Understanding Your Roof’s Lifespan
Your roof’s lifespan is mainly dependent on the kind of material which has been used, how often it’s maintained, and how it was installed. For example, the lifespan for a flat roof significantly varies depending upon what application was utilized, same goes for sloped roofs. In addition, calculating a roof’s lifespan generally is done by utilizing average conditions, even though there are several variables which might swing that figure in either direction, and shorten its lifespan, or increase it.
The lifespan of various sloped roof materials are:
- Cedar Shake: 30 – 40 years
- 3tab Asphalt Shingles: 15 – 18 years
- Concrete Tile: 35 – 50 years
- Galvalume (Metal): 30 – 45 years
- Architectural Asphalt Shingles: 24 – 30 yrs.
- Built-Up or Modified Bitumen: 10 – 16 yrs.
- Rubber (EPDM): 10 – 16 yrs.
These figures usually swing substantially depending upon the conditions they’re subjected too. Plus, there are several factors which may contribute to a reduction in the longevity of a sloped roof. Some of these are:
- The color of the roof: The darker the roof material, the more heat is absorbed, which leads to a shorter span of life.
- Installing new roofs over existing roofs: Several layers of the roof system will reduce its longevity. It always is better when you have a full roofing replacement done, to extract all current roof material.
- Ensuring that high-quality roof materials are being utilized for your roof replacement or repair helps ensure that the roof lasts as long as it is expected to. Selecting discount materials shortens the roof’s lifespan.
- Not enough attic insulation and ventilation cause a substantial decrease in the roofing system’s lifespan. While having a replacement performed, think about also having the attic space completely inspected.
- Weather: Unfortunate yet true, substantial temperature variations, such as our brutal winter seasons and ultraviolet ray laden summer seasons, and broad temperature swings inside a brief time period additionally contribute to a decrease in the average roofing system’s lifespan.
The estimated flat roof lifespan also is dependent on the quality of the installation, and what application was used. The most commonly utilized applications are:
- Rubber or EPDM – Usually guaranteed for ten to sixteen years yet may last a little longer under the proper conditions.
- TPO – Usually lasts for fifteen to twenty years. Offers a little more ultraviolet protection than EPDM, thereby has a somewhat longer expectancy of life.
- PVC(vinyl) – May last for more than 20 years. Because of its lighter color, PVC offers greater protection against damaging ultraviolet rays yet generally is the priciest material of the ones listed here.
As with sloped roof systems, factors like roof color and extreme weather are going to have an effect on the lifespan of a flat roof. But, barring any penetrations, or any emergency circumstances those averages generally will hold true.
The most critical thing to do to prolong the lifespan of your roof system, sloped or flat, is to give it routine maintenance.
To gain a better understanding of your roof’s lifespan contact the qualified roofing contractors of Roofco today!
Does My Business Need A Roof Ventilation?
It is understandable that roof ventilation often gets overlooked, as the majority of business owners are merely concerned about their roof keeping their business dry. But, a well-ventilated roof may make life better and easier for the ones doing business underneath it. Proper attic and roof ventilation may decrease cooling and heating expenses, improve inside comfort, and provide longer life to shingles on the roof.
In the summer, a correctly ventilated roof permits warm air inside the attic to escape, decreasing the demand on your AC system. Within the wintertime, ventilation combines with excellent attic insulation to keep the surface of the roof cool, so snow will not melt on the surface of the roof then freeze to form ice dams alongside the eaves.
If you lack the right roof ventilation, sooner or later you’ll suffer leaks. Learn why the right roof ventilation is so critical and what to do if you have suspicions that there’s a leak in your attic.
Why Is Correct Roof Ventilation So Critical?
Ventilation permits air to flow inside and outside the attic. You probably have heard this phrase: “heat rises.” Within the wintertime, hot air rises from the heaters through the room, and through the ceiling, and at last, into the attic. As the hot air rises to your attic and meets the cool roof, it’ll condense if it can’t escape. Inevitably, moisture causes rot, mildew, and mold. Without ventilation, snow on the roof may enter a freeze and melt cycle from the heat inside the attic. It’ll create ice dams, causing substantial damage to the gutters and roof.
In the meantime, in the summer months, solar heat will warm up the roof and the attic. Without ventilation, there’s no place for the heat to escape. Not only would attic temperatures increase to more than 100℉, yet moisture and humidity may ruin your roof components. Over a period of time, it’ll shorten the lifespan of the roof.
Get Roof Ventilation
With the proper ventilation, the roof may take in cold air and allow hot air out naturally, which maintains an equilibrium, preserving your roof system. The size of the attic will determine how much ventilation is needed to protect the roof. But even if you have sufficient ventilation, incorrectly installed attic insulation may prevent air from freely flowing.
Instead of doing the work on your own, it is better to have the professional roofers install ventilation in order for you to know that everything is working as it should.
At Roofco, we provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee and offer unrivaled price matching. Our team may inspect your attic, identify indications of mold or roof leaks, make necessary repairs, and walk you through all of our suggestions so you know not only what we recommend, but how it’ll help.
Do not hesitate if you see mildew, mold, ice dams, or additional indications that you need attic ventilation. Because the longer you put it off, the more rot and mold will ruin your home.
For more information on the commercial roofing contractors at Roofco contact us today!
Choosing A Roof Color
Investing in a new roof is such a thrill! It is an opportunity to fully revamp the appearance of your house. However, it also is a frightening decision because you’ll live with your selection for a long period of time. Where will you start? Below are 7 things you ought to take into consideration before you make the final decision.
Consider the climate in which you reside. The color of the roof shingles may affect the temperature of the attic by 20℉ – 40℉! It may make a huge difference in the cooling or heating expense of your house. Light roof shingles are going to deflect the sun rays and assist in keeping temperatures down in warmer climates, whereas dark roof shingles absorb heat and assist homes in staying warm in cooler climates. In addition, dark roof shingles help ice and snow on the roof melt much faster.
Consider the shingle color coordination that has colors that are found somewhere else in the bricks, stone, wood siding, trim or stucco on your house. For instance, a black or dark gray roof will appear good with a blue or gray home, whereas a cream, brown, or tan colored residence is going to match a lot better with brown shingles or a mix of brown and cream. Yellow, red, green or other shades have more flexibility, as well as may be accented by black, gray, or brown.
The colors of your home and your architectural style must be kept in mind. Darker colors make a house appear smaller and lighter colors will make a house look bigger.
If you want to be more traditional, or you want to “make a statement,” choose an unusual color combination with your property.
Neighborhood considerations like subdivision and homeowner’s association rules should be taken into account. It also is nice if the roof does not exactly match or clash with the nearby neighbor’s roof.
Consider the availability of hues in your locality because the brand/color you want might not be available within your area.
Look at what the color will actually look like either in real life or virtually. For instance, Sherwin Williams features a color visualizer tool, in which it is possible to check what different shade roofs may appear like on a house like yours. Some roofers, such as Roofco, will bring samples of shingles to your house for you to see the color close to your siding or brick. It’ll make the decision-making process go a lot smoother.
Choose a reputable roofing company
However, before you select a roof color, get in touch with a qualified roofing expert such as Roofco. You pick the color and we will provide you with a quality installation that will keep your house gorgeous and protected from the harsh weather conditions for years to come. Call us at (204) 487-7663 for your free estimate.
For more information on choosing a roof color feel free to get in touch with our Winnipeg roofers at Roofco right away!
How to Fix Lifted Shingles
It is important to replace or fix curled or torn asphalt shingles before the issue gets serious enough to allow leaks or pieces to break apart and then blow off of the roof.
If you do not have close-match replacement roof shingles, repairing a curled or torn shingle is going to be your best and easiest option. If you have replacement shingles which match the roof, on the other hand, entirely replacing a damaged shingle is going to result in less noticeable, better repair.
Shingles which lift up usually are an issue with homeowners who recently have put in a new roof within the last 6 months. There are many potential reasons; however, the most common one includes the shingle adhesive not having enough heat to completely seal, causing shingles to lift. Usually, lifting shingles occur on the north side of your home, as this side receives less sun. If you believe this is the case, wait a little longer for the adhesive to seal and your shingles naturally will repair themselves. Glue will work better as the temperature is above 50℉. Roofs that are installed right before the cool seasons may take until the following summer to completely lay flat.
After years of wind and harsh weather exposure, roof shingles often can curl and expose the below roof. Thankfully, it is possible to seal down those curled shingles and protect the wood surface beneath using a basic roof sealant. It’s an easy process which will require a standard red brick, roofing sealant, and caulking gun.
Things You Will Need
- Red brick
- Putty knife
- Caulking gun
- Roof sealant
- Utility knife
In addition, wind can cause the roof shingles to lift up. If you need to repair this on your own, again, you will need: a utility knife, roof sealant, and a caulking gun. Follow the below steps to repair the roof shingles that are lifting up.
- At a 45-degree angle, cut the tip of the roofing sealant.
- Load it inside your caulking gun.
- With the utility knife, take the shingle off.
- Apply a good amount of roofing sealant.
- Push the shingle back into place.
- Weight the shingle down using a heavy object, like a brick, for a minimum of 24 hours.
In addition, defective shingles might be an issue, as some aren’t as resilient to moisture and temperature changes and are more susceptible to being bent out of shape. If you believe this might be the case, contact a shingle manufacturer.
Roof shingles might lift up because of a number of reasons, and to get the best idea why, it’s recommended that you locate a reliable inspector who will examine the roof. It also isn’t a good idea to repair an issue which affects a large space by yourself. Locate a highly rated and reliable roof company to assist you with the lifting shingles!
For more information on how to fix lifted shingles contact our reliable roofing company, Roofco today!
Deciding Which Type of Roofing Would Best Suit Your Needs
Selecting the right material for your new roof can be a challenge, but it’s very important to make the right choice. After all, a new roof can add an average of $12,000 to the resale value of your home. You may want it to fit into a specific budget or have a certain degree of durability. The appearance of your new roof is equally important because roofing dramatically impacts the look and feel of your home. Some homes may be better suited to a metal roof while others need the price point associated with composition shingles.
How can you possibly decide which types of roofing are going to meet your needs the best? In this short guide, we will help you to compare some of the major areas that homeowners need to consider before they put in a new roof. Take a look at these categories to help you make an informed decision!
Durability
The first thing that all homeowners need to consider is how long a roof is going to last. Will it hold up well under the elements or the harsh winter conditions found around Winnipeg? Make sure that you are making a wise investment in a roof that is going to last you for the long haul.
Composite Shingles: Composite shingles have a much shorter lifespan compared to metal roofing, but they are still relatively durable. Homeowners can generally expect them to last anywhere from ten to twenty years before they need to be replaced. In the event of a major disaster, composite shingles are relatively fire and wind resistant.
Metal Roofing: If you want a roof that will last you a lifetime, metal roofing is the way to go. It is estimated to last up to three times longer than other types with most roofs lasting at least fifty years. They are resistant to rust and extreme weather conditions. Metal roofing has excellent resistance to both fire and wind.
Cost
Most people have a specific budget in mind when they make a major purchase like a new roof. Compare what the two most popular roofing styles will cost before you make a final decision.
Composite Shingles: The reason that many homeowners choose composite shingles is that they hit a great price point. This is easily the most affordable option for a new roof, even though it may not last as long as other types.
Metal Roofing: You will see a lot of variation in the price of metal roofing depending on what type of metal you desire. Anything from steel to copper is available, but the price will change accordingly. It should be noted that metal roofing is going to be more expensive than composite shingles.
Appearance
A new roof can seriously alter the appearance of your home and result in better curb appeal. Find a roof that you love based on how it looks.
Composite Shingles: Homeowners usually love composite shingles because it is easy to find a style and color that suits their home. They are available in the deepest shades of black all the way to lighter browns with everything in between. Different shapes and styles are also available.
Metal Roofing: Metal roofs can be installed with shingles or in large sheets that are cut to fit your roof. Much like composite shingles, they are available in a wide array of colors to fit your design preferences.
When you’re ready to put in a new roof, you need one of the best residential and commercial roofing contractors around. Give Roofco a call to see how we can help you with your next major home project!
Types of Roofing and Siding
Remodeling the exterior of your home can be a great way to refresh the way your home looks and feels. Some homeowners aren’t quite sure where to start when it comes to upgrading the outside of their home. Siding and roofing can make an even bigger impact than your landscaping, but only 37 percent of homeowners who remodel will tackle the complete overhaul of their exterior. If you fall into this category, here are a few of the things you need to know about the most popular siding and roofing styles.
Siding
Siding is the very first thing that most people will notice about your home. It majorly influences the way your home looks and sets the tone for the interior of your home. Installing new siding has the potential to boost your curb appeal and the market value of your home. Take a look at a few of the different siding types we carry for your home.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding has been a very popular choice among homeowners for years due to its durability and affordability. It is relatively strong, allowing it to stand up to harsh elements and winds. As an added bonus, it is also extremely low maintenance and never needs an additional coat of paint. You can find vinyl siding in a variety of colors and styles.
Fiber Cement Board
Fiber cement board is another strong product that can stand up to the elements without cracking or becoming damaged. Paints and stains can be applied to the fiber cement in order to change the appearance, making it a very flexible material. It can be designed to resemble wood, stucco, or a smooth finish.
Engineered Wood Board
Engineered wood board is a less expensive version of solid wood siding. These boards are resistant to water, fungal infections, and pest infestation. It has the appearance of real wood siding but without the major expense.
Roofing
Roofing comes in an endless variety of shingles, styles, shapes, and colors. There are far more options than most homeowners realize but sorting through them all can be a major chore. Here at Roofco, we offer two of the most popular types of roofing: composite shingles and metal roofing. They both have unique benefits and advantages depending on what your home’s needs are. Ask us today how our roofers can help with your home roof repair.
Composite Shingles
Composite shingles are the most popular option for homeowners across the country. Most people first stumble upon composite shingles because they are more affordable than many of the other options. They are asphalt shingles that are combined with fiberglass and coated with minerals. These shingles have a lifespan of up to twenty years, making them a worthwhile investment.
Metal Roofing
If cost is no issue for your roofing, then you may want to consider installing metal. It has the longest lifespan of any roof with most lasting for a lifetime. Despite its long lifespan, metal roofing is not high maintenance and can still stand up well to the harsh elements in Winnipeg. You won’t even have to sacrifice style for the durability of this material because it comes in a wide array of colors that can perfectly complete your home.
Choosing the right siding and roofing is important to perfectly tie together the appearance of your home. When you’re ready to boost your home’s curb appeal, you need to call the top Winnipeg roofing company. Contact Roofco today for a free estimate!
Asphalt Roof Repair
The roof is easily one of the most important aspects of your home. It protects the inside from the elements and any unwanted debris. However, every roof will need some type of minor repair from time to time. Asphalt roofs are really no different from the other styles that can be dented, dinged, or torn up with exposure to extreme weather. The key is knowing when your asphalt roof really needs to be repaired.
The average cost of an asphalt roof repair is around $570, so it makes sense to ensure that the repair is necessary first. Take a closer look at your roof to see if it shows any of these signs of needing a repair.
Curling Shingles
Curled shingles usually surface on a much older roof. The roof is usually about two decades old when you start to see shingles that curl around the edges. You will usually see curling shingles in the areas where the sunlight hits the hardest. However, it can happen in any area of the roof. Individual shingles can be replaced when you find them. Keep in mind that you may be better off replacing the entire roof if you have lots of curling shingles. The same goes for any of the issues on this list.
Cracked Shingles
Do you have a lot of high or heavy winds around your home? Shingles can actually crack after being exposed to a steady degree of high winds. A few of these cracked shingles can easily be replaced by a professional. If they continue to keep cracking over time, you will need to consider getting an entirely new roof within the following five years.
Missing Shingles
Missing shingles can signal a major problem for the interior of your home. The shingles help to keep moisture out of your house, but they will have a hard time if there are fewer shingles. Be sure to have a professional replace any missing shingles on your roof with a close match. It may not be exact due to aging. If the mismatch is too dramatic for your preferences, you can always consider replacing the entire roof.
Bald Shingles
Your shingles all have a thick layer of granules over the surface that helps them to do their job better. Over time, the granules might come loose and wind up in the gutter. You can identify these granules in the gutter because they look like thick black sand. If your shingles are lacking their granules, the experts refer to these as bald shingles. They can be replaced if they are only bald in certain sections or you may need to replace the entire roof.
When your roof starts to show these major signs of needing repair, you need to contact the most knowledgeable roofers in Winnipeg. At Roofco, we have the skill and experience necessary to help you repair your shingles or replace the entire roof. Be sure to call us today to request your free no obligation quote!
Does Window Capping Help Control the Wear and Tear?
Have you found that the cost and time involved with maintaining your window trims are just too much? Most homeowners have wooden trim surrounding their windows and doors, but this requires a great deal of maintenance over the years. After all, wood is particularly susceptible to moisture damage from the elements year-round. You might be able to preserve the wood for a long time by sealing it on a regular basis, but not everyone has time to do so. It’s time for you to find an alternative option. Learn more with Roofco Roofing company
Window capping could be just the solution you’ve been searching for. With a window cap, you will have a piece of aluminum material expertly installed over the wood to help protect it. You won’t have to deal with resealing it year after year. Instead, you can rest assured that this piece of aluminum can help to shield the wood from the weather. Homeowners will quickly notice that is should help to control the wear and tear on the exterior of the home.
Some people are still a little bit skeptical about whether window capping is really as great as it sounds. They question whether a piece of aluminum is going to protect their seals and frames from the elements effectively. The good news is that window capping really is as effective as it sounds. There’s a reason why it’s already the material of choice in non-residential applications. Here are just a few of the benefits of installing the window caps on your home.
Keep Out Moisture
Moisture is one of the biggest reasons that window trim will ultimately deteriorate over the years. By capping the windows, you can keep that moisture out and prevent it from even coming into contact with your trim. It also helps to keep the moisture out and away from the inside of your home. No water should be able to leak through this capping, allowing it to protect the trim and the inside of your home.
Improve Energy Efficiency
The window capping also helps to keep your energy inside your home. Many homeowners find that they no longer have to seal their windows every season to prevent leaking air. The window caps seal your windows shut tightly so you don’t have to worry about it. As an added bonus, this could even lower your heating and cooling bills each month.
Better Maintenance
How often did you have to sand and repaint your warped or damaged wooden window trim? Most homeowners find that they have to do this every few years. With window capping, the trim stays in excellent shape. All you have to do is keep everything clean while the window capping works its magic.
Window capping really can help to control the wear and tear on your trim and frame. This one investment can also help to protect the interior of your house and even increase its energy efficiency. If you’re ready to improve your home, be sure to contact Roofco today. We’re the reliable roofing service company that can help with all of your home’s exterior needs!
Why is Composite Roofing So Popular in Canada?
No matter where you go in the Winnipeg area, you’re bound to find that most homes have composite roofing. Many homeowners might be faced with the need to decide on a new type of roofing for themselves, but they don’t know where to start. Looking at what their neighbors, friends, and family members have installed on their own roofs can be a great starting point. Composite roofing is very popular across Canada, and it could be the best choice for your home too.
Why are so many homeowners choosing composite roofing? You need to make a wise choice because the roof represents roughly 40 percent of the appearance of your home. Here are just a few of the main features that make this roofing style so appealing.
Moisture Resistant
Canada is prone to a lot of wet weather from the early spring showers to the heavy snowfall in winter. One of the main reasons that homeowners become interested in composite roofing is because it is relatively moisture resistant. This can help to protect your roof and the wooden structure underneath from damage in any of these heavier storms. Depending on the warranty from the manufacturer, you may also find that composite roofing is algae and mold resistant.
Fire Resistant
Nobody wants to consider the possibility of a major disaster like a fire. Even just imagining your house going up in flames can feel catastrophic. Composite roofing can help with this because it is very fire resistant. They can help to prevent a fire from starting and keep it from spreading.
Environmentally Friendly
Composite roofing has the potential to be environmentally friendly, depending on what brand you purchase. They often have recycled plastics, papers, and even hemp fibers worked into the composition of the shingles. This is a lot more environmentally friendly than wooden shingles that use far more resources. Of course, they also have the added benefit of lasting for up to fifty years. A warranty like this eliminates the need to replace your roof and use more materials over the coming years.
Low Maintenance
Composite roofing requires very little in terms of routine maintenance. Homeowners are still encouraged to inspect their roof on a regular basis, but the shingles are expected to last for decades to come. Look for the growth of mold or algae, particularly if the shingles you purchase are not engineered to resist the growth of these specimens. A qualified roofing contractor can help you to spray a chemical treatment that will eliminate your algae problem.
You may also need to search for any shingles that have lost their texture. Keep in mind that you won’t need to replace the whole roof. Your local roofing company can help you to replace the shingles in just one section.
When it comes to installing roofs, you need one of the best residential and commercial roofing contractors around. Be sure to call Roofco to give you an estimate on installing a new composite roof on your Canada home today!
Choosing the Right Siding for Your Home
The exterior siding on your home can seriously affect your curb appeal, and it has the potential to raise your home’s market value. When you’re making an update or building a new home, you want to be sure that you choose the right type of siding. Homeowners have to weigh the durability, energy-efficiency, aesthetics, and even the cost before settling on a final decision. The options can easily overwhelm homeowners who have a difficult time absorbing all of the information and research.
When you need to choose new siding for your home, you will probably face many of the more popular choices. Here are some of the things you need to know about your options.
Vinyl
Vinyl continues to be one of the most popular choices for siding among new construction homes. Most homeowners love it because it offers a great blend of affordability and durability with a wide selection of designs. Gone are the days when vinyl was only available in muted neutral tones. Now, you can find vivid colors that will certainly catch your eye if you want to make a statement with your home’s appearance. Keep in mind that you can also purchase insulated vinyl siding to make your home more energy-efficient.
Wood
Wood does require a little bit more maintenance than many other siding choices. You must be committed to repainting or staining it every few years to prevent damage. It can also be susceptible to insect or vermin infestation if you aren’t paying attention to the condition of your home. However, wood siding has the potential to last you for a lifetime when properly taken care of. It presents a unique appearance with the natural beauty of wood that is inimitable by other materials.
Fiber Cement Board
Fiber cement board can give you a look that is very similar to wood but with greater durability and less maintenance. You won’t have to worry about pest infestation or combustibility with this product. Depending on the company, you may even receive a long fifty-year warranty with professional installation of your siding. When you consider the lower maintenance, fiber cement board will actually help you to save on costs compared to traditional wood siding as well.
Brick
Brick is an old-fashioned material that maintains its popularity because of its long-term durability. Brick structures are known for withstanding years’ worth of wear and tear without showing the slightest hint of damage. It has great sound reduction properties and promotes better energy efficiency in your home. The colors won’t fade with long-term exposure to the sunlight. Keep in mind that brick is not waterproof so you will need a membrane on the interior of the wall to protect the rest of the home. Brick will also be one of the more expensive options compared to other siding materials.
Every home has unique needs. Your home requires a one-of-a-kind appearance that will impress all of the neighbors. When you’re ready for new siding, allow the experts at Roofco to help you select the perfect option!