Roof, covering of the top of a building, serving to protect against rain, snow, sunlight, wind, and extremes of temperature. Roofs have been constructed in a wide variety of formsflat, pitched, vaulted, domed, or in combinationsas dictated by technical, economic, or aesthetic considerations.

The earliest roofs constructed by man were probably thatched roofs that were made of straw, leaves, branches, or reeds; they were usually set at a slope, or pitch, so that rainfall could drain off them. Conical thatched roofs are a good example of this type and are still widely used in the rural areas of Africa and elsewhere. Thicker branches and timbers eventually came to be used to span a roof, with clay or some other relatively impermeable substance pressed into the interstices between them. Gabled and flat roofs were possible with these materials. With the invention of brick and cut stone for building, the basic roof forms of the dome and vault appeared.

Two main types of roofs are flat roofs and sloping ones. The flat roof (see the Figure) has historically been widely used in the Middle East, the American Southwest, and anywhere else where the climate is arid and the drainage of water off the roof is thus of secondary importance. Flat roofs came into widespread use in Europe and the Americas in the 19th century, when new waterproof roofing materials and the use of structural steel and concrete made them more practical. Flat roofs soon became the most commonly used type to cover warehouses, office buildings, and other commercial buildings, as well as many residential structures.

Sloping roofs come in many different varieties. The simplest is the lean-to, or shed, which has only one slope. A roof with two slopes that form an A or triangle is called a gable, or pitched, roof. This type of roof was used as early as the temples of ancient Greece and has been a staple of domestic architecture in northern Europe and the Americas for many centuries. It is still a very common form of roof. A hip, or hipped, roof is a gable roof that has sloped instead of vertical ends. It was commonly used in Italy and elsewhere in southern Europe and is now a very common form in American houses. Gable and hip roofs can also be used for homes with more complicated layouts. The gambrel roof is a type of gable roof with two slopes on each side, the upper being less steep than the lower. The mansard roof is a hipped gambrel roof, thus having two slopes on every side. It was widely used in Renaissance and Baroque French architecture. Both of the aforementioned roof types can provide extra attic space or other room without building an entire additional floor. They can also have a strong aesthetic appeal.

The vault is a parallel series of arches used to form a roof, the most common form being a cylindrical or barrel vault. Vaults came into their greatest prominence in Gothic architecture. The dome is a hemispherical structure that can serve as a roof. Domes have surmounted some of the most grandiose buildings of ancient Roman, Islamic, and post-medieval Western architecture. Vaults and domes do not require a supporting framework directly below the vaulting because they are based on the principle of the arch, but flat and gable roofs frequently require internal supports such as trusses or other bracing. A truss is a structural member that is composed of a series of triangles lying in a single plane. Until the later 19th century, such supporting frameworks were made of wooden beams, sometimes in highly complicated systems. Steel and reinforced concrete have for the most part replaced such heavy wooden support systems, and such materials moreover have enabled the development of new and dramatic roof forms. Thin-shell roofs using concrete reinforced with steel rods can produce domes and barrel vaults that are only three inches thick yet span immense spaces, providing unobstructed interior views for stadiums and amphitheatres. In cantilevered roofs, a roof made of thin precast concrete is suspended from steel cables that are mounted on vertical towers or pylons of some sort. The geodesic dome is a modern structural variant of the dome form.

The external covering of a roof must prevent rainfall or other precipitation from penetrating a building. There are two main groups of roof coverings. One group consists of a waterproof membrane or film that is applied as a liquid and that repels water by its utter impermeability after it has dried; the tar that is used to coat roofing felt is the prime example of this type. The other group consists of pieces of a waterproof material that are arranged in such a way as to prevent the direct passage of water through the joints between those pieces. This group includes shingles made of various materials, tiles made of baked clay or slate, and corrugated sheets of steel, aluminum, lead, copper, or zinc. Flat roofs are normally covered with roofing felt and tar, while sloped roofs are generally covered with shingles or sheet metal.

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Roof | architecture | Britannica.com

Classic Metal Roofing Systems is the industry leader in metal roofing, specializing in lightweight aluminum roofing with products available worldwide. With a deep history in the development and manufacturing of metal shingles, metal roofing panels, and standing seam we have mastered interlocking panels and concealed fasteners. A complete roofing system from Classic offers protection from wind, rain and snow damage, unparalleled durability, a lifetime limited warranty, and beautiful colors and finishes.

Weve been a leading manufacturer ofresidential metal roofssince 1980. Proudlymade in Americausing95% recycled aluminum, ourshingles,shakes,tile, andstanding seamroofing products beautify and protect fine homes, churches, and other buildings throughout the United States, Canada, and around the world. We also have a new steel roofing product for projects that require steel. Our products are available throughout North America as well as in the Caribbean, Japan, and elsewhere. Independent dealers and contractors, along with our own Customer Support team, are available to meet your needs with a focus on increasing your homes value and protection, and making your home the worry-free and comfortable investment it should be.

I am personally very happy and thankful for your attention and service. I can feel so much motivating love and bliss for your company and what you do. I send you my respects as a professional and as gentleman. All we need in this world today are more people like you. Hector E. Architect in Mexico

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Metal Roof, Metal Shingles, Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Replacing roofs may not sound very exciting but we love them. Each and every person that works at John Beal Roofing is part of a team that is dedicated to installing the best roofs money can buy. We all bleed #BlackandYellow around here.

For us, honesty is the only policy and we strive to complete all projects with integrity, not just with our clients, but also our suppliers and contractors. With thousands of successful projects under our belt, we are one of the most trusted roofing companies in US.

We commit ourselves to complete all projects within the timeline set with our clients. John Beal Roofing uses the best of technology and tools to ensure that all jobs are done quickly but also giving attention to details and ensuring everything is done correctly.

We are one of the most efficient roofing companies around. This allows us to keep our costs down and pass the savings on to you. If you find a lower price, give us a chance to beat it. If we can't beat it, we will pay you $100. See details at the bottom of this page for complete details.*

After many years in business and 10,000+ roofs installed, we know how to install a roof. The manufacturers have recognized this and have allowed us to offer their very best warranties. We are able to offer warranties backed by the manufacturer others simply can't.

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John Beal Roofing | Roofing Near Me | Roofing Contractors Near Me

Roofs are arguably the most significant areas of our homes and properties. Try and imagine a life with no roofs; buildings would practically be inhabitable.

Roofs take all the beating from hail, showers, snow and other elements of the weather condition while we stay underneath them warm and dry going about with our activities. However, these rooftops can only protect us for a certain period and they go through various types of damages.

If you wish to see one delivering you for a long time, it is sensible to invest in roof repairs from time to moment so that any little problem with it can be addressed before it becomes significant and force you to invest more or even replace the entire roof.

Going about roof fixing projects is not a straightforward thing because you need to address several concerns. Who is the best roof repair contractor in Dublin for the job?

How much will the repair work cost?

How often should the professional come to check out the roof?

What if the roof is restored and the problem keeps on persisting?

What types of problems are roofs susceptible to in Dublin?

These kinds of are without a doubt some of the questions that will linger in your head when preparing for a roof repair project. This guide will look into some essential aspects surrounding roof repairs so that at the end of it all, you won't be lost and will have an excellent idea of how to tackle such tasks. Read on;

Nowadays, you are not limited to anything when picking a roofing material. This part will look into some of the most common damages on your roof and how they can be fixed.

1. Wind Damages.These kinds of damages mostly impact slant roofs since the roofing material acts as an obstacle to the wind. The wind can damage the roof in many ways, and the most common one is blowing off the building material from some section of the roof.

Fixing blow off damages form wind is not complicated because all one has to do is to change the material that has been blown off. The new material should be attached to the base of the roof securely to prevent further damage from winds.

2. Structural Damages.These damages come in various forms and could even be caused by winds and storms. They are the ones where some plants and items around the house fall on the roof and cause destruction. A good example is a tree blown down by a windstorm and falling on a roof thus causing damage. The impact of such building damages depends on the items that have fallen on the roof. They vary between from simple punctures on the roofing product and sheathing to the entire collapse of the roof. Some of these damages are severe and even harm some internal parts of your house.The proper fix for such damages largely relies on the extent of the accident. For the most severe ones, a roof replacement is recommended as the best course of action. Small damages such as punctures and partial breakage of the roof structure can be fixed easily by a pro.

3. Tile and Slate DamageRoof shingles can be damaged due to a wide variety of reasons. They wear out long before the roof wears out and might have to be replaced. Other causes of damage to the tiles can be by wind, impact by other items and foot traffic when someone is inspecting the roof. Old tiles and slate can not serve their purpose anymore, and they become brittle and detract from the roof. Fixing damaged tiles and slate entails replacing them or even the entire roof as advised by an expert.

4. Roof Leakages.These are the most common damages to roofs these days. Leaks can be caused by many things which harm the roofing material and sheathing thus allowing water to leak through. Leaks are problematic since they vary widely and detecting one is not easy. In some cases, pools of water accumulate on your roof and flow through the material over time and into your home. Furthermore, leakages triggered by ice dams are complicated since the specific location where you will see water inside your space may not even be close to where the leak is located on the roof.

Experts come in handy when fixing leakages, and they can do it by inspecting the cracks and flashing on the roof. They will also look at the chimney stack and vents, damaged shingles and leaks in the deck for any signs of passages that can allow water to seep through. Depending on where they spot the space, they will seal it and pour water to determine whether it still leaks or not.

5. Missing Flashing.Roof flashing is an important part of the roof. Over time it gets destroyed and allows water to leak into the roof.Fixing the flashing depends on the damage to it and is mostly done by inspecting the roof and replacing them or installing the existing ones properly. Flashings are relatively durable and can be recycled.

6. Gutters and Downspouts.Rain gutters and downspouts are meant to direct water flowing on the roof away to a drainage system. This helps to avoid cases of water accumulating on the roof and activating leaks. Gutters can also be blocked by debris on the roof, and this makes them unable to let water flow freely.Fixing it is done by examining the interior part of these rain gutters and clearing out any material that might block the water path. Dents and scrapes can also be fixed to allow water to flow freely.

7. Ventilation Problems.Roof air flow needs to be in top condition since problems can allow animals and other elements of weather such as hailstones to get into your living space. They also get obstructed over time and fail to perform their function.Repairing them entails inspection of the vents and installing new ones if need be.

8. Roof Scorching.Blistering on roofs is caused by entrapped moisture and poor air flow within shingles. Blisters are not much of a bother since they do not affect the roof, but the problem comes in when it pops. Blisters should be pointed out clearly since they can be confused with other forms of problems and fixed by releasing the trapped moisture.

Which Is The Best Option?

This is one major decision that you will have to make when there are problems on your roof. The cost of fixing some parts of the roofs has risen over the years, and so has the cost of replacing the entire structure.

If the roof is between fifteen and twenty years old but still in excellent condition, then repairs still be the viable option. Roofs that are past twenty years old are not suitable for repair, and it is advisable to replace them rather than having a repair contractor at your place every single week.

- The extent of damage is another factor when deciding to replace or repair. If there is some damage such as a leak, a professional will inspect and check out the extent of it. If the leak is isolated, a repair might work, but if the roof is leaking in many places, a replacement might be in order.

- You should also look at the time you are preparing to stay in that home. If you have plans of selling it in a couple of years, and the roof is in top condition, repairs will be your best choice to avoid the financial implication of installing a new one.

- There is an option of installing a new roof over an existing one rather than doing it from scratch, and it also has some ramifications. While it will save you money and time, it is like covering over the damage which could even end up being worse over time. Building codes allow one to roof up to two layers since extra layers could become too heavy for the building. Roofing over an existing one is a short-term fix because you will have to pay much more when the time to rip the layers apart comes.

All the information about roof repairs has been presented above, and you will be faced with the task of selecting the best roof repair contractor in Cork. You will come across several of them telling you why they are the best option but do not fall for this. Selecting one can be done by checking on a couple of things and here are some of them;

- It is advisable to go local. Go for businesses that have a good reputation in Cork since they are familiar with the challenges affecting your roof.

- Experience is key. Roofing repair contractors that have been in the industry for long are your desired option since they have dealt with different scenarios and can offer a proper solution to your roofing problems.

- All roofers will tell you how good their work is but you have to prove this. Ask for references and people who have worked with them for more information on how they operate. If most people were satisfied with their work, then the chances are that they are good at what they do.

- Compare and contrast the proposals offered by various contractors before choosing one. This is the best way to pick a suitable contractor since you can determine the best one out of the ones available. Assess how they approach the problem at hand and amount they quote before making a choice.

- Licensing and insurance is another important thing to look at. They matter since there are many risks associated with roofing repair jobs. You need to ensure that the contractors are insured and they also have a clause to cover for damages around your home during repair.

- Lastly, find out whether they offer emergency services. Your roofing problems might come when you do not expect, and it is important for the contractor to deal with such situations as soon as possible.

Conclusion.If you would like to get an assessment and a free review of your roofing and damage done or leaking roof, simply call or roofers for an assessment and a quote to get the work done, see which quote gives you the best value or your preferred roofer and get it completed and prevent bigger damage in the future that may cost you more in the long run.

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Select Your Recommended Roofer | Roofing and Roof Repairs ...

Joseph David Roofing is your premiere resource for commercial roofing in New Jersey. We opened for business in 1955 and continue to expand, offering full-service, professional roofing applications and maintenance. We know the key to our success is the support of our satisfied and loyal customers, so we take pride in every project, large or small. When you hire Joseph David Roofing, you can count on our commitment to your satisfaction.

Our portfolio includes: schools, factories, retail stores, community centers, malls, churches and apartment buildings. We are approved installers of all major manufacturers and we are fully licensed and insured for all your roofing needs.

We know the key to our success is the support of our satisfied and loyal customers, so we take pride in every project, large or small. When you hire Joseph David Roofing, you can count on our commitment to your satisfaction.

Joseph David Roofing has been working in the Tri-State Area for over 60 years. Our experience is our biggest asset. We specialize in Commercial and Industrial roofing and we work closely with building owners, managers, and tenants to ensure the job goes smoothly and meets your expectations. Our portfolio includes: schools, factories, retail stores, community centers, malls, churches and apartment buildings. We are approved installers of all major manufacturers and we are fully licensed and insured for all your roofing needs.

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Joseph David Roofing | NJ Commercial Roofing Contractor ...

No matter what type of NJ roofing project you have in mind, there are more than a few benefits of hiring theteam at Deegan Roofing. Before hiring us for a job, you will be able to meet directly with the owner. During this time you will be given a competitive roofing estimate for free, and trust us when we say we never pressure you into hiring us if youre not satisfied. We arent here to offer gimmicks or any hidden costs, just an honest price for honest work. Once you hire us for a job, you can rest easy knowing that we will take care of everything so you dont have to. From the materials to the required permits, let us handle everything.

As we mentioned, we use excellent products and materials from top manufacturers like GAF. From their Timberline Lifetime Shingles to roof deck protection, we have all of the tools and resources needed to take care of your roof. You can browse our website to learn more about some of the products we use, or visit the GAF website for additional information.

Regardless of the type of roofing or siding services you need in the New Jersey area, Roof RepairsRoof Installations, Roof Inspections, Roof Cleaning,Gutter Cleaning, Gutter Installation,Gutter Repair, you can always count on Deegan Roofing to be there when you need us most. It is our pleasure to serve area homeowners, and we guarantee your satisfaction on each and every job. We invite you to browse our website to learn more about the services and products that we offer, and please give us a call today to speak with a helpful member of our team. We understand your time is important, and we wont make you wait around when you have roofing or siding projects that need to be completed. Thank you for choosing Deegan Roofing for your roofing and siding needs in New Jersey for places like Westfield, Warren,Paramus, Seaside Heights and more!

NJ Roofing

We also provide roofing services in Florida:FL Roofing

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NJ Roofing Company | Deegan Contracting

Outside major remodeling projects such as renovating a kitchen or bathroom, new roofing is one of the most expensive home improvement "repairs" that a homeowner ever faces. As with most home improvement choices, there is a direct relationship between quality and expense, and in the case of roofing, "quality" usually translates as longevity. With a roof, it rarely makes sense to bargain-basement shop by choosing a roofing material based sheerly on price, when spending a little more may give you a roof that lasts for as long as you own the house. A cheap roof is no bargain if it needs to be replaced every 8 years.

You may find some surprises as you consider the longevity factor of these seven common residential roofing materials.

For the sake of comparison, we've offered average national costs based a 2,000 square foot house with a standard roof, installed by professionals. Be aware that different roof configurations and different materials can make these costs vary greatly Costs will vary even by region, based on the differences in labor costs. But this analysis will give you a sense of comparative lifespans of these seven different types of roofing, as well as their average costs and lifetime value.

Asphalt roll roofing is made from large rolls of the same material used in asphalt shingles. Used for relatively flat pitches, such as angled shed roofs, roll roofing is installing by laying strips lengthwise across the roof in overlapping courses. Roll roofing is a fairly easy material to install, and many DIYers do this themselves. But it is better suited for sheds, garages, and perhaps porch roofs, and is not a very good solution for most home roofs.

Average Lifespan

Asphalt roll roofing can be expected to last from 5 to 10 years, at most. Getting maximum life from the roofing is really just a matter of keeping it clear of debris and quickly patching any punctures or damage that occurs.

Installation Costs and Lifetime Value

Asphalt roll roofing is normally installed on roofs with a relatively flat peak, so a 2,000 square foot house will have very close to 2,000 square feet of roof area. Average costs for installing this roof are about $2.25 per square foot, for a total average cost of roughly $4,500. But assuming that this roof will likely need to be replaced perhaps 12 times over 100 years, total costs over this period, in today's dollars, can be as high as $54,000 over 100 years.

A built-up roof (BUR) is a layered roof that is created by alternating layers of roofing felt and waterproof materials such as fiberglass, and hot tar (bitumen). Normally used on roofs that are flat or with a very slight pitch, BUR roofIt is fire-resistant and inexpensive, but the roofing is messy and smelly to install.

Average Lifespan

BUR roofs typically last from 20 to 30 years. Maximizing the lifespan of a built-up roof is accomplished by regular inspection and repair, and by keeping debris off the roof to prevent degradation of the surface.

Installation Costs and Lifetime Value

Built-up roofing average about $4 per square foot, installed. On a 2,000 square foot house with a roof very close to that square footage, average professional installation costs about $8,000. Assuming that this roof will need to be replaced about four times over a 100 year period, average roofing costs in today's dollars are about $32,000 over 100 years. However, this type of roof is not suitable for a home with any real slope to the roof.

Composite shingle roofing is the most popular of all roofing materials, found on more than 80 percent of all homes. Composite shingles use either an organic or fiberglass base that is saturated with asphalt, coated on the bottom side with asphalt, and the exposed surface impregnated with small chips of slate, schist, quartz, or ceramic granules. The vast popularity of shingles owes to the relatively low cost, easy installation, and decent life expectancy. These roofs are normally installed by professional crews, but installation is not out of reach for a skilled DIYer.

Average Lifespan

Composite asphalt shingles can be expected to last 15 to 40 years, depending on the quality of the materials chosen. Some shingle roofs may even last as long as 50 years. Most shingle roofing manufactures offer a range of products in different weights and different life expectancies. Manufacturers like Owens Corning, GAF, or Certainteed come with accordingly high-end warranties pushing a half-century.

Maximize the lifespan of asphalt shingle roofs by avoiding cheap shingles and avoiding walking on them. Keep them free of moss, and never power wash an asphalt shingle roof.

Installation Costs and Lifetime Value

On average, asphalt shingle roofs cost around $5 per square foot to instal,l although the price range can be substantial, depending on the types of shingles selected and the labor costs from region to region. Assuming that a 2,000 square foot house with a typical roof slopes has a roof square footage of about 2,200 square feet, that roof averages about $11,000 for professional installation. Assuming this roof might be replaced three to four times, an asphalt shingle roof will cost, in today's dollars, $33,000 to $44,000 over 100 years. Since a typical homeowner rarely lives in a home for more than 30 or 40 years, during which they may reroof only once, asphalt shingles make for a fairly cost-effective roofing material from most people

Wood shingle roofs are made from thin, wedge-shaped pieces of natural wood, such as cedar or yellow pine, which are sawn from logs. They make for an extremely attractive roof but are tricky to install and not suitable for most DIYers. Be aware that growing fire hazards in some regions has caused legal restrictions on the use of wood roofing materials. They are not a good choice in any location where there are seasonal wildfire hazards.

Average Lifespan

Wood shingle roofs average about 25 to 30 years in longevity, though longer lifespans are sometimes achieved in locations where the roof experiences mild conditions and remains free of debris. Meticulously maintained, wood shingle roofs can last for 50 years. To extend the life of a wood shingle roof, make sure to replace split and cracked shingles immediately, and keep the roof free of moss.

Installation Costs and Lifetime Value

Wood shingles are more expensive than asphalt shingles, costing between $6.50 and $11.00 per square foot, installed. Assuming an average of about $9 per square foot, a 2,000 square foot house with 2,200 square foot of standard sloped roof will cost $19,800 to roof. Assuming this roof will need to be replaced at least three or four times over a century, costs can be as high as $60,000 to $80,000 over 100 years, calculated in today's dollars.

Wood shakes are a thicker material than wood shingles, and they can be expected to stand up better than wood shingles to weather and UV rays. They are not suitable for most DIYers to install, requiring professional installation. Like wood shingles, shakes may be restricted in regions where wildfires are a known hazard.

Average Lifespan

Wood shake roofs can be expected to last 35 to 40 years, though longer life is not rare. To maximize lifespan, you do need to baby them and practice proper maintenance. There is no "set it and forget it"option for any wood roofing material. Remove debris as soon as it falls on the roof. Eliminate moss. Replace split shakes right away. Replace curled, cupped, or split shakes immediately.

Installation Costs and Lifetime Value

Both the materials and installation are more expensive for shakes than for wood shingles. You can typically count on shakes being about 50 percent more expensive than shingles. Based on an assumption of $13 per square foot, a 2,000 square foot house with 2,200 in sloped roof square footage will cost $26,000 to install. If three installations are required over a century, average costs in today's dollars would run $78,000 over 100 years.

An increasingly popular type of roofing, especially in areas prone to wildfire danger, standing-seam metal roofs are made from large steel panels laid on the roof deck with the seams overlapping in raised ridges that run vertically along the roof slope. Metals used are usually steel or aluminum, although copper and zinc are also used. These roofs are virtually maintenance free, and very durable. They are not suitable for DIY installation, however.

Average Lifespan

Standing-seam metal roofs have a lifespan of 30 to 50 years, but as a relatively new product, information is still being gathered. In good circumstances, metal roofs may well last 75 years. To maximize lifespan, regularly check them to make sure that fasteners and sealants haven't failed, and inspect for distressed, bent, or slipped panels.

Installation Costs and Lifetime Value

Costs for standing-seam metal roofs average about $10 per square foot for steel or aluminum, $13 per square foot for zinc, and $18 per square foot for copper. For a 2,000 square foot house with 2,200 in sloped roof area, average national costs for a steel panel roof are about $22,000. But there is strong evidence that improved metal roofs now being sold may routinely last 50 years. If a metal roof is replaced only once, costs in today's dollars are $44,000 over 100 years.

Is Metal Roofing the Best Value?

For a homeowner who lives in a home for 30 to 40 years before selling, a single $22,000 re-roofing expense might be the only one ever incurred if using metal roofing. And if you are shopping for a new home, buying one with a metal roof may mean you'll never face a re-roofing project at all. In many ways, standing-seam metal roofs might be a more cost-effective option then the far more popular asphalt shingle roof.

Clay tile roofs are very popular in the Southwest, but they can be found anywhere in the country, thanks to their incredible strength and durability. Traditional tiles are made from terracotta clay, but there are also ceramic tiles roofs (made of fired clay), as well as concrete tile roofs. All consist of individual tiles installed in overlapping layers over the roof surface, and all have roughly the same degree of strength and durability. They require a sturdy roofing framing sufficient to hold the weight and must be installed by skilled professionals. This may well be the only roof your home ever needs.

Average Lifespan

Clay tile roofs routinely last 100 years or more when properly maintained. Tile roofing's Achilles heel is not decay, as with wood shake or shingles, nor the slow sloughing off of mineral grains, as with composite shingles.Rather, cracking is what can doom tile roofs. Avoid walking on your tile roof as much as possible. Whenefflorescence develops, as often happens with terracotta, buff it off with a clean, dry towel. Coat the tiles with a clear alkyd primer.Replace cracked and broken tiles as soon as you spot them.

Installation Costs and Lifetime Value

Costs vary considerably, depending on whether the tiles are traditional clay terracotta, fired ceramic, or concrete. Concrete tiles can cost around $10 per square foot, installed; terra cotta can range from $15 to $20 per square foot installed; and ceramic tile, from $20 to $30 per square foot, installed. If installing a traditional Spanish clay tile roof at $20 per square foot, costs for a 2,000 square foot house with 2,200 of sloped roof area would be $44,400. However, since this roof will very likely last a century, costs in today's dollars would remain $44,000 over 100 years. If you are really concerned about future owners, a tile roof is a great choice. And if you are shopping for a new home, a tile roof less than 50 years old may well be a house you'll never need to reroof.

Slate is another version of a stone roof, but rather than being made from molded clays or concrete, these are roofs covered with actual stone hewn from rock mined from quarries. Slate has a natural tendency to split into flat slabs, making this the ideal natural stone to cover roofs. Slate must be installed by trained craftsmen. It is the most expensive of common roofing materials, but also the most durable of all. Properly maintained, it can potentially last the lifetime of your homeeven if that lifetime is two centuries long. Because of the expense, this is a roofing material usually used on large, luxury homes.

Average Lifespan

This is a roof that can easily last 100 years or and far more. There are slate roofs still in operation that literally date back to Shakespeare's time. To achieve this kind of longevity, immediately replace any broken slate tiles you see. Make sure that all flashings are correctly installed and in good working order. When your copper flashing has turned black, it is time to replace it.

Installation Costs and Lifetime Value

There is quite an enormous variation in costs for a slate roof, which can range from around $10 per square foot to as high as $75 per square foot, installed. Assuming an average installation cost of $30 per square foot, a 2,000 square foot home with 2,200 in sloped roof area can cost roughly $66,000 to roof with slate. That 's the only cost ever incurred though. Ever. At today's dollars, a slate roof would cost $66,000 over 100 years. And $66,000 for 200 years. And $66,000 for 300 years...

It's easy to choose inexpensive options when you are faced with the immediate challenge of financing a new roof when the old one wears out. But taking a long-term view may show you that a more expensive roofing material can be the better value over the lifetime of your home. And when shopping for a new home, a quality roof should make you perk up and take notice.

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Comparing Lifespans for 7 Common Roofing Materials

Start Here Invalid Zip Code. Welcome! Replacing your roof is not an easy decision, roofing material, company, and costs are just a few of the factors you will need to consider. You can use the roofing calculator below to get a rough estimate of roofing costs per square foot depending on the type of roofing material. It will display 3 estimates; low, average, and high figures for the estimator tool. Costs can vary widely depending on how complex your roofing structure is, type of roofing material, overall slope, number of chimneys, sky-lights, taxes, permits, and other roof structures not listed.Keep in mind this is a ball park figure & includes old roofing material removal, installation, and clean up.

How to calculate roofing costs:When installing new roofing, there are many factors to consider when estimating price. Don't just look at roofing material, although a big chunk of the cost is the type of material, you also need to consider how many stories, the complexity of the roof, slope or pitch, how many chimneys, skylights, dormers, ridges, roofing company, geographic location, taxes, and permits as well. * When using the roofing estimator online tool remember that this is only just an estimation, and shouldnt be used as a real price quote. Use the other online formto get live roofing quotes from local contractors if you want live prices. This tool only uses ranges to estimate roofing prices by square foot.Roofing costs above include:- The cost of roofing material and transportation to/from the work site- The Labor to remove old roofing- Installation of the roofing, & clean up. While useful, the online calculator does not consider:- Any damaged roofing/structure that needs replacement- The roofing material quality from various brands- Geographic location and the affect on price - Any taxes or permits required to remove and install new roofing- Any systems on the roof that may need to be replaced ...

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Reroofing Over Asphalt Shingles

As a roofing contractor doing business in my hometown for more than 20years, I consider it my obligation to give customers the best value for theirmoney. When their asphalt shingle roof has reached the end of its life, mostpeople assume their only option is to strip the roof to bare sheathing before anew roof can be applied. But unless the sheathing is extensively damaged or thestructure can't support the weight of another layer of roofing, a bettersolution is to apply a new layer of shingles right over the old one. Donecorrectly, a reroof job will look as good and last as long as a "new" roof, fora lot less money and a lot less hassle.

Advantages of Reroofing Most building codes allow two layers of organic or fiberglass asphaltshingles on roofs with a 4/12 pitch or less, and three layers on steeper roofs.If the structure can support the added weight, a typical 20-square(2,000-square-foot) reroof will cost at least $1,000 less than a tear-off job.Labor savings go beyond demolition: Not having to lay down felt paper saves $10a square; and site and weather protection, as well as cleanup, are all reducedif not eliminated.

Disposal costs are lower, too, because we don't have to rent a dumpsterand we save the $65-per-ton dump fees. We also save by not having to separatethe recyclables. Here in central New York, asphalt, cardboard, and wood allhave to be tossed into different containers, and in some cases hauled todifferent transfer stations. The same is true of flashing, drip edge, tarbuckets, vents, and other scrap metal.

Less liability. As a contractor in ahighly competitive business, I can't claim that a reroof is a lot moreprofitable than a tear-off job, but I can say that it's much less risky.There is no chance of a dumpster carving up the lawn or scarring the driveway;there is less risk of property damage from falling debris or from nails thatfind their way into homeowners' car tires. And because bare sheathing isnever exposed to the elements, there is much less chance of weather damage orof an employee being injured while scrambling around in the rain trying to getan exposed roof under cover.

Equal quality. All shinglemanufacturers honor the warranty, whether their products are used for a reroofor a new roof. If the job is done correctly, with the new layer of shingleslaid flat over the existing shingles, the old roof cushions the new one andserves as a secondary barrier should wind or water ever break through the newshingles.

Evaluating the Job Because my company does both tear-off and reroof work, I evaluate eachjob to determine which procedure is best. Whenever I'm called to give aroofing estimate, I always ask the callers to tell me why they think they needa new roof. Have they noticed leaks and stains, or is it simply because theirneighbors are replacing their roofs? I also ask about the age and apparentcondition of the roof. If the roof is, say, eight years old, it probably justneeds a repair. If it's 15 years old and they've noticed loosegranules washing off the shingles or running out of the downspouts, it's areroof candidate. When they tell me what neighborhood they're in, I canalso make a good guess about how many layers of shingles are already on theroof.

When I arrive to inspect the site, the first thing I look at is not the roofbut the condition of the house and the quality of any recent work that mighthave been done to it. We do high quality work and we charge more than theaverage fly-by-nighter. If a house looks like no one cares, I want to find outwhat kind of work the owners are looking for before I invest a lot of mytime.

I always walk the roof. A contractor who only does tear-off work can figurea job standing on the ground with a tape measure and a pair of binoculars. Notme. I can't be sure that reroofing will work until I've thoroughlyinspected every inch of the roof. Sometimes it's an easy decision: If Ipeel the shingles back from the rake edge and count three or more layers, andif most of the shingles are badly curled, the permanent step flashing is badlydeteriorated, or the deck feels soft and spongy wherever I step, it needs atear-off.

Even if the structure can support the added weight, the new roof won'tlast unless it's laid flat over smooth shingles, intact flashing, andsound sheathing. Localized problems, like a few missing shingles or one or twosoft spots in the sheathing at the mouth of a valley, for example, oraround pipes or at the bottom of the chimney can be easily repaired, butbeyond that it's more efficient to do a complete tear-off. I also rule outreroofing if a careless prior reshingling has left the roof with a washboardsurface.

If reroofing is warranted, I measure the existing shingles to determinewhether they're standard (12x36 inches) or metric (13x39 inches). The newshingles must be the same size as the old ones or installation will be anightmare. While I'm on the roof, I also measure the exposure of theexisting shingle courses and eyeball their horizontal straightness. If the oldroofing is extremely wavy or if the exposure varies more than 1/4 inch from thestandard 5 inches (55/8 inches for metric shingles), I won't be able tofollow the existing lines, so I'll have to allow more labor time forsnapping chalk lines and using gauges to ensure a first-rate job.

Prep Work The best thing about beginning a reroof job is the sound sleep I getthe night before, because I don't have to worry about everything thatcould go wrong between tear-off and dry-in. Even if a freak thunderstorm shouldstrike without warning, there's no need to panic. We just calmly seekshelter until the storm passes, then get right back to work. Any rainwater thatgets between the new surface and the old will evaporate.

The average reroof requires at least two full pallets of shingles, which Ihave delivered a few days before the job starts. For a nominal additionalcharge, some of my suppliers will place the bundles on the roof and scatterthem according to my instructions. When I can't get rooftop delivery, Icoordinate with the homeowners and give my supplier specific instructions aboutwhere to place the load. I don't want the homeowner coming home from workto find 60 bundles of shingles blocking the garage.

I like to use a five-man crew for reroof jobs: a crew chief, two roofingmechanics, one laborer, and one laborer-trainee. While the other guys areunloading, setting up ladders, and stocking the roof, the crew chief will walkthe perimeter of the house looking for anything fragile that might need to bemoved or protected. He'll also be on the lookout for pre-existing damagethat the homeowners might not have noticed. If he finds a loose railing or acracked basement window, he'll let them know about it so we don'ttake the blame later on.

Because we're not doing major demolition, we don't have to takethe elaborate site-protection measures I insist on when we do tear-offs. Wewill, however, lay plywood over air conditioning units and over any flatstepping stones that might get scratched. We've also learned the hard wayto always protect expensive plants with a plywood tent, and to lay sheets ofcardboard under any of our vehicles parked in the driveway to catch oilleaks.

After the roof is stocked, the laborers pry up several layers of capshingles at a time and toss them into plastic trash bins (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Theroofing crew uses a Red Ripper roofing demolition tool to pry up cap shingles,which are collected in a plastic bin, along with old boot flanges and any looseshingle tabs.

Sometimes they use a standard gardener's "potato fork," but the besttool for the job is a Red Ripper (Integrated Roofing Technologies, 2413Stevenage Dr., Unit 11, Ottawa, Ontario K1G 3W1 800/352-6147). They also pry upand discard the old vent flanges, and start new boot flanges over the tops ofthe pipes. At this point, the prep crew also cuts out and replaces any badsheathing, and fills in any missing shingles with scrap pieces to give the roofa sound, uniform surface. Finally, they'll use a hook blade to cut backthe bottom 2 inches from the third course of existing shingles (12 inches upfrom the drip edge). This will make starter course layout easier.

After the messy work is done and the trash bins have been emptied into theback of the company pickup truck, the roof is swept clean, then drip edge isscattered along the perimeter of the roof and nailed in place. We use a specialdrip edge, called Overhang Drip (model DE6, Caliber Metals, 23500 John GorsuchDr., Clinton Township, MI 48036; 810/465-7650), which is made to fit over theold drip edge and shingles (Figure 2).

We run the metal along the eaves first, then up the rake edges, alwayslapping a higher piece over a lower one for good drainage.

While this is happening, one of the laborers separates the bundles ofshingles into thirds and scatters them on the roof. This puts the shingleswithin easy reach of the shinglers, who won't lose time hunting andreaching for fresh material. The other laborer makes all the precut shingleswe'll need later: inverts, one- and two-tab shingles, and caps. An invertis the 5-inch-wide top half of a full shingle; caps are one-tab shingles withthe top corners tapered to ensure the exposed edges follow a straight line.

by John Curran

This article has been provided by http://www.jlconline.com. JLC-Online is produced by the editors and publishers of The Journal of Light Construction, a monthly magazine serving residential and light-commercial builders, remodelers, designers, and other trade professionals.

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Reroofing Over Asphalt Shingles - HomeAdvisor

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