Do I Need A New Roof? – by Steven Briesemeister

You may be asking yourself, “Do I need a new roof?” If you are also asking yourself the following questions, then you want to seriously consider a roof replacement:
1. Upon inspection of my roof, I noticed algae growth. Do I need a new roof?
2. I noticed curling and blistering on my roof. Do I need a new roof?
3. I see that some of my shingles are missing or broken. Do I need a new roof?
4. I noticed some rotting. Do I need a new roof?
5. I saw several dark patches and they appear dirty. Do I need a new roof?
6. I observed some sagging and buckling in my roof’s structure. Do I need a new roof?
If the answers to any of these questions are “yes,” consider a simple formula of economics. If you have a roof that is knowingly in need of repair, and may need a lot more maintenance in the future, would it be better to continue repairing your current roof or should you have it completely replaced? It may be less expensive, in the long run, to spend the money now on a new roof rather than continuously repairing one that is already damaged. In addition, a new roof may lessen the chance of extensive damage and insurance claims during a future storm or other inclement weather
Before deciding whether to repair or replace your roof, inspect it carefully for any signs of damage or deterioration. It’s important to remember that, during inspection, avoid walking on your roof if at all possible as this may cause further damage to the structure. It is advisable to use binoculars or a ladder to get the best view possible. There are two ways to inspect your roof, which includes both an outside and inside inspection.
The outside inspection is, perhaps, the easiest and should be done first. Most outward signs of damage can be seen immediately. There are specific signs to indicate that your roof may need to be replaced, including algae growth, curling, blistering, missing or broken shingles, missing granules, rotting, damaged flashing, buckling, loose or exposed nails, dark patches that appear “dirty,” sagging in the center of the roof or the presence of rust.
The inside inspection may take more time and effort, but is essential in determining the best outcome for your home. There are a number of indoor signs to indicate that your roof may be in need of replacing, including ceiling spots, sagging between the rafters or an outside light that is visible through the roof. The most obvious of the signs, which are ceiling spots, are easily visible and would be a clear indication of leakage. If a roof is found to be leaking, and appropriate repairs are not made, the water damage may cause additional damage to your insulation and increase energy costs. If you locate dark spots in the wood, test them in order to decide if the problem is one of immediate concern. If the spot feels soft to the touch or is damp, the indication would be that the problem is a current one. On the other hand, if the spot is dry, it’s possible that this is a previous problem that has been corrected or is no longer an issue.
If you find any of these signs to be present, contact a roofing contractor for a professional evaluation. Before deciding for yourself, ask for their opinion and request an estimate. In some cases, a simple repair may be all that is needed to correct a problem. However, if the problem is going to be reoccurring, consider the possibility of replacing the roof entirely. For instance, if your roof shows signs of rotting, this could be a larger problem in the future if it has spread throughout the structure. If, on the other hand, a few shingles are in need of repair, you wouldn’t necessarily want to replace the roof entirely. When making any major home improvement, consider each option carefully before making a final decision.

Steven Briesemeister who is the owner of http://www.roofer911.com has 33 years experience in all types of roof repair problems and new roof installation for residential and commercial accounts. As a Long Island and Northern Virgina roofing contractor, we believe, “Quality Doesn’t Cost…It Pays! For more roof related articles, kindly visit: http://www.roofer911.com/roofing_articles.htm

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Different Types of Roof Vents – by Steven Briesemeister

The most important part of your home is the roof. It protects you from the rain, the snow and anything else that Mother Nature dishes out. Without it, we are left out in the cold – literally. When building, or buying, a home, it’s important to make sure that the roof is in good shape. One of the most important aspects of roofing is adequate ventilation.
Potential Problems
The lack of ventilation causes moisture to build up and possibly cause structural problems with the roof. In addition, ensuring that your roof is properly ventilated will increase the life of your roof and promote the safety of everyone in your home. In addition, built up moisture and heat may cause extra cooling expenses, which raises energy costs. Moisture can also cause ice dams and other problems, including rotting and fungus.
Different Types of Roof Vents & Roof Ventilation
There are various types of roof vents available, including Dormer and Turbine. The most important thing to consider, when choosing one, is the actual ventilation system. Proper ventilation systems will consist of the following two types of vents:
Intake Vents. These vents will allow fresh air to get into the home.
Exhaust Vents. These allow air to leave the home.
In order for any ventilation system to work, both intake and exhaust vents must be installed. When properly installed, the ventilation system will allow fresh air to enter the home while sending other air outside.
Calling The Professionals
Dependant upon the area in which you live, a professional roofing contractor will be able to advise you on the different types of roof vents and which is more suitable for your home. Certain types of roof vents are better than others, depending on the roof’s structure or style. Cathedral roofs, for example, would require a ridge vent for proper ventilation whereas some homes would be better suited with a turbine vent, which has a free spinning top allowing air to flow out.
Different Types of Roof Vents & Roof Longevity
If a roof is properly ventilated, it can increase the longevity of it’s structure. This could save you big bucks in the future by not having to purchase a whole new roof. If a home is not properly ventilated, the moist air has nowhere to go. As it sits inside the home, it will begin to cause damage little by little. Although it may not be noticeable at first, time will show that damage is occurring and, the longer a roof goes without proper ventilation, the worse effect it will have on the structure of your home.

Steven Briesemeister who is the owner of http://www.roofer911.com has 33 years experience in all types of roof repair problems and new roof installation for residential and commercial accounts. As a Long Island and Northern Virgina roofing contractor, we believe, “Quality Doesn’t Cost…It Pays! For more roof related articles, kindly visit: http://www.roofer911.com/roofing_articles.htm

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Different Popular Types Of Roofs – by James Carlson

A roof does a lot for your home. It keeps you warm or cool and it keeps you protected from the elements. It also can add to the looks of your home. Read this article to learn about some of the different types of roofs available to you

One popular style of roof is the slate roof. Slate proofs are very attractive in appearance and offer excellent protection from fire. They are also a unique roof and provide for a long roof life. They do have some disadvantages though. They are extremely expensive and are much harder to install since they require extensive structures to support the weight. You also can not walk on the roof without risking damage to the tiles. If you can do it though, nothing looks like a slate roof.

Another popular option is a metal roof. Metal roofs are also durable and offer a long life. They are also resistant to sleet and hail and when made from recycled metal they are very environmentally sound. They are however more expensive to install requiring special tools and skills. Some people might also object to the sound of a metal roof since they may be louder in the rain.

The last option I will talk about is the concrete tile roof. They are similar to slate roofs but are much cheaper. They are an attractive roof available in a number of different styles and colors and offer excellent fire resistance. They are still expensive however and can be damaged by hail storms. You also may not be able to use them in climates subject to heavy freezing.

I hope this article has given you some useful information on roofs. If you are looking to do something different than the basic asphalt shingle, one of these options may be for you. Good luck with whichever one you decide

Learn more about roofs at The Roofer List a website on roof repair and roofers.

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Determine Roof Slope – by Steven Briesemeister

If you want to determine roof slope, it isn’t as difficult as you may think. In fact, it’s quite simple and can be done in a very short amount of time with minimal inconvenience. This is not a project that should be intimidating, even though home improvement work can sometimes be stressful. The slope of a roof is measured as the length that a roof rises vertically over a 12″ horizontal distance. You can do this job yourself, ask a friend to help or call a roofing professional if you are not comfortable doing the work yourself.
Determine Roof Slope, But Maintain Ladder Safety
To determine roof slope, place a ladder at the side of your house so that you may easily access the down slope edge of the roof. At this point, you should be in line with the roof’s peak, which means the roof should slope up from left to right or from right to left, but not away from you. Before you begin, make sure that your ladder is secured. You will need to use both hands to determine roof slope and will not want to be distracted by a shaky ladder. This can be bothersome, but also very dangerous. When working on a ladder, make sure that it’s perfectly safe. If you have trouble with heights and do not wish to climb the ladder yourself, ask a friend to help or call a roofing professional.
How To Determine Roof Slope Accurately
Now that you’re ready to get started, it’s important to know that you will not need to be on the roof to do this, which is ideal because walking directly on the roof can be dangerous. Begin by holding a framing square onto the roofline while making sure that the long end of the “L” is pointing toward the roof’s center and the short end is pointing down toward the ground. The long end of the framing square should meet the edge of the roof at the 12″ line. Level the square horizontally and read the measurement on the short end.
To determine roof slope, remember that rise is the measurement on the vertical leg while run is the 12″ measurement on the horizontal line. If you are using a framing square, keep in mind that some have measurements on both edges. If that is the case with your framing square, consult the measurements on the inside edges for an accurate number. Remember that, if your roof rises 8 inches vertically for every 12 inches horizontally, then you can determine roof slope to be at 8/12.
A Few Options
If you do not have a framing square to measure roof slope, a ruler or tape measure will also work because the slope is measured based on a 12″ horizontal distance. If you are using a tape measure, look for one that has a push lock. This will help avoid unnecessary problems with constantly having to pull the tape measure back out to double check the slope measurements

Steven Briesemeister who is the owner of http://www.roofer911.com has 33 years experience in all types of roof repair problems and new roof installation for residential and commercial accounts. As a Long Island and Northern Virgina roofing contractor, we believe, “Quality Doesn’t Cost…It Pays!

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Designing your thatched roof in South Africa – by Jan Lombaard

<p>
1. Consider carefully in which area of your property the roof will be erected<p>
2. Assess the ground area where the roof will be constructed for underground water pipes, power cables, irrigation pipes, etc. as this can play a role when planting poles in the ground for supporting the roof.<p>
3. If building work needs to be done it needs to be done before commencing with the erection of the roof. It is extremely difficult to do building work after the thatched roof has been erected and it affects the roof structures stability and strength. Decide beforehand where the braai facility,washing area, counter, bar area, fridge area, seating and any other fixed structures will be situated.Further plan the lighting, floor covering and decide on the final finish on the pole structure, do you require a matt or a gloss finish? Where the roof is to be erected on walls and beams or columns the following should be considered:<p>
a.) That the substructure and foundations are capable of supporting the roof
b.) That the roof structure exerts vertical and horizontal forces, due to wind forces and dead weight, on its supports, and thus the structure must be designed in the correct manner.
c.) An architect or structural engineer can be contacted to assist in this regard.<p>
4. When deciding on the size of the roof, take into consideration the space available and how many people will make use of the facility.<p>
5. After determining the size of the roof you should decide where the entrance/s would be and how high and wide they will be, as this will affect the design and shape of the roof.<p>
6. To determine the overhang required on the roof and where arches will be constructed take sunrise and sunset into consideration and the view you require from underneath the roof.<p>
7. Who will design the roof and are there any guarantees on the design as supplied by a structural engineer.<p>
8. A Proper roof plan showing sections, supporting walls, columns, foundations, connections, dimensions and the specifications of the material that will be used is highly recommended, as this will also assist in accurate costing and tendering.<p>
a.) For small lapas (less than 50 m²) it is not useful as a simplistic design is followed.
b.) For houses, lodges and other commercial projects it is a must as these projects are seldom simplistic and differ in size, shape, design and many other aspects.<p>
9. Who will draw the plans for the roof as required by the local authorities?<p>
10. The distance from other buildings as this affects the fire hazard of the planned roof.<p>
11. Contact insurance companies and get detail on premiums and requirements for lowest premiums. Determine what influences premiums and what is needed for a claim to be paid out.<p>
12. Will the elevated area due to the 45° pitch be used, as this can affect the design of the support structure of the roof?<p>
13. A competent person who knows the National Building Regulationâ™s legal requirements on structural strength, stability and safety should check the design of the roof structure.<p>
14. It is recommended that a structural engineer or an architect inspects and certifies the completed structure, as there is not yet a design code specifically for pole connections.

Jan Lombaard is the founder of http://www.builditall.co.za The National Building, Renovating and Home Improvement Directory of South Africa. He has been actively involved in the building and renovating industry for the last 12 years.

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Designing a Thatched roof in South Africa – by Jan Lombaard

Before designing your thatched roof the following should be taken into consideration:

1. Consider carefully in which area of your property the roof will be erected

2. Assess the ground area where the roof will be constructed for underground water pipes, power cables, irrigation pipes, etc. as this can play a role when planting poles in the ground for supporting the roof.

3. If building work needs to be done it needs to be done before commencing with the erection of the roof. It is extremely difficult to do building work after the thatched roof has been erected and it affects the roof structures stability and strength. Decide beforehand where the braai facility,washing area, counter, bar area, fridge area, seating and any other fixed structures will be situated.Further plan the lighting, floor covering and decide on the final finish on the pole structure, do you require a matt or a gloss finish? Where the roof is to be erected on walls and beams or columns the following should be considered:

a.) That the substructure and foundations are capable of supporting the roof
b.) That the roof structure exerts vertical and horizontal forces, due to wind forces and dead weight, on its supports, and thus the structure must be designed in the correct manner.
c.) An architect or structural engineer can be contacted to assist in this regard.

4. When deciding on the size of the roof, take into consideration the space available and how many people will make use of the facility.

5. After determining the size of the roof you should decide where the entrance/s would be and how high and wide they will be, as this will affect the design and shape of the roof.

6. To determine the overhang required on the roof and where arches will be constructed take sunrise and sunset into consideration and the view you require from underneath the roof.

7. Who will design the roof and are there any guarantees on the design as supplied by a structural engineer.

8. A Proper roof plan showing sections, supporting walls, columns, foundations, connections, dimensions and the specifications of the material that will be used is highly recommended, as this will also assist in accurate costing and tendering.

a.) For small lapas (less than 50 m²) it is not useful as a simplistic design is followed.
b.) For houses, lodges and other commercial projects it is a must as these projects are seldom simplistic and differ in size, shape, design and many other aspects.

9. Who will draw the plans for the roof as required by the local authorities?

10. The distance from other buildings as this affects the fire hazard of the planned roof.

11. Contact insurance companies and get detail on premiums and requirements for lowest premiums. Determine what influences premiums and what is needed for a claim to be paid out.

12. Will the elevated area due to the 45° pitch be used, as this can affect the design of the support structure of the roof?

13. A competent person who knows the National Building Regulation’s legal requirements on structural strength, stability and safety should check the design of the roof structure.

14. It is recommended that a structural engineer or an architect inspects and certifies the completed structure, as there is not yet a design code specifically for pole connections.

Jan Lombaard is the founder of www.builditall.co.za The National Building, Renovating and Home Improvement Directory of South Africa

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Deciding to Repair or Install a New Roof in Oregon – by Mark Starr

At one time or another, Portland residents will be faced with the decision to repair or replace their home or commercial roofing structure. While in some cases, the decision to install a new roof may be crystal clear, other situations may lend themselves to carefully weigh the pros and cons.

A professional roofing contractor in Portland can help you make the right choice between roof repair and a new roof installation for your Oregon home or business. The following list of considerations will assist you with your roofing decisions.

Residential and Commercial Roofing — How Old Is Your Portland Roof?

A chief thing to consider when deciding on roof repair in Portland or an entirely new roof is the age of your existing roof. A new roof generally lasts between 10 and 20 years. However, depending on maintenance, the materials used and the quality of installation, you can get as many as 50 years out of your roof.

Your Portland roofing contractor can conduct an inspection of your roof and make a prognosis as to how much longer it will last. If your roof is in its latter years, it may be better to install a new roof for your Oregon home or commercial roofing structure.

Residential and Commercial Roofing — What Is the Extent of Damage to Your Portland Roof?

It’s possible that roof repair for your Portland home or commercial building should be enough to help you get a few more years out of your roofing structure. For example, sometimes a roof leak can be eliminated with minimal repairs. In other cases, a leak can be an indication of a much larger problem, which can create the need for ongoing repairs that only seem to put off the inevitable.

Roof Repair Vs. New Roof Installation in Portland, Oregon — How Much Is This Going to Cost?

Of course, cost will be a factor in your decision between a new roof and roof repair for your home or business. If the cost of repairs for residential or commercial roofing in Portland are low and you aren’t simply masking a more complex issue, then the choice is simple.

However, if your roofing contractor in Portland paints a picture of constant repair needs and the ultimate necessity for installing a new roof for your Oregon home or business, replacement may be the most cost effective and hassle free answer.

Mark Starr covers articles on roofing in Portland OR for Elements Roofing, an Oregon based company specializing in new roof installations and OR roof repair.

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Customised Roof Racks for Special People and Occasions – by Alexus Dovon

21st century is the age of personalised solutions and services. Take the case of roof racks; you have tailor-made racks available in the market. Keeping in mind the requirement of people with special demand, specially made racks are supplied. In this way, there are racks for people with physical deformity. As they have deformity in their physical condition, they cannot handle things like the other normal persons. Something especially tailored is what they need.
Personalised roof racks are made to cater to the need of physically challenged people. Suppose there is a person with some problem in his leg for which he needs to use wheel chairs. Now when he gets out for fishing, he needs to take his wheel chair with him. Being deformed, he will find it difficult to mount the chair on the top of the car. But if it is made especially for people like him then he will have no problem to mount it.
Customised roof rack are not only available for physically challenged people; rather, they are available for special occasions and purposes also. For example, some people need a little space left on the roof top even after fixing the racks. They want to fix a box alongside the roof bars. They have options in the form of smaller roof rack that cover only a portion of the roof top. The remaining part can be reserved for the roof boxes or some other purpose.
Another example of personalised roof racks is the removable ones. There are racks that can be removed if necessary. This type of racks is generally liked by fastidious car owners who do not want something sticking on the roof top permanently; they find it incongruous. Another car accessory that is used to solve the space problem in a car and is fixed on the top of the car is roof boxes. They are meant for small kits and accessories that should be kept within a box.

Alexus Devon is an automobile writer specializing in automobile and car accessories products and has written authoritative articles on the Roof Rack industry. He has done his Master in Business Administration and is currently assisting directcaraccessories as a car accessories specialist.

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