Month: March 2017

Roofing Material – What Are The 6 Different Types?

Roofing in Conroe Texas

 

A beautiful, new roof can add curb appeal and value to any home. Fortunately, there are a number of types of roofing materials available that look and function great on various architectural styles. Although not every style is recommendable for every house, homeowners can discuss the possibilities with experienced, local roofing services to make the best decision for their home.

1. Architectural Asphalt Shingles

Architectural shingles are made of layers of felt, fiberglass, and asphalt that are formed into shingles of varying widths, shapes, and colors. These shingles typically last between 25 and 40 years or more and are very durable against severe weather, making them the preferred choice in many regions. They are also readily available and easy to install. Although they may not last as long as other material, asphalt shingles offer homeowners a low-cost, attractive option that has fairly low maintenance requirements.

2. Concrete and Clay Tiles

Tiles made from clay or concrete are popular in warmer regions because they are highly thermal efficient can reduce cooling bills. They are also very beautiful, available in numerous styles and colors that add character to any home. These tiles are weather and fire resistant, although they are prone to breakage if struck by large debris. When properly installed by roofing services experienced with tile, these roofs can last a century or more. The main disadvantages of tile are the fairly high installation cost and a weight that requires sturdy framework for support.

3. Wood Shingles and Shakes

Wood has been used as a roofing material almost since the beginning of putting roofs on dwellings. Both shingles and shakes which are basically thicker shingles are still desirable. Wood offers natural beauty, fading to an attractive patina depending on the species used it can also be painted. Shingles can be made in a multitude of attractive shapes and sizes. Wood shingles and shakes are highly durable and long-lived when properly maintained, although they do require quite a bit of maintenance and upkeep. Wood can also be expensive and is not at all fire-resistant. Yet for some traditional homes, wood remains a popular choice.  

4. Slate Shingles

Slate is another material that has been used for a long time due to its availability and favorable qualities. Made into shingles, it creates a durable, fire-resistant, and weather-resistant covering. Slate is also quite beautiful, available in various natural hues. Like concrete and clay, it is also an extremely heavy material that may be prone to chipping and cracking if hit with large debris. Slate is one of the most expensive materials that roofing services can install, although it provides a century or more of protection with little maintenance.

5. Metal Roofing

Made into panels or even pressed to look like wood shingles, metal is an extremely versatile material offering many benefits and used on many homes today. Generally made from aluminum, stainless steel, zinc, or copper, metal is extremely weather resistant and durable when correctly installed by skilled roofing services. It is also lightweight, fire-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance. Metal is more costly than architectural shingles but generally less expensive than other options.

6. Synthetic Roofing

There are also a number of synthetic roofing materials available that are very durable, providing many years of watertight protection at an affordable cost. Options include rubber and plastic membranes that are usually used on flat roofs as well as polymer materials shaped to look like expensive tile or wood shingles. Many of these materials offer lightweight protection that can withstand extreme conditions, making them popular choices for a variety of installations.

Choosing the best roofing material for any home installation requires careful consideration by the homeowner as well as a careful assessment by experienced roofing services. With the right choice for the home style and climate conditions, homeowners will get the functionality they need in a look that best complements their house!

Need Roofing Services In Conroe Texas?

GMA Restoration Can Install Your New Roof!

Call (936) 209-2162!

Roofers Advice On Making Your Shingle Roof Last Longer!

Roofers in Conroe Texas

 

Shingled roofs installed by experienced roofers are attractive, long lasting, and very economical in comparison to other, more expensive material. Yet shingles do require a certain amount of maintenance for them to last as long or longer than the manufacturer's advice. By using the following tips from professional roofer services, any homeowner can easily provide the maintenance necessary to keep their shingled roof in the best condition with fewer problems and a longer roof life.

Keep the Gutters Clean

Gutters are an essential part of every roof system; however, they tend to fill with dirt and vegetation fairly quickly. When this happens, water pools up in the gutters instead of flowing into the downspouts. It can also cause serious problems with shingles if water build-up is enough that the ends of the shingles become submerged. This can lead to shingles soaking up water and damage to the underlying adhesive and underlayment as well.

Shingles will begin to loosen and in colder temperatures experience ice damming as the water under the shingles begins to freeze, pushing them up off the decking. Although it may appear minor, roofers know that dirty gutters have the ability to ruin an entire shingled roof.

Keep Branches and Leaves Cleared Away

Branches can damage shingles in a variety of ways, from scraping and cracking them to pushing them up off the decking or chipping the edges. Large branches can penetrate the shingles, making a hole in the entire roofing system. On the other hand, leaves can lay on the surface of the shingles or collect in the gutters, causing them to retain water or grow moss and mildew.

To prevent these types of problems, roofer services recommend keeping all trees trimmed back from the house so that branches and leaves cannot affect it.

Clean Off Vegetative Growth

Moss, algae, and even mildew will grow on shingles in wetter areas, creating a fuzzy or slimy coating that can become damaging after a while. Any growth can prevent shingles from drying out sufficiently and over enough time, cause the shingles to peel, swell, or decompose in other ways. When moss or some other type of growth is discovered on a shingled roof, it is important for homeowners to call expert roofers to remove this growth by scrubbing the shingles clean.

Inspect the Roof Often

Homeowners should inspect their roofs often and look for potential concerns that need attention. View the surface from afar, looking at all sides to see if anything seems out of place, then try to take a closer look. Before climbing a ladder for that closer look, roofer services stress that homeowners should never walk on the top of their house, just observe from the ladder. Look for missing flashing, damaged shingles, and anything else that seems to be in disrepair. Check for evidence of leaks in the attic and try to get an idea of the overall shingle condition. When this is not possible, hire roofers to inspect the shingles instead.

With the helpful suggestions from professional roofers referenced above, homeowners can keep their shingles in great condition year after year. Naturally, if any of these tasks are too difficult or if any other problems with shingles are an issue, homeowners should make a call to local roofer services who can help!

Looking For Roofer Services In Conroe Texas?

Contact The Experienced Roofers At GMA Restoration Today!

Call (936) 209-2162!