Energy Saving Advantages of a Tile Roof

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Considering a tile roof? Consider how much it could save you and the planet.

New research shows that the energy-efficient properties of concrete and clay tile roofs play a key role in helping reduce energy costs. Working with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the Tile Roofing Institute (TRI) sheds light on the unique, energy-saving properties of tile roofing systems, what makes it a cool roofing product and how builders and homeowners can benefit.

Energy Efficiency -- It's More Than Just Color

Historically, experts have promoted tile roofing's cool, energy-saving properties. Light- or white-colored roof tiles were shown to cool the house beneath it by reducing the amount of heat transferred from outside to inside. The problem was that builders weren't able to sell home buyers on light-colored tile roofs as most people preferred their roofs to be darker in color.

What's now known is that properties other than color make tile an even better cool roofing option, potentially saving home buyers additional energy and money. Research from ORNL shows that tile roofing's mass, reflectivity and ventilation beneath the tiles contribute to a reduction of heat transference of at least 50 percent, when compared to a traditional asphalt shingle roof. Coated clay tiles can cut the transfer of heat by up to 70 percent.

As more evidence is found, green building and government energy programs are feeling pressure to consider tile roofing in a home's environmental rating. In his ORNL research, William Miller, Ph.D. notes, "The Environmental Protection Agency, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program and many state energy offices should offer energy credits for roofs using sub-tile venting and cool pigmented colors."

Tile Durability Also Saves Money

In addition to its energy-efficient properties, tile roofing is highly durable. Installed properly, tile roofs can withstand harsh weather conditions including high winds, snow and ice build-up, hail and earthquakes. Additionally, tile roofing is naturally fire-resistant.

With tile's strength and ability to stand up to the elements, it requires relatively few repairs compared to asphalt shingle roofing. According to TRI Technical Director Rick Olson, because tile is inherently durable, tile roofs can last much longer than shingle roofs. "Tile roofs can last decades," notes Olson. "In Europe, where tile roofs are common in a variety of climates, it's not unusual to find buildings with tile roofs that have lasted centuries."

About the Tile Roofing Institute

The Tile Roofing Institute (TRI) is a non-profit trade and membership association open to those involved in the production, distribution and installation of clay and concrete tile roof systems. TRI has provided technical expertise to roofing professionals and other building industry constituents since 1971. To ensure best installation practices, TRI also offers contractor training through its Certified Installer Program. TRI manufacturer members produce 95 percent of the tile roofing installed in North America. More information about TRI can be obtained by visiting www.tileroofing.org or by calling (312) 670-4177

ConstructionDeal.com can help you find a tile roof installer. It's a fast and easy way to find roofing contractors. Submit your request and get calls from roof companies. At no cost or obligation to you.

Roofing Maintenance: Preventing Ice Dams

Here's some information from Toolbase Services about making sure you properly install a drip edge on your roof to prevent a real winter problem with your home's roof:

"Installing a drip edge properly can make all the difference in avoiding problems such as ice damming.

For clarification, a drip edge is a modified L-shaped flashing used along the eaves and rakes of a roof. The drip edge directs runoff water into the gutters and away from the fascia. In terms of placement, the drip edge should be installed under the roofing felt on the bottom edge of the roof and over the roofing felt on the gable ends, if applicable. The drip edge is supposed to be placed with a ¼-inch gap between the flashing and the edge of the roof sheathing or fascia. This gives a drip line that is not butted directly against wood trim.

It is unlikely that mis-installed drip edges will have a significant effect on the occurrence of ice damming. However, it can increase the water getting into the wall/eave area from ice damming or other causes. It could also lead to accelerated rot at the eaves/fascia area.

Ice dams are a cold weather problem caused by snow melting over heated portions of a building and refreezing at colder portions of the roof, creating a dam. Water produced by subsequent melting then backs up under the shingles, eventually causing damage to insulation, interior finishes, and more. The snow melts due to heat loss into the attic from inadequate insulation, air leakage, and/or inadequate ventilation.

Ice dam precautions include:

• Making sure the roof is adequately insulated to account for local climatic conditions.
• Installing raised-heel trusses, if necessary, to allow full-depth insulation and proper ventilation over exterior walls.
• Sealing all penetrations into the attic from ceilings or walls.
• Installing continuous soffit-and-ridge vent systems and baffles at the lower side of the roof, with a clear pathway of at least two inches between the top of the insulation and the roof sheathing.
• You may also consider insulating around and sealing leaks from ducts and vents in the attic, although the primary emphasis should be on providing proper ventilation and following good insulation practices."

If you need to find a roofing contractor to talk about installing a drip edge or other ways you can prevent ice dams, you can post your request on ConstructionDeal.com. Our site matches you with local roof and gutter companies - and it's a free service to you!

Submit your project and you can choose how many roof contractors will call you - this saves you time and money.

Installing a Slate Roof

Slate Roofing Installation
Adding a slate roof to your home will not only give your house a distinctive and beautiful look, it will also be providing you with a very durable roofing option.

Maintenance Free
Slate is a natural stone that requires little to no maintenance and won't need any sealers or chemicals to constantly treat it. Slate even has an excellent fire rating as it is stone and will not allow fire to catch on or spread on its surface. It can resist mold or fungal growth. If there is any breakage, the tiles or sections can be easily replaced. And it's available in a variety of colors, textures, and thicknesses.

A Green Roofing Option?
It's even the perfect option for those looking for a more green or sustainable material for their new roof. If you add an asphalt shingle or wood shake shingle roof to your home, you'll more than likely be replacing that roof in 15 years to, at most, 50 years. A slate roof can last more than 100 years. And, if and when you or descendants, should have to replace it - the slate can be recycled.

Find a Slate Roof Installer
Slate might be the right option for your home if you need to install a new roof or replace your existing roof. Talk to a slate roofing contractor to decide if it's the right product for your home. If you need to find a slate roofing company near you - submit your request with ConstructionDeal.com. It's a fast and easy to find a slate roofing professional. At no cost.

RELATED POSTS:
Tips to Make Sure You Get a Good Roof
Roofing Materials
Green Roofing Options

Advantages of Asphalt Shingles

Everyone knows about asphalt shingles when it comes to roofing products for your home. Nearly every house in the United States is covered with this traditional roofing material. But why has asphalt been the top choice for most of the roof applications since the 1880's?

Asphalt Magazine has an interesting article on the history and the basics of the asphalt product and especially interesting was their listing of the advantages:

"The Advantages of Asphalt Products
The dominance of asphalt roofing products through the years has not evolved as a matter of chance. It is based on proven product performance that goes beyond the basic roofing requirements of providing a covering that shields the building’s inhabitants from the weather. The characteristics have earned asphalt roofing its leading position include the following:

• Weather Resistance. Asphalt roofing products are proven to resist sunlight, heat, cold, water and ice.
• Fire Resistance. Asphalt roofing products are manufactured to comply with ASTM International and/or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards for fire resistance.
• Wind Resistance. Asphalt roofing products comply with the wind-resistant standards of Underwriters Laboratories.
• Economy. Efficient, high-volume production plus relatively low cost of application result in economies that are difficult for competing roofing materials to match. Moderate installed costs combined with long service life gives asphalt roofing products a very low annual or life-cycle cost.
• Ease of Application. Asphalt roofing is considered to be the easiest of all standard roofing materials to apply.
• Adaptability. Because of their flexibility and strength, asphalt roofing products can be applied on a wide variety of roof styles.
• Aesthetics. Asphalt roofing is available in many appealing colors, shapes and dimensional depths that provide bold roof appearances. The wide range of asphalt roofing products introduced in recent years offer much greater flexibility in choosing the appearance of a building’s exterior than is available with most other types of roofing material.
• Style Suitability. Asphalt roofing is completely 'at home' with most architectural styles, whether contemporary, modern or traditional.
• Low Maintenance. Properly chosen and applied, asphalt roofing products require little or no upkeep and are easily repaired, if damaged."

If your house has old asphalt shingles and it's time to replace your roof, consider ConstructionDeal.com. We've got a network of asphalt roofing companies across the country. We'll match you with a quality roof contractor in your neighborhood and it's an absolutely free service to use.

You'll save time and money by not having to search through the phone book and by helping you get multiple bids (more bids means a better price!)

Tips on a Roofing Installation

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A roof can usually last 10 to 20 years, depending on the roofing materials and quality of installation. If you know that it's time to replace you're roof, you can take steps to make sure your new roof turns out to be a quality one.

A new roof is an expensive investment. It should be considered an asset that will improve the look as well as improve the protection of your home. Leaks, rotting, mold, and other factors can do a lot of damage if your roof is not installed professionally.

Here are some tips to make sure you get the roof you need:

• Get multiple bids on the project - many bids means that you'll hear different opinions from different companies, all with different prices
  
• Do not automatically go with the lowest bid - the roofing company that can low-ball the others may have to cut many quality corners to install a new roof for such a low price
  
• The opposite may be true - because a company has the highest bid doesn't mean you'll get the best roof. Get as much information as you can on what you'll be spending for such a high price. Some unscrupulous people charge the most just to see if you'll pay it and end up providing the same roof but for more money
• Make sure there is a warranty - any roofing company that cannot or will not provide a warranty may not believe in their own products and installation abilities
• Read the warranty - study it, memorize it, and be able to quote it. The more you know about what is and what is not covered, the less likely you are to get burned in the process
• Have an independent roofing inspector come out to review the work during and after. You'll spend more money, but you could prevent problems before you make your final payment to the roofing company
  

Consider replacing the roof sooner rather than later. If you've got leaks and other roofing problems, it could cost you considerably more if you wait. Putting off the roof replacement until the next year allows the problems to worsen and cause more damage. You'll only be adding to your overall budget because the roofing company will charge you to replace the roof and repair the damaged areas.

If you'd like to have several roofing companies to bid on your project, you can post it with ConstructionDeal.com. It's a fast and easy way to find local roof installers. At no cost.

And you will get 4 quotes in the same day (sometimes in a matter of minutes) - this will save you plenty of time.

Roofing Replacement: Cost vs. Value

Here is some information from Remodeling Magazine (through Realtor Magazine Online) that gives an idea of the costs to replace a roof and how much of the investment can be returned when it's time to sell your house.

Cost vs. Value Report on Roofing Replacement:

Roofing replacement
	Job Cost	Resale Value	Cost Recouped
National Average:	$11,164	$9,456	84.7%
East Average:	$12,155	$10,856	89.3%
Midwest Average:	$12,401	$8,674	69.9%
South Average:	$9,093	$7,983	87.8%
West Average:	$11,557	$10,769	93.2%

If you're in need of a roofing contractor to help replace your roof, you can use our service to find roof companies in your area.

Simply submit your request with ConstructionDeal.com, and we'll match you with local Roofing Contractors - you'll receive multiple bids on the project which can help you save money.

Find a Wood Shake Roof Contractor

Are you a big fan of the cedar or pine shake roofs?

Some houses just call out for a wood shake roof and it's always an option. There are some things to consider if you've already got a wood roof or you're thinking of switching over to wood shakes.

Some areas, due to the fire hazard, do not allow a wooden roof to be installed. Some may have codes that allow the repair or replacement on an existing house but not a switch to wood from another material.

Check with your local permitting office to find out what the regulations are for your area. Also, check with your insurance company - they don't like wood roofs and are making it harder and harder for homeowners to have them. You may be required to treat the wood roof with a fire retardant system.

Wood installations can cost a lot more than a regular asphalt install. If you get a great price on a wood roof installation, you might not end up with a quality job and the roof will more than likely not last as long as it should have. Be wary of a low-ball bid with this kind of installation. Also, wood shakes do not last as long as most other roofing materials. They tend to crack, curl up, or will lift up off the roof.

Make sure your roofing installer uses stainless steel nails. The nails are exposed to the elements and you don't want them to rust, no matter what your climate is like.

The wood shake roof requires a lot of maintenance to keep it healthy. Treating and regular sealing is required to make sure the wood doesn't split or rot. Dramatic changes in weather can make the wood contract and expand. It's a good idea to get regular inspections from a pro to make sure there are no leaks or damaged shakes. UV light also does a lot of damage to the wood.

Finally, for the disdvantages of a wood shake roof - it's not very environmentally-friendly. A wood roof is made up of materials from very large and very old trees. And they're not easy to replace. Because the wood has been treated and chemicals used to protect the wood, the shakes are not able to be recycled and be used for other purposes.

However, a cedar or pine shake roof is a thing to behold. Wood roofs have such an aesthetic appeal - a natural wood color with shakes in a variety of sizes and thickness choices make it a beautiful look for a home. The wood ages with time into a gray shade. Since there are so many choices and all wood ages differently, no two roofs are alike.

It looks so much better than an asphalt or metal roof. There are even companies out there making synthetic woods and composite materials to try and mimic the wood shake roof, but those products really haven't been tested.

The wood shake roof is also a great insulator for your home. It even allows the movement of air through your roofing system to keep moisture levels down.

There are a lot of disadvantages to having a wood shake roof so it's important to talk with a wood shake roof company if it's right for your home. You can find several roofing pros in your neighborhood by posting your project - for free - with ConstructionDeal.com. We'll match you up and have them contact you, which saves you time. Having several bids will save you money, too. Make sure you get references on any wood shake contractor because you want a perfect and professional job to make sure the roof lasts as long as possible.

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Roofing Materials: Consider a Metal Roof

Ready for a Metal Roof? We can help:

Many picture the loud sounds of rain splashing hard on a tin roof when they think of having a metal roof installed.

But today metal roofs are beautiful, durable, and even affordable roofing replacement option.

Advantages of a Metal Roof:

• Very durable
  
• Very weather resistant
  
• Wide variety of styles, colors, sizes
  
• Great aesthetics; very uniqe looks
• Improves your homes value
• Lighter than shingles
  
• Energy efficient
  
• Maintenance-free
• Great warranties available
  
• Usually no need to remove existing roof
  
• Lighter than shingles

Contrary to many myths about metal roofing, it doesn't get any hotter than a normal shingle roof. The material is not conducive to lightning. And it doesn't rust. But it will provide your home with excellent protection from weather and it can come with 40 or 50 year (or even longer) warranties because it's so durable.

If you're not sure if a metal roof is right for your house, contact one of our metal roofing installers to get some information and maybe even an estimate. Simple post your request on ConstructionDeal.com and you'll be contacted by as many metal roof contractors as you would like. All for free!

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Green Roofing Options

On hot and sunny days, suburban and urban areas can be five to seven degrees warmer outlying areas due to an affect known as the "urban heat island effect." The problem can be solved by replacing the dark heat-absorbing roofing materials, found on most asphalt roofs, with light color roofing material made from recycled materials. Some are even made of plants and grasses. These environmentally-friendly roofing options can substantially reduce the urban heat island effect. Lighter colored roof surface materials helps to reduce the amount of energy needed to keep a home cool and can reduce peak cooling demands by up to fifteen percent on a city grid.

Another interesting green option are "Living Roof Systems." They allow for the growth of rooftop vegetation, such as tall grass or vegetation, and it does not harm the man-made roofing materials on the underlying roof. These living roofs provide more than just energy savings, they can provide health benefits, including: reducing the urban heat island effect, lowering energy expenditures, purifying the air, and reducing storm-water runoff. Runoff from rainstorm water, which carries contaminants from paved surfaces and rooftops to our natural waterways, has been identified as a major source of water pollution. Living roofs can reduce these negative effects by absorbing up to seventy-five percent of rain that falls upon them.

If you're interested in finding a quality roofing contractor to help you investigate your new roof options, post your project with ConstructionDeal.com. It's a free service to receive bids from several roofing companies. And it saves you time: one post and you choose how many roofing experts you would like to call you.

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