It can be difficult to determine when to replace your residential roof. Whether you need a repair or a complete roof makeover depends on a few differentafactors.aaHere?s a quick guide on what you should know about replacing your residential roof.

Repair or Replace?

The first decision you will need to make is whether you are needing to replace your roof or simply repair damaged areas. Ask yourself these 4 questions ? these are key points in deciding on how to fix your roof situation:

Start with ?1.? Do you have any leaks inside your house, see damage on your roof, or maybe parts of your roof in your lawn or yard? If you answered ?yes? to this but ?no? to the rest, than this means you?ll only need to repair the damage. But if you answered ?yes? to any of the following questions, it may be time to replace your roof.

Up to Date?

If your residential roof is older than 20 years you should have a professional come inspect it. Slate and metal roofing can last longer, but the common asphalt residential roof is usually at its life?s end at around 20 years. Wood and clay tile roofs last up to 25 years, metal roofs up to 50 years, and rubber and slate roofs can last for much longer! However, all roofing has both its ?pros? and ?cons? dealing in protection, insulation, weight, and price.

aThe Look for You?

If you are thinking about replacing your residential roof, be sure to talk to a professional and have them come inspect your existing roof. You will need to know what your house can support before choosing what material, color, and shape you want. There are many options out there, it may be difficult to choose. However, the climate plays a large role in what roofing material is best for you.

Energy Efficiency Means Big Savings

Before you start replacing your roof, ask about the latest in ?cool roofs.? Certain material and color combinations can minimize your electrical use by keeping your house up to 50 degrees cooler than the outside surface temperature!

A home is the largest investment most of us will ever make. And yet the one part of that investment that could potentially cost the most ? your roof ? is often overlooked. So if you just bought a home, here are three things you should do for your roof.

By taking care of your roof now, and planning ahead for any repairs down the road, you can ensure that you roof will last, and avoid being hit by large repair bills later.

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It seems that sustainability is the trend and with government programs such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Design), the US Green Building Council?s certification for sustainable buildings already in practice, it is no surprise that those interested in home siding have also looked to greenness when it comes to restoration or replacement. At ASAP ROOFING, sustainability has always been important, as has been educating consumers about sustainable choices in the market.

So let?s take a look at what we can do when it comes to home siding the green way.

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So what are the ?good? options?

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1. Masonry: Masonry production bears relatively little impact on the environment, being composed of brick, natural stone, and manufactured stone (a cement-based product poured into molds and finished to look like real stone). Because it is fire resistant, and durable, masonry takes little to maintain. To improve the sustainability of this choice even further, look for salvage or recycled brick or stone.

2. Stucco: Because stucco today uses what is known as EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System), a synthetic stucco applied over foam insulation boards on the outside of the house, it results in a significant energy savings. Additionally, it typically does not ever need repainting, and is less likely to crack than traditional stucco, and provides good resistance to fire.

3. Wood: Woods like cedar, redwood, and cypress have a great resistance to moisture and insects, use less energy to manufacture,a are made from a renewable resource, and result is relatively no waste as other industries can always use scrap wood. While scrap siding can often be reused, wood siding does have some drawbacks. Requiring painting every five to ten years, maintenance requirements can be high, and the harvesting of trees does cause environmental damage. To protect these precious forests, your best bet is to choose Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified siding, or reclaimed wood siding, which is typically milled from lumber salvaged from old buildings and other structures.

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As always, the professionals at ASAP ROOFING would be glad to help you find the most sustainable siding option for your home. Just visit them atahttp://asaproofing.com/.

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Written by Nick Dorotik

nick@asaproofing.com

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When it comes time to replace the entire roof of your home, the first step will be to compare various materials that will work for your needs. Metal roofing has long been considering a roofing material worth mentioning. It is tough and durable, and it?s a great investment for any home looking for long-lasting materials. Those are just a few of the benefits you can expect from corrugated metal roofing, though.

The Benefits

There are clear benefits that outweigh the initial cost of having a metal roof installed on your home. For starters?

• Durability ? A metal roof is considered one of the most durable roofing materials around. It can withstand the likes of extreme weather ? high winds, rain, and hail.
• Stylish ? Today?s roofing metal comes in a variety of differing styles and appearances. You can choose the traditional corrugated metal, standing steam, or even stone-coated. The distinct appearance will win over many homeowners.
• Lifespan ? Metal roofing is not just attractive, but also long-lasting. Most metal roofs have an expected lifespan of over 40 years, which is four times more than any shingle roof.
• Energy savings ? One of the biggest benefits of metal roofing is its ability to reflect the sun?s rays and reduce the heat transferring down into your home. This, in turn, reduces your monthly energy bill.

Initial Cost

The initial cost of metal roofing may immediately turn some homeowners off, but that would be a mistake. Yes, corrugated metal roofing is an investment to your home. However, it is one of the most durable, beneficial roofing materials currently available on the market. You won?t find a better choice these days.

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While metal is already a popular roofing material in various countries, it has just began to gain popularity here in the United States. Considering that most roofs here are built using individual shingles such as asphalt, it is not surprising that there are some misconceptions about this new product.

So the question is what really is true about metal roofs and what it is not. Following are some answers to some of the common misconceptions surrounding this product.

Myths

• Noisy ? Due to metal?s high resonance properties, it is commonly believed that this type of roof is noisy, particularly during rain or strong winds. While it is true that the material can be noisy in these situations, it is only true with old systems. The modern method of installation makes use of a thick underlayment along with a solid decking as well as the use of thick fiber insulation to further dampen the noise that may be generated.

• Corrosion ? While it is true that galvanized steel is prone to corrosion, modern metal panels come pre-coated to protect against rusting. Some materials such as aluminum, copper and stainless steel are corrosion-proof so applying a protective coating is only optional.

• Lightning ? Although metal is more prone to lightning strikes than other material, this only occurs if it is located at the highest point of an area such as on a tower. A device that stops lightning can be installed to provide additional protection to the building. There is also no risk of the structure catching fire in case lightning does occur since the material is completely fireproof.

• Hot ? Metal has poor insulation properties, which is why many believe that indoor temperatures will be as hot or as cold as the outdoors if this material is used. This is not the case since proper insulation can effectively separate the temperature in the living space from the outside temperature. It is highly reflective, which means it can effectively dissipate heat rather than absorb it.

Facts

• Cost Effective ? This kind of material is the most cost effective one currently on the market as it has a considerably longer life span up to as much as eighty years. It is almost comparable to slate in terms of longevity, yet at a cost that is lower than the average asphalt shingles considering the life span of the material and low maintenance requirements.

• Durable ? The inherent durable characteristics of metal is also available as a roofing product. Although the panels come in thin sheets, it still maintains its shape with the help of corrugation. It is ideal for use in hail-prone and windy areas where conventional shingles can easily break or fly off.

• Lightweight ? When installing metal roofs, there is no need for elaborate support structures since galvanized steel is thin and lightweight.

• Maintenance Free ? Metal structures are almost maintenance free. They are not prone to moss or algae infestations, are not get easily blown off by strong winds, and do not curl from extreme heat. The only required maintenance for a full service life is a regular coating of paint to prevent corrosion.

In summary, metal roofs may be relatively new here in the United States, yet they already have an established reputation abroad. They are cost effective, durable, and low-maintenance system. Hopefully this article has helped debunk some of the myths surrounding this material and has highlighted its true advantages!

Let Schulte Roofing Be Your Houston Roof Professional!

Are you in need of a Houston roof company who knows about the many benefits of using metal for a building top? Schulte Roofing at 800-367-7663 is an expert in the installation of this type of material and can help greater Houston area customers with this and many other roofing needs!