Posts Tagged roof replacement
Terra Cotta provides long life while adding charm to your home
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on February 14th, 2011
Terra cotta roofing tiles are fashioned from clay and fired in special kilns to achieve a hardness that turns them into natural insulation. Terra cotta roofing tiles bring a Mediterranean look to your home. They date back to Roman times and provide excellent protection from the elements. Warmer climates where seasonal extremes are moderate favor this type of roofing. Colder regions require a better seal. Just as most Mediterranean countries enjoy benign climates, countries on this side of the world featuring warmer locales make good use of Terra cotta’s benefits.Regions of the U.S. where Terra cotta roofing tiles shine are those that see little or no snow. Terra cotta roofs tend toward moderately inclined pitches and facilitate runoff. The south and southwest are where Terra cotta roofing tiles make the biggest impact. Terra cotta roofing tiles are also good insulators having air pockets underneath that inhibit the passage of heat while helping to keep interiors relatively cool. Another advantage is that the tiles are heavy and resistant to high winds. The higher weight can also be a disadvantage for structures while Terra cotta’s higher costs suffer an additional disadvantage when compared to other roofing alternatives.
A profusion of Terra cotta roofs is a distinctive feature of many gracious destinations. California housing is a prime example of the charm Terra cotta roofing can convey. The early Spanish and Mexican missionaries used it to construct their missions and the public has made it a favorite ever since.
Caring for Terra Cotta roofing tiles
Cleaning and maintenance of Terra cotta roofing tiles play an important role in keeping roofs free of problems. Roofs should be inspected twice a year, usually in spring and fall following the harsher seasons. Maintenance should include the following:
- Sweep away leaves and twigs. Roofs of this type aren’t too steep and debris can accumulate.
- Fix cracks in the tiles. Tiles can be damaged by falling debris, earthquakes and human contact. There are special sealants that can correct this.
- Wash away accumulated dirt. A good washing with a pressure hose using hot water and mild soap can leave the roof as good as new.
- Clean unwelcome adherents thoroughly. Lichens, moss and grime can be tough to remove. A stiff-bristled brush plus hot water and mild soap will facilitate scrubbing and keep the tiles beautiful.
Relative cost of Terra Cotta roofing tiles
When compared to other roofing materials, Terra cotta is famous for its longevity. Terra cotta tiles cost more than other roofing materials but their long-lasting nature can make them a wise choice. Other roofing materials, with the exception of metal, can be subject to replacement with its attendant price tag.
Homeowner Duties: Three Important Projects
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on October 28th, 2010
A great deal of responsibility comes with the title of being a homeowner. Following are three home improvement projects that should be at the top of your list:
1. Have ample dining space in your home.
A recent article offered tips on ways to bring dining back to the kitchen. Even if your home does not allow you to have a separate dining room, there are still several ways to incorporate an area to gather with your family and friends during meals. Peninsulas and free standing islands are great places to incorporate bar stools for a casual seating environment. If your kitchen has a nook or a bay window, a booth may be the best way to use the space. A savvy kitchen remodeling contractor will help you come up with the best solution for your space.
2. Install replacement windows.
If the windows in your home are old, you could be losing money every day. Outdated windows allow your air conditioning and heat to easily escape, causing your heating and air bills to be much higher than necessary. Replacement windows are much more energy efficient. And, if you are planning on selling your home in the near future, new windows will be a huge selling point for potential buyers.
3. Take care of necessary roof repairs, or have the entire roof replaced.
The roof is an extremely important home detail, yet many homeowners often neglect to take care of it properly. A roof is what protects your family and your home from the elements, so regular roof repair is an essential duty of homeowners. Promptly take care of leaks, warping or damage. Also, educate yourself about the roof replacement process. Most roofs typically last around 30 years, so make sure that yours is in peak condition.
The Average Cost of a New Composite Roof
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on October 5th, 2009
When the time comes for a new roof, your first question is probably about costs. You want to be sure you’re getting a good deal. So how much does a new composite roof actually cost?
A lot of factors contribute to the cost of a new roof. The quality of the shingles being used, the steepness of your roof, and your location in the country can all affect the final cost.
On average, composite roofing materials can cost between $100 to $300 per square (100 square feet). An average roof may use about 20 squares of roofing materials, meaning a materials cost of $2,000 to $6,000 for a 2,000 square foot roof. Labor cost may also include stripping away the old roof and disposing of the old materials.
The average cost of a new composite roof varies depending on the region of the county. In the southeast and Midwest, roofs are usually less than $10,000. Higher quality roofing materials, such as hurricane resistant roofs in the southeast can cost a little more.
New composite roofs in the Northeast and West Coast can cost more, averaging $15,000, give or take a few thousand.
Different contractors can have drastically different prices, so it’s best to shop around and find the best one. Be sure to get several estimates from different roofing companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible.
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Why Southern California Homeowners get Away with More Low Cost Roof Repairs and Less Replacements
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on August 17th, 2009
In sunny Southern California, homeowners can get away with more low cost roof repairs and less roof replacements. The reason? It’s the weather. Southern California is home to some of the most mild weather in the country. Sunny skies and 80 degree temperatures nearly year-round means little damage to your roof. A popular roofing choice in Southern California is tile. Tile roofs usually cost $6-8 a square foot and can last indefinitely under proper conditions. In a wetter and colder climate, tile might break and leak due to ice and storms. In Southern California, the warm weather and lack of ice means a tile roof can last a lifetime without being completely replaced. Different things can cause tiles to break or other problems to occur with a roof, so repairs may be necessary at times. On the whole, however, homeowners in Southern California can have roofs that last much longer than in the rest of the country.
While asphalt shingles are cheaper than tile, they need to be replaced more often. In Southern California it makes more sense to invest in tile, that way the roof will last much longer. In the rest of the country, tile roofs tend to need replacing after 20 or 30 years, but in warm and dry regions like Southern California, they can last much longer. This is why homeowners in Southern California get away with more low cost roof repairs and less roof replacements.
The Average Cost of a Roof Replacement in Different Regions of the Country
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on August 3rd, 2009
Instant Roof Replacement Calculator
Would you like to know the average cost of a new roof in your zipcode? We have the tools to help! Use the instant roofing cost calculator below. Now you can know what to expect before the estimates come in!
When it’s time to replace your roof, the first question you’re probably going to have is, “How much is this going to cost?” There are a lot of factors that affect the final cost of your project. The size of your roof, the height and pitch of your roof, and the cost of materials are all factored into the bill. So what does an average asphalt shingle roof cost? Believe it or not, where you live has a lot to do with it.
Where you live can have a big effect on the price of your roof replacement project. The national average for a 3,000 square foot asphalt shingle roof is roughly $11,500. The actual cost varies. Like anything, urban areas are generally more expensive than rural areas.
The average cost of a roof in New York, for example is close to $15,000. The same roof replacement in Georgia or the deep south will probably cost less than $9,000. The Midwest is also less expensive. Homeowners in Wichita, Kansas pay an average of $10,000. The west coast is just as expensive as the east, with homeowners in Los Angeles paying about the same as homeowners in New York.
Even within the same general region of the country, prices vary drastically. The average cost of a new roof in the Carolinas hovers around $7,000 while Atlanta homeowners pay around $10,000.
While these averages are a guide to know what to expect, keep in mind that actual prices may vary greatly.
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Why You Must Replace Your Roof More Frequently When You Live in the Midwest
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on July 31st, 2009
Homeowners in the Midwest have to replace their roofs much more frequently than everyone else. Extreme weather is really the biggest reason for this. Far from the climate-calming oceans, the Midwest generally has much colder winters than the rest of the country. Harsh temperatures, heavy blizzards and ice will put a lot of strain on roofs. Winter in Nebraska, for example, can get as cold as 40 degrees below 0, while summer temperatures can reach 100. Hail storms in the Midwest can create icy projectiles as large as baseballs, a phenomenon rarely experienced elsewhere in the US. All that ice beating down on a roof really doesn’t help it’s longevity. Let’s not forget that all that flat land breeds hundreds of tornadoes every Spring, which can rip a Kansas or Missouri roof to shreds. Thanks to Mother Nature, Midwestern roofs have the shortest life span. The unforgiving weather of this region makes a good, sturdy roof all the more important. All the weight of snow and ice sitting on your roof for days and weeks can get dangerous if your roof isn’t in top condition. Repairs only go so far, and a full replacement will be needed every so often to ensure the safety of your home. It’s good to have a nice strong roof over your head when a 5 foot snowfall is on its way. The good news for Midwestern homeowners is that roof replacements in the Midwest generally cost less than they do everywhere else.
Cost Factors of Roof Replacement
Posted by ryan in Uncategorized on June 16th, 2009
Like any other home modifications, roof replacement is an investment with numerous upfront and back-end costs. Besides the obvious cash that you must shell out, you must also consider the time and labor required (yes, these are costs). If you want to earn the highest possible return on this investment, you must factor in all three aspects of roof replacement prior to making any commitments.
Roof Replacement Material
Probably the single greatest expense is the actual material used. Typically, asphalt is the most affordable roofing material, costing anywhere from $50 to $150 per 100 square feet. Next up are metal, wood or concrete tiles (starting at $100 per 100 square feet). And at the upper end are ceramic, clay, and slate tiles that can cost anywhere from $300 to $600 per square 100 feet.
Roof Replacement Labor
Although replacing your roof on your own is probably the cheapest alternative monetarily, a professional contractor can save you energy and time; both of which have economic value. Unless you are extremely competent in roof replacement techniques, consider hiring someone else to do the job. It is important that you research contractors and ask for written estimates upfront, but the benefits of outsourcing the labor usually outweigh the financial costs of paying professional fees. Understand, however, that if existing tiles must be removed before new tiles can be installed, this will add to the overall cost, regardless of who handles the installation.
Durable Roof Replacement
As mentioned before, there are backend costs associated with roof replacement. Will your roof last for ten years? Twenty? Fifty? Obviously, the better the materials and craftsmanship, the less often you will have to pay for roof replacement. So even though a professional contractor installing slate shingles might be more expensive than if you installed your own asphalt shingles, you must factor in the lifetime value of any renovations.
Sources:
BobVila.com • Roofing Materials • Jun 02, 2009 • http://www.bobvila.com • http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Roofing_Materials-Miscellaneous_Roofing_Topics-A1937.html • 2009 BobVila.com