Summary
- Choosing the right roof involves balancing factors like budget, climate, longevity and aesthetics to ensure the material enhances your home’s character and value.
- As a popular and cost-effective choice, dimensional asphalt shingles offer a balance of affordability, easy installation and durability, making them a staple for many homeowners.
- Some homeowners elect to upgrade to designer asphalt shingles such as CertainTeed’s Grand Manor or Belmont shingles.
- Premium roofing products include real or composite slate, shake and standing seam metal roofs. These come at a higher investment than asphalt shingles.
Rooftops in suburban development, Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
When it’s time to replace your roof, many homeowners are left with the difficult decision of which material to choose. With so many available, it can be difficult knowing which one will provide the best coverage for your home, especially in areas like Richmond, Virginia, where the weather can often be unpredictable. Longevity, climate, aesthetics and your specific budget can all also play into which material type you choose.
In this guide, we’ll go through the different types of roofs and the main considerations and benefits for each type.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials due to the multitude of benefits they offer. Their cost-effectiveness, easy installation, minimal maintenance and variety of style options make them a popular choice among homeowners. Some can even be fire-resistant, adding an additional layer of protection for your home.
Atlas shingles are our company’s favorite manufacturer of dimensional shingles, in part because of the lifetime algae warranty they offer residential homeowners. Atlas also offers a Sun shingle, which is made to reflect the sun’s radiant heat away from the roof, and an Impact shingle, which has a class four impact rating.
There are also designer asphalt shingles available, such as CertainTeed’s Grand Manor and Belmont and GAF’s Slateline, which can enhance your home’s look for less of a monetary investment than a premium roofing product such as real or composite slate or shake or a standing seam metal roof.
Overall, asphalt shingles are a great choice for any homeowner looking for a good balance of affordability, durability and curb appeal.
Real Slate and Cedar Roofs
Slate roofing is the most expensive but longest lasting roofing option, and can last for centuries when properly installed. Most modern homes are not built for the weight of a real slate roof, which require closer rafter spacing and at least 5/8” thick plywood. The hips and ridges of a real slate roof also must be re-pointed with roofing cement every 5-10 years.
Crafted from natural wood, cedar shake roofing is valued for its rustic, natural appearance. However, it requires a considerable amount of maintenance and is more susceptible to fire, moisture and insect damage when compared to slate or metal, and is expensive. The lifespan of a cedar roof in Richmond, Virginia is usually only 20-25 years.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofing is lightweight, highly durable and resistant to fire and extreme weather. Standing seam metal roofs, which have concealed fasteners, offer a long lifespan with minimal maintenance but are approximately 3.5 times the cost of a dimensional shingle.
Other metal roof options such as 5V, corrugated and ribbed roofing are about half the cost of a standing seam roof but come with exposed fasteners that generally start leaking in 20-30 years.
Composite Slate and Shake Roofing
An alternative to real slate or cedar shake roofing is composite slate and shake roofing. DaVinci is our company’s favorite composite manufacturer because of the webbed backing behind the slate, which prevents cupping and curling, and because of their outstanding color warranty.
Composite slate and shake is light weight, has a class 4 (highest possible) impact rating, class A (best available) fire rating and is less of an investment than real slate or cedar shake.
How to Choose the Best Type of Roof for Your Home
Ultimately, selecting the right roofing material is a significant investment that requires balancing your budget with your home’s long-term needs and the climate of the area you live in. While asphalt shingles remain a staple for their affordability and versatile protection, homeowners seeking a specific aesthetic or performance profile have alternatives.
A Plus Roofing in Richmond, Virginia: Your Trusted Partner in Enhancing Your Home
Choosing the right roof is one of the most significant investments you’ll make for your home. A Plus Roofing believes the installation process should be just as reliable as the materials themselves.
Whether you’re looking to improve the curb appeal of your home, increase your roof’s durability and performance or you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, A Plus Roofing is here to help. Our mission is to provide total transparency, and we ensure every step of the journey is clear, honest and worry-free.
Start your stress-free roof replacement journey today to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a quality-built roof
Our Roofing Company Reviews Are Through The Roof!
Areas We Proudly Serve
Ashland, Aylett, Bon Air, Caroline County, Charlottesville, Chesterfield, Chester, Colonial Heights, Glen Allen, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell, King William, Lake Anna, Louisa, Matoaca, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, Montpelier, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan, Richmond, Rockville, Short Pump, Tappahannock, Williamsburg
Summary
- The lifespan of a roof depends on the material, its age and the local climate. Typical lifespans are: Asphalt Shingles (15-20 years), Metal Roofs (40-70 years) and Slate or Tile Roofs (100+ years).
- The lifespan of a roof depends on the material, its age and the local climate.
- It’s crucial to inspect your roof after major storms for wind damage, hail damage or punctures from falling debris.
- A professional roof inspection is an important, multi-step assessment to identify all damage before evaluating replacement options.
For most homeowners, replacing a roof is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Because it’s not a regular expense, it’s easy for your roof to be “out of sight, out of mind.” However, your roof is your home’s most important defense against the elements, and small issues can quickly become expensive, major problems if left unaddressed.
When you need to have your roof replaced will depend on factors like the roofing material, its age and the weather in the area you live.
The weather can be unpredictable, especially in areas like Virginia where the summers are hot and humid, and the winters are cold and harsh. Exposure to the elements can cause a lot of wear and tear to your roof.
So, how can you tell if your roof needs to be replaced? In this guide, we’ll go through the most common signs your roof needs to be replaced and what to expect from roof replacement.
Knowing Your Roof’s Lifespan
The first clue is your roof’s age. If you don’t know when it was last replaced, a professional inspection can help estimate its age. Typically, roofs have varying lifespans depending on the material they were constructed with:
- Asphalt Shingles: 15-20 years
- Metal Roofs: 40-70 years
- Slate or Tile Roofs: 100+ years
These lifespans will depend heavily on your local climate, installation quality, unexpected damage and how well the roof has been maintained. If your roof is approaching the end of its lifespan, you should start budgeting for a replacement, even if no major issues are visible, since problems often start small and escalate as time goes on.
Signs of Failure by Roof Type
Different roof types can show different signs of failure, so it’s important to recognize each of the unique ways your roof can show its damage.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Asphalt roofs are among the most common roof types, composed of a fiberglass mat sandwiched between layers of waterproofing asphalt and coated on top with protective rock granules. These granules are essential because they shield the asphalt from the sun’s UV rays; once they shed, the exposed asphalt becomes brittle and cracks.
When evaluating if your asphalt roof is reaching close to the point of replacement, you should look for specific warning signs indicating the roof is aging, such as excessive granule loss. These granules often appear in gutters or as piles of granules at the bottom of downspouts after heavy rain. On the roof itself, this manifests as bare or “shiny” spots where the protective layer has worn away. Shingles that are curling at the edges, cracking, blistering or completely missing due to wind damage indicate the material is past its effective lifespan.
Additionally, leaks or water stains on the ceiling can also indicate your roof needs replacing.
Metal Roofs
While metal roofs are renowned for their longevity, boasting a potential lifespan of over 100 years, their actual lifespan relies heavily on the condition of their protective coating. A neglected metal roof can fail relatively quickly if the coating (commonly paint) is compromised.
The key to maintenance is addressing issues before rust sets in. If the coating begins to peel or fade significantly, the roof requires maintenance to prevent corrosion. Once rust appears, the damage is often too severe for simple repairs and may necessitate a full replacement.
Loose seams and fasteners are also common signs that your roof may need to be replaced.
Other Roofing Materials
Materials such as slate, TPO, EPDM, torch down roofing and tile are complex and typically require a professional assessment to accurately diagnose issues. Reaching out to a local professional can help you determine whether your roof needs to be replaced.
Inspecting After a Storm
While there are many factors that can shorten the lifespan of your roof and a multitude of things to look out for, one of the biggest things to look out for is damage after a storm. It’s crucial to inspect a roof after major weather events, as wind and hail can drastically shorten a roof’s life.
Wind damage often causes “creases”, which are lines of damage created when the wind lifts shingles and bends them backward. Hail damage presents differently depending on the material—on asphalt, it can look like bruises or dark circular spots where granules were knocked loose, whereas on metal, it appears as dings and dents. Additionally, falling debris, such as tree limbs, can puncture the roof deck, creating immediate and severe leak risks.
What to Expect During a Professional Roof Inspection
A professional roof inspection goes far beyond a simple glance from the driveway. A thorough assessment involves a multi-step process evaluating every part of the structure, components, materials and interior to check for signs of damage.
The inspection is a crucial part of the process, and helps to ensure every bit of damage is identified before evaluating replacement options.
At A Plus Roofing, our team is dedicated to ensuring a stress-free experience for homeowners and business owners throughout Richmond and the surrounding areas. Our team prioritizes customer satisfaction by delivering a reliable, step-by-step process designed for complete transparency and efficiency.
The journey begins with a free in-person consultation, where our local roofing experts assess your needs, evaluate the roof size, as well as any necessary materials and establish a clear project timeline. Following this assessment, our team ensures transparent pricing by providing a clear roofing quote on-site or shortly after, guaranteeing that you’ll receive a straightforward estimate—with no hidden costs.
To ensure seamless communication and execution, A Plus Roofing assigns a dedicated project manager, who remains your point of contact, coordinating scheduling and helping to answer all your questions from start to finish. Once details are confirmed, our experienced crew provides you with our exceptional roof replacement services, conducting a final inspection afterwards—which includes a comprehensive cleanup and follow-up—to ensure you are completely satisfied with the quality and results of your new roof.
Experience the A Plus Roofing Difference: Quality Roof Replacement in Richmond, VA
Choosing a new roof for your Richmond, VA home is a major decision, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful one. At A Plus Roofing, we pride ourselves on being more than just roofing experts—we’re your helpful and friendly partners through every stage of the process.
From your free consultation with a local expert to your dedicated project manager who is always available to answer your questions, our goal is to make every step clear, honest and worry-free.
Experience the difference that comes from working with a reliable team committed to your complete satisfaction.
Ready to start your stress-free roof replacement journey?
Our Roofing Company Reviews Are Through The Roof!
Areas We Proudly Serve
Ashland, Aylett, Bon Air, Caroline County, Charlottesville, Chesterfield, Chester, Colonial Heights, Glen Allen, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell, King William, Lake Anna, Louisa, Matoaca, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, Montpelier, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan, Richmond, Rockville, Short Pump, Tappahannock, Williamsburg
Trusting the Right Roofing Company
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, so it’s important to hire a qualified and reputable roofing contractor when it needs repairs or replacement. But with so many companies out there, how do you know which one to choose? Here are some items to consider when choosing the best roofing company for you.
Table Of Contents
- How Do You Know If A Roofer Is Qualified?
- How Do I Know If A Roofer Is Legit?
- Property Protection
- Systems + Warranties
- Key Takeaways
How Do You Know If A Roofer Is Qualified?
Look for a Class A License. When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor in Virginia, it’s important to understand the different classes of licenses that these professionals can hold. There are three classes: Class C, Class B, and Class A. Of these, the Class A license is the most difficult to obtain. Earning this license requires passing a challenging examination and demonstrating the company’s financial stability.
Why should you care about the class of license your roofing contractor holds? The unfortunate reality is that many roofing companies fail within a few years of opening their doors. If you hire one of these companies to work on your home, you could end up with a leaky roof and no one to fix it. This is where the importance of choosing a Class A contractor comes in.
By selecting a company with a Class A license, you significantly increase the likelihood that you’re hiring a reputable business that will be around to honor their warranty and stand behind their work. It’s an investment in the long-term well-being of your home.
In 2020, A+ Roofing was honored to be voted “The Best Roofer” in the Richmond Times-Dispatch’s “The Best” competition. As a Class A Contractor, we hold ourselves to the highest standards, and this recognition reflects our commitment to providing reliable, durable, and long-lasting home improvement services. Our dedication to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction is at the core of everything we do, and we’re proud to have earned the trust and recognition of our community.
How Do I Know If A Roofer Is Legit?
Verify Insurance Coverage. Make sure the roofing company has both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. General liability insurance protects you from financial responsibility if the company damages your property during the roofing project. Workers’ compensation insurance covers medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job.
Don’t hesitate to ask the roofing estimator to see proof of both insurance types. When checking the license, ensure it’s a valid Class A license. For insurance, verify the validity dates and coverage amounts (at least $1 million for general liability and $500,000 for workers’ compensation).
Read Online Reviews
These days, many people turn to online reviews before making a purchase or hiring a service provider. Thankfully, there are many places to look for reviews of roofing companies, including Google, the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, Home Advisor, and Facebook.
Beyond Credentials: Trust Your Gut
While qualifications and insurance are essential, take into account the importance of feeling comfortable with the person who comes out to give you an estimate. You’ll likely be working closely with this person for a while, so it’s important to choose someone you trust and feel at ease with. Avoid companies that use pushy or high-pressure sales tactics.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding a reputable roofing contractor who can get the job done right.
Choosing a Roofing Company: Protect Your Property During Replacement
Why Protecting Your Property Matters
Roof replacement can be a messy business. Thousands of nails and tons of asphalt-based materials need to be removed from the old roof. If done carefully, this process can protect your driveway, landscaping, and other property. By being an informed consumer and choosing a roofing company that prioritizes safeguarding your property, you can avoid any headaches.
Prevention is Key
The first step is to ask the roofing company about their prevention methods. Here are some key questions to ask:
Driveway Protection
What type of dumpster will they use? Steel dumpsters can scratch or imprint your driveway, so consider requesting a pull-behind trailer or a truck with a dump bed instead.
Moving Belongings
Will the roofing company move your grills, furniture, and other belongings away from the work area, or will this be your responsibility?
Protecting Stationery Items
How will they protect your deck, rails, yard, and bushes from damage? A+ Roofing, for instance, uses tarps to cover these areas.
Safe Removal of Shingles
Another way to protect your property is to ensure the roofing company uses a safe shingle removal process. A+ Roofing uses a two-person team approach. One person loosens the shingles, while another carefully walks them to a designated area and throws them onto a tarp or directly into the dumpster. This minimizes the risk of shingles falling and damaging your property.
Thorough Cleanup
A good roofing company will leave your property clean after the job is finished. A+ Roofing’s cleaning process includes:
- Removing all shingles from the tarps
- Shaking out the tarps
- Using leaf blowers and brooms to clean sidewalks and steps
- Using magnets to pick up any stray nails
- Having the estimator double-check the property for any missed nails or damage
Choosing the Right Roofing System: Products and Warranties
Beyond Asphalt Shingles
While asphalt shingles are a popular choice, there are other options available, including designer shingles, metal roofing, cedar shakes, slate tiles, and synthetic alternatives.
Understanding the Components of a Dimensional Shingle Roof
Ice and Water Shield
This membrane is crucial to prevent water leaks from under the shingles.
Underlayment
Synthetic underlayment is preferred over traditional felt because it’s stronger and lays flatter.
Starter Shingles
These shingles are applied at the bottom edge to prevent windblown shingle loss.
Shingles
Research different manufacturers and consider using a website like Roofing Insights for comparisons.
Ventilation
Balanced ventilation is key. Look for soffit vents for intake and ridge vents or power fans for exhaust.
Ridge Caps and Hip Caps
Use these specially designed caps instead of regular shingles.
Other Components
Pipe boots, flashings, and exhaust vents are all essential for a complete roofing system. Consider using lifetime pipe boots for better longevity.
Understanding Warranties
There are two main warranties to consider:
Workmanship Warranty
This covers the installation labor. A+ Roofing offers a 5-year workmanship warranty.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
This covers defects in the shingles themselves. It’s typically a 50-year limited lifetime warranty but with a 10-year non-prorated period. During this non-prorated period, the manufacturer covers both material and labor costs to fix any issues. Some brands, like Atlas, may offer a longer non-prorated period if you use all their roofing components.
By understanding the different products and warranties involved, you can make informed decisions when choosing a company to replace your roof.
Key Takeaways
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Choose a roofing company with a Class A license to ensure they are reputable and will stand behind their work.
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Verify the company’s insurance coverage and read online reviews.
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Trust your instincts and avoid pushy salespeople.
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Ask about the company’s property protection measures during roof replacement.
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Understand the components of a dimensional shingle roof and the different warranties offered.
Our Roofing Company Reviews Are Through The Roof!
Areas We Proudly Serve
Ashland, Aylett, Bon Air, Caroline County, Charlottesville, Chesterfield, Chester, Colonial Heights, Glen Allen, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell, King William, Lake Anna, Louisa, Matoaca, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, Montpelier, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan, Richmond, Rockville, Short Pump, Tappahannock, Williamsburg
Class A Contractor License
This is the largest class of Virginia contracting license. There is no monetary limit on the size of individual projects nor on the annual revenue. Requirements for Class A contractor license in Virginia is a net worth of at least $45,000. Also, the qualified individual, the person in the company who actually knows the hands-on, field work, must have a minimum of 5 (five) years of verifiable experience. The qualified individual can simply be an employee or a member of management.
Class B Contractor License
This is the mid-range Virginia contracting license. With the VA Class B license, there is the opportunity for larger projects and more revenue than the VA Class C license, but falls short of the potential of the VA Class A license. Projects just under $120,000 can be contracted. The maximum annual revenue with this class of Virginia license is just under $750,000. Requirements for Class B contractor license in Virginia is a net worth of at least $15,000. Also, the qualified individual, the person in the company who actually knows the hands-on, field work, must have a minimum of 3 (three) years of verifiable experience. The qualified individual can simply be an employee or a member of management.
Class C Contractor License
This is sometimes thought of as the ‘starter’ license. This is the smallest of the three contracting licenses in Virginia. Projects just under $10,000 can be contracted. The maximum annual revenue with this class of license is just under $150,000. For the Class C license in Virginia, there is no minimum net worth requirement. However, the qualified individual, the person in the company who actually knows the hands-on, field work, must have a minimum of 2 (two) years of verifiable experience. The qualified individual can simply be an employee or a member of management.
When choosing a licensed contractor for your next project make sure they provide you with a current copy of their contractor’s license, check the expiration date. Also ask them to provide a copy of their current insurance, be sure to look at the policy expiration column as these dates are sometimes different. We all know what happens if someone gets hurt on your property and they don’t have insurance, you’re responsible. Homeowner BEWARE!
A Plus Roofing is Your Trusted Roofing Contractor
A Plus Roofing is a Class A contractor that is fully insured and licensed. In 2020, we were proud to be recognized as Richmond’s “Best Roofer” along with hundreds of A+ reviews. Our team has also received plenty of certifications and awards for our roofing excellence.
We offer a wide range of services, including installation of gutters, siding and trim, along with our specialized roofing services. Whether you need an asphalt roof, a commercial roof, low-slope roof or a metal roof, we provide top-quality roofing replacements tailored to your property and specific needs.
Looking to get started on your roofing project? Call us today at (804)-752-0008 for a free estimate.
Areas We Proudly Serve
Ashland, Aylett, Bon Air, Caroline County, Charlottesville, Chesterfield, Chester, Colonial Heights, Glen Allen, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell, King William, Lake Anna, Louisa, Matoaca, Mechanicsville, Midlothian, Montpelier, New Kent, Petersburg, Powhatan, Richmond, Rockville, Short Pump, Tappahannock, Williamsburg
With water weighing over 8 pounds a gallon, it poses a significant threat to a house and it’s inhabitants. The weight of rainwater standing on a roof has caused roofs to collapse. The gutter system must be capable of draining the roof fast enough so that the structural limits of the roof are not exceeded. Both plumbing codes use the highest hourly rainfall event recorded in the last 100 years as a way to ensure the gutter system planned for and ultimately installed can handle the largest known rain event to occur in recent times.
In properly sizing the gutter system (i.e. sometimes also referred to as the drainage system), any of the following can be varied: roof size, number of downspouts, slope of the gutters and the size of the gutters and downspouts. In most situations, the roof size will be a given and the examples below assume the roof size is fixed and has been constructed to meet building codes.
To determine system sizing alternatives, know the roof size to be drained. In a typical home with two slopes, each side will have gutters and be sized separately. Next, find the amount of rainfall that needs to be carried off the roof. This number can be located by calling the local building department or by looking the number up in either Appendix D, Table D1, of the UPC or Appendix B of the IPC manual. Copies of these manuals are generally available at the local library.
For example, for Central Virginia it is 3.96 inches of rain per hour or .044 Gallons Per Minute Per Square Foot of Roof Area. After locating the rainfall number, determine the total rainfall that needs to be drained by multiplying the Gallons Per Minute Per Square Foot of Roof Area by the Square Footage of Roof area. On a 2,500 square foot roof, this works out to be: .044 Gallons Per Minute Per Square Foot of Roof Area x 2,500 square feet = 110 gallons per minute.
Consequently, the guttering system needs to be designed to handle up to 110 gallons per minute or 6600 gallons per hour.
That is over 26 tons of water!
So what size of gutters need to be installed to handle this incredible volume of rainfall? The width of the gutters, the slope of the gutters and the number of downspouts all come into play to determine the correct system sizing. For example, the greater the width of the gutter (i.e. going from a 3” gutter to a 5” gutter), the lower the slope required (i.e. going from ½” to ¼”) to handle the same amount of rain. Your project planner from A Plus Roofing can assess your home and determine the size and configuration of your gutter system.
]]>Component #1: Waterproof Underlayment
The first component is a waterproofing underlayment called ice and water shield. Ice and water shield protects against ice dams that can sometimes form above the overhangs at the bottom of the roof. Manufacturers also recommend or require ice and water shield to be installed at other vulnerable areas as well such as in valleys and around other penetrations (pipe collars, skylights, vents, etc.).
Component #2: Water-Resistant Underlayment
The second component is a water-resistant underlayment that acts as a secondary barrier against leaks. Historically the roofing industry has used either 15lb or 30lb felt but many roofers have now made the change to a synthetic-based underlayment. Synthetic underlayments are stronger and lay flatter than both the 15lb or 30lb roof felt options.
Component #3: Starter Shingles:
Starter shingles are a specially made shingle that must be applied at the bottom of the roof to help seal the bottom row of shingles. Starter shingles are required to maintain the manufacturer’s wind warranty. We also install starter shingles along the side edges (rakes) of the roof so that the shingles will not droop over the edge as time passes and so that we can provide a straight, aesthetically pleasing line of shingles up the edge of the roof.
Component #4: Shingles:
There are so many shingle options to choose from in today’s market. Many pages could be written on shingle options alone. However, there are generally three major types of asphalt shingles. The first is the traditional 3-tab shingle, which come standard with a 25-year limited material warranty, a 60-mph wind warranty, and a 10 year algae warranty. The second and most popular option is the dimensional (aka architectural) shingle. These limited lifetime shingles usually have a 110 or 130 mph wind warranty, last longer than 3-tab shingles, and may also include other benefits such as a lifetime algae warranty or longer transferrable period. A limited lifetime dimensional shingle is just fractionally more expensive than a traditional 3-tab shingle so most of our clients select this type of shingle. The third major category of asphalt-based shingles is the designer shingle. Designer shingles have unique looks and are popular in higher-end neighborhoods or commercial areas but are also more expensive. Designer shingles can vary greatly in price.
Component #5: Hip and Ridge Caps
Hip and ridge cap shingles are the last main component of your roof. Some roofing companies try skip this step to save a few dollars by not putting down the factory-designed ridge caps. However, not putting down the factory-made ridge caps can void your warranty.
A Note About Ventilation
Shingle manufacturers also require a roof to be properly ventilated to maintain their warranty. Ventilation can come in a variety of forms and may not always be installed directly on the roof. However, it’s important that there is both intake and exhaust ventilation on every roof. A lack of ventilation can greatly decrease the lifespan of a roof and cause mold and mildew to form underneath the roof decking. We’d be happy to go over the ventilation requirements specific to your roof based on our local building code.
Conclusion:
These five components + proper ventilation are critical to the longevity of any shingle roofing system. CertainTeed, which is one of the nation’s largest shingle manufacturers calls these five roof components + ventilation the “Integrity Roof System” as shown in the picture. We at A Plus Roofing are happy to answer any further questions you may have about the components of a roof system.
]]>Algae typically known as Gloeocapsa Magma and Blue Green Algae. The reason for the black color is the algae has the ability to form a protective coating (black in color) that shields it from the sun’s harmful rays. This type of algae is most common with asphalt shingles.
How does this happen? Answer:
The wind primarily. The algae spores are air born and are easily transferred from house to house in a neighborhood. The thing is, they’re not just ugly, they are actually Eating Your Roof! That’s right Ladies and Gentlemen, they are eating the “Filler” that’s in the shingle, Crushed Limestone and Fiberglass.
What can I do? Answer:
A simple roof cleaning consisting of Trisodium Phosphate, Bleach and Water will kill the algae.
Will it come back? Answer:
Yes. Usually within a couple of years.
Can I prevent its return? Answer:
If your roof is in good condition you can install a copper strip along/near the “Peak” or top of your roof. Each time it rains the water will wash across the metal (which has properties which inhibit further growth) and run down the roof helping to stop growth.
Is this 100 percent? Answer:
No. But it will offer extra protection. The spores will still feed off of moisture and humidity.
Good News!
The major players in shingle manufacturing are doing their best to catch up by adding copper to their shingles. Example; The Landmark Pro by CertainTeed has a 15year algae resistance warranty. Atlas has taken it a step further and now offers Lifetime algae protection. It’s just a matter of time until they all follow suit.
Remember!
If you have a roof, A-Plus does it! Shingle, Slate, Shake, Metal, and Flat Roofs of every type, we do it all! Service? We do that too!
Leave it to the pro’s, for all your roofing and re-roofing needs call the professionals at A-Plus Roofing!
By; Doug Pritchard
A-Plus Roofing
]]>Improper ventilation is costly to fix and can lead to roof deck rot, severe condensation (which can damage insulation and ceilings and grow harmful mold and mildew), and ice dams in the winter. If hot air is trapped in the attic space, a roof can “cook” from below and shingles will begin to crack and age prematurely. Ultimately, in the case of roof failure, shingle manufacturers may determine that improper ventilation was the cause, which will result in a partially or totally voided manufacturer’s warranty.
The most common way to achieve balanced, proper ventilation is through soffit and ridge vent, which uses thermal flow (warm air rising) and natural flow (wind). Ridge vent is installed across the top ridge of the home after the roofers cut a small gap between the two roof faces, and is designed in such a way as to follow Bernoulli’s principle: that a fluid (such as water or air) creates lower pressure the more quickly it passes over a surface, which in turn creates a lift effect. According to major shingle manufacturer CertainTeed, ridge vent “deflects wind and weather over the vent and creates negative pressure to ‘pull’ air from the attic, resulting in increased airflow.”
It’s helpful to think of your own respiratory systems when considering attic ventilation. Just as your lungs need to regularly exchange old air for new, attic ventilation requires a good balance between air intake and air exhaust, as air continually moves in and through your attic. Your A-Plus-Roofing representative will be able to calculate just how much ventilation your home needs, and will recommend the best path forward for achieving a balanced system.
How Important is Attic Ventilation?
How Do You Calculate Attic Ventilation?
The most common type of roofing material is the asphalt shingle. Some manufacturers have a temperature minimum for asphalt shingle application. For example, Atlas states that the temperature must be 40 degrees for their shingles to be fully warrantied. On the other hand, CertainTeed has no minimum temperature.
As professional roofers, there are a couple factors that help us determine whether we should bundle up or wait for a warmer day. How much sunlight is hitting the roof can make a big difference in roof temperature. We also monitor how brittle the shingles are becoming. Brittle shingles can be damaged when they are nailed or folded through a valley.
Flat roofs are another common roof style. Flat roofs are often installed by attaching insulation to the roof deck and then using an adhesive to bond either TPO or EPDM to the insulation. Many of these adhesives have a “minimum application temperature” of 40°.
So how cold is too cold? Well, it depends! All of our professionals at A Plus Roofing are knowledgeable on temperature guidelines and would be happy to answer any questions you might have!
]]>Here are some simple things you can do to help prevent damage and protect your roof during the winter:
Add Insulation
If your attic is not well insulated, you might be causing damage to your roof. When heat escapes from the attic, the snow and ice can melt into large pools of water that trickle down to the outer edges of the roof. If the water re-freezes, damaging ice dams can form. Richmond roofers are very familiar with this type of a situation because it is all too common. Fortunately, you can quickly and easily protect your roof and lower heating costs by simply increasing the insulation in your attic.
Keep Up With Necessary Repairs
If you notice leaks or other roof damage at any point during the year, make sure to take care of any necessary repairs. There are some easy fixes you can do on your own, but make sure to contact qualified Richmond roofers for any difficult or complex roofing repairs. The winter months are not forgiving when it comes to previously existing damage. You will reduce winter roof damage by keeping up with roofing repairs throughout the year.
When In Doubt, Contact Your Roofers
During the winter months, it can be very dangerous to climb on the roof for repairs. If your roof has started leaking or you suspect that there may be other winter roof damage, leave it up to your Richmond roofing company to see to the necessary repairs.
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