy to cut and to get the right details.

ROOF SLOPE

The slope or pitch of your roof’s surface is a consideration that may eliminate some roofing possibilities, especially if the slope is low. All roof tiles have a minimum slope/ pitch requirement. A pitched roof is very effective at carrying and distributing not only the weight of the chosen covering, but also deals effectively with environmental factors such as wind, rainwater and snow. Onduline recommends a roof pitch/slope of minimum 15 degrees for its products.

LOOK AND STYLE

Because the roof is typically very visible from the street, appearance of a roof material will often dramatically affect the look of a home. The colour, texture, and type of material should be compatible with your home’s exterior finish and style. Be true to your home’s architectural style. For instance, asphalt shingles or metal roofing may not be the right choice for a traditional house design whereas roofing tile like Onduvilla may be a good choice since it has a similar clay tile look. In other words, choose a material that will be consistent with the design vernacular of your home.

Choosing a Roof Tile

Materials

The natural beauty of terracotta is built to last, with a 50-year performance guarantee.

Background

Terracotta tiles on average have 13 tiles to the square metre, although this will vary with the complexity of the roof design. They are designed to interlock at both the head and the sides and can be laid in either a cross bond or straight bond fashion, depending on the profile.

Profile

The profile refers to a tile’s shape and design at its cross-section. This can be either flat or shaped. A key consideration when choosing a profile is the pitch of your roof, as well as the architectural style of the house. In the wet, the steeper the roof pitch, the faster the rainwater will run off it. The channels in shaped profile tiles also act as a natural watercourse for rain.

Colour & Finish

Next, it’s colour, one of the most fundamental influences on the style, character and essence of your home

Colour Selection

When it comes to colour, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of options available. But by planning well in advance and following a few simple guidelines, you can create a look you will admire for years to come:

A good place to start is by collecting reference material – photos you’ve taken yourself or from magazines and brochures of inspiring colour schemes.

The architectural style of your home and its environment (including surrounding homes) is a major factor. Now’s not necessarily a good time to unleash that desire to be original!

As a general rule, look for colours that together are either in harmony or contrast. Primary considerations in selecting roof colour are the guttering and fascia finish of your home, as these are in closest proximity. Next are exterior walls, garage doors and window frames.

Currently, we are seeing a move toward lighter colours that blend with the natural environment. For a more substantial appearance, roof colour should be darker than walls.

Trust your instincts and choose what’s right for you, not your friends or family.

Shingle Roofing – Plenty of Options to Explore

Shingle roofing is pretty widespread and is recommended by architects and roof contractors to households who would like to make a long term investment in a roof. The popularity of shingles is also because of the fact that this roofing option has many designs and patterns in it that a homeowner can pick and Roofing Types choose from. The variety within shingles is amazing something that cannot be found in other style options. Shingles can be used for new construction projects as well as for remodeling projects. It is this flexibility that this option offers that has made it the obvious choice among several home owners.

While making a choice of shingles, you have to base your decision on several factors. As a roof is exposed to the extremities of the weather, you should take care that the material you choose to install should be strong enough to resist the abrupt changes in the weather. For instance when you use slate for shingles you can be assured that heavy snow or heavy winds will not affect the strength of the roof. This is because when shingles in slate is installed the support underneath is made strong to hold the shingles. This may take more time while installation but this will also make the roof durable and long lasting. Shingle roofing in slate is also fire resistant. This is a natural roofing option and therefore is slightly cheaper than other options.

Shingles in fiberglass and asphalt are pretty new trends and they are fast catching up. Many offices and commercial complexes are equipped with shingle in fiberglass. When laid in the form of a composition these shingles tend to last long. Composition shingle also works out to be very cheap. Regardless of the type of material you think will best suit your needs, you should always take the professional assistance of a roofing Cheap Roof Ideas contractor before you get shingles installed for your roof. Consulting a roofing contractor is very important because there are some technical details about a roof that you may be unaware of. Once the installation is done it is very hard to reverse the whole process. Therefore to be safe than sorry it is always advisable to take the help of a service provider who will guide you correctly while getting shingles installed.

How Many Layers of Shingles Are Allowed on a Roof?

Benefits of Adding Multiple Shingle Layers

Most building codes allow up to two layers of organic or fiberglass asphalt shingles. That limit pertains to roofs with up to a 4:12 pitch. When it’s time to replace your roof, there are several factors that might lead your roofing professional to recommend adding shingles on top of your existing layers. One of these major factors is cost savings. Think of it this way: By leaving the existing layer of shingles on your roof, you’ll save on both labor costs and disposal costs. Both of those costs can get high if you’re dealing with multiple types of roofing material for disposal. That adds up to an average savings of about $1,000 less than a full roof tear-off.

Am I a Good Candidate for Re-Roofing?

There are some situations that require a full roof tear-off. As mentioned above, homeowners are legally limited to two layer of roof shingles. Therefore, if you already have two layers, you’ll need a full tear-off. Additionally, if your roof is severely damaged, it likely won’t be able to support the weight of a reroof and will need to be torn off. Ultimately, it’s best to work with a roofing professional to determine if your roof is eligible for re-roofing. If so, you’ll likely save quite a bit of money by leaving your existing roofing system in place beneath a new layer of shingles.

When to Consider Re-Roofing

Roof maintenance is a major part of any homeowner’s responsibility. Although roof maintenance tasks are typically minor and fairly quick, it’s crucial to stay on top of repairs so you don’t get saddled with costly, time-intensive repairs down the line. If you notice any of the following issues, reach out to your roofing professional to schedule a quick repair or a major remodel:

• Buckling, curling, or blistering shingles
• Missing granules on shingles
• Missing or broken shingles
• Damaged, ineffective gutters
• Missing or damaged chimney cap
• Leaks or excess moisture in the attic
• Cracked caulk or rust spots on the flashing
• Rubber flashing boots that are cracked or worn

So how many layers of shingles are allowed on a roof? The short answer: two. For a more thorough explanation, reach out to your roofing professional. Ultimately, it’s not recommended that homeowners complete roofing work on their own. Although this might seem like a way to save a few dollars, untrained homeowners can do serious harm to their roof – or themselves – by using incorrect or irresponsible roofing techniques.

What Are Some Suggestions To Properly Store Shingles?

• As a general rule, store shingles in a cool dry place… in stacks no more than four feet high. If higher stacking is necessary, it is recommended that racks or bins be used to prevent the weight of the bundles on the upper pallets from bearing down on the bundles below. Slip-sheets a minimum of 3/8” (9.5 mm) plywood are also acceptable. Never stack pallets more than two high.
• Systematically rotate all stock… so that the material that has been stored the longest will be the first to be moved out (i.e., first in, first out).
• Arrange the stock… so that there is ample space for forklifts and other handling equipment to operate without bumping into and damaging materials in the stacks.
• Do not store asphalt-roofing materials outdoors… for extended periods of time. If it must be done, place the materials on a raised platform or pallets so they are not in contact with the ground. In addition, cover the roofing materials with a light colored, vented plastic sheet or breathable plastic.
• Use tarpaulins to protect them from rain or snow. Ventilate the protective covering to allow air to circulate. Do not store the shingles in the hot sun.

Cutting Shingles with Shears

Long-handled tin snips are the perfect tool for easily cutting thick roofing shingles

The evolution of asphalt roofing shingles has been a slow and steady improvement in performance, durability, and looks. Original three-tab asphalt shingles had 10- or 20-year warranties, and that was about the lifespan you could expect. Today’s laminated roof shingles have 30-, 40-, and 50-year warranties. A few have lifetime warranties. To make shingles last longer, manufacturers made them thicker. That also made them better looking, hence the new terminology, “dimensional roofing shingles” and “architectural roofing shingles,” in use today.

In some ways, newer shingles are a bit more forgiving to work with than three tab shingles, which require precise layout. In other ways, they are more demanding. For example, three-tab asphalt shingles are tough to cut, but these new thicker shingles are even tougher. You could use a utility knife to cut asphalt shingles and dull the blade or bloody your knuckles

Roofing Tool Basics

Check out information on the benefits of these basic roofing tools and how to use them.

Safety first — Always use a safety harness, rope an anchor point when working on the roof.

The basic tools used in roofing are: a utility knife, a tape measure, a hammer, and a chalk line.

• A utility knife is used for cutting roofing material. A specialized roofer’s utility knife has a knob that turns to open the tool — eliminating the use of a screwdriver to open and close the tool. The blade — held in place with a magnet — is hooked for cutting shingles and felt more easily.
• Hold a roofing nail with your palm facing up to get it started, rather than with your thumb and forefinger. This technique results in lessened injury if your hand is hit.
• A plastic cap nail has a plastic sheath around it to hold the felt better. It has a broader surface than a regular roofing nail and the flexibility of the sheath makes it less likely that wind will pull up the felt. A pneumatic nail gun allows the nail and cap to be driven into the roof more quickly and with less manpower.
• After nailing in the felt, make chalk lines as a reference to keep the rows of shingles straight. Lines should be six inches apart. Nail in the first row of shingles upside down. The first row should hang over the edge of the roof about 1-1/2 inch so that water will drip down the roof into the gutter.
• Nail another row of shingles on top of the first row. This will be the first exposed course of shingles. The tabs of each course should be six inches off-center from one another. When that course is done, continue to nail the next course with a six-inch offset.
• Shingles have a line of sticky material that makes them monolithic; they become like one piece so the wind can’t blow them off the roof.
• Metal roofing is becoming popular, but a main drawback is that it is difficult to get into position to work on the roof. Suction cups solve this problem. Set the suction cup down on a flat surface and pump it up for a foothold to help you work safely.