Mud and sod supported by wood, logs and reeds are probably the earliest Virginia roofing materials followed by kiln-dried clay tiles manufactured by the early Greeks and Romans to cover public building and dwelling or housing tops. In medieval Europe, people made use of bundles of straw or reeds tied to framing timbers. Throughout the Middle Ages, slate was used as covering for cathedrals. In the 1500s, copper sheets were used and they finally replaced slate and tile roof. Today, shingles are widely used particularly in North America. Some people also use steel, aluminum, copper, lead, various alloys and clad metals which may be either flat or corrugated sheets.
The roof is composed of three main parts: the sturdy frames; a rigid casing or roof floor; and a rainproof outer layer. Conventional roof coverings are fixed to a timber framework and straw bundles are tied to the frame to make a thatched roof. Stone flags, on the other hand are usually hung on the supporting board with hooks. Other Virginia roofing materials are baked ceramic tiles, which have been used especially in Mediterranean countries since the ancient times, the pantile, which is a material for roofs which overlaps in two directions, the fire-resistant and impermeable slate and the asphalt-impregnated felt shingles reinforced by an ‘underlayer’, which is commonly seen in most modern dwellings nowadays.
The roof is one of the most important parts of a house or building and it should be one of the first things to be considered in both construction and home improvement. One never knows when a severe typhoon or a hurricane is going to strike so every part of the roof should be able to withstand whatever force or wind, and if done excellently can do the job of protecting a whole family. A strongly toughened roof structure can even replace home insurance.
Good Virginia roofing is the secret to a safe home and the challenge is to make certain the roof chosen is the one appropriate for a particular building. Identifying the appropriate system based on location as well as climate is also important to roof or ‘reroof’ a new building. Wrong decisions will ultimately result to huge expenditures in later years. Here come the Virginiacontractors. They specialize in all sorts of roof installation for both residential and commercial buildings. They provide not only professional services; they give expert opinions especially on what roof materials one will need.
If you are looking for a professional Virginia roof replacement contractor, then please call us today at 540.349.4260 or complete our no obligation consultation form.
The roof is just about the most important aspect of all buildings. It serves various purposes and is an important part of an effective defense against the powers of nature. Since this structure is such a valuable investment, when roofing problems become apparent it is imperative to find a reputable contractor who can provide exceptional service in helping with the decision-making process that any owner must face.
Finding the best roofing contractor in Fair Lakes, VA is not as easy as might be thought. When a roof is leaking and a reputable company is needed at an affordable price, it would be nice if there were a simple process to accomplish this goal, something as simple as a-b-c!
A = Ask Questions
In order to get an answer to a roofing need, a question first needs to be asked. There are two methods that will provide optimal results for such a search: check printed newspapers or telephone directories and do a search on the internet. If some names appear as possibilities, further checks about these local contractors can be done through the Better Business Bureau, roofing contractor associations, and any available licensing authorities. On the internet, check out any related blogs and see what is being casually spoken about any particular roofing companies within Fair Lakes, VA.
After having completed an initial search, it is time to make some phone calls to gather specific details about each contractor that is being considered for the job. Ask all contractors that are being considered to provide answers in the following areas:
- Licensing
- Insurance
- Material Guarantees
- Workmanship Warranties
- Portfolio of Completed Work
- Length of Time in Business
Ask all contractors for a written estimate as well as a detailed description of any particular problems that they have discovered upon examination of the roof.
B = Be Attentive to Detail
The purpose of all of this research and all of these inquiries is to have many options from which to make a final selection. It is important to study the results that have been obtained and fully read all of the gathered facts. There is no piece of information that is too small or unimportant. Review all data that has been gathered and then narrow the list to maybe two or three top choices of contractors who appear to be best-suited to the necessary work to be done. Continue asking questions in order to complete this step, if necessary. Be sure the final three meet all pertinent so that a wise choice can be made.
C = Choose the Best Contractor
After completing the above step of narrowing down any list of potential roofing companies in Fair Lakes to the best two or three, it is time to make a decision. With all the above information, make an informed choice of the company that offers the best choice for the best price. Then call that contractor and establish a time when the roofing work can begins.
This process may be a lengthy one – but don’t let that make it a difficult one. Do that homework, ask those questions, pay attention to and study the gathered information, and then make a truly educated decision. Finding the best roofing contractor can be accomplished by anyone – it is as simple as a-b-c!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6287811
If you are looking for a professional Virginia roof replacement contractor, then please call us today at 540.349.4260 or complete our no obligation consultation form.
When was the last time you checked your roof? If you were like everyone else, you would not have gone up and do actual inspection and repair until such time that water starts dripping from your ceiling. Roofing work is expensive and the condition of the roof should always require a thorough examination of a roof inspector.
Frequent roof inspection is an effective means in maintaining your roof. Your house roof will only last so long that once it begins to leak, you might become a victim of flooding and other related problems. Since prevention is always better than cure, have your roof inspected at least twice per year and every after a major storm.
A comprehensive roof examination should be conducted by an experienced roof inspector or a licensed home inspector. A roof inspector walks on the roof and conducts visual examination of all its aspects, both interior and exterior. If you have a steep roof or covering made of fragile slate or cedar shakes, the inspector should still closely examine the condition of your roofing and avoid using binoculars from the ground.
Among the first to be examined by an assessor include the chimneys, gutters, dormers, pipe vents, and crickets. Roof surfacing material is also closely inspected. After the exterior is examined, a roofing inspection from inside the structure is also undertaken. The home inspector checks the condition of the sheathing, interior chimney surfaces, roof braces, fasteners, and support materials. Assessors also inspect roofs for brittleness and surface deterioration in the case of old roofs.
Aside from regular home-care maintenance, people employ roof inspectors when they are buying a house and want to check out if everything is in proper condition before pushing through with the deal. Roofs are checked to identify signs of deterioration, to find out if the roofing structure is functioning properly, and to spot if any repairs are necessary. It also easily addresses common roof problems like blistering due to trapped vapor, open laps around flashing because of poor adhesives, exposed nail heads, loose flashing, and dark patches (for shingles).
If you are buying or selling your house, you should consult a home inspector. For buyers, hiring a home inspector helps in bargaining with the seller regarding the price of the property, especially if there are major faults found on the said house. For the seller, assessing the condition of the house gives them a chance to have it repaired before putting the house on sale. In Virginia, inspectors offer comprehensive property inspection handled by experienced and licensed professionals.
For those who are on the business of rental property, before you actually buy units for rent, you may want to find a home and roof assessor and have the house checked professionally.
A home inspection can cost be costly and will take three to five hours for the entire process depending on the size of the house. Make sure to schedule your roof maintenance before water starts dripping from your ceiling.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4279881
June 1st is the start of hurricane season. The roof and openings like doors and windows are the main areas to look at when preparing your Aldie home for hurricane season. Let’s start at the top with the roof.
First, we will look at the obvious signs of an aging or damaged roof by type. There are four types of roofs common in Virgina: shingle, tile, flat and metal.
Since shingle roofs are the most common, let’s look at their warning signs. They have a life expectancy of about 15 years in the Virgina sun. As they age, they start to lose their granules and leave the shingle material exposed. From that point, they start to degrade quickly, the sun’s ultraviolet rays break down the material, and they become brittle and can crack and tear in a storm. Older shingles will sometimes start to curl; this is a significant problem during a hurricane because it allows the high winds to easily lift the shingle, which can lead to roof failure. Bumps, rusted nails, cracks or splits are other problems that need to be addressed before storm season. Make sure your Aldie shingle roof does not show any of these signs of aging or wear. Your professional Aldie roofing contractor can assist you with ensuring your roof is ready for the storm season so give them a call and see what they can do for you.
Tile roofs can be beautiful and strong, but if they are not properly installed, the strong winds can lift the tiles up and turn them into flying debris. In fact, one broken tile can cause a cascading effect in which a broken tile shatters other tiles that in turn can shatter even more tiles, damaging large areas of your roof and your neighbors’ homes too. Make sure that there are no broken, loose or missing tiles before storm season.
Flat roofs fail when wind pressure increases as it moves over the edge of the flat roof and causes uplift. Flat roofs need to be properly anchored and installed. The roof deck must be securely attached to the trusses and the trusses need to be tied down. Otherwise, wind may lift off entire sections of the home’s flat roof.
Metal roofs when properly installed, arguably offer the best hurricane protection. They typically last over 30 years. With a metal roof, you should look for signs of aging, like rust, loose screws, or flaking and faded paint. Try to take care of these problems before a storm is on the horizon.
Most of these signs can be easily seen safely from the ground by walking around the perimeter of your house so you don’t have to climb on the roof yourself. According to the National Safety Council, falls are the leading cause of death in and around the home. If you see any of the above listed signs of aging or damage, please consider contacting a reputable, state certified local Aldie roofing contractor who can verify for you that your roof is ready for hurricane season. In general, newer roofs that were properly installed and inspected under the High Wind Velocity building codes should hold up very well.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stuart_Clarke
If you are looking for a professional Virginia roofing company please call us today at 540.349.4260 or complete our no obligation consultation form.
When choosing the material for the roof on your Virginia home take the material’s lifespan into account because this dictates how long your roof will last before having to be replaced. And that has an impact on long term cost.
Roofing style, materials, and the climate in the area where the home is located are amongst the factor that affect the lifespan. Selecting roofing products with nearly the same lifespans will avoid piece by piece repairs over a ten to fifteen year period. In most cases, roofing materials last for about twenty years. That is if the roof has been maintained properly and there has been no significant weather damage. Some materials have a lifespan of as much as 50 years while some others last as little as 10 years. Here are some of the common roofing materials and their lifespans.
A properly maintained asphalt roof will last between 15 and 20 years. Because of the low cost and the ease of repairs, they are one of the most common types used throughout the nation.
The average lifespan of fiberglass roofing is from 15 to 20 years. Little maintenance is required and they come in many different styles and colors to match almost any desired look. Fiberglass roofs resist water and mold because they don’t have organic components.
Many homes in the northeastern portion of the nation use wooden shakes and shingles. These roofing materials will generally last for about 15 to 20 years, and can even last for as many as 30 years if they are well maintained.
With an average lifespan of 40 to 75 years, slate roofing materials are amongst the longest lasting roofing products.
Metal roofing can last nearly 50 years. They come in a wide variety of different colors, finishes, and styles to resemble other types of roofing materials such as tiles or wooden shingles. These products are nearly indestructible from weather and can be installed over the current roof.
A less well known option is rubber roofing. It’s easy to install, easy to maintain, and long lasting. It comes as a roll or as individual shingles. The very first rubber roof ever installed was in 1980. It’s still going strong after nearly 30 years.
You should contact your roofing contractor for more details.
Traditional roofing still has some appeal to the modern homeowners. Tile roofing, which is a European or Mediterranean style, for example, is becoming increasingly popular in North America. What modern roofing products do today is they copy traditional clay tiles in the timeless curved design. Flat tiles for instance, imitate the appearance of expensive slate roofing. Basically, tiles are made out of either kiln-baked glazed ceramic or cast in concrete and they are being offered in many color options. Overall, tile roofs offer a highly durable roofing solution with beautiful, estate-quality old world appeal.
Talking about the durability of tile roof shingles – high quality ceramic tile can stand in just about any climate condition or geographical location. This is because ceramic is thermally efficient and a good insulator thus, a tile made out of this material can definitely last for centuries if it is baked at a sufficiently high temperature. On the other hand, cast concrete, in any form, gets stronger as it gets older. Usually, they are offered with a lifetime warranty. Moreover, they are not prone to insect, rot, or sun damage, and because its heavy, it can resist wind damage unless extreme conditions exist. So, a roofing made of either of these two materials can be fire proof, durable and long lasting.
Tile roof shingles are made available in many colors and designs to choose from. Usually, concrete and clay tiles have more variations in appearance and profiles ranging from the traditional European -Mediterranean look to modern slate. If you decide on using tiles for your roofing, you’ll certainly get a high curb appearance to the overall look of your roof. Actually, ceramic tiles and concrete versions are much heavier than asphalt. They can weigh from 6 to 9 lbs. per square foot depending on the product.
So, to achieve a beautiful old world look of roofing with the convenience of a durable, one-time roofing installation, opt for ceramic tile or concrete roof shingles.
One of the most important aspects of the way your Virginia roof is designed and built is proper ventilation. You simply cannot over-estimate its importance. What happens when a roof doesn’t have proper ventilation? Improper ventilation allows formation of condensation, moisture accumulation, and damage to the roof deck and, eventually, to the stability of the roof. Improper roof ventilation can also affect the health of your family.
The industry standard for roof ventilation to provide 1 square foot of intake ventilation and 1 square foot of exhaust or outflow ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic space, provided the area is insulated with a vapor barrier. If the area is insulated without a vapor barrier, the requirement doubles.
Proper ventilation of the roof and attic of a home achieves several important functions:
- It makes the attic space cooler
- It makes the home more energy efficient
- It prevents condensation and accumulation of moisture on the inside of the roof deck, and prevents rotting of the roof deck
- It reduces the risk of fire
Several types of vents can be used to properly ventilate the roof of your home. Roof ridge vents are placed along the ridge line of the roof. Ridge vents are used for exhaust or outflow of moisture, heat, and stale air. Soffit vents and Eaves are placed at the lower extremes of the roof and provide the intake ventilation. If you live in an older home, your roof might not be constructed for roof ridge or soffit vents. Older homes were not built with the tight seals of today’s houses. There were cracks and openings around windows and doors, chimneys and other openings. These cracks and openings allowed fresh air to flow into the house. On the principle that hot air rises, the accumulated heat and moisture would rise to the attic and out the roof vents.
Without adequate ventilation, moisture rises with the hot air and forms condensation on the inside of the roof deck. This moisture is released into the air inside the house from bathing, cooking, plants, laundry and other causes. When the condensation forms on the roof deck, it begins to rot the wood. This introduces mold spores into the air, as well as damaging the wood. The result, if the problem is not noticed and repaired, can be destruction of all or part of the roof deck and creation of unhealthy air inside the house.
In our increasingly airtight homes, the importance of proper ventilation in roof construction cannot be over-emphasized. It is important to take the time and do the research to understand the ventilation needs for your home in your region and how best to meet those needs.
Damages to a roof can have many causes. Some of the causes of roof damage are connected to the type of roof you have. Whether you are trying to protect and extend the life of an existing roof or you want to protect a new roof, here are some of the main causes of roof damage.
1. Poor Maintenance. It is important to regularly inspect your roof for small problems and damages and immediately make repairs. This is especially true if your roof has little or no slope. Regular inspection and maintenance will prevent small minor damage from becoming a major problem or leak.
2. Wind Damage. Over time any wind can loosen nails in roofing materials. When this happens, a moderate wind can damage the roof. Strong winds and flying debris can also damage a roof, often removing some or all of the roofing material. The best way to avoid this potential damage is to check the roofing and the insulation regularly to be sure it is securely attached to the roof deck. You should also have a secure perimeter fastener.
3. Other Weather Damage. Most roofing materials can be damaged over time by exposure to various weather conditions. If you live in an area likely to see large snow accumulations, you need to be sure the roof is adequately supported against the weight of the snow and properly sloped so the snow will not stay on the roof any longer than necessary. If you live in an area prone to hailstorms, you should know that hail can cause serious roof damage, and you should carefully inspect your roof after every hailstorm. The sun, pollutants in the air and other chemicals in the air or in the rain can also damage roofing materials. Inspection and repair of minor damages can prevent big trouble.
4. Problems with Flashing. Because the purpose of flashing is to create a water-tight boundary between roof sections, between roofing materials and other parts of the house and between roofing materials and roof projections, problems with flashing often cause leaks. These leaks can damage the field of the roof as well as the interior of the house. Flashing problems usually happen because of either design or installation errors. Some flashing problems can also result from wind damage. Regular inspection of all types of flashing in all parts of the roof can catch problems early and correct them before there are major leaks.
Each of these major causes of roof damage can be minimized by regular and careful inspection for early and minor problems. Immediate attention to any flaws or damages with competent repairs can help you avoid major damage to your roof and prevent the need for early and costly roof replacement.
Replacing your roof is an essential part of maintaining your home. A damaged or improperly maintained roof can cause thousands and dollars in damage to other parts of the home. Repairs only go so far, and eventually it will be time to replace your roof entirely. Replacing your roof can seem like a daunting task for the first time homeowner. Choosing between hundreds of professional roofing contractors can be confusing. Thankfully, the project of getting a new roof is not too complicated, and it helps to know what to expect.
The first step in any roof replacement project is obtaining estimates and choosing a contractor. It’s a good idea to research several companies. Make sure they have good reputations and are licensed in your state. Be sure to obtain estimates from several contractors before signing a contract, as roofing estimates can have a wide range. There are many factors that can influence the cost of a roof replacement. It’s good to know a little about them before you get too involved.
The size and slope of the roof, the materials being used, and the region of the country can all affect the final cost of the project. A roof that is particularly steep and slippery will cost more to replace than a roof that is more easily accessible. The height of the roof matters as well. Roofs on two-story homes are more expensive to replace than roofs on ramblers or ranchers. This is simply because it’s easier for the workers to access a roof that is closer to the ground. Also, like almost anything, prices vary depending on where you live. Roof replacements cost more in places where the general cost of living is higher. The frequency of roof replacements differs depending on the region of the county as well. Roofs in the Midwest generally need to be replaced more often than roofs in other parts of the country due to extreme weather. Likewise, homeowners in Southern California replace their roofs less often since the weather is usually mild year-round.
There are several different types of roofs you can have installed. The materials can range in price anywhere from $1 to $40 or more per square foot. The most common roofing material is asphalt shingles. These are relatively inexpensive and are usually guaranteed to last anywhere between 20 and 30 years. They come in may different colors to compliment the exterior of your home. Another form of roofing is wood shake, which usually costs $6 to $9 a square foot. These roofs are usually made of cedar and can last 12 to 25 years, but they require almost constant maintenance. Metal roofing such as copper or aluminum can cost $15-$20 a square foot. Tile roofs, such as terra cotta, are generally used in southwestern architecture and cost $6 to $9 a square foot. (Tiles are not recommended in areas with frequent rainfall, as they have a tendency to leak.) A slate roof is the most durable, though it is also the most expensive, and can cost up to $40 a square foot ($120,000 to replace a 3,000 square foot roof). Slate is generally used on upscale homes and can last up to 200 years or more depending on the quality.
Along with being inexpensive, asphalt shingles require little maintenance, making them the most popular roofing choice for American homeowners. While asphalt shingle roofs are often designed to last 25 or 30 years, the actual life span of your roof can vary depending on where you live. High speed winds, hurricanes, heavy storms, blizzards, and dramatic temperature fluctuations decrease the longevity of your roof. Estimates for replacing an asphalt shingled roof can range from $1,500 to $9,000 depending on the size of the roof as well as location.
The cost of a roof replacement project varies depending on where you live. A roof replacement costs less in the Midwest than it does in the Northeast. In places where the general cost of living is higher, roof replacements will cost more as well. If you live in the Midwest, you will need to replace your roof more often. High speed winds, tornadoes, blizzards, and ice storms will all wreck havoc on your roof. Temperature fluctuations can also damage roofs. In the desert the temperature can be over 100 degrees during the day and drop to 50 or 40 degrees at night. 20-year asphalt shingles in Arizona and New Mexico last on average only 15 years, due to sustained damage from temperature fluctuations. Homeowners in regions with mild weather can get away with more moderate roof repairs, putting off full replacements for longer periods of time.
Roof replacement estimates may vary depending on all of these factors (location, materials, etc.). The final cost once the work is completed may be higher than the initial estimate, as your roof may have some unforeseen damage that will add to the final cost . Underneath the shingles, your roof could be rotted or have water damage. Replacing the roof support system can add thousands of dollars to the bill, depending on the extent of the damage. This is a good incentive to keep your roof properly maintained and have it replaced on time.
When you’re choosing your roofing contractor, ask for references. You’ll definitely want to see examples of their work on local homes. When giving an estimate, a contractor will come to your house to inspect your roof. He’ll come up with a number that factors in the cost of materials and labor, including the cost of stripping and throwing away the old shingles. The estimate should include the cost of removal and disposal of the old roofing material. If not, ask about this to avoid surprises. There is a chance that there will be some unforeseen costs in the project, so it is good to avoid as many of these as possible. After the visit, they will send you a written contract. A contract from a roofing company should include a description of what is to be done, as well as when it is to be done and a schedule for payment. Having it all in writing can protect the homeowner later on. Be sure to shop around before settling on a specific contractor, as prices can vary considerably.
Once you’ve chosen your roofing materials and your contractor, it’s time to set a date for the project. The actual work of replacing the roof can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the roof. You should plan to have someone at home while the work is being done. If they have any questions or discover any additional problems with your roof, it helps that you are home to discuss things with them.
Before the workers arrive, it’s good to remove any items that may get in the way of their ladders. Climbing on roofs can be dangerous, even for professionals, so it’s best to stay out of their way. First, the roofers rip out all the old roofing shingles and replace any rotted or damaged wood in the roof. Next they lay a base, and then they lay the shingles. Roof work is noisy. Expect to hear a lot of hammering as well as people running around all over your roof. It’s not really an invasive home repair. You won’t have workmen coming inside your house. As long as you don’t mind the noise, it’s not much of a hassle.
When the old shingles have been stripped, any un-shingled portions of the roof should be covered with a tarp overnight to protect your home in case of rain or overnight storms.
Once your new roof is completed, make sure the workers have cleaned up all the debris that has fallen. When a roof is replaced, the workers usually toss the pieces of the old roof onto the ground or into a dump truck as they’re working. Once the bulk of the old material is disposed of, responsible companies will clean up after themselves to ensure customer satisfaction. They usually have a magnetic broom that picks up all the nails and other materials that can be hazardous as well as unsightly. You may find a shingle or two in your yard afterwards, which is perfectly normal.
When you have roof work done, you should never pay anything up front. You always pay after the job is completed. This is standard procedure. All reputable roofing companies operate this way.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Gallerizzo
One of the most important aspects of the way your Virginia roof is designed and built is proper ventilation. You simply cannot over-estimate its importance. What happens when a roof doesn’t have proper ventilation? Improper ventilation allows formation of condensation, moisture accumulation, and damage to the roof deck and, eventually, to the stability of the roof. Improper roof ventilation can also affect the health of your family.
The industry standard for roof ventilation to provide 1 square foot of intake ventilation and 1 square foot of exhaust or outflow ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic space, provided the area is insulated with a vapor barrier. If the area is insulated without a vapor barrier, the requirement doubles.
Proper ventilation of the roof and attic of a home achieves several important functions:
- It makes the attic space cooler
- It makes the home more energy efficient
- It prevents condensation and accumulation of moisture on the inside of the roof deck, and prevents rotting of the roof deck
- It reduces the risk of fire
Several types of vents can be used to properly ventilate the roof of your home. Roof ridge vents are placed along the ridge line of the roof. Ridge vents are used for exhaust or outflow of moisture, heat, and stale air. Soffit vents and Eaves are placed at the lower extremes of the roof and provide the intake ventilation. If you live in an older home, your roof might not be constructed for roof ridge or soffit vents. Older homes were not built with the tight seals of today’s houses. There were cracks and openings around windows and doors, chimneys and other openings. These cracks and openings allowed fresh air to flow into the house. On the principle that hot air rises, the accumulated heat and moisture would rise to the attic and out the roof vents.
Without adequate ventilation, moisture rises with the hot air and forms condensation on the inside of the roof deck. This moisture is released into the air inside the house from bathing, cooking, plants, laundry and other causes. When the condensation forms on the roof deck, it begins to rot the wood. This introduces mold spores into the air, as well as damaging the wood. The result, if the problem is not noticed and repaired, can be destruction of all or part of the roof deck and creation of unhealthy air inside the house.
In our increasingly airtight homes, the importance of proper ventilation in roof construction cannot be over-emphasized. It is important to take the time and do the research to understand the ventilation needs for your home in your region and how best to meet those needs.