What Do Homeowners Think About GAF Shingles?

We asked several homeowners what they think about their GAF shingles - here's what they had to say!

Types of Residential Roofing

When we are talking about types of residential roofing, we could be discussing the structure or the materials of the roof. For example, gable, cross gable, hip, and flat are just a few examples of the various structures of roofs. Things get considerably more complicated when you consider that some roofs feature a combination of these different structures. Yet today, the focus of our discussion is going to be the materials that are associated with different types of residential roofs. In most cases, regardless of the structure of your roof, it is likely constructed from asphalt, wood shake, metal, clay, or slate.

Asphalt Roofs

Asphalt roofs are easily the most popular. Because asphalt shingles are relatively inexpensive, but they hold up well to different kinds of inclement weather, they are a popular option for home owners. Their lifespan varies between 15 and 30 years, depending on the climate of your region, and they are easy to maintain and repair. In addition, home owners can choose from a wide variety of styles and colours of asphalt shingles.

Wood Shake Roofs

Wood shake roofs are very stylish and when properly maintained offer a life span of up to 50 years. While the cost is more expensive than asphalt roofs, wood shakes are a popular choice for people who prefer a natural look. On the other hand, there are fewer colours available and wood shakes are not fire resistant.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are another roofing material that is common for residential properties. They have an impressive lifespan, and because they are available in copper, tin, and aluminum home owners can choose a style that matches their home. Metal roofs must be professionally installed and they are considerably more expensive than other materials for residential properties, but they require little maintenance and are highly durable.

Clay Roofs

Again, clay roofs can last up to 50 years and are generally constructed of interlocking clay tiles. These tiles are available in a range of textures and earth tones, and can certainly provide an attractive upgrade to your home. However, the weight associated with clay roofs is significant and the framing of your home needs to be able to support this excess weight. One drawback of clay tiles is that they are more fragile than asphalt or wood shingles.

Slate Roofs

Finally, slate represents the most expensive residential roofing material and offers a lifespan somewhere around 30 years. Like clay roofs, slate is very heavy and the framing of your roof must be able to bear the load. Slate roofs are low maintenance and very durable, but colour options are limited. Nevertheless, these roofs remain a popular choice in colder climates because they shed snow and ice well.

Before deciding on which roofing material you prefer for your home, speak to a roofing professional and discuss what is most suitable for the structure of your roof, your climate, and your budget.


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How Can Seamless Gutters Save the House?

When you purchased your home were you more likely to spend a lot of time focusing on how it would look or the longevity of the construction? Even if you paid a lot of attention to the condition of the roof and performed regular maintenance, repaired the plumbing and electrical to make sure that everything was in tip top shape, it still doesn't stop the aging of the building materials. Maintenance, repairs and replacements aren't just for the huge projects or the appliances, it also includes the relatively little things that you think take care of themselves like the gutter system. In real life, they need attention and restoration just as much as any other part of your home. A great way to end the concern and the hassle of maintain an old gutter system is to replace it with seamless gutters and a debris cover; they will save you time, energy and money each year, regardless of the season. But, it's important to learn about all of the ways that the old system has damaged your home from the outside in because those issues have to be repaired and restored as well.

A home inspection is an important step in saving your home with seamless gutters installation. If you've spent many years with an old or damaged gutter system, your home has suffered greatly from the lack of protection from rain, melted snow and ice. There was a heightened likelihood of leaks all along the length of the gutter's seams and where the spout loosened. The downspout shifted and drained back towards your property walls instead of out as it should. The fact of the matter is that bad gutters can damage your home in multiple ways. The insufficient drainage can cause damage to the edge of your roofing system by way of ice, debris and moisture getting trapped there. The moisture can permeate the roofing layers and seep into the walls of your attic or inner rooms. The damage on and below the ground level is far-reaching and expensive as well. Rainwater can leech into your basement, erode your landscaping, shift your walkways, and a host of worse damage to your foundation as time goes by.

Seamless gutters with a debris cover help to ensure that windblown debris can fall to the ground instead of cluttering your gutter while the water is free to enter and exit the spout away from your property as it should. When you replace your gutters with a more efficient and attractive alternative, you'll notice how important the strength of each component of your home's construction is to the entire structure.


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Proper Home Insulation Saves Energy

Do you feel a draft in your house? Is it cold in the winter and hot in the summer no matter how hard you blast the air? You might have an insulation problem.

Having bad insulation in your house can cost you a fortune. While you are blasting the heat in the winter it is going right outside and the air is coming in all over the place which means you are just splurging all that money for nothing. With proper insulation you can cut your heating bills and cooling bills into a fraction of what you are spending now.

It starts with the roof. Obviously heat rises. When you are heating your house all the heat is rising and expanding outward which means it is leaving your house and being replaced with cold air from outside. If you just insulate your roof without even starting with the rest of the house, you could already be saving an incredible amount of money. In the summer the heat can get in through the roof and seep in through all the cracks and heat up the cool air in your house so you get spots of cold air and the rest is warm or hot air. Your air conditioner might not be broken. It could very well be your insulation.

Crawl spaces can be letting the unwanted air in because it is not insulated. The vents and piping leave un-insulated holes all over the place that allow the air to come up into the house from the floor.

Light fixtures let air in too because the hole around the entrance of the wires is not insulated.

Window panes are the same. Those are the most common. If you don't have storm windows or insulated window frames, those are the most common ways to heat up and freeze your house.

Insulating your house with spray foam is the best and newest way to go. It lasts the longest and makes sure to cover all holes all the way without any rivets or cracks in the regular type of foundation.

You may pay more initially but over time you will be saving the most because of the heating and cooling bills and also the value of your home will go up. Since spray foam lasts a lifetime you will essentially be paying less because you won't have to re-insulate. You can find a professional contracting company that will help you with your insulation and offer you the best price they can to ensure you happiness and comfort in your own home.


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Tips for Roof Maintenance

Your home is a valuable investment protected by your roof; more importantly, the roof is an integral component of the structure of your home that should receive the proper care. Indeed, roofs must be replaced from time to time to ensure that the contents of your home and the building itself are safe. Therefore, regular roof maintenance is a standard homeowner responsibility; one that can have a major impact on the lifespan and quality of said roof. Needless to say, many homeowners feel daunted by the task of roof repair and maintenance, and for good reason. Roofers are highly trained professionals who can keep your roof in tip-top condition.

Still, as a homeowner, there are some tips that can help you keep your roof in good condition. Even if like most homeowners you are not confident doing the repairs yourself, your vigilance can help keep roofing costs to a minimal. The following guidelines will help you know when it's time to call your roofing professional.

Trees

Trees growing close to your home and roof can cause a number of problems. Not only do trees provide shade, but falling leaves and needles can clog drainage and cause water to backup onto your roof and potentially cause severe damage. Shaded areas of your roof are more susceptible to moss growth, and overhanging branches can scratch or gouge your roof. In fact, wind can even cause large branches to break off and fall onto your roof causing significant structural damage. If you have even one large tree near your home, you should have your roof inspected regularly. Professional roofers can make minor repairs caused by trees, but can also assess the future risks associated with these trees.

Mould, Fungus, and Algae

Black or green streaks on your roof are a sure sign that some kind of organism is growing. Mould, algae, and fungus are among the most common organisms that can wreak havoc with your roof. They tend to grow in humid regions and especially on north-facing portions of your roof; and when left unchecked, these organisms will cause the deterioration of roofing material which will eventually result in leaks. Again, if you think you have a problem with mould, fungus, or algae, call your roofing professional immediately. He or she should be able to check for damage and make recommendations to prevent future growths.

Check for Signs of Damage

If you are confident enough, you should regularly get onto your roof and search for signs of damage. Missing or torn shingles, water damage or rot, broken tiles, or other signs of damage should be dealt with immediately. Still, not everybody wants to climb up onto the roof, and for the sake of safety you should always be willing to call in a professional. Minor repairs are easy enough and can save on future roofing costs. Don't wait for your roof to show extreme signs of damage as your only solution may be to have a new roof installed. Having your roof professionally inspected every 3 or 4 years is a great way to maintain the quality and integrity of the structure.


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Reroofing: Six Signs Your Commercial Building Needs a New Roof

If your building has an old roof, it may be showing signs that it needs replacement. Different roofs have different lifespans, but they often show the same signs when they need replacement. Below are six signs your building may need reroofing sooner than later.

Leaks in Multiple Places

Roofs develop occasional leaks that can be patched. But when multiple leaks occur, it could be a sign that your roof's moisture barrier has declined significantly. If your business uses buckets to catch interior drips when it rains, it may be saving its carpet, but it isn't preventing trapped moisture that encourages mold development and weakens roof decking.

Ultimately, replacing a leaky roof can be less costly than repairing the damage it could cause.

Exterior Light Showing Through

If you can see sunshine through your business' roof, hopefully you can see the light: you need to replace your roof, or at least have it professionally repaired. Exterior light can be seen when roofing separates from chimneys, exhaust pipes, or other elements that extend through the roof. Performing amateur repairs on these problems can lead to flooding during heavy rain.

Frequent Brown Spots on Hanging Ceiling Panels

Brown spots on hanging ceiling panels indicate one of two problems: leaking pipes or a leaking roof. When present on tiles that don't underlie a roof, the problem is usually the former. When present on tiles that do underlie a roof, the latter may be to blame. If your business frequently replaces or paints ceiling tiles that underlie a roof, calling a roofing company to inspect for leaks will save money in the long run.

Sagging Roof Decking

Sagging roof decking makes sections of roof appear bowed inward. Sagging decking is most visible from the exterior. But in severe cases, it can be detected by observing a ceiling. Sagging roof decking is a tragedy waiting to happen. Often, a section of sagging decking completely gives way during heavy rain or snow, causing severe damage that costs more than a new roof.

Gutters Clogged with Shingle Granules

Buildings whose shingles need replacing display a telling sign: their gutters become filled with shingle granules. If your building has a shingle roof, is not surrounded by trees, and has clogged gutters, the problem could be deteriorating shingles (a quick look at your gutters should let you know). By not replacing old shingles, you'll end up with a leaking roof and spend money on gutter work that could instead be used for commercial reroofing.

Shingle Buckling, Blistering or Curling

Movement of roof decking causes shingle buckling, water absorption causes shingle curling, and blistering occurs when shingles receive inadequate ventilation. When a patch of shingles buckle, blister or curl, the problem can be repaired. But when buckling, blistering or curling affect most or all of a roof, reroofing may be necessary.

Replacing your building's roof is a major decision. But when your building displays some or all of the signs above, replacing it as soon as possible could be the least expensive decision.

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Roofing Repair - When to Call in the Pros

When it comes to roofing repair, there are some things that you can do yourself during your regular inspections. Other things though will require more extensive repair work which calls for a professionally trained contractor. If you see any of these things, you will know that it is time to call in the professionals.

Drips

If you see dripping and you need pots to collect the water, then it is a definite sign that you need to call a roofer. And if you see dripping, you probably have some other damage as well. As soon as the weather gets better, you should get a contractor to come out to assess the damage.

Buckling

If your roof is buckling, it is a sign that it was not installed properly or it does not have enough ventilation. You could try to do it on your own, but safety is an issue. You will need to replace some of the shingles or maybe even install additional ventilation. This is one of those things that are better left to the professionals as they have the requisite safety training.

Dry Rot

If you have dry rot around your roof, then it might signal an even bigger problem in areas that you cannot see. Dry rot pretty much renders the wood useless and unable to support weight. These need to be repaired before they get worse. You can either take out the dry rot or put filler in it to replace the wood altogether. Of course, ideally, you would want the wood replaced and treated. Then of course, you would need to fix the leaky roof.

Skylight Leaking

If you have a skylight and water is coming through, you might need to call in the professionals. You might be able to fix minor leaks with sealant, but if it's a major leak, repairing it will require more know-how and experience.

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