Kris Koonar asked:


When considering roof designs, people usually have the shape and style of the roof in mind as prime factors on which to base their selection. They want to make sure if it fits in with the general structure of their home and neighborhood. Although shape and style are important, there are a number of other factors that are of equal or greater importance and deserve due consideration in selecting a roof design.

Complex roof designs do add to the aesthetic appeal of a house but at the same time have high initial construction costs and are difficult to maintain incurring high maintenance costs over the roof’s life.

Simple roofing designs that have few intersecting surfaces are much easier to install and fit in perfectly with simple house designs. Inexpensive to build, they require the minimum maintenance and related costs. In simple roof designs it is also easy to install and maintain gutters; there are fewer clog points, valleys and other places requiring frequent cleaning etc that can result in a leaking roof. Roofs incorporating simple designs are practical and functional. If a house has attractive landscaping and is kept neat and tidy, a simple roof design can provide a strong street appeal.

However, while going for a simply designed roof the selection should not extend to a flat roof. There are a number of reasons why this can prove to be an unwise selection. Even if they involve low costs for construction, flat roofs may prove to be more costly in the long run. While water runs off slanted roofs, flat roofs afford a place where water can collect creating greater susceptibility to roof damage. The roof is also more likely to sag when even more water can collect, greatly lessening the strength and life of the roof. All this can increase the maintenance bill quite a bit.

Security is another concern. Steeply inclined roofs offer very little incentive to thieves and burglars to get into the upper portions of the house. A flat roof on the other hand makes breaking into the house much easier. Flat roofs also do not shear the air as angled roofs do and therefore are prone to wind damage. They are often torn and easily blown away.

While selecting a roof design the relevant building codes and any neighborhood covenants also need to be kept in mind along with other factors like climate, costs etc. including your own preference. Since the roof is an integral part of your home’s design it needs to complement the overall appearance of the house also and cannot be treated simply as a weather covering on the top of the house.

The more common shapes for consideration in roof designs can be pyramid, cross gabled, front/side gabled, gambrel, bonnet, mansard, flat, salt box etc. Each shape can comprise a number of variations in features while maintaining overall shape. For example it can have a steep pitch or one that is quite shallow. There may be special features to be considered like a cupola, a turret or the like depending on the architecture of your home that may demand variation(s) in the design selected.

The material to be used in the construction of the roof is also very important. A selection made from traditional material like wood shake, asphalt shingle can be less expensive but also less durable, as against man made materials like metal, tile etc.

While selecting a roof design for your home that is suitable to your liking, you must also make sure that the roof complements the appearance of your home and also offers adequate resistance to the vagaries of weather.



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just me DGD asked:


Anyone familiar with replacing the roofing on mobile homes? What are the industry standards for, materials used, and replacement techniques?

What type of questions should I be asking the contractor when they come to price the job? and what are the answers to the questions so I know the contractor knows what he is doing?

I live in Connecticut so I need something that will stand up to heat and cold. what products are used?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Auto Touch Up Paint

Baila asked:


EPDM used for a getting great strength for roofing.But How they are weatherseals and provide a water prof shelter?

Metal Kitchen Cabinets

Mark A asked:


We will be building a new home near Bellingham, WA and are considering using Euroslate rubber roofing. It is supposed to be very durable, with a 50 year warranty and energy efficient. Has anyone ever used this product or had any experiences good or bad? Any comments would be appreciated!
thanks

Enviro Pellet Stoves

Ryan12 asked:


How to file for a Commercial Roofing License in the state Kentucky..?
I would like to know pricing, qualifying requirements, phone numbers, addresses, websites, etc.

Water Vending Machines

Kris Koonar asked:


A metal roofing system is a sound investment and adds beauty and value to a home. Lasting for long, they are usually backed with an equally long warranty. They are cost effective as they can be installed over old roofing and save on tear off costs incurred while replacing the existing roof with some other type of roofing. They provide a protective fixture that does not split, gather mold or warp unlike asphalt shingles or other type of roofing. They are highly durable and are able to withstand extreme weather conditions like heavy snow, hurricane force winds, wind driven rains, hail and extreme heat as well. Metal roofing systems are usually made of iron, steel, copper or aluminum. The durability makes it an ideal roofing material, with the highest viability in the commercial sector. Manufacturers of metal roofing reap huge profits, as the demand is high for these products.

Metal roofs come in a variety of qualities. The shape, sizes, and colors are endless. Their attributes are impressive. They are long lasting and durable requiring little or no maintenance. Adding style and appeal to the house they also offer extra protection through their fire resistant properties. Metal roofs are also energy efficient and have been known to reduce energy bills by up to 20%.

Metal roofing systems are available in sheets, panels and shingles. Sheet iron roofs are more common in the Asian and African regions. In the semi-detached houses in rural areas, these products provide a durable and cost effective roofing alternative for village people. The durability and quality of Iron roofs is enhanced by galvanizing, which greatly increases its resistance to rust.

Aluminum roofs are preferred in Europe and America. Much more expensive as compared to iron roofs, they are lighter in weight and are available in numerous appealing colors and designs. They retain their aesthetic appeal for a very long time. In addition, due their lightweight construction they exert very little strain on the roof structure. Their inherent rust resistance is also a big advantage. Available in countless shades of blue, red, green, gray etc. these roofing products complement the decor and architectural style of any home. Modern technology has imparted reflective and heat resistant qualities to aluminum roofing products.

Stainless steel is one of the costliest, but most durable roofing materials with claims of lasting for over half a century or even more. Excellent qualities of rust resistance and thermal reflectivity make it long lasting and energy efficient. Many types of stainless steel roofing are coated with special alloys of zinc and tin which enhance the properties of strength, durability, energy efficiency and high corrosion resistance even when exposed to extreme harsh and saline weather conditions.

Copper roofing is another good metal roofing option generally used in high-end posh residential buildings and is not very common. However, it suffers from fixing limitations, which prove to be a big disadvantage. Fasteners used in copper roofing can only be of copper, stainless steel or brass. This is what has made copper roofing less popular.

Being biodegradable and recyclable, metal roofing systems are highly eco friendly. Installation is relatively easy as sheet metal roofing can be well soldered/fixed with fasteners, whereas factory made metal roofing panels and shingles have easy four way interlocking arrangements for quick and secure installation.



Coffee Vending Machines

Baila asked:


How liquid rubber improves the flexibility of roofing structure? and how much they can assure it?

Bamboo Flooring Installation

Chugga asked:


I’m looking to buy a program that will aid a roofing contractor to write up bids from a laptop while on the job site. Any thoughts?

Custom Closet Doors

Steven Briesemeister asked:


Your roof is obviously a very important part of your house and paying between $10,000 and $15,000 for a new one also makes it a sizable investment that you should do your utmost to protect. One of the best ways to protect you from having to pay this money again in only a few years time because your current roof has failed is to make sure that you get a roof warranty included in the overall price. If you are not told about a roof warranty when first enquiring and getting quotes don’t just assume that one is included because this isn’t always the case. Ask the question yourself to ensure that the cost of a roof warranty is included the final price you are given.

Who gives a roof warranty.

A roof warranty will normally be a warranty between yourself and the roof manufacturer, however the contractor who fits your roof will act as a go between. It is very unusual that you will get a roof warranty direct from a fitter but you should always, always consider getting a manufacturer’s roof warranty to protect your investment. Most companies will include them with your purchase anyway but do make sure before you accept a price.

How long will a roof warranty be valid for?

The actual terms of your warranty will differ from company to company and depending on the type of roof you eventually opt for. You should ensure that any roof warranty lasts for a very minimum of ten years and preferably for twenty years or more. If the roof warranty on offer isn’t long enough for you then ask if it an be extended straight away, but do bear in mind that no roof is likely to last for 50 years and it is just as unlikely that you will be able to get a roof warranty that lasts that long either.

What should I check before I accept a roof warranty.

One of the most important things to check on your roof warranty is the terms of acceptance. They may be called something different on your warranty but a warranty only becomes active at a certain point. Normally this is the completion of the fitting. Most roof manufacturers will send out an inspector to check that it has been fitted properly, but again check the terms for the exact details of your particular policy.

Other factors regarding your roof warranty.

You should always read the terms on your roof warranty to see what the fitter is responsible for. Don’t forget you are paying money to the contractor for a roof warranty that will come from the manufacturer. You should get a third party to check the roof has been fitted properly otherwise your roof warranty will be invalid. If you are buying a building and you are told that there is an active rood warranty be sure to inspect it. If there are any actions required to transfer the warranty into your name demand that this be included as part of the sale and is the vendor’s responsibility. Some warranties demand that the roof be inspected and repaired (paid for by you) before the warranty can be exchanged.



Wagner Paint Sprayers

Roma asked:


My roofing contractor wants to use these materials to replace my asbestos shingle roof. Does anyone have any experience with these that they can share?

Hands On CPR