The Most Durable Roofing Products to Consider for a Hot Climate

Houston roofing contractors

Roofing materials can have a variety of styles and colors, but deciding what to use your for your home means taking into account much more than looks. The best material for a particular building will have to be chosen depending on the geographical location and local climate. Just as sloped roofs are very good for areas with a lot of precipitations, houses located in a hot climate can benefit from the use of certain roofing materials. Sun and heat exposure can take its toll on a roof, causing it to crack and degrade over time. This degradation will allow more heat to enter the house and make your efforts of cooling it more expensive. Even though asphalt shingles are still the most common roofing material, including in the hot climate areas, there are other popular materials suggested by Houston roofing contractors that should be considered due to their particular efficiency.

Ceramic tiles

These materials are very efficient in regions that have a warm climate, for several reasons. First, they allow natural ventilation of the roof, helping to reduce heat buildup in the attic and moisture problems. Ceramic tiles are natural; they are made of clay and baked at a very high temperature, which provides them a particular resistance, despite direct exposure to sun, heavy rainfall or extreme weather in general.

A ceramic roof is very durable, it will last up to 100 years, but you have to prepare for a larger initial investment, to which could be added works to strengthen the structure of the roof – which must be able to support the weight of the tiles ceramic tiles.

Concrete tiles

If the aspect of ceramic tiles is very attractive, but their price is not, concrete tiles are a slightly more affordable alternative. They also have important benefits, such as wind resistance, but they absorb more water and are more susceptible to damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles.

Concrete tiles are also part of the category of heavy roofing materials, but they have thermal benefits, helping to maintain a constant indoor temperature.

Green roofs

Green roofs are becoming more popular as the concern for the environment grows. They are extremely attractive, being more and more often incorporated in building projects with modern architecture, but they also have important advantages for the owners of residential or commercial buildings, as well as for the environment. This type of roof consists of a layer of soil put on a special membrane (which is waterproof and resistant to root growth), where vegetation is planted. Vegetation modulates heat transfer, which efficiently insulates the roof and increases the energy efficiency of the building.

In big cities, a green roof helps to reduce the greenhouse effect and improve the overall air quality.

Metal roofs

Metal roofs are an excellent choice for homes in a warm climate, because they have a space under the cover, which forms a thermal barrier, as in the case of ceramic roofs. This air cushion can reduce cooling costs, in summer, by 20%. These roofs are also reflective, they do not absorb heat and are a sustainable choice because they are recyclable.

What Is Cement Tile Roofing and Why Should You Choose It?

Tile roofing has been used for centuries in Europe and the Mediterranean, and today tile roofs such as clay and concrete (cement) roofing systems are prevalent throughout the world, especially some parts of America. While clay roofing is considered to be the “real deal” in terms of traditional appeal, new cement tile roofing systems are gaining in popularity quite fast. Affordable and easier to install, these roofs are considered by many to be an exceptional alternative to clay tiles.

Cement vs. Clay Tile Roofing

What makes clay tiles so unique and appealing? Their appearance and texture, for one, is among their most distinctive features. A clay tile roof can be identified from a distance based on its rugged exterior and attractive layout. Moreover, clay tile roofing is considered to be an excellent choice from a functionally viable standpoint as well. It is very durable and capable of lasting for an entire century, and it’s extremely dense, being known for its ability to absorb very little water and provide excellent waterproof protection.

Cement or concrete roofing tiles, on the other hand, can offer many of the same benefits as clay roofing, but at a lower budget. If your finances aren’t so great, and you still want the protective qualities of clay, you can opt for a cement tile roof at just half the price and still gain many of the same advantages.

Of course, both clay and cement tiles have their own particular drawbacks. Clay tile roofing is notorious for being expensive and for breaking down at the edges after prolonged exposure to elemental forces. Also, both clay and cement tiles tend to be quite heavy and difficult to manage. You will need to hire an experienced Gaithersburg roofer to get them installed, and you will likely need to pay more money than usual to cover the labor costs for the installation project.

roofing contractors Gaithersburg MD

The Appeal of Cement Tiles

Cement tile roofing is seen by many roofing contractors Gaithersburg MD pros as the main alternative to expensive clay roofs. Cement is cheaper to prepare and can be very resilient, being often nicknamed as a type of “armor roof” that can withstand almost anything mother nature can throw at it.

Even though cement tiles don’t last as long as a well-designed clay roof, they can still retain a projected lifespan of about 50 years, which is more than decent and can compare to even some of the best metal roofing systems. Moreover, cement tiles are highly resilient in the face of strong winds and hail, sometimes to an even greater extent than clay.

Much of the appeal of cement tiles has to do with their more flexible and modern appearance. While clay has its own distinct look, cement can be shaped and designed to have a brighter, more polished look, which makes it an excellent option for a modern roof design. If you’re serious about making your home look more appealing and making sure you have a roof that can optimally withstand the test of the elements, then call your local Gaithersburg roofer and inquire about some cement tile roofing quotes that might suit your interest and budget.

Do I Have to Get A Brand-New Roof When We Have Hail Storm?

Austin roofing

Hail storms are devastating forces of nature that usually form very quickly, last short and can wreak havoc on even the best-kept roof. Whether or not the damage caused by hail stones requires complete roof replacement or can be solved through repair depends on many factors – here are some.

Types of Damage

Some forms of hail damage are quite obvious, others are insidious and start causing problems only later. Obvious hail damage includes visibly damaged components, such as cracked or chipped tiles, shingles that are curling or are no longer covered by ceramic or mineral granules, sagging gutters, dented metal surfaces or cracked flashing in the roof valleys or around openings. The most common form of damage that is not obvious upfront usually manifests in the form of leaks, caused by components becoming slightly displaced.

How Extended the Damage Is

How much of your roof is damaged by the hail storm is also an important factor that will influence the final decision. If only a couple of shingles and tiles are damaged, the best way to remedy the problem is to get only the damaged components replaced, but if the damage affects most of the roof, the best solution might be replacement.

How to Proceed in the Case of Hail Damage

The best way to cope with the hail damage sustained by your roof is to hire an expert Austin roofing contractor for the assessment of the damage, for consultation regarding the best way to proceed as well as for performing the repair or the replacement.

The first thing you should do if you notice or suspect any hail damage on your roof is to find the right Austin roofing contractor – while the roofers that show up at the door of devastated properties can be very convincing, most of them do not carry the licenses and insurances that will make hiring them a good idea, so you should find a reliable, reputable roofer for checking your roof. The person of the roofer is important not only for ensuring the quality of the repair or of the replacement, but also for the insurance claim process if you decide to file for a compensation – insurers consider only the claim files that include proof that the roofer who performed the repair or replacement is allowed to work legally in the state where the damaged property is located.

The roofer that you hire will inspect the roof from the ground as well as from roof level and from the attic and will document every sign of damage. If necessary, the roofer will also implement damage mitigation measures – if the hail damaged a large part of the roof, the roofer will probably cover the damaged portion in foil to prevent further damage, should another storm hit soon. The roofer will propose the most adequate remediation method based on the findings of the inspection and will also prepare a detailed cost estimate for the solution chosen by the building owner. The contractor might offer help with the insurance claim process as well.

What is a Single-ply Roofing System?

In today’s commercial building market there are many types of roofing systems, all with their own applications and benefits. Most fall into one of these categories: single-ply, built-up, modified bitumen or metal roofing.

Boca Raton roofer

Single-ply membranes are frequently referred to by their chemical acronyms. A local Boca Raton roofer informs us that the most common single-layer membranes are polyvinyl chloride (PVC), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). These systems have a long life cycle that usually depends on factors such as the thickness of the membrane sheet and the type of attachment.

Single-ply systems are divided into two categories: thermoplastic and thermoset materials.

The joints on thermoplastic materials (PVC and TPO) will form a single membrane, if they have been properly welded with hot air. After that, the entire membrane will soften slightly in hot weather and harden slightly in cold weather. These types of roofs are very reflective of ultraviolet rays – if they come in white color -, have a low incidence of joint defects and are flexible enough to conform to the various movements of the roof.

Other benefits:

  • Long service life. Manufacturers typically indicate on their products an approximate service life of 50 years, provided that the roof has not been subjected to mechanical damage or its initial installation has been performed flawlessly.
  • All types of roof membranes, regardless of the manufacturer, are made in large sizes. The length of a membrane roller can reach 60 m, and its width varies between 0.9 and 15 m. Due to this diversity, you can choose the best option for your roof, which will ensure the best fit, without cutting too much material and complicate the roofing process.
  • The special characteristics of thermoplastic materials, such as non-combustibility, frost resistance and resistance to ultraviolet radiation, make the surfaces coated with this type of single-ply membranes retain their original properties, being also resistant to tear and perforation.
  • The installation of thermoplastic single-ply membranes is not very complicated. Due to their light weight (1.3 kg / sq. meter) and lesser thickness (from 0.8 to 2 mm), the material is easy to handle, even when working with large rollers. Additionally, the installation procedure of a single ply roofing system does not require compliance with any complex building codes.

A single ply roofing system can also be made of thermoset materials (EPDM), which include main polymers, chemically cross-linked; once the curing agent has been applied to a thermoset polymer, it can bind to similar materials only with the help of adhesives.

Improved characteristics of EPDM synthetic rubber products include: excellent stability against the influences of weather, sunlight, ozone, acids and caustic solutions. EPDM also has long-lasting flexibility and elasticity to avoid cracks, has good tensile strength and resistance to a very wide temperature range.

Additionally, EPDM is very long-lasting, it doesn`t really age, being therefore suitable for use wherever these special characteristics are needed – from waterproofing flat roofs, windows and door trims in the automotive industry, garden roofs, ponds or pools and many other waterproofing applications.

How to Hire a Trustworthy Colorado Roofer

Whenever Colorado residents face severe weather (hail, snow etc.) and must schedule roof repairs, or when they simply must install a new roof, they are faced with the not-so-easy task of finding and hiring a good and trustworthy local roofer.

Before doing this, home and commercial owners alike should consult the state`s residential roofing law and educate themselves on the current requirements. There are reviews for things to look for when selecting a roofer, consumer protection as well as for avoiding becoming the victims of scams (unethical roofing contractors).

When you start looking for a local Centennial roofer, the thumb rule is to be patient. Do not hire the first roofing company you can find, just because you want to finish the project as soon as possible. Nobody likes to deal with roof repairs or a new roof installation, but they are necessary and must be addressed properly to get a solid roof above your head, able to provide adequate protection and peace of mind for a very long time.

Therefore, take your time, make a list of Centennial roofing companies in your area and start evaluating them, in order to find out who you are working with. Do this even if you have a roof emergency, otherwise you will regret paying a roofer that did not deserve your trust and experiencing ongoing roofing problems.

Centennial roofing companies

Your checklist

If you already have a list with a few local Centennial roofers, you must learn as many information as possible about them, to make an informed choice and select the best roofing company for your needs.

  • License

Make sure they have a roofing license, because it is a proof that the roofing contractor has been in business for at least two years and had its professional competences tested. A professional roofer must pass a nationally recognized examination to be able to perform roofing work on residential/ commercial properties.

  • Insurance

A reliable Centennial roofing company must have at least a current Colorado Worker’s Compensation Certificate as well as General Liability insurance of at least $500,000.00.

  • A fixed address in Colorado

This way, you know that you are not dealing with a storm-chasing roofing company or a fly-by-night roofer.

  • Registration in your local chapter of the Better Business Bureau

Make sure to hire a Centennial roofer with an A or A+ rating, which has been operating in the business for a long time and does not have any unsolved disputes with previous customers. BBB provides you this kind of information.

  • Good referrals and reviews

A reliable roofing contractor will be happy to offer you a list of personal references that you can contact and get some more insight into the roofer you plan to hire. However, you should go even further and do some research online to find reviews on the company. There are websites like Google Reviews or Angie’s List that may help you with this, but you can also check the company`s profile on social networks, or the reviews section of its website.

All these resources will help you get an accurate judgment and choose a company which is a really good fit for your roofing project.

Why Do You Need Flashing on Your Roof?

Roof flashing is the roof component responsible for reinforcing the roof areas where the roof’s resistance to the elements is weakened, such as in the areas surrounding skylights, chimneys, vents and other roof openings or where two roof surfaces are joined. Roof flashing is used on all types of roofs, on sloping roofs as well as on flat roofs, whatever material the roof is made from – where there is a sensitive joint or an area where water can penetrate the roof structure, flashing is applied. Here are some more details from Lincoln roofing contractors about roof flashing.

The Materials Used for Roof Flashing

Roof flashing usually consists of stripes of resistant, durable, rust- and corrosion resistant material, such as plastic, rubber, roofing felt or from a metal alloy, such as galvanized steel sheets, copper or aluminum. The most common material used for flashing is galvanized steel, preferred for the affordability, the easy application and the durable protection that it offers. Aluminum flashing is also very popular, especially for DIY applications. Rubberized material is a great choice, but it is somewhat more expensive than the other options, while copper is the priciest type of flashing, used mainly when the roof’s style demands it.

Types of Flashing

Flashing solutions are usually categorized by the place of application:

  • Chimney flashing – installed around the chimneys, these flashing solutions use continuous stripes of material around the base of the chimney, step flashing that follows the line of the roof up the sides and cap flashing around the ridge of the roof;
  • Skylight flashing – most modern skylights come with integrated flashing, but if your skylights do not include flashing, the components that you need to create and use are the same as in the case of chimney flashing;
  • Valley flashing – these components consist of continuous stripes that run underneath and between the roofing components where two roof slopes meet and they are usually applied on top of roofing felt during the initial installation of the roof;
  • Vent flashing – the vents applied at the base or at the topmost edge of the roof also need flashing for protection against the penetration of water. Vent flashing is usually cone-shaped and is fixed underneath the shingles, the tiles or the sheets that make up the edge of the roof.

Lincoln roofing contractors install flashing

Things that You Should Also Know About

Roof flashing is a component that is made from very durable material, but also one that can fulfill its role only if it is installed and maintained properly. Most flashing types are soldiered onto the layer underneath, but soldiering is not as easy as it seems, so if you don’t have sufficient experience in performing soldiering work, it is a good idea to turn to a professional roofer – don’t worry, flashing installation services are usually available for affordable prices.

The other aspect that you need to pay attention to is maintenance. Flashing takes a lot of beating from the elements, therefore the stripes of protective material on your roof need to be regularly inspected for faults and any issue, such as cracks or loose parts needs to be addressed immediately.

The Perks of Working with Roofing Contractors


Contracting one of the professional Denver roofers can guarantee that your roofing project will get successfully completed within the shortest time possible and that the roofing installation, repair, maintenance or other service you have paid for will be of the best quality. Working with professionals comes with lots of benefits, indeed – here are some of the most important advantages.

 

Using the Best Materials for the Best Prices

Many homeowners choose to buy their own roofing materials, even if they hire a professional for the roofing job because few of them know that most roofers can take the burden of having to go through all the stress related to the purchase. One of the major benefits of working with good  roofing contractors is that they usually have an extensive network of suppliers that they are willing to use on your behalf. You can ask them to buy the necessary materials for you, making sure that you get materials of the highest quality, the best prices and only the quantities that you need for the project.

 

Quality Workmanship

Roofing is a profession, which also means that no amateur will ever be able to handle roofing projects as professionally as trained roofers. Even seemingly small repairs such as flashing the chimney or replacing a cracked tile requires expertise and Denver roofing contractors can certainly offer you the benefit of professionalism. Roofers are trained to notice hidden and very small problems as well, issues that you might easily overlook, so their experience and knowledge is absolutely essential for good and long-lasting results.

 

Safety

Roofing projects involve working at height, which is safe only if you use the right type of safety equipment and you are used to working high up. Professional roofers know how to use safety harnesses the right way, so you can avoid accidents by handing your roofing projects to one of the experienced Denver roofing contractors.

 

Time Efficiency and Cost Saving

Professional roofers are able to work more efficiently, so your roofing project will be finished much faster if you hire experts. Roofing specialists not only know the tricks of the trade, but they also use high-capacity machines to work on roofs, machines that you probably don’t have and don’t want to spend money on.

 

Projects You Can Hire Professional Roofers for

There is no roofing project, small or extensive, that you cannot find a good roofer for – here are some of the services most commonly requested by clients:

  • Roof repairs – leaks, tiles swept off by a storm, bent structural elements, infestation with algae or fungus are all problems that call for immediate professional repairs,
  • Roof installation – absolutely essential to get quality materials and workmanship for your new home,
  • Partial or complete re-roofing – professionals will make sure your roof is safe and solid,
  • Roof maintenance – very important for preserving your roofing in good condition and for prolonging its life.

 

Denver roofing contractors can help you with all the above issues and much more – if you have a roofing issue, do turn to local roofers, they are the best.