Close Look at Top 5 Roofing Materials – Pros and Cons

by

12 December 2016

Home Improvement

Roofing- Pros and Cons

There’s no dearth of options for those mulling a new roof installation. Choosing the correct roof for your home is imperative to ensure that you get full functionality and lifespan. The final decision should be taken after considering different factors such as the owner’s location, the roof’s weight, and the cost, warranty, and lifetime of the product. This blog post discusses, five popular roofing options for homeowners taking time to look at their advantages and shortcomings:

1. Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are unarguably the most common roofing option for homeowners in US, all thanks to their affordable nature and ease of installation. Moreover, many roofers also follow the practice of reinforcing shingles with organic materials or fiberglass, which has a positive impact on their durability and moisture resistance.

Pros

Asphalt shingles come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. They are easily available and the most economical roofing option available on the market.

Cons

Asphalt has a short lifespan when compared to other materials, and also incapable of providing proper insulation.

Best suited house styles: Traditional sub-urban houses

Cost: The cost of installing asphalt shingles can be anywhere between $70 to $120/sq.ft. and they can last for 20-25 years with proper maintenance.

2. Clay and concrete tiles

The use of clay adds to the roof’s texture and elegance, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Clay and concrete tiles are heavy roofing materials and should be installed by professionals to avoid accidents and damage to property.

Pros

Clay and concrete tiles are highly durable and fire-resistant. They are also known for their energy efficiency. Installing a concrete roof can, therefore, help you lower energy costs.

Cons

Both clay and concrete are heavier than other roofing materials and usually require additional framing to function smoothly. The materials are also expensive and you may have to shell out a considerable amount of money to install clay/concrete tiles.

 Best suited house styles: Mediterranean, Southwestern, and Spanish-style homes.

Cost: Prices fluctuate in the range of $300-$500/sq.ft. Concrete tiles have a lifespan of 40-50 years provided you follow maintenance schedules without fail.

3. Metal roof

Metal roofs are available in two types, panels, and shingles. Some of the common metals used by roofers who specialize in metal roofing are aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and zinc. If you’re considering a metal roof, it is advisable that you first consult your provider on the type of metal you should use after considering all the important factors.

Read also: Avoid these 4 Mistakes during Multi Family Housing Renovation

Pros

Metal roofs are highly resistant to temperature fluctuations and also offer better protection against solar radiation. They are also long-lasting and recyclable.

Cons

Installing a metal roof can be a costly decision and you may have to shell out anywhere between $100-$800/sq.ft. to install a metal roof.

Best suited house styles: bungalows, cabins, and contemporary and cottage-style homes.

Effective life: With proper maintenance, metal roofs can last anywhere between 40-75 years.

4. Slate

Opting for a slate roof is a prudent decision if you need to avail a variety of designing options. Slate roofing comes in different colors like black, green, grey, red, and purple. It lends a touch of style and elegance to your roofing.

Pros

Slate roofs are durable and equipped with fire-resistance properties. You can also recycle slate to reduce costs and save the environment.

Cons

Apart from being expensive, slate is also heavy, making any plans for a DIY approach strongly inadvisable. Moreover, the quality of the materials can vary if you plan to use imported slate.

Cost: $600/sq.ft. And above. The effective life of slate roofs can extend up to 100 years and more.

5. Wood shingles and shake

Wood shingles are handmade and available in attractive shades of gray. When opting for wood roofing make sure the material is class a certified and includes shingles with a fire-resistant coating.

Pros

The use of wood shingles lends a rough yet artistic look to your roof. The shingles are made from natural materials like cedar, and redwood and are environment-friendly.

Cons

There are high chances of the roof sustaining significant damage when exposed to moisture, high temperatures, and rainfall. Moreover, fire codes in some states may prohibit the use of these materials.

Best suited house styles: Cape Cod, cottage, Craftsman and Tudor-style homes.

Cost: $100-$150/ sq.ft. You can expect the roofing to last around 25-30 years.

The blog discusses five popular roofing choices available to homeowners. You should, however, not limit yourself to these choices. Consider exploring other options before making a final decision. Consult your contractor and ask them to share their thoughts on your choice. You must also factor-in the maintenance costs and schedules associated with each option before you.

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Aircon Chemical Wash

Aircon Chemical Wash Services by LK Brothers

When you continue to use Air conditioning for a long time, they may exhibit the foul smell of breakage in the internal parts, which leads to dust, and germs. This might reduce air quality and can increase the probability of allergies. But how to repair this effectively? Chemical washes are a better way to do so. But there’s a misconception that chemicals can damage the air condition easily. That’s not always true, and if you can find a good company, they take care of your things as their own and work mindfully. If you’re in search of a reliable company, LK Brothers provided aircon chemical wash service in Singapore for over 10 years and still does. Read through for more details on what they exactly do: How to Identify if the Aircon requires a chemical wash? Most of us don’t understand if our Aircon at home or office requires a repair and in what conditions it needs a chemical wash. If you observe any leakage or a bad odor, you need to call for service. These conditions refer to internal damage, which can lead to reduced performance and failure of working eventually if ignored. How often does your Aircon require a chemical Wash? If you see any of the above cases, you’ll have to get a chemical wash done as soon as possible or before it messes up more. Otherwise, an annual chemical wash would be sufficient. This yearly maintenance can remove any unseen faults in the aircon and improves the performance rapidly, helping the aircon work longer than usual. What exactly is a chemical wash? Chemical washing might sound different and hazardous, but this is more beneficial than regular washing. The process is similar to frequent washing, but this involves deep cleaning with some suitable chemicals. Any random chemicals are not ideal for aircon, and only a professional can understand which type of chemical is perfect for your Air conditioning. Uses of Chemical Wash: Internal and deep cleansing can eliminate the bacteria, and gems are hidden in the closed aircon and enable pure air. The cleaning of filters makes the airflow easier and better. The usage of Air conditioners is different in each season. In summers, the air conditioning process might get complicated with the over usage, and wherein winters because of less or no usage. In these cases, the chemical wash would help keep the machine running well. If you maintain well, anything lasts longer. So do Air conditioners. Regular maintenance can keep the performance going or improve performance. This also reduces the chances of hardware failure. A piece of well-maintained machinery always seeks less electricity than the faulty one. Reduces the rust of the internal parts. Water or air coolant leakage, Bad smell reduces, and eventually, performance improves. After all this information, you must be wondering why you need to choose LK Brothers for Aircon Chemical Wash and what makes them unique. Well, read the points below and understand what makes them best: First things first, LK Brothers have been in this industry for 10 years and have more than enough experience to identify the problem and provide the best solution for that. In their firm, as well as the workers, everyone holds the required licenses to pursue their work. LK Brother’s work is commended by their thousands of customers, and they became the single point of contact for any of their Aircon chemical wash issues. You can check reviews on google and other local listing websites to find how the other customers experience them, and it’s more than exceptional. When it comes to chemical washing, it can get hazardous or not packed or appropriately used while working. LK Brothers carries the required chemical in protective containers and follows all the safety measures required. Once the work is done, they do several checks to make sure the wash doesn’t cause any repairs further and fix everything correctly. Along with the above, LK Brothers provide you the advice on how to maintain the air conditioners after the chemical wash, the care you need to take, and other required measures you need to follow. So, in case you require an Aircon chemical wash service, you know whom to get in touch with. Read Also: Five Ways to Improve the Air Quality Inside Your Home How To Use A Shipping Container As A Home Office

READ MOREDetails
Soft Washing Services

Top 6 Reasons To Use Soft Washing Services

Using a soft washing service can help you get your home cleaned without the hassle of scrubbing. Soft washing services help remove dirt, mold, and mildew from your windows and other surfaces of your house. In addition, these services prevent streaks from appearing on your windows. They are also eco-friendly, so you won't have to worry about cleaning your windows and glass surfaces with harsh chemicals. Here Are Six Prime Reasons To Use Soft Washing Services 1. Soft washing removes dirt, mold, and mildew Using soft washing is a safer and environmentally friendly way to clean the exterior of your home. Instead of using high-pressure water, soft washing services use a combination of water, bleach, and surfactant to break down contaminants. These chemicals are biodegradable and are at the same concentration as drinking water. Fungi and algae can cause black streaks on roofs. They also spread quickly and can be a health hazard. The climate can encourage these fungi to grow. Fortunately, you can keep your plants safe from these invasive insects with the help of a soft washing solution. Using a soft washing solution can be helpful in removing moss, mold, and algae. These organisms are unsightly and can be harmful to your family. While a power wash may remove these stains, a soft wash will leave your exterior surfaces cleaner. When applying a soft wash solution, be sure to wear protective clothing. This will protect you from the chlorine that is used. The solution should be applied to the surface and then rinsed off. Be careful not to spray the plants in the area. You can also use a neutralizing agent before spraying. Many soft-washing solutions contain diluted bleach. This chemical kills bacteria, viruses, and mold. It is the primary agent for cleaning surfaces. It works by killing microorganisms at the molecular level. It is also safe to use when diluted with water. 2. Removes dust, dirt, and grime from glass surfaces Whether you're cleaning a shower, a bathroom window, or the inside of a home, you'll need to make sure that your glass is streak-free and dirt-free. The key to getting this job done is to use the right tools. Luckily, you'll have plenty of options to choose from. One of the best ways to get streak-free results is by using vinegar. This acidic liquid can cut through grit and break up mineral deposits. You can also use it to remove stubborn stains. It's a great way to clean glass on any size window or door. Another option is to use a squeegee. Squeegees can be a bit intimidating. They're designed to send liquids down the glass, but they can often cause streaks and dirt. Another good option for a streak-free window is to use a microfiber cloth. These cloths are much more absorbent than paper towels and will leave your windows streak-free. They are also washable. In addition to these tools, you'll need to make sure that you're putting the proper effort into cleaning your glass. It's easy to do this, but you'll need to learn some basic techniques. Taking the time to apply the right amount of solution to your glass will make the difference. You can even make your own window cleaner. There are many recipes out there, but the simplest is to combine equal parts white vinegar and water. You can then apply the mixture with a spray bottle. After soaking, scrub the area with a soft cloth. This will remove the smudges and dust that the vinegar left behind. 3. Removes dust, dirt, and grime from windows Keeping your windows clean and free of dust can improve the resale value of your home. It also helps regulate the temperature inside your house. It's important to remember that dirt on the windows can lead to discoloration, which can be a nuisance in colder months. Aside from cleaning the windows, it's also important to clean the screens and blinds. This will keep your home's energy bills low and allow your home to benefit from natural sunlight. One of the best window-washing strategies is using a soft cloth and a squeegee. You can also make a homemade cleaning solution with water and dish soap. The best part is that it works on all kinds of glass. Another trick is to use a microfiber cloth. These are washable and can be secured with rubber bands. They are also very absorbent, which means they can remove dust without leaving behind lint. They will also leave your glass shiny and streak-free. Lastly, a sticky lint roller can be used to clean the screens of your windows. It's not as good at removing dust as a microfiber cloth, but it can get rid of most of the dirt. You should also try to use vinegar, which is a good all-around cleaner. It's effective at removing stubborn stains and can cut through grit. It's also safe for kids and pets. 4. Prevents streaks on windows Using soft washing services is a great way to prevent streaks on windows. A good cleaning solution, like white vinegar, will work wonders for your mirrors and glass surfaces. The key is to make sure you rinse your windows completely before you start wiping them. This will ensure you don't leave a soapy residue behind that can dull your glass. You should also make sure to wipe your windows with a microfiber cloth, which can remove lint from your glass. You can also use a squeegee to dry the glass. If you do, you'll be able to get a streak-free finish. You can also clean your windows with a chamois or microfiber cloth. These will not leave any lint behind and will help you avoid leaving streaks. If you do, you should take your time and polish your glass with a second cloth after it's all dry. You should also clean your squeegee every so often to avoid leaving streaks. You can use a squeegee for the inside and outside of your windows. A squeegee with a rubber lip can be used to remove excess water. You can also use a wand extension to reach high places. You'll be able to dry your windows more quickly if you are in a sunny location. You can also make your own window cleaning solution. For one liter of water, you can add three drops of dish soap. This will cut through grease and make your windows shine. You can store the mixture in a jug. You can also add citric acid to the water. You can mix this solution in a 50/50 ratio. You May Also Check: Benefits Of Having A Cordless Vacuum Cleaner At Home 5. Cleans delicate areas of your home Getting your home's interior and exterior surfaces micro-cleaned is a no-brainer in today's tough economy. And while you are at it, why not spruce up your swagger with a soft wash? You'll have a whole lot more time for the more important stuff like slacking off, snoozing, or stumbling out to the pub after work hours. The best part is you don't have to do it yourself. The results are bound to impress even your pickiest of picky relatives. It's also a win-win-win situation. You'll have a tidy, polished home to come home to, and the all-important time to yourself. 6. Is eco-friendly Using soft washing services is an eco-friendly way to keep your exterior surfaces clean and free of fungi, mold, and bacteria. It's a great alternative to chemical cleaners, which can contaminate soil and groundwater, as well as leave harmful fumes in the air. It also requires less water than power or pressure washing. In fact, it only uses one-third of the amount of water of these cleaning methods. The low-pressure delivery of the solution allows for localized application, reducing water use. The process of soft washing uses a blend of natural solutions that are biodegradable and environmentally safe. These products include vinegar, which is a natural disinfectant, sodium percarbonate, which breaks down stains, and potassium hydroxide, which is a powerful disinfectant and mildew killer. You can find eco-friendly soft wash chemicals online and at home improvement stores. Make sure to read the label on the product before purchasing. It's best to use it according to the manufacturer's directions. This will save you time and money while making your home or business safe and sanitized. Unlike chemical cleaners, which can contaminate your property, eco-friendly soft washing is nontoxic and safe for pets and humans. It's the perfect choice for delicate materials such as decks, fences, and patios. It's also a greener alternative to traditional pressure and power washing. It's important to choose a company that has experience in soft washing. They will be able to give you the best results. Read Also: Mold Growth At Home: What You Should Know And What You Can Do Home Maintenance Plans And Cleaning Tips During Covid-19 Top Home Cleaning Tips

READ MOREDetails
home ac

Don’t Get Caught in a Heatwave: 5 Signs That Your AC Is About to Go Out

Air conditioners cost Americans homeowners about $29 billion each year. But of course, you don't want to pay for a new home AC until you have to. Read on for a list of 5 signs that you need emergency AC repair before a heatwave strikes. 1. Not Enough Cool Air: Is your home AC running and running but the air streaming from the vents just isn't cold? A sign that you have a broken AC is when it begins to blow hot or warm air. It might mean that your AC has a problem with the compressor. Or the Freon levels are too low. Even if the air is cool but not as cold as it used to be, it's time to consider air conditioning installation. 2. High Utility Bills: As your AC unit gets older, it becomes less efficient. Each year, a unit's efficiency goes down a little bit. When an AC reaches around 10 years, it may be half as efficient as it was when new. If you keep getting high utility bills, it's time to look at the condition of your home AC. 3. Little Air Flow: You hear the AC unit kick on, but when you put your hand in front of your AC vent, you only feel a slight push of air. Lack of air flow will cause some parts of your home to get cooled air but not others. Usually, low airflow means there is a problem with your compressor. But it could also be a problem with the ductwork in your house. Especially if you aren't in the habit of getting regular vent cleaning. 4. Strange Sounds: Another way to know that you need AC repair is if you start to notice strange sounds and smells coming from your home AC unit. There are all sorts of sounds you might hear such as grinding, squealing, grating or squeaking. These noises are signs that things are wrong inside your unit. A high squealing sound means that your AC belt has come loose. Or that one of the metal parts in the unit needs lubrication. Grinding noises tend to mean that the bearings in the motor are broken. You may be able to get your AC repaired if you act quickly. Wait too long and you may need to replace the entire system. It's best to have a licensed HVAC technician come to your home to inspect your unit every year. This way your technician can alert you to possible issues that could crop up if left unattended. It's wise to use a springtime monthly home checklist so you can be aware of the conditions in and outside your home. It's often cheaper to repair or replace the part then let the problem go on for a long time. 5. Bad Smells: A strong stinky smell flowing out from your AC vents is a bad sign. It can mean that the wire insulation has burnt out. Musty smells coming out of the vents typically mean there are mold and mildew either in the ducts or in the AC unit. Mold can cause respiratory illness. You should have this issue fixed as soon as possible for the health of your family. Final Thoughts on Home AC Warning Signs: We hope these 5 home AC warning signs will help you avoid an AC malfunction during a heat wave. Remember, it's better to maintain your AC than it is to neglect it and pay for costly repairs. Now that the warmer weather is here, check out these 10 pest control tips to keep pests out this summer. Read Also: 5 Signs The Roof In Your Edmonton House Needs A Repair Interiors To Reduce The Heat Build-Up In Your Homes

READ MOREDetails