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Benefits of Lifetime Roofing Shingles

Benefits Of Limited Lifetime Roofing Shingles
When you start considering replacing your roof, one of your first decisions will be what type of material to use. Most homeowners opt for shingles as this is the most popular choice for residential properties. As you look at shingles, you will notice that some are labeled as “limited lifetime,” which can be confusing at first. Take a few minutes to better understand what limited lifetime shingles are and the advantages of choosing this material. Contact Our Roofers To Discuss A Free Estimate.

What It Means
The term limited lifetime shingles refers to the warranty that the manufacturer offers with their roofing shingles. In the case of a limited lifetime warranty, this is typically a 50-year warranty that is designed to give you confidence in the product. Lifetime shingles will typically have 50 years of full coverage while limited lifetime shingles will usually have 100% coverage during the first ten years and slightly decreasing coverage from the warranty each year until the shingles are 50 years old. This type of warranty was an important step since you will be hard-pressed to find a manufacturer offering a 50-year warranty with full coverage.
GAF was the first roofing manufacturer to introduce limited lifetime shingles in 2011. According to the manufacturer, the switch to this new highest warranty level was the result of years of research and development. Since then, other roofing manufacturers have also increased their warranties to a similar level as a way to remain competitive. Not all manufacturers, however, actually changed how they made their shingles to make them better; some just enhanced the warranty. Because of that, you should always do your research before choosing limited lifetime shingles.

The Roof Warranty Delivers Savings
The most obvious benefit of limited lifetime shingles is the fact that you will save money since the shingles are covered for 50 years. This is a great improvement over previous warranties that typically lasted 30 or 40 years, or maybe just 20. Now, you have several extra decades where you know you will not be hit with a huge roofing bill if something happens to your shingles.

The Warranty Delivers Peace Of Mind And Confidence
The savings you get from limited lifetime shingles give you some peace of mind since you do not have to worry about a high roofing bill breaking your budget. At the same time, the fact that the roofing manufacturer offers such an excellent warranty should give you confidence in the product. After all, it would be a poor financial decision for a manufacturer to offer a 50-year warranty if their product only lasts 5 or 10 years; they would lose money. This means that when you buy limited lifetime shingles, you will be able to have confidence that they should last for decades without any issues.

Limited Lifetime Shingles Have Better Roofing Materials
If you look at the warranties on various shingles and compare the products themselves, you will notice that the limited lifetime shingles tend to be the sturdiest. They are more resistant to wear and tear, wind, and even hail. This gives you as a homeowner fewer hassles and may even lead to savings on homeowner’s insurance.

Common Roofing Problems

Exploring The Most Common Roof Problems
Although every roof and situation is different, most roofers tend to deal with the same problems on a regular basis. By becoming familiar with the most common roof problems, you are more likely to spot them when they first arise, minimizing the damage they cause and the cost of repair. Here are some of the most common issues, any of which a roofer from Transcendent Roofing can assist you with.

Poor Roofing Installation
Many roofing problems are related to improper installation, which is why it is so important to hire a reputable roofing company to install your roof. If your roof is not installed properly, it will not last as long as it should and there is an increased risk of problems. Only a professional roofer will be able to tell you if the installation was done correctly.

Weathering Of Old Roofing Shingles
Weathering is completely natural and will happen to every roof at some point over time. Weathering is when the roof material deteriorates due to exposure to the elements, like hail, wind, rain, and pollutants. You can minimize the amount of weathering that affects your roof by opting for an inorganic roofing material instead of an organic one.

Wind Damage
Wind is a large enough problem for roofs to be mentioned separately. In a strong wind storm, there will be pressure that lifts up as well as vacuum forces. Depending on the strength of your roof and the direction and speed of the wind, these forces may partially (or even completely) rip up your roof. Sometimes the wind will just lift up shingles, but it has been known to cause even more damage than this. You can prevent and minimize wind damage with secure installation and proper maintenance.

Animals
It is also very common to discover that wildlife has damaged your roof or has the potential to cause damage. Birds and insects can cause a surprising number of problems with roofs, with small mammals even tearing up the occasional roof shingle to gain access to your attic.

Issues With Flashing
Another common part of the roof that sees problems is the flashing, which is responsible for placing a watertight seal between the roof sections, roofing materials, and other parts of your building. If flashing is not installed correctly, water will be able to get between the roof structure and roofing systems, leading to a range of moisture-related problems like mildew, mold, and weakness. In some cases, you can get rid of this issue by installing flashing on a cap or joint, but that is not always the case.
There may also be problems related to base-flashing, such as not enough overlaps, not enough piles, improper height, incorrect fastening on the surface, loose insulation below, poor adhesion, and insufficient coating. Penetration flashings of any size may fail due to improper design, deteriorated counter flashing, standing water behind the penetration curbs, improper finishing of the metal surfaces, or broken seams in the metal curbs from building movement.

Roof Ventilation
Many roofing problems are also due to poor ventilation. If there is not enough ventilation, moisture and heat will build up, which causes damage to the insulation, shingles, sheathing, and rafters, and increases your energy bills. Poor ventilation may also cause mildew and mold.

Metal Roofing Vs Shingle Roofing

Metal Roofing Vs Shingle Roofing
There are many types of roofing materials to choose from, with two of the most popular choices being shingles and metal roofing. Each of these materials has its own pros and cons, letting them both excel, but in slightly different situations.

Advantages Of Asphalt Shingles
When you look around at residential properties, you will notice that most have asphalt shingles. This is due to the long list of advantages associated with the material, including that builders know and trust it thanks to a century of use in the housing industry. Shingles are also very economical as this is typically the most affordable option for roofing. From an installation perspective, shingles are also incredibly convenient, making them the easiest to install. This means that professional roofers might be able to shingle your entire roof in a day. Repairing is equally simple. To round it out, shingles also come in a wide range of styles and have a good performance record, typically carrying a warranty lasting 20 to 30 years.

Disadvantages Of Asphalt Shingles
While shingles have all those advantages in their favor, they are not without negatives. While the warranties for shingles tend to last 20 to 30 years, those warranties, and the durability of the shingles, is tied to maintenance and having a well-ventilated roof deck. Shingles can also be somewhat boring unless you opt for one of the fancier styles available, which will increase the price point somewhat Shingles also do worse than some other materials when it comes to severe weather like hail and if your roof doesn’t get enough sunlight, you may have moisture-related issues like algae and mildew. Shingles are also heavy, making them harder to handle and are rarely recycled.

Advantages Of Metal Roofing
While shingles tend to have reasonably long lifespans, metal roofs last even longer. Most of the time, a metal roof’s limited warranty will last as long as 50 years. There are actually rumors of metal roofs in Europe that have lasted over a century. In reality, the average life a well-maintained metal roof is about 60 years. Metal roofs also resolve some of the issues with shingles, offering the lightest roofing material and excellent performance in extreme weather. Metal can prevent leaks, is fireproof, and offers very good wind resistance. In some cases, your homeowner’s insurance may even give you a discount for having a weather-resistant roof. To wrap up the positives, metal roofs are also environmentally friendly due to their high recycled content, recyclability, and their status as one of the most efficient roofing materials.

Disadvantages Of Metal Roofing
The biggest disadvantage for metal roofing is the high cost since it typically costs about three times as much as shingles, with pricier metals costing even more. Metal can also have a harsh appearance, particularly in residential areas. Additionally, you have to be careful when choosing metal roofs since they are not all made equally. Depending on their construction, metal roofs may contract and expand a great deal, reducing long-term performance and being water-tight, but this depends on installation. For the best results from metal roofing, you should avoid low-grade steel and opt for something sturdier, like zinc, copper, or stainless steel. 

Roof Maintenance Tips You Should Be Aware Of

Roof Maintenance Tips You Should Be Aware Of

Your roof is a significant investment so you want to make sure that it lasts as long as possible. Maintenance is a key part of extending the life of your roof, just as it is for your auto or any other important item. Learn the most important roof maintenance tips so you can maximize the lifespan of your roof and reduce the risk of issues when the next storm sweeps on by. 

Take Care Of Nearby Trees

Roof maintenance extends to everything near the roof in addition to the structure itself, with trees being particularly important. If a tree or its branches get too close to your roof, this can put it at a serious risk of damage the next time there are strong winds or a heavy rainstorm. Avoid broken branches smashing into your roof and damaging it by keeping them trimmed back. Anytime you notice branches getting too close to the roof, trim them to protect the structure. 

Clean The Gutters

Most homeowners dread cleaning the gutters, but this is one of the most important things you can do when it comes to roof maintenance. If you let fallen leaves, branches, and other debris sit in the gutters, they will clog the system. That clog will, in turn, lead to a backup of water that can lead to flooding on the roof or even the rooms underneath it. Ideally, you should clean the gutters at least twice each year. While you are up on the roof, look around for other problematic debris. 

Check The Shingles Annually

Your roof’s shingles are its first line of defense against the elements, which means that they will be subject to a great deal of wear and tear. Multiple issues, many of them related to nature, can cause shingles to become damaged, loose, or even fall off. A missing shingle will leave your roof structure exposed, putting you at risk of expensive damage. To avoid this problem, take the time at least once a year to inspect your roof and pay close attention to the shingles. If you do not feel comfortable climbing on your roof, hire a roofing contractor to complete an annual inspection. 

Ensure Proper Ventilation

For your roof to thrive, it must be able to breathe. If your roof does not have enough ventilation, moisture and heat can lead to rot on the rafting and sheathing. This leads to buckling roof materials and ineffective insulation. One of the best methods of ensuring your roof gets enough ventilation is to install proper installation. Any roofing contractor will tell you that there should be a gap-free layer with insulation on your attic floor plus a vapor retarder underneath the insulation by the ceiling. You should also ensure there are vented and open spaces that air can freely pass through, with a minimum of an inch separating the roof sheathing and insulation. From a maintenance perspective, take the time at least once a year to ensure that the roof still seems to be getting enough ventilation. Your roofer can check this during their regular inspection

Why You Should Leave Roof Repairs To The Professionals

Why You Should Leave Roof Repairs To The Professionals

As a homeowner, it is smart to learn how to take care of simple home repairs, but many larger repairs are better left to the experts. While you should certainly know basics, like how to change a lightbulb or change your door knob, making repairs to the roof is much more complicated and something that is better left to the professionals. If you are tempted to complete roof repairs yourself, keep the following things in mind and you may want to reconsider. 

It Can Save Money

The reason many homeowners try to make repairs themselves is typically to save money, but trying to repair your own roof will not always lead to savings. If you do a poor job with your roof, you can cause more harm then good, both to the roof and other structures in your home. After all, if your roof cannot keep out the elements anymore, you could end up with rain inside your home. A bit of moisture can lead to extensive damage by weakening structures or causing mold. Even if you do not do enough damage to cause a leak, if you make a mistake, you can extend the time that the professional needs to complete repairs, increasing their cost. 

Safety

Perhaps the most important reason to leave roof repairs to professionals is a question of safety. Working on a roof is inherently dangerous, even if your home is just one story tall. A fall from the roof can kill you or lead to a serious injury and the average person is simply not used to walking on the sloping surface of a roof. By contrast, professional roofers are aware of the most important safety precautions and have experience to give them confidence on the roof. They are much less likely to fall off the roof than the average homeowner. 

Quality Of The Work

Going back to the first point, part of the reason that you may not save money by doing roofing yourself is that the quality of your work will be less than that of a professional. If you do a poor job, you may need to correct it very soon. By contrast, professionals know what they are doing and will complete repairs that last for years on end. In the rare case that something goes wrong with a roof repair and it does not go as planned, professional roofers will almost always have a guarantee for their work, so they will resolve their mistake without an extra charge. 

Supplies And Materials

Do not forget to also consider the materials and supplies you need to work on a roof. While you may already have basics like a ladder, you probably do not have the specific nails and hammer or other tools needed to work on a roof. This means you would have to sped money up front on the gear, after figuring out what you need. By contrast, professionals already have the gear. Experts also typically buy materials wholesale, so they are able to get a better price than you would if you went out and bought them yourself. Of course, it also helps that they know which materials are high quality and will stand the test of time, helping you get the most for your money. 

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