The Edge of Asphalt Shingles – Virginia Roofing
Virginia Asphalt shingles are a variety of roof shingles. They have become popularly used nowadays because they are inexpensive, economical, lighter and easier to install compared to tiles, and has good insulation qualities compared to galvanized iron sheets. Moreover, in terms of aesthetics, they give the house a textured, classic and elegant look.
Asphalt became widely used as a roofing material in the 1890s when a chemist experimented and developed paper infused with asphalt for roofing purposes. Felt is soaked in asphalt. Pellet-like minerals are then embedded into the asphalt’s surface while still hot and soft. Shingles are used and attached to a deck which may either be plywood, fiber cement board, hardiflex or even galvanized iron sheet.
There are two types of Virginia asphalt shingles – organic and glass fiber. Organic shingles are generally made of waste paper soaked in asphalt, coated with adhesive asphalt and embedded with ceramic grains. Fiberglass shingles, on the other hand, have a base composed of glass fiber mat made from fiberglass mixed with resin. They are made waterproof by a layer of asphalt. A variety of fiberglass asphalt shingle has been introduced and is now known as the laminated shingle, which, as the name suggests, uses two layers laminated with sealant. It is much more costly yet also more durable.
These shingles are not only exceptional in terms of energy savings and aesthetics; they are also highly durable, lasting up to fifty years or more especially in geographic locations with cooler climates while wood shakes last for only about five to fifteen years. Compared to other roofing materials, asphalt shingles require low long term and maintenance costs. Wood shakes and clay or slate tiles require high maintenance costs due to decay and water infiltration problems, respectively. Metal roofing, is, well, naturally prone to rusting and thus, also needs additional expenses on paint coats. In addition, they also tend to be noisier than other materials during rainy seasons. In case of installation errors, asphalt is also less expensive to replace, unlike metal roofing materials.
Virginia Asphalt shingles are undeniably one of the most popularly used roofing materials not only in the US and Canada, but also around the world. They provide convenience through ease of use. They are also simpler to install and can be done even by homeowners themselves. They are the ideal roofing material and perfect replacements for the usual slate, wood roofing and terracotta simply because they are both reasonably priced and versatile.
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.
What is the Best Roofing Material For My Virginia Home?
Your choice of Virginia roofing material will affect both the external appearance of your home and the comfort of your family inside the home. Roofing materials are important in energy conservation, comfort, and the appearance of your home. Your choice of material for a re-roofing project or for a new roof on a home addition should take into account several factors.
The first consideration must be the architectural style of your home. The pitch or angle of the roof might suggest a particular type of Virginia roofing material. The style of your home will also suggest some materials and argue against others. For example, cedar shakes would look out of place on a southern colonial home.
The most commonly used roof material is asphalt shingle. Asphalt shingles can work on the roof of many home styles. They are often chosen because they are less expensive and they are considered the most cost-effective option.
Cedar Shakes are a good option if you are trying to create a “rustic” look. Like asphalt shingles, cedar shakes can be expected to last up to 30 years. They are made from wood blocks and usually are not of uniform size or thickness. They can be stained or painted to change their appearance.
Concrete tile roofing has become increasingly popular in recent years. The concrete tiles can look like slate, shake or terra cotta tiles. The concrete is much more durable and can be effectively used to create a well-ventilated roofing system that will help to prevent loss of interior conditioned air.
Several types of metal Virginia roofing materials are also available. Metal costs more than asphalt shingles or cedar shakes, but will last a lifetime with relatively little maintenance. They will also reduce air conditioning costs if properly insulated and installed. Tin is still used in many areas of the country. Copper offers a wonderful antique appearance, but probably is unaffordable for most people today.
A number of new metal roofing materials are now available that will last a lifetime, provide the insulating value of a metal roof, but look like other materials. These roofing materials are shaped into panels, baked to various colors, and backed with insulating fiberglass or foam in some cases. Some of these materials are made from recycled materials, making them more environmentally friendly. Painted aluminum and steel roofing are often made from recycled drink cans.
To choose the right Virginia roofing material for your home, first consider the architectural style and the type of roofing “look” that is right for the house. Then evaluate the natural materials and the metal simulations. You should be able to find a roofing material that matches the style of your home, fits your budget and provides better insulation for your home. This will make the home more attractive, more comfortable and more energy-efficient.
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.
Virgina Color Matters: Choosing The Right Roof Shingle Colors For Your House
Little did I know when I arranged to get a new roof that I quickly be faced with the decision about what color roof I wanted. Who knew that roof shingles came in so many colors? Not me — all roofs looked alike as far as I was concerned. But it turns out that choosing the best roof shingle colors for your house is critical.
There are many variations in roof shingle colors. If you’re a bit color blind, as I am, shingle color variations really don’t stand out. In fact, shingles come in several different color families with various shades and mixtures of colors and tones. When you look at a shingle up close you’ll see that the grains that make up the asphalt covering are often several different colors. You can actually use those color combinations when choosing a paint scheme for your home — selecting the paint for the body, trim, and doors from the shades on your roofing shingles.
The roof is a dominant feature on your house. Most roofs can be seen from the street and from your neighbor’s homes. Since you’re going to be living with your choice for some twenty years or more it’s important to put some thought into the selection.
The appropriate color for your roof shingles depends in large part on the color of the body of your house. So if you’re planning to also paint your house you’re going to need to make that color choice in advance in order to choose the appropriate shade for your roof. You want to consider both the color of the home’s siding and the color of the trim on the house.
Here are some color combinations that work well. If your house is:
Yellow — black shingles will look sharp
Red — consider brown tones
Green — a brown or gray roof works well
White — looks best with dark gray or black
Blue — dark gray or black shingles
Tan or cream — shades of brown work best
Natural wood — green is a good choice
Daring or offbeat choices are not wise when you’re re-roofing. It’s too big an investment and too long-lived a house feature to opt for the trendy or highly personalized choice. Your goal should be to harmonize with the neighboring properties rather than call attention to your home with an unusual choice. Look around your neighborhood to see what colors have been used. If you see a color that you like point it out to your roofer. He’ll be able to suggest colors that are popular in your area.
Best roof color choices are also impacted by the climate and weather in your area. Light colors will reflect sun and lessen heat build up, important in areas where high temperatures are the norm. In some areas white or very light shingles are popular choices to deflect heat. In colder climates a darker color will absorb heat and ensure that snow on the rooftop is quicker to melt.
Don’t be afraid to get some help when selecting your roof color. Some shingle manufacturers’ websites have online tools that show you how different color combos will look. You might consider enlisting a color specialist to advise you. It’s a small investment before this major purchase. Your neighbors might be able to help — pull over and ask if you pass a house with a striking roof and siding combo. And remember, your roofer does this for a living — he’s probably your best source for advice on what colors his clients have been most pleased with in the long run.
The Costs of Metal Roofing in Warrenton is Worth It
When it comes to Warrenton home renovation projects, nothing quite equals the enormity of replacing the roof on your home. There are materials to compare, prices to collect, and most often contractors to hire. As far as materials go – and which products offer the most bang for the buck – metal roofing often rises to the challenge. While the cost of metal roofing may be initially high, it eventually pays for itself in durability and a long life span.
Metal roofing differs from traditional roofing material in a number of ways. Metal is a durable material that is both fire and water resistant. Further, metal roofing can hold up to climatic changes as well as stressors it encounters under severe weather. For those who choose to install such material, the cost of metal roofing is a small price to pay for the piece of mind that comes with such durability.
Additionally, while the cost of metal roofing may be high upon installation, the roof itself can easily last in excess of fifty years. While traditional roofs often have to be replaced in twenty-five years, the metal roof can easily give you double the life span for a little more of an investment in the beginning. Also, unlike traditional roofing materials, metal roofing retains its color and authenticity in the face of weather conditions and sun exposure.
Like other roofing material, metal roofing is offered to customers in a variety of styles and colors. Of course, the final cost of metal roofing will depend on the amount of roofing material that you need to purchase for the specific size of your home. Installation is part of the cost of metal roofing. And while many homeowners will attempt to install the metal roofing themselves because of the ease of handling the metal sheets, installation is most often best left to a professional roofer. You will pay no more for installation of metal roofing then you would for any other roofing installation.
Work with reputable roofing companies that are experienced in handling and installing metal roofing. It’s always a good idea to find those homeowners that have used particular roofing companies in the past and have had good experiences with them. In this way, you can get a first-hand account of the company’s reputation, as well as check out the work they did on another home.
In the end, the cost of metal roofing – while clearly a little more than you would pay upfront for traditional roofing material – is well worth its price; giving you more than double the lifespan than you would normally receive from traditional roofs.
What Is the Right Roofing Material for My Home?
Your choice of roofing material will affect both the external appearance of your home and the comfort of your family inside the home. Virginia Roofing materials are important in energy conservation, comfort, and the appearance of your home. Your choice of material for a re-roofing project or for a new roof on a home addition should consider several factors.
The first consideration must be the architectural style of your home. The pitch or angle of the roof might suggest a particular type of roofing material. The style of your Virginia home will also suggest some materials and argue against others. For example, cedar shakes would look out of place on a southern colonial home.
The most commonly used roof material is asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles can work on the roof of many home styles. They are often chosen because they are less expensive and they are considered the most cost-effective option.
Cedar Shakes are a good option if you are trying to create a “rustic” look. Like asphalt shingles, cedar shakes can be expected to last up to 30 years. They are made from wood blocks and usually are not of uniform size or thickness. They are usually pressure-treated to make them fire resistant. They can be stained or painted to change their appearance.
Concrete tile roofing has become increasingly popular in recent years. The concrete tiles can look like slate, shake or terra cotta tiles. The concrete is much more durable and can be effectively used to create a well-ventilated roofing system that will help to prevent loss of interior conditioned air.
Several types of metal roofing materials are also available. Metal costs more than asphalt shingles or cedar shakes, but will last a lifetime with relatively little maintenance. They will also reduce air conditioning costs if properly insulated and installed. Tin is still used in many areas of the country. Copper offers a wonderful antique appearance, but probably is unaffordable for most people today.
A number of new metal roofing materials are now available that will last a lifetime, provide the insulating value of a metal roof, but look like other materials. These roofing materials are shaped into panels, baked to various colors, and backed with insulating fiberglass or foam in some cases. Some of these materials are made from recycled materials, making them more environmentally friendly. Painted aluminum and steel roofing are often made from recycled drink cans.
To choose the right roofing material for your Virginia home, first consider the architectural style and the type of roofing “look” that is right for the house. Then evaluate the natural materials and the metal simulations. You should be able to find a roofing material that matches the style of your home, fits your budget and provides better insulation for your home. This will make the home more attractive, more comfortable and more energy-efficient.