Roofing types are one of those things that most people take for granted. They assume their roof will just keep working forever. Unfortunately, that assumption isn’t always valid. The average lifespan of a residential roof is about 15 years. If yours is older than that, it might be time to think about replacing it. And while many factors go into determining whether or not a roof needs to be replaced, some basic signs indicate a problem.
There’s no denying when a house damaged by fire, windstorm, or hailstorm needs to be repaired. But sometimes, the damage is less obvious. A seemingly innocent ceiling stain or drop can signal a serious issue. And even though fixing such a minor problem could be relatively easy, it’s still better to call a professional at All Seasons Exteriors in Lakewood, Colorado.
When fire, windstorms, or hailstorms destroy a roof, it’s usually too late to save the structure. In some cases, the roof itself can cause additional problems. For example, if the roof is weakened by fire, it may collapse under heavy snow loads. Or, the roof could become unstable due to erosion caused by rainwater seeping down through the shingles. In either case, the roof could fail catastrophically.
The good news is that fixing a roof doesn’t necessarily mean tearing everything down and starting over again. Instead, you can probably salvage much of what you’ve got left. Even if you can’t completely rebuild the entire roof, you can replace sections of it. And if you’re lucky, you might even be able to reuse the existing materials. Here are a few tips to help determine whether it’s time to call in the pros.
If you want to go green, consider asphalt shingle roofs. They’re durable, affordable, and easy to maintain. But there are plenty of other choices, including wood shake, clay, concrete, slate, tile, and even metal.
In our recent roofing test, we found that some shingle products performed better than others. We tested five brands against each other, testing both standard shingle types and low-slope versions. We looked at installation ease, durability, maintenance costs, and appearance.
We found that the lowest prices often came with tradeoffs. For instance, one product had great aesthetics but required extra work during installation. Another had high-quality materials but was expensive. One product offered excellent performance, but it wasn’t the cheapest option.
So how do you decide what type of roof to choose? First, think about how much money you want to spend. You’ll pay less if you buy a cheap shingle. But you might spend more over the long run if you don’t get the best value.
Next, consider the style of house you live in. If you like traditional homes, you might prefer a classic look. Or maybe you’d rather live in a modern home with sleek lines. Then factor in climate conditions. Do you live in a hot area? Does your home face south? What about windy areas? These factors affect the type of roof you should choose.
And finally, consider the amount of snow you receive in your region of Colorado. A heavy accumulation could require additional insulation. This will increase the price of your roof.
Almost 90% of homes in America use composite asphalt shingle roofs because they are affordable, durable, and easy to install. Asphalt shingle roofs only cost $1.50 – $5.50 per square foot or roughly 8,000 per roof installation. They can last up to 20 years and be recycled into the pavement. Manufacturers mix fiberglass and asphalt to create various colors, including gray, brown, red, or green. Their color will fade over time as it gets exposed to sunlight. The color and quality will vary based on what type of shingles you select; architectural or three tabs.
Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most common roofing materials used today. These roofs are easy to install and provide long-lasting protection against the elements. Many varieties of asphalt shingles are available, including single-, double-, triple-, and even quadruple-layer shingles. Each type offers benefits, but each option has some drawbacks.
The most popular asphalt shingle options are single- and three-tab asphalt shingles. Single-tab asphalt shingle roofs are typically cheaper than three-tab shingle roofs because they cost less. However, they aren’t as durable as three-tab asphalt shingle roofs. Asphalt shingles are installed in layers, creating a textured appearance.
Three-tab asphalt shingle is a variation of the traditional single-layered asphalt shingle. These shingles are designed to mimic the look of multiple layers, giving the appearance of a thicker roof. However, they are still just one layer thick. Triple-layered asphalt shingles come in various styles, colors, and textures. Some resemble single-layered asphalt, while others resemble bricks or wood shakes.
Wood shingles are undoubtedly pretty but come with a hefty price tag. They’re usually made from pine, fir, cedar, or redwood; some even include a decorative edge. A typical 2×4 wood shingle costs about $6.50 to $14.50 per square foot, depending on what type you choose.
These shingles can be used on both flat and pitched roofs, offering a warm, homey appearance that many homeowners love. But they don’t stand up well against extreme weather conditions like hail storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes. They aren’t rated very highly for fire resistance either.
Metal roofs feel like a stylish choice, especially compared to asphalt shingles, but they’ve been around since the 1800s. Metal roofing continues to be a popular choice because it’s affordable, easy to transport, and low-maintenance. Several metals are used to make metal roofing, including copper, galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
There are two main types of metal roofing: shingles and standing seam (also called panels). Shingles are typically nailed down while panels are installed with clips. A standing seam is where the edges of the sheet overlap and connect. Both options can be painted or left natural.
While metal roofing can come colored in various hues, you can also paint it. Some manufacturers offer a special coating that protects against fading, rust, and corrosion. This coating isn’t required, so don’t worry about spending extra money.
Standing seam metal roof systems are one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing materials out there. They’re easy to install and maintain and come in many different colors and styles. There are two main types of metal roofing – standing seam metal roofing and rolled sheet metal roofing. Both are very similar, but each offers some advantages over the other. Here’s what you need to know about both.
The roofing industry is undergoing a significant change. More homeowners are choosing composite shingles over traditional asphalt shingles. In fact, according to the National Roofing Contractors Association, there are now more than 30 million composite roofs installed across America.
That number is expected to grow even further as more people discover the benefits of composite shingles. They cost less than traditional asphalt shingles and come in various colors and styles. They provide better insulation, resist wind and hail damage, and don’t require painting every ten years.
A slate roof is a premium type made mostly of slate tiles. They are used mainly for commercial buildings, large homes, and historic structures. They are usually constructed with a waterproof membrane over a layer of gravel, followed by the installation of rows of individual slate tiles.
Slate roofs are durable and require little maintenance, making them an excellent option for homeowners looking for long-lasting protection against the elements. However, installing a slate roof requires much work and expertise, meaning it’s best left to professionals.
BiPV solar shingles are roofing products that use photovoltaic cells to convert sunlight directly into electricity. These panels are installed over existing roofs and designed to provide power to the home while saving money on utility bills.
Photovoltaic (or PV) cells are semiconductors that produce direct current (DC) electricity when exposed to light. When the sun shines on these cells, it creates electrons that flow through wires inside the panel and produce electricity. A battery then stores this energy until it’s time to use it.
The best way to maintain your roof is to inspect it regularly. Look for leaks, damage, and wear and tear. Call our team at All Seasons Exteriors immediately if you notice anything out of place. Our experts will assess the situation and provide you with a free estimate. Call us at 720-709-5201 today!
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