Benefits of Tile Roofing

Tile roofs were first seen in the 3^rd millennium BC in Greece, and were made of clay and slate. These days, consumers can now choose from other materials such as concrete, ceramic, and composites. Here are some of the advantages of tile roofing.

Longevity

Archaeologists discovered roof tiles in Greece that have been around since the 3^rd millennium BC and are still in good condition. These tile roofs were made without the benefit of modern manufacturing technology. Clay tiles, in particular, last for several decades given that they don’t rot, burn, or suffer from insect infestation. However, these materials may eventually break or crack and will require replacement to prevent leaks and water damage from affecting the underlying structure.

Style

Tile roofs are the perfect choice for homes with a decidedly Mediterranean flair. Concrete and clay tiles come in a variety of colors thus providing a more organic visual appeal. Tiles with kiln-fired coloring typically don'’t fade for a long time, thus leading to significant maintenance cost savings.

Environment Friendly

The best tile roofs are manufactured with hardly any chemical preservatives. As such, roofing tiles can be recycled and do not have to end up in landfills. Likewise, because of the exceptional longevity of tile roofing, one does not need to replace it as often as some materials under normal circumstances.

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Investing More Now for Better Resale Value in the Future

Even if you have plans on relocating to a different house in the future, you should still invest carefully on the home you have now. Although you have no intentions of permanently residing in your current house, you should still construct it with good quality materials instead of sticking with cheaper alternatives that might end up deteriorating faster than you'd want.

For example, when choosing roofing shingles for your home, you can pick between cheaper asphalt shingles and slate ones. Although going for the former might make more sense for your pocket, you should consider the longevity and durability of the material because asphalt is more prone to damage.

Asphalt shingles are easy to install, but they would demand more maintenance and repair work in the long run than its slate counterpart. Plus, slate provides a better appeal both on the street and on paper—which is actually an important aspect when you're thinking about reselling the property in the future.

You can bump up the resale value of your house by fixing all the bumps and nicks on your roof or by upgrading the material to a more expensive one. Replacing your worn out roofing with a new one before putting it on the market could get you more prospective buyers than having one that has seen better days.

Roofing is an expensive investment, and whether or not you're going to stay long with what you have, you should still pay close attention to what you're spending on.

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Understanding Blown Insulation

Blown insulation (also called blown-in or loose fill insulation) refers to the insulating material that's blown or sprayed onto attics, wall cavities, and floors. There are three basic types of blown insulation available, namely: fiberglass, mineral wool, and cellulose. Since the use of special equipment is required, and the even distribution of the material is critical to its effectiveness, installation is usually done by a professional.

Blown insulation presents many advantages. For one thing, it is fairly economical because it can be used in hard-to-reach areas and made to work around obstacles such as stove vents and chimneys. For another, it's environmentally friendly, because it makes use of recycled materials like spun glass fibers (fiberglass), particles of rock or steel slag (mineral wool), or recycled newspapers and cardboard (cellulose).

However, this material does have some disadvantages. For instance, blown insulation has been found to settle as much as 20 percent over time. There are also some concerns about this insulation material finding its way to living spaces. These concerns can be alleviated with a proper installation, so it's important to guarantee the expertise of your installer. Have him provide you with an attic card that states the type, amount, and density of insulation applied, along with his contact information.

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Wildfire Defense with Quality Katy Roofers

"Homeowners in rural areas must exercise every available option to protect their humble homes from wildfires. Lew Sichelman of the Los Angeles Times said all but the most ferocious firestorms can be held at bay given enough precaution and foresight with the house design and material construction. The notion of losing the house to a wildfire already hits residents of Katy, TX, too close to home; two years ago, a small blaze that broke out near the old Forbidden Gardens initially toasted 20 acres but eventually moved on to raze 315 acres when fire crews finally snuffed it out. As of August 23, 2013, an estimated 2.5 million acres nationwide have burned to cinders, Sichelman said, quoting data from the National Interagency Fire Center. To spare your house such disasters, an inspection may identify future vulnerable spots such as the roof, hence why you should consider hiring skilled Katy roofers from the likes of Summit Roofing and Restoration LLC. "

http://www.summitroofingllc.com/blog/2013/09/09/wildfire-defense-with-quality-katy-roofers/

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Tapping a Katy Roofing Company for Repair Work

"Aging roofs need some quality repairs after weathering countless heatwaves and cold snaps. Mike McClintock of the Chicago Tribune said summer was often the best time for the roof to be fixed up, especially if its atop an old house. He remarked that unlike people, roofs do not usually age gracefully, and there's no telling if the house can withstand the heat or cold one more time. Katy, TX, may be a long way south from the Windy City, but the weather-based issues with roofs remain the same. The city experiences an average annual rainfall of 42 inches and the average high during the summer months is close to 100 degrees Fahrenheit; snow rarely falls and the winter temperatures normally dip into the early 40s. When you acknowledge that the time has come for your covers to be fully refurbished, a skilled Katy roofing company such as Summit Roofing and Restoration LLC will be there to help you."

http://www.summitroofingllc.com/blog/2013/09/08/tapping-a-katy-roofing-company-for-repair-work/

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The Importance of Timely Roof Repair in Katy, TX

"The roof is a house's primary source of protection against the elements. For this reason, it's important for homeowners to regularly maintain, and if need be, make repairs on their roofs to ensure that there will be no further damage to the interior of the homes and not bring any danger to its occupants. In a city like Katy, TX that experiences up to 42 inches of rainfall per year, leaving a small leak unattended can not only lead to water damage but may even be the cause of mold growth. Homeowners are then left to deal with costs of repairs, restoration, and possibly even medical bills. However, experts also advise homeowners to not hire the first contractors that offer roof repair in Katy, TX to fix the problem. Hiring a reputable company that can properly make installations and repairs is just as important as taking notice of the leak."

http://www.summitroofingllc.com/blog/2013/09/11/why-roof-leaks-need-roof-repair-from-katy-tx-roofing-contractors/

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How to Get Energy-Efficient Roofing in Katy, TX

"Areas that have a subtropical climate, like Texas, usually experience summer temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit. People would generally deal with the heat by cranking up the air conditioning. While it can keep them cool, electricity bills may skyrocket. It's for this reason that Energy.gov suggests homeowners to look into getting energy-efficient roofing in Katy, TX. One option to consider is getting a cool roof, which can reflect sunlight and absorbs less heat. Given its features, a cool roof allows for energy savings of up to 50 percent since there is little need to turn the air conditioning system up to keep cool. A green roof is also a good option for those with flat roofs. While giving the roof an upgrade can cost money, being able to save on energy costs makes it worth it in the long run."

http://www.summitroofingllc.com/blog/2013/09/10/time-for-a-new-roof-tips-for-energy-efficient-roofing-for-katy-tx-households/

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Simple Tips to Prolong Your Metal Roof's Life

A metal roof's main selling point is its longevity and durability. If you take care of it well enough, it can even last up to a hundred years. Just like any other material in your house, though, the trusty metal roof is not without maintenance needs, especially since it faces up against harsh weather conditions on a regular basis.

Have overhanging tree branches trimmed regularly so that they don't scrape against your roof, as they might damage the paint on the surface or the metal itself. An overhanging branch also serves as an excellent footbridge for all sorts of critters and insects that you might not want hanging around your roof or within its framework.

While your metal roof might be sturdy, it's not always 100% leak-proof, so it's best to keep your gutters clean and free of any debris that might clog it up. Defective gutters could cause water to seep through your roofing, into the wooden beams inside, and significantly compromise your roof's structural integrity.

At least twice a year, call on a reliable roofing contractor to inspect your metal roof for any repairs that need to be done. Common metal roof problems, such as faulty flashing, chimney leaks, and holes or cracks on the metal sheets should be repaired as soon as possible.

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