Purchasing a home is the single largest investment that most of us will make. The roof of our house plays an important role in preserving our house and maintaining its value in the resale market. The life of the roof depends on the roofing materials used, the local weather conditions, care taken during the installation process and the level of maintenance applied to it. Asphalt and wood shingle roofs can last for 30 to 40 years, respectively. Clay tile rofs have a lifespan of 20 years whereas metal roofs can last for more than 40 years.

The sun has a detrimental effect upon the roofing material, regardless of what type of roof it is. The rays cause the material to expand, contract, warp, curl, and lose strength and shape. Elements such as rain water, high winds, snow, hail, etc cause further damage to the already weakened roof resulting in leaks, damage, mildew and fungus growth.

If an inspection of a roof reveal that there is a leakage problem at several points and that the shingles are worn out, replacing the roof is a better idea than making repairs. A new roof offers the benefits of providing sturdy protection for your house preventing damage to the structural systems inside the home from leaks as well as a new roof can provide improved insulation and a change in the appearance of your home.

Types of roofing materials

There are many different types of materials that are used for the purpose of roofing.

Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are usually made from western red cedar and are popular because they are easy to manufacture, light weight and have a very distinctive appearance.

Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt is one of the most commonly used roofing materials around today. It has a lifespan of 15-25 years. Asphalt shingles have a fiberglass body that is coated with asphalt and mineral granules for added protection. When the edges of the asphalt begin to crack and warp, it indicates that age has caught up with the material, which is beginning to dry and may no longer be a good weather proofing material. Asphalt shingles are easy to install and can be used with a variety of flashing and edging products without any special accessories for roof edges, wall cuttings, and chimneys.

Tiles
Tiles can be either ceramic, clay, or concrete. Ceramic tiles are favored in warmer climates. Tiles lend style to the roof but are difficult to install because of their weight. The roofs need to be reinforced before tiles can be laid out.

Corrugated Metal
Corrugated metal is very durable and will last upwards of 50 years with periodic maintenance, they need to be painted and protected from moisture. Metal roofs are available in sheets at home improvement stores in a wide range of colors and can be crafted to give the appearance of traditional tiles. They are sturdy and durable.

Slate
Slate is another durable roofing material that is almost non-absorbent. Slate has been used for centuries. It is a naturally occurring product that is resistant to wind, sun, rain, and other forces of nature. Its gentle colors and unique textures coupled with its durability offer a great mix of utility and beauty. However, slate roofs are difficult to install and the material is expensive.

Cost comparison between roofing materials

Factors affecting the cost of the roof include the area to be covered; the material used, layers of shingles placed; effort involved in removing the existing roofing; and any work required on the gutters and siding. The cost of roofing materials is usually quoted in terms of squares. One square is equal to an area of 10 feet x 10 feet.

Costs of common roofing materials are given below. These costs are exclusive of the installation charges.

Fiberglass coated with asphalt:
It comes with a warranty of 25-35 years and costs between $30 - $35 per square foot. The weight per square can range from 200 to 300 pounds.

Wood shingles:
These carry a warranty of 20-30 years and cost between $100 - $200 per square foot. The weight per square can vary from 300 to 350 pounds.

Clay/Concrete tiles:
The warranty for tiles can range from 25 to 75 years. Tiles can cost between $150 - $500 per square foot. The weight per square can vary from 500 - 1200 pounds.

Steel and Aluminum:
These come with a warranty of up to 50 years and can cost between $150 - $250 per square foot. The weight per square is in the range of 50 - 100 pounds.

Natural Slate:
It carries a warranty of over 100 years and costs between $300 - $600 per square foot. It weighs between 600 - 2000 pounds per square.

How long does a new roof take to install?

Roofing is a seasonal business, so if you intend to get it done by a roofing contractor, it is possible that your turn may come after a week or two of your agreeing to get the work done. Other important factors include the weather conditions, area of the roof and the roofing material. An asphalt roof can be finished in 2 - 3 days. A wood shingle roof can be laid in 3 - 4 days. Metal roofing can be completed in 2 - 4 days.

Can a homeowner do the roofing by himself?

Some types of roofs lend themselves more easily as a do it yourself project than others. Roofing is a very physical job that requires a fair amount of brawn and some brains too. The work involves moving a lot of material and nailing it in place, installing the flashing requires skill. If you wish to get it first-time right, it is advisable to take the help of someone who has done it before. A roofing project requires the efforts of more than one person. An important consideration is the weather, if you get a spell of clear weather, try and finish the work, if the weather changes you must be equipped to protect the unfinished roof against the elements. Also, you need to be careful about your own safety while handling various tools, a slip from roof height is potentially fatal.

Copyright 2007 by ABCD Publishing

Dan Fritschen, the author of this article, is the founder of the websites http://www.remodelormove.com, http://www.remodelestimates.com and http://www.remodelingorganizer.com He is the author of three books on home remodeling.

MATERIALS
Thatching makes use of materials that are naturally available - grass or reed.
The stalks of thatching grass are normally hollow and about 3 mm thick. Dekriet stalks, however, are solid and about 3-4 mm thick. The quality of the material improves with cultivation and regular cutting. Some thatchers consider that the quality of material that is cut by hand is superior to that of material cut by mechanical means. Hand cutting will produce about 50 to 100 bundles a day. A mechanical cutter and binder will process about 6000 bundles a day.

PREPARATION
After cutting and loosely bundling, each bundle is shaken briskly to dis¬lodge all loose material. The bundles are then cleaned by passing a sickle through them. This removes the remaining leaf growth from the lower two thirds of the stalks.

The grass is then remade into bundles. These bundles are each tied with a thong of twisted grass or with twine and packed in heaps about 2m high and 3 m in diameter at the base.
When the thatch is to be used for the area immediately above the thatching battens, where the underside will often be exposed within a room, the material should be combed to ensure that the stalks are perfectly clean. A comb is made by driving a number of round wire nails into a approximately 300 mm length of horizontal pole.

THATCHERS TOOLS
The thatcher in general thatch construction normally uses five tools:
Sickle - This is used for hand cutting as well as for cleaning the cut bundles.
The thatching spade - This is usually a home-made implement consisting of a board with a handle on one flat side, rather like a plasterers float. Several metal blades are secured to the other flat side. This tool is used to dress and shape the thatch in position.
A straight needle - When it is possible to have an assistant work¬ing on the underside of the thatch, a straight needle, about 300 mm long, is used to ’stitch’ the thatch to the roof battens.

A curved needle – It is used to ’stitch’ the thatch to the roof battens when it is not possible to have an assistant working under the roof surface.
A climbing hook - S-shaped climbing hooks are used to give the thatcher a foot rest when working on the roof slope.

WORKMANSHIP
A typical small thatching team consists of four men; one to pass material from ground to roof level, two thatchers working on the external roof surface and one working under the roof to assist those working on the outside. Such a team can be expected to lay about 10 m2 of thatch in a day. Before each bundle is passed to the thatcher on the roof it is butted against a butting board, or on level ground, to ensure that the butt end is even and that any sharp ends are blunted. The bundles are normally thrown up to the thatcher. The grass is used in bundles as cut and laid on the roof with the butt end lowest. As each bundle is laid on the roof the thatcher cuts through the twisted grass or twine that secures it. He lays the first bundle on the corner, at an angle of at least 45°, thus exposing the butt end at the eaves and at the verge. Each bundle in the first course at eaves level is secured to the second batten with tarred sisal cord ¬thatching twine at 75 mm inter¬vals.

In this process of stitching the straight needle is used, where one man can work under the roof. If it is not possible to work under the roof the curved needle is used. Subsequent courses are secured, either with a poplar stick or with a length of 4 mm diameter gal¬vanized steel wire. The thatch is laid, two bundles thick, to a total minimum thickness of 150mm. Each successive layer con¬ceals the poplar stick or wire that secures the previous layer. As thatching proceeds a layer of selected stems is spread evenly on the roof battens to a thickness of about 12mm. This gives a neat appearance inside the roof. On top of this layer a laminated foil of aluminum and building paper reinforced with fiberglass is laid as a protection against fire. Thatching then proceeds, course by course, to the ridge level until complete.

RAINWATER DISPOSAL
Thatched roofs are generally con¬structed with dripping eaves; rain¬water gutters and downpipes are not normally provided. Eaves overhangs should be at least 600mm and some provision should be made at ground level, around the building, to prevent erosion due to water dripping from the eaves. This can either be in the form of a concrete apron or paved surround.

DURABILITY
A thatched roof will normally last for about 25-30 years if properly laid. Aesthetic advantage of using a thatched ridge has been mentioned previously. A disadvantage of using such a ridge is that it will require renewal every 4-6 years. As main¬tenance of a thatched roof invariably results in dust and pieces of straw being dislodged from the roof, the provision of a reinforced cement ridge, suitably waterproofed and coloured, may be preferred.

Written by Jere Botes, architect & founder of http://www.dreamhouses.co.za, a website dedicated to provide home builders, home renovators, home owners & developers with free professional advice on all aspects of home design, building & diy.

Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link pointing to http://www.dreamhouses.co.za

Most of us take for granted that we will always have a roof over our heads. But if that roof is made from wood shake that roof may not be safe. This is especially true if you live in an area designated as a high fire risk. In those areas, found across the United States, wood shake roofs are banned even if they have been treated with a fire retardant. Over a period of time the fire retarding material will wear away, rendering the roof unprotected during the intense heat generated by a fire.

There are many kinds of roof coverings used on homes and commercial buildings. These alternatives can be attractive, durable, and inexpensive, but usually not all at the same time. Explore the choices available and see what might be the smartest choice for your home.

The most popular choice is composition shingle. It is very durable, inexpensive, and may be made with some recycled materials. It comes in many colors and is not easily damaged if it is walked on. The only problem is that it will blow off rather easily during high winds. It has a high level of fire protection.

Another choice for roofing is slate. Slate roofing is very attractive with a natural look, but is quite expensive relative to other home building costs. It will last for many years and will not require much in the way of maintenance. Slate also offers a high level of fire protection. The negative aspects are that it is very heavy and may need extra support and that it cannot be walked on easily, which will make it difficult to maintain.

Concrete tile is also a choice for roofing due to the fact that it is durable, has an extremely long lifespan, has offers good fire protection, and does not rot easily. It has the appearance of wood shake, clay tile, or slate. The problem is that it can be very expensive and may break or change color over time.

These types of roofing materials are good alternatives to wood shake. Especially if you live in an area that may be a fire hazard it is a smart idea to look into other types of roofing. Check with your insurance agent and see if there are laws governing the kinds of materials you use. It is always better to go for safety over appearance when it comes to making sure your roof stays over your head and not in a pile of ash.

Connie Ragen Green is a Real Estate Broker and State Certified Residential Appraiser in California and has bought and sold over 100 properties since 1983. Visit her at http://www.BuyRealEstateforProfit.com for more information about buying and selling real estate.

Roofing is one of the most important aspects of any home. The roof is what protects you from the elements of nature. So a lot of caution and planning has to be taken when deciding the roofing for your home. Roofs have to be tough and durable to handle all kinds of weather. A roof has to be water proof and fire resistant to protect your home from rain, hail, snow, sleet and from the sun’s heat and light.

Roofs are available in different designs and can be made of many materials. The basic construction of a roof will have its framework and the roofing material. Also some optional components like chimneys also can be found. Roofs can be of asphalt, slate, concrete tiles or even metal. Nowadays gutters have become part of a roofing system. During rains and snow, the gutters collect the water and stream them down in a controlled manner through a downspout.

One of the most common options for roofs is slate. The look of natural slate roof is always something that is desirable. Slate is attractive and also is long lasting. Moreover slate is proven to offer good fire protection. Slate roofs are hard to install and also much more expensive than the normal asphalt roofing.

Concrete tile roofs come in a variety of looks. As they are made from concrete, they can be moulded into any shape or size. They are ideal for custom roofs. Concrete tile roofs are also durable and fire resistant like slate roofs. But concrete is heavy and that means the load on the building increases drastically when a concrete tile roof is installed. Also concrete roofs can be damaged by hail. So it is recommended to go for concrete tile roofs where the possibility of hail is the least or non-existent.

Metal roofs are very durable and are resistant to hail and winds. Metal roofs are also available in a wide variety of colors and styles. Metal roofs are mostly made from steel that are recycled and hence are environmentally friendly. They are known to last long too. But metal roofs are hard to install and also expensive. During rain, metal roofs can be noisy. The sound of rain drops hitting the metal roof can be annoying for some while music to the ears for some.

No matter what roof you are planning to install, never overlook the need for proper guttering for your roofs. When it rains water tends to flow from all sides of our home. When gutters are installed, they collect the water that falls on the roof and guides it down to the ground through a downspout. You also have the option of letting the downspout outlet into a small reservoir to collect the water or even drain it into a water conservation unit.

Two major types of gutters are available in the market. The traditional gutter usually made of iron sheets and the newer seamless gutters. Traditional gutters nowadays are being upgraded to seamless gutters. As traditional gutters have a lot of joints welded, the possibility of a leak in future is very high. Seamless gutters do not have any break anywhere. They are made from copper, galvanized steel or aluminium.

A good roof with a proper guttering system will ensure that your roof does the job it is supposed to do – to protect you from the different elements of mother nature.

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What kind of roof gutter protection will be the best for your house will depend on a lot of factors. One of the main factors is the kind of debris that collects on your getter. There are different types of debris and each area has its own peculiar type of debris. Suppose you live in an area where there aren’t large leaves tree but a lot of small debris collects. On the other hand you may be living in a locality where large leaves clog the gutters. The pitch of your roof will also determine the kind of roof gutter protection that you will need. The selection of your roof protection gutter also depends on how much time you can spare for the maintenance of your roof.

If large leaves or large size debris is your problem then there are plenty of options available for you. There is a large variety of roof gutter protection system available for catching large debris. But for small debris like pine tree leaves and flower buds, there are few roof gutter protection available. Usually the permanent fitting roof gutter covers have large gaps/slits cuts which let the smaller items slip in. Thus if you are having trouble with small items then such a cover will be quite useless for you. You should look for those roof gutter covers which have very small openings or grid type wiring so that except water nothing else can pass through.

Roof Shutters

A great option for roof gutter protection is roof shutter. They are very different from standard gutter covers. There are no openings or slits on the covers. The functioning of these covers is quite different. They’ll allow the rain water to flow over the covers and then flow downwards towards the gutter. There is a lip like opening in the shutter and this prevents any type of debris from collecting. Neither large nor small debris can clog the gutter. The life of the gutter also increases manifold when you use this type of roof gutter cover.

Roof Gutter Protection

Many houses have roofs which are at a great height. If the roof is not at a great height then there is nothing much to fear about. But in case of great heights it is not comfortable climbing up to it. Many people have a fear of heights and find it very difficult to travel up to heights. If you one of those who are not comfortable working at heights then you need not worry because there are many professional cleaners who offer gutter cleaning services. They can easily do the gutter cleaning work for your roof. These cleaners offer to install the gutter shutters too and also install thin covers for the gutters. You can easily get the job then and since they are professionals they are sure to do a better job than you and do it faster too.

It is obvious that if you install a roof gutter protection system which allows the smaller debris to enter then you will need more maintenance, it may be possible that you cannot have to get it cleaned as frequently as before but you do have to get it cleaned once in a while. You have to keep checking that the water is flowing freely into the gutters and the down spouts are not clogged due to the small debris. You may have to get a larger down spout installed if the problem is persistent or you may have to get the current one a little stretched so that the debris may pass through it.
Thus there are many options available for your roof gutter protection. You must research all the available options carefully otherwise you will find that in trying to eliminate one problem you have invited another!

As Long Island, LI Roofing Contractors, and Northern Virginia Roofing contractors we take great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts.

All roofs are very difficult to repair if they develop a leakage. However flat roofs are all the more difficult to repair. It is so because it is very difficult to find the leakage. If the roof is sloping then it is not at all difficult to trace the source of leakage because the slope on the roof makes the water flow downwards. But in the case of flat roofs there is no slope for the water to flow downwards and thus the leaked water may travel a great distance and direction from the source of the leakage. Hence it is not unusual at all to find water at a place which is far away from the source of leakage.

Finding the source of leakage

When you are looking for the source of leakage on a flat roof then you should always try looking for it when the roof is dry and cool because only then you will be able to inspect the roof carefully. Some of the common places where leakage develops are the flashing that is located near, and on the connecting points on the roof. You must always check the flashing very minutely and lookout for any loose pieces, gaps or cracks that may have formed. You must also insure that the flashing has been installed and integrated in such a way with other roofing materials that it causes the rain water to move in the opposite direction instead of flowing towards it.

If you notice that there is nothing wrong with the flashing and it is in perfect shape then you may have to look at other places to find the source of leakage. One of the places where you may find the source of leakages is the low area in the roofs where water may accumulate. You will see that they usually look like dirt rings and each one of them gradually becomes smaller as it reaches its lowest point. When you have found the lowest point you should minutely check the point for cracks, splits or holes that may be causing water leakage and thus be a source of it.

Another common place you must look for the source for leakage is the seams of the roof. It has been noticed that every time two different or similar pieces of roofing materials are joint together, the seam always turns out to be an automatic weak point where leaks are likely to form in the future. The seams are susceptible to forming cracks and splits with the passage of time. Even the best sealed and done up seams weaken and deteriorate. Hence you should never overlook any seams while you are searching for the source of water leakage.

If you see that in spite of your best efforts you have not been able to find the source of leakage on you flat roof then as a last resort you shall have to use a hose and water to find it. You should move in a very systematic way. You should start with one section and not the entire roof in one go. You should let the water run for at least 15 minutes without a break. The time factor is important because if you don’t allow it to run for at least 15 minutes then the water will not flow towards the source of leakage and not start leaking.

Hence if you are searching for the source of leakage in the flat roof then be prepared to have plenty of patience and pay a great deal of attention apparently minor issues. With this attitude you should be able to successfully locate the source of leakage in flat roofs.

As Long Island, LI Roofing Contractors, and Northern Virginia Roofing contractors we take great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts.

Roof gutters are an integral part of your house and you need to take proper care of it. It appears to be a very difficult and cumbersome task to look for the right protection of the roof gutter. This guide will help you make the procedure of finding the right protection much easier and simple.

Roof Gutter Protection

There are quite a few reasons why you should put a roof gutter protection at all in your house and it will do you good to know them. The most obvious reasons are that they increase you home value and it is much easier to maintain the gutters and the over all look of your house also improves to a great extent.

It is a very dangerous and tedious, and a time consuming job to clean the roof gutters of the house. To clean the debris that has collected in the gutter you have to stay perched for hours on end on the ladder in a very dangerous position. It is back breaking and tiring. But if you install a roof gutter protection for your house which is just the right for your roof then you never again have to remove the debris from the gutters because there won’t be any debris as such. You will not have be apprehensive about falling down from the ladder and getting hurt severely, or concern about getting very dirty while you are removing the debris from the gutters.

Another great benefit of installing a roof gutter protection is that if you ever plan to sell off your house your prospective buyers will be willing to pay you more for your house. The buyers will know that since you have installed a roof gutter protection you have taken proper care of your house. Thus they will be assured of the proper condition of your house. With this little activity you show that you care for your property and thus it is in good shape and thus they will be willing to pay you a premium too for it.
Another great reason for getting a roof gutter protection installed is that it greatly increases the beauty of your house. Usually the roof gutter protection comes in a wide range of colors. There are many styles and shades to choose from. Thus you may select the one which goes with the overall color scheme of your house and thus they look beautiful. No matter what may be the shape, construction or color scheme of your house you shall definitely find one that goes very well with the overall look of the house.

Another reason why you should always install a roof gutter protection in your house is that when there is heavy rain storm rain water can enter you house too. It may so happen because the gutters will be heavily clogged and rain water will not find an outlet to drain off. Thus it will enter your house. But when you install roof gutter it prevents this from happening and thus save you loads of money in the process.

Finding the appropriate roof gutter protection

It is very simple and easy to find the appropriate roof gutter protection. To begin with, you must know what exactly you want. This you can know only if you can enquire and there is no better place then online research for enquiring.

You must all also know all about the roof gutter protections available and at the same time you must also know the various system of roof gutter protection available. There are many retailers who can install the roof gutter protection for your house. Hence now that you know why it is essential to install a roof gutter protection for your house get one installed today!

As Long Island, LI Roofing Contractors, and Northern Virginia Roofing contractors we take great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts.

Asphalt shingle roofing is the most popular type of roofing and there are plenty of reasons for it too. Asphalt shingles are quite easy to install and hardly need any maintenance. Fiber glass roof shingles are on the other hand fire resistant. Both fiber glass and asphalt are available in a wide range of colors and signs.

Asphalt shingles are very cost effective they start at $.80 per square and go up according to the various factors like the height, geographical conditions and the slope of the roof. They are inexpensive and last for 15 to 20 years. Of course the life of the shingles also depends on other factors like the quality of the shingles, the thickness and the maintenance too.
Weather plays an important role in the life of the shingles. In hot weather they tend to get spoilt faster. It is really important that you choose the correct person for installing your roof. Installing a new roof is very expensive and if the roofer is not an expert he may ruin the roof and you will always have trouble with it. Anyone may start a roofing business but few have the necessary knowledge and skills of it. There are some tips for what you should look for in a good roofer.

How to select a good roofer

To begin with a good roofer must be experienced. In this field experience counts and a roofer who has at least 15 years experience is the best one. A novice can’t have that at knowledge which an experienced roofer will have.

Next you should also see to it that the roofer of your choice is available, if he is not available there is no point in waiting for him if your roof needs immediate attention.

A good roofer will always be able to give you reference of his previous work done. If he says he can’t then it means he has something to hide. After getting the references do check them out.
Once you have inspected the roofs and found them pretty well done then the next thing you must do is talk to at least two references that the roofer has given. You must find out from them if they are satisfied with the roofer and would they give him a repeat work. Next ask them if their roof has ever leaked and if it has did the roofer attended to the leak promptly and did he charge for it? Did he do the work aesthetically without damaging anything and within your budget?

You should also find out if he has at least $1 million of liability insurance and covers workmen’s compensation.

When you hire a roofer you must clarify with him how he is going to install the new roof. Will he install it on the previous one or lay a new one. You should not have more than two layers and if the present layer is curled or damaged you should not install another layer on it without removing the damaged one.

You should also know the guarantee period of the roofing. It should be at least one year, however three years is always preferable. You should also enquire about the shingles that he will use. You may enquire about its quality and all other relevant details. Don’t forget to discuss the trash too. You must know how and who will remove the trash and how he will protect your plants, lawn and driveway while he is at the job. Last of all don’t forget to discuss the payment schedule. One third as upfront is the normal routine and the rest when the job is done.

You must also enquire if the underneath plywood decking need to be replaced. Don’t get it replaced if it is in perfect condition. Also get the roof jacks and pipe boots checked. Thus get all the relevant information and select a roofer only when you are full convinced of his capabilities.

As Long Island, LI Roofing Contractors, and Northern Virginia Roofing contractors we take great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts.

There is a wide range of rubber roofing products available for your roof. They are designed for both types of roofs, flat roofs as well as sloping roofs. You may use these rubber roofing products in your office building or your home building. They are suitable for both. Usually while the roof is being constructed, whether a flat roof or a sloping roof, there is hardly any seams when you install a rubber roofing products. This makes it the best option for office buildings where it is difficult to maintain. Thus in these types of installations, in less maintenance roofs, very little repair work needs to be done. But if unfortunately any leaks develop then you may have to get some repairing work done.

Repairing roofing material

Repairing rubber roofing is a very simple job and does not require any elaborate measure like the other type of roofing shingles. Roofing shingles are used in commercial buildings chiefly for this purpose only because they hardly need any maintenance. The contractors or the consumers, anyone can directly buy these roofing materials. There is a large variety of these roofing materials available.
An interesting aspect of rubber roofing material which many people do not consider is the other uses of these materials. Rubber roofing materials can be used as an extra protection cover for your boat, or as a protective cover for your pet dog’s house and if you are planning to water proof your storage building then also you may use rubber roofing material. Thus there are many other practical uses of these cover.

Rubber Roofing Products

Rubber roofing products are available everywhere and you just need to go to your local store or visit innumerable online stores and with a few clicks of the mouse you will surely find a material of your choice. There is wide variety available and you are sure to find one that suits your requirements. You may need a professional to get the rubber roofing installed. If you are experienced and know how to do it you may do on your own and thus save on the labor costs. If the repairs are small then you may consider doing the repairs on your own but in case of elaborate repairs you may need a professional.
However before you start attempting any kind of repairs be sure of the type of roofing that you have. The subsequent products that you may use on your roofs depend on the present roofing material. It is obvious that the new and the old materials should be compatible with each other. Otherwise they will look odd and will mar the entire look of the house. In case you plan to install the roof yourself do make sure that you know how to do it. Nothing could be worst than getting stuck in the middle of it and not knowing what to do next. Give the idea a great deal of thought especially if you are attempting roof repairing for the first time.

Hence once you select the right material for your roofs you will have the satisfaction of knowing that your house is well protected and your investment is safe. The various rubber roofing products and the roofing materials that are available do help in protecting the house.

As Long Island, LI Roofing Contractors, and Northern Virginia Roofing contractors we take great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts.

It is not uncommon to find some creatures wanting to become a part of your household with the arrival of winter. Beginning from birds and large animals such as chipmunks, raccoons and squirrels, to the tiniest of insects seems to be eager to visit the attic of your house. The best possible way to prevent these creatures from entering your household is to just make sure that each of the roof vents that have been installed by you has roof vent guard. These guards are designed specifically to keep out these unwanted guests from entering your house.

A roof Vent Guard

There is a large variety of roof vent guards available in the market and you may select any that you find suitable for your house. But before you start the procedure of installing the roof guards you must first check that there is no animal already trapped inside the roof vent. Another preventive measure that you should take is that keep the trees in the neighborhood of the roof vents all trimmed up. You should continuously trim the branches of the tree away from your house. Many insects and animals try to enter your house with the help of extending branches of the trees.

Steel Roof Vent Guard

There is a large variety available at your local store and online stores too and you can select and buy the one that you think is suitable for your house. You should not rush through the buying part. You must choose very carefully after much thought. It looks no big deal to buy one but there are few factors which you must keep in mind when you are weighing your options.

If you buy a roof guard which has plastic or aluminum covers, they are not very effective for keeping out certain kinds of animals. Raccoons don’t find it difficult to open them and squirrels enjoy chewing them. They can easily chew their way in, rendering your roof vent guard useless. The best option is to buy a roof vent guard made of steel. It looks likes a small cage made of steel. You can anchor the steel cage like a guard over the roof vent and it keeps out the animals quite effectively.

Many people try to save the money and try to keep out the animals and bugs from entering into the house by installing screen wire. They believe that the animals won’t be able to get past the mesh. But unfortunately they are hardly successful. Somehow the steel wires are so constructed that small animals like squirrels can easily squeeze past it, rendering the entire installation useless. It may help a little in the initial stages of installation but the small animals soon learn how to overcome this hurdle and manage to find means of entering your house. Soon you will have to again wrack your brains looking for another roof vent guards replacements and keeping your roof vent protected.

Hence it makes sense that instead of wasting money on these options you straight away invest in steel roof vent guards. They will last for ever and as long as you install them properly and keep them secured and fastened properly no animal or bug will be able to enter your house.

As Long Island, LI Roofing Contractors, and Northern Virginia Roofing contractors we take great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts.