A Worn Looking Roof Doesn’t Mean Time For Replacing It

You were out mowing or raking leaves, looked up at your roof and noticed it was looking tired and worn out.  Then the dread of getting a new roof washed over you.  Well, good news! Simply because it is looking somewhat unsightly, doesn’t mean you need to replace it - maybe.

It may need only a thorough cleaning! From time to time, you power wash your home and the surrounding deck and walkways to get a fresh look. Well, the same could be possible for your roof, too. Too often, homeowners replace the roof on their home without even thinking about just cleaning it.

A good cleaning doesn’t just give your home a good look, but it will save you thousands while adding years to your roof. It is an option to consider before you get that new roof. A new roof may be necessary if you have missing shingles or your roof is 25 years old or older. Or, if you see flipped up tabs or brittle shingles, a roof replacement may be necessary.

By having your roof washed, you can achieve the following:

1. A polished look

Having your roof thoroughly cleaned will remove those black stains that are also known as magma. It also removes that algae and moss that builds up over time. A professional roof cleaner will use a biodegradable chemical that will clean your roof and have a minimal residual effect.

2. Protection for Your Roof

Your roof protects you and your family, but what protects it? Having a professional out to reapply the biodegradable chemical cleaner once a year is a great protector for your roof. It will prevent small problems from becoming large problems which will extend the life of your roof.

3. Cheaper to Keep Her

As they say in divorce court – it’s cheaper to keep her. Same can be said about cleaning your roof. It is cheaper to clean it than to replace it.

4. Warranty Effectiveness

A regular cleaning is usually recommended by roofing material manufacturers. Think of it in the same manner how you get a tune-up on your car every 100,000 miles.

Asphalt or Tile Roof - Which is the Best for Your Home?

When it comes time to replace your home’s roof, there are many options to choose from these days. The first thing you’ll need to decide on is which of the two popular types of roofing material do you want - asphalt shingles or concrete tiles. Both of these materials have their advantages and their disadvantages. Take the time to study both and then take careful consideration which ones are better suited for your home.

Less Expensive

The basic asphalt shingles are less expensive, thus their popularity. The initial cost of asphalt is a little bit higher than the concrete tile, but overall, they are very common, popular and get the job done.

Less Heat

For areas that are in a hot climate, concrete tiles are popular because they don’t hold heat as much as the asphalt shingles do, which in turn, lowers your cooling bill.

Easier Installation and Repair

The easier and safer installation is another reason more people choose asphalt shingles. This makes the installation faster, too. Concrete tiles become brittle quicker, and they require more care while installing, which slows down the process of installation.

More Wind Resistant

Concrete tile is better at withstanding higher winds than asphalt shingles because they are
heavier. While there is not any roofing material that can be 100% guaranteed to withstand anything and everything that Mother Nature brings to us, asphalt shingles aren’t as secured and are more likely to be blown away by a heavy wind.

There are pros and cons to asphalt shingles and concrete tile roofing, but at the end of the day, it is the homeowner that needs to decide which is better for their home and their budget.

Why Asphalt Shingles?

Asphalt shingles are probably one of, if not the most popular, roofing materials for residential structures throughout North America. Why? It's economical as well as versatile while being durable, tough and waterproof, thus lasting longer than many other types of roofing materials. They are easy to install and an average size home can be completed in one day in most cases.

So how is this popular shingle made? The process of manufacturing is taking the asphalt substance and binding it together with ceramic granules. This binding process keeps the granules together which makes the shingle strong.

Another option are premium asphalt shingles which are a laminated, providing a different look, muck like an old-world roof. They have better wind resistance and make a better insulation layer. They also reflect the hot rays of the sun better as well.