Monday 30 September 2013

Roofing Tiles versus Metal Roofing



If you are considering roof installation you may be faced with the decision of choosing the type of roofing material best suited to your home. Contemporary roofing materials are available in a range of materials and metal and tile are among the choices for homeowners who are looking at cost effective solutions for their roofing. Roofing materials have improved over the years and are highly effective in withstanding weather conditions. 




Concrete Roofing Tiles
This type of roofing material is popularly used in certain geographical areas of the country and can be recognized for its distinctive style. There are many reasons why roofing tiles are chosen over its metal counterpart.
  • Contemporary tiles are available in a range of colors including vivid and earth tones and can blend well with your home style. The colors endure because of certain treatments during the manufacturing process and are available in many combinations and patterns.
  • The material will not warp, rust, or corrode and are fire resistant.
  • The tiles can last up to 2 decades with regular upkeep and are available with warranties.
  • Ideal for cool and moderate climates
  • Provides excellent insulation and energy efficiency by keeping homes warm in winter and cool in summer.
  • Can be accessorized with attic vents, and other roofing paraphernalia.
  • Contemporary tile roofing is available in lightweight versions which can be installed in layers with concealed fasteners for a streamlined and aesthetic appearance.
  • Like all roofing maintenance is required but mainly only for gutters, flashing, vents.
  • Resistant to insects boring and wind suction.
  • Better noise reduction ability than metal roofing.

The few drawbacks about this type of roofing tiles are that you may have to use roof pads to walk on the material to prevent damage and though the initial cost may be slightly expensive but the lifespan is more than other materials.

Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is chosen by some homeowners due to many reasons. Many homeowners consider this material superior to roofing tiles of different composition materials as more durable for home protection when compared to other roofing materials. Metal roofing is available in tin, galvanized and coated steel, and aluminum among the choices. This strong roofing material has improved and evolved over the years and is now available in lightweight materials of many shapes, sizes, and patterns. These types of roofing materials are low maintenance and resistant to weather conditions, such as hail and wind.

Metal roofs are fire resistant and can cover larger areas using minimum framing. It is ideal for residences and has the ability to reflect heat away and saving energy costs. If you choose metal roofing it can match your home building style. It will require underlayment and expertise to install so it is advisable to use the services of professional roofers with excellent track record of installing metal roofs. Metal roofing offers security and can be installed over previously tiled roofs.


Drawbacks of metal roofing include noise levels during rain or hail and the initial cost though the comparative cost differences of roofing materials are decreasing. Metal roofing is increasingly being used for roofing in many areas across the country, due to the newly improved corrosion resistant capabilities, beauty, and performance. 


Finally, it is up to you as an individual homeowner to make the choice between the different roofing materials based on personal consideration. You could consult roofing companies that have many years of business experience before you select your roofing material to get the best return on your investment.
 



Thursday 12 September 2013

How to Make Sure Your Roof Has Enough Ventilation



Your roof covers your home and roof ventilation is vital to ensuring comfort in all weather conditions and has the power to reduce energy consumption bills. Roof ventilation cannot be ignored as it has the potential to damage your home and eat into your finances. It is good to be well informed about how to make sure your roof has enough ventilation so that you can take steps to improve ventilation and mend any flaws without delays.

Roof ventilation has to be done correctly according to the requirements so that there is no damage to your property due to poor ventilation as well as huge increases in energy consumption due to overheating,  or too much of cold or wetness seeping through. It is good to get an assessment done by professional roofers to determine ventilation requirements that will prove worth to your property in the long run.


Warning Signs
There are many indications to make you aware that your roof ventilation is not working and inefficient. It is advisable to take concrete steps to improve your roof ventilation when these warning signs appear and not delay due to the greater hazards and expenses that can result.

  • Roofing system damages: When the roofing shingles show signs of wear and tear or damage.
  • Attic problems: Your attic leaks after rains or snowfall.
  • Peeling paint: External and internal paint shows blistering and peeling.
  • Mold and mildew: Humidity can cause mold and mildew to form and ruin stored items in the attic and also create health related problems to residents
  • Ice dams: Water that should run off the roof freezes and forms ice dams and seep into the underlay when it melts and cause leaks
  • Excessive heating and cooling bills: As a result of poor ventilation your energy consumption increases due to excessive heat or cold temperatures in the home
  • Dry rot and frost can form on roofs, due to humidity inside and extreme cold outside
  • Rust: Metal fittings will rust due to moisture and this can affect HVAC ducts, plumbing fixtures and so on.
  • Cooling and heating systems get damaged and need repairs and servicing more often.
Attic Ventilation
The attic is an important part of the ventilation system of your roof. A well vented attic can be a powerful solution to ventilation problems. If the weather is very cold proper ventilation can maintain temperatures correctly and prevent ice dams and resultant leakages from the roof. If the climate is very warm the right amount of ventilation can prevent humidity and condensation and reduce cooling costs, by expelling hot air. It is also a good plan to ensure strong insulation barriers in the attic which is not compressed when you use this space for storage of unused belongings.Check for Champion Windows Reviews before going for the same.

If your attic is used as a living space such as a bedroom it is advisable to have vents on the roof deck at regular intervals for an ideal ventilation plan that works efficiently for the home. Roof ventilation is calculated by a certain ratio to ensure its performance and this takes into account R values, airspace in the vent chute and insulation among other factors. Providing the right insulation on the roof vents and attic is also among the aspects that benefit proper ventilation for homes.

Vents
Roof ventilation requires accurate calculations and materials that suit individual home requirements based on climatic conditions and area measurements. There are many types of vents and ventilation systems available which include whole house fans, power vents, static vents, soffit, cornice, starter, and ridge vents among others. Basically these vents are intake and outtake vents which are of many shapes and sizes. 



Ideal ventilation for your roof maintains the right temperature in your home during all weather and does not age or damage your roof prematurely. Professional roofing manufacturing and installation companies can provide ventilation solutions with warranties and advice based on your home’s requirements.