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.

Hiring a Roofer in Virginia

There are about as many Virginia roofing contractors to choose from as there are doctors, and I suggest you take the same care in choosing your roofing contractor as you would your doctor. While it’s clear that you are going to want a roofing contractor that employees capable installers, and it’s clear you will need to evaluate each proposal you receive and decide on the best price/value relationship for you. How then can you decide which roofing contractors are truly the professional roofing contractors you should do business with. Interview them. Whether you are talking to a salesperson or the owner themselves they should show pride and enthusiasm in discussing other jobs. If they do not it may indicate his amount of involvement in the actual work.

When meeting with each roofing contractor use the following seven questions to guide you through their interview.

1. What is the full name and address of the company?

Having a company that is nearby increases the likelihood of better and fast service. If you are provided a PO Box ask for a street address also.

2. Does the company carry insurance?
Workers compensation and liability insurance to be specific. If a worker is hurt and the roofing contractor does not have insurance the home owner is liable. Ask to have current certificates sent to you. Do not accept the roofing contractor at their word. They may carry health, life, and auto insurance. Bland assurances of insurance coverage may refer to these.

3. Is the company a licensed or credentialed Virginia roofing contractor?
Many state and local governments require roofing contractors to be licensed or credentialed. Contact your city and county clerk’s office and find out if there are any requirements for roofing contractors in your area. Even if there is not still ask your contractor. The truly professional roofing contractors will most likely have proof of license or credential from other entities. Like a manufactures’ installation training certificate.

4. How long has the company been in business?
Longer is usually better. More than three years, but everybody had to start somewhere. A new business should not be disqualified from your decision making process, but if everything else is equal. Longer is usually better.

5. Will the company provide referrals or references from previous jobs?
Ask for a list of ten names and phone numbers of recent customers, within the last twelve months. It is not necessary to call all ten, but choose two or three randomly and call. Ask the referrals at minimum four questions. First, did he perform his work on a timely basis? Second, was he responsive when asked for information and changes? Third, did he act as if he cared about the customers interests? Finally, would you call the roofing contractor trustworthy?

6. What is the company’s workmanship warranty?
Some warranties are for one year, some are longer. The length of a roofing contractors warranty is not really as important as customer referrals. Most workmanship errors will be found within the first year, probably the first good storm. The reason this question is important and most Virginia roofing contractors will warranty the workmanship, and the manufacture will warranty the product as long as it is installed correctly. Make sure you understand both warranties and ask for a copy of each.

7. What is the company’s track record for solving customer complaints?
Try to find out how your roofing contractor handles problems when they do arise. Request a referral from a job that involved a complaint. Ask the contractor if he has ever lost a job-related court case. Ask if his contractor’s license has ever been suspended and why. Also, in talking to the appropriate authorities, such as the Better Business Bureau and licensing departments, find out if any complaints have been filed against the contractors whom you have interviewed. Many contractors in business for any length of time have been involved in a dispute. Ask how the dispute was resolved, to test your Virginia roofing contractor‘s reputation.

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.

Basics of Virginia Roof Inspection

The Benefits of Tile Roofing in Virginia

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.

What Happens When a Virginia Roof Doesn’t Have Proper Ventilation?

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.