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Strengths and Weaknesses of Eco-Friendly Roofing Materials

Summer Roofing Tips - Ray's Harford Home Improvement Contractors Inc.

Although some types of roofing material are more eco-friendly overall than others, there is no such thing as a carbon-neutral roof. Still, even environmentalists need roofs. Here are some strengths and weaknesses to help you weigh the environmental impacts of different roofing materials that are considered eco-friendly.

Metal:

Some of the biggest selling points for metal roofing as an eco-friendly material are its reflectivity, its longevity, and its recyclability. It’s true that metal roofing can be a cooler roof than, say, natural slate, which is typically darker in color and less reflective. Metal roofing is also lightweight, meaning it takes less fuel to transport than heavier roofs.

6 Roofing Suggestions for Homeowners Before Summer

Summer Roofing Tips - Ray's Harford Home Improvement Contractors Inc.

When the seasons change, there is a lot for homeowners to do to preserve their investment, including protecting and preserving the roof. Failure to maintain and take care of your roof can result in costly property damage over time. After the long winter and typically stormy spring, you should do some tasks to ensure continued performance and curb appeal.

Learn about six roofing suggestions to address before the summer season.

Why Should You Get Architectural Shingles for Your Roof?

Roofing Inspection - Ray's Harford Home Improvement Contractors Inc.

Homeowners who need to replace their existing roofing system have many options. Determining which of the available options is best suited to meet the needs of your residence can be challenging.

Architectural shingles could provide you with the aesthetic, durability, and strength that you want in a new roofing system. Some roofing materials might be out of your budget, but architectural shingles allow you to mimic the look of a cedar shake or slate roof without the cost.

Architectural shingles have a depth and texture that gives them a high-end appearance that can enhance the curb appeal and resale value of your home in the future.

Beyond Cost: Other Factors to Consider During Roof Replacement

One of the first things most people do when they want to replace a roof is to ask for quotes. People consider quotes important because they help people budget for roofing replacement. However, you need to consider much more than the initial cost when you want to replace a roof. The following are other critical factors to consider.

Fire Resistance

The roof forms part of the building’s envelope that plays a role in fire protection. A fire-resistant roof can help your house avoid fire damage in case of a fire outbreak outside the house. Roofing materials are either unrated or belong to one of the three classes of fire resistance (class A, B, and C).

Unrated roofing materials have the worst fire resistance followed by class C, B, and A, in that order. Opt for class A materials if you want the best fire protection. We recommend class A materials particularly if your area experiences frequent wildfires.

Energy Efficiency

The roofing material influences the amount of energy you use to cool and heat your house. An energy efficient roof acts as a barrier between your house and the outside weather so that the outside weather doesn’t affect your house. For example, with an energy-inefficient roof, heat from the sun will heat the house and increase cooling costs.

Some roofing materials are more energy efficient than others. Examples of energy efficient materials include slate, clay, and metal. Talk to your roofing contractor to help you choose an energy efficient material. Note that other things (such as the slope and insulation of the roof) than the material also plays a role in the roof’s energy efficiency.

Durability

A roof replacement is an expensive investment that you want to last the longest time possible. The roofing material is one of the factors that determine how long your roof will last. Asphalt shingles, which are popular, are some of the least durable roofing materials and only lasts about 15 to 30 years.

On the other end of the scale, slate is one of the most durable roofing materials and can last as long as 150 years. Note that durable roofing materials are also relatively expensive. You may have to balance your need for durability against your budget. Ask your roofing contractor for tips on how to get the longest life from your chosen roofing material.

Maintenance

Some roofs require intensive and frequent maintenance while others are almost maintenance free. Decide how much roof maintenance you want to engage in before you choose your roofing material. Metal roofing, for example, doesn’t crack or split due to normal wear and tear; slate is another example of low-maintenance roofing material.

Examples of roofing materials that require intensive maintenance include green roofs and asphalt shingles. Note that all roofs require maintenance; only the level of the necessary maintenance differs.

Regulations

Lastly, you must also consider the laws and regulations that govern property constructions in your area. Your homeowners association (HOA) rules, local building codes, and even national building codes may affect the roofing material you can use. Some of these, like HOA regulations, may be for cosmetic reasons while others are for safety purposes.

These regulations may affect different aspects of your roof such as the fire resistance, color, and energy efficiency, among others. Your roofing contractor will help you navigate all these rules so that you don’t have to worry about code violations.

Roof replacement is a big project that requires a professional’s touch. Ray’s Harford Home Improvement Contractors Inc. can help you plan for and execute the project to your satisfaction. Contact us for a quote and discussion on your project, and we won’t disappoint you.

What to Know About Ice Dams on Your Roof

Roofs are durable, which is good because they take a lot of wear and tear from the elements, especially water and ice. Water can cause many problems to various types of roofs including asphalt, wood, metal, etc., but some of the biggest problems arise when the water can’t properly drain, such as in the case of ice dams.

If you want to know more about ice dams and what to do about them, check out these frequently asked questions.

What Is an Ice Dam?

When rain hits your roof, it usually slides into the gutters and away from your home. When snow accumulates on your roof, however, it can impede water flow. This is because snow melts unevenly. Due to the heat from your home, the insulation inside the house, and the sun, the snow in the middle of the roof melts first, leaving the edges still frozen.

As the water continues to melt, it heads for the gutters, but the ice dam may prevent the water from finding an exit. This leads to standing water on your roof, which increases the chance of rot or decay from the water; this water can penetrate the shingles to create a leak inside the home.

Ice dams can also build if you fail to keep your gutters cleaned. Gutters filled with debris become clogged, which impedes drainage. If this water freezes, snow accumulates on the gutters to create an ice dam directly on the gutters. If your gutters are involved, the weight of the ice and snow can cause damage or even rip them from the home.

Can You Prevent Ice Dams?

To prevent ice dams, start by maintaining your gutters so they don’t become clogged or can’t properly drain. This will help water flow naturally, so it doesn’t pool on the roof. You may also want to consider installing a gutter-protection system, which will help keep debris from entering the gutters.

Another way to help stop ice dams from forming is by preventing heat loss though the roof. Heat escaping your home via the roof is what causes the snow to melt unevenly. One way to stop heat from escaping is to seal any holes around ducts, pipes, etc. that pass into the attic and/or through the roof.

If the problem persists, however, you likely need to improve your attic’s ventilation. This process may simply mean ensuring the vents inside the attic are clean and free from blockage, but you may need to install new vents to ensure the hot air in the attic has some place to escape other than through the roof.

Can You Safely Remove Ice Dams?

You can remove ice dams, however, you should not try to chisel or hammer the ice, as this could damage the gutters or roof, which will only cause more drainage issues, water buildup, and leaks.

One easy way to fix a newly formed ice dam is with a roof rake. While on the ground, use the roof rake to slowly pull the snow off the roof. Make sure you are mindful where you are standing, and where the snow is falling. If thick ice or icicles are already forming, contact a professional to avoid damage and injury.

You may also need to create a path for melted water to reach the gutters or ground — use calcium chloride ice melt in a pantyhose. The chemical slowly and safely melts the ice, giving the trapped water a place to escape.

Homeowners should care for their roof, so it can stay looking and working great. Proper maintenance is the most important key. If you would like more information about maintaining or repairing your roof, contact us at Ray’s Hartford Home Improvement Contractors Inc. today.

7 Reasons to Schedule a Roofing Inspection

Roofing Inspection - Ray's Harford Home Improvement Contractors Inc.

When was the last time you had your roof thoroughly inspected? If your roof is ten years or older, check it seasonally to ensure deterioration or damage doesn’t compromise the rest of your home and belongings. After all, your roof is the protective layer between the elements and your family.

Here are seven good reasons not to postpone or delay a roofing inspection.
1. Basic Property Maintenance Have your newer-roof inspected every two years as a part of basic maintenance. This provides you the opportunity to check for missing shingles, damaged gutters, and to remove any debris that could puncture the roof’s surface. Get the gutter troughs cleaned out at the same time to ensure no debris gets left behind on or near your roof.
2. Preserve Your Investment

3 Benefits of Fiberglass Roofing Shingles

Fiberglass Roofing Shingles in BEL AIR, ABINGDON, MARYLAND & ABERDEEN, MARYLAND

When it comes to protecting your home against water damage, no feature plays as large a role as your roof. Similarly, no part of your roof plays as important a role as your shingles. Smart homeowners should have their roofing shingles inspected — and if necessary, replaced — on a regular basis.

Historically, the majority of residential roofs were made up of asphalt shingles. Even today, many homeowners instinctively gravitate towards asphalt shingles. Yet roofing contractors know that a better option exists in the form of fiberglass reinforced shingles. This article takes a closer look at three key benefits offered by fiberglass reinforced shingles.

Should You Tear Off Your Old Roof or Cover It?

Repairing a roof - Roofing professional in BEL AIR, ABINGDON, MARYLAND & ABERDEEN, MARYLAND When you need a new roof on your home, you have two options to consider. One involves tearing off all the old roofing, and the other involves adding a new layer of shingles on top of the old ones.

The second method, known as reroofing, recovering, or overlaying, isn’t always a suitable option. Homeowners should listen to input from a professional roofer after a roof inspection to decide if an overlay is right for them. Consider the following when making your choice.

5 Reasons to Have a New Roof Installed Before the Holidays

Installing a new roof - Roofing professional in BEL AIR, ABINGDON, MARYLAND & ABERDEEN, MARYLAND With the holiday season rapidly approaching, you might be thinking about things like putting up decorations and going shopping for gifts. Installing a new roof might not be high on your list of priorities right now, but doing it before the holiday season arrives is a good idea for these five reasons.
  1. Prevent Ice Dams
Ice dams are a common roofing problem during the winter. Having a new roof installed will help prevent ice dams from happening and will help protect your home from leaks. When installing your new roof, your roofing crew should both clean your gutters and install a leak-proof protective barrier underneath the roof, both of which will help protect your home from ice dams.

How to Tell If You Need a New Roof

Houses with new roofs - Roofing professional in BEL AIR, ABINGDON, MARYLAND & ABERDEEN, MARYLANDYour roof is one of the most important parts of your home. The roof keeps moisture out and allows your home to maintain a comfortable temperature. It also plays an important role in the overall structural integrity of your home. Unfortunately, however, even the best roofs are not designed to last forever. For this reason, you need to have your roof inspected on a fairly regular basis. A professional can let you know how often your roof needs to be inspected, which will vary based on age, overall condition, and other factors.

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