An Overview of Roofing

Looks like you are in the market to purchase or replace your roof, but you aren’t sure which roof is best for you or not sure where to start. Well you are in luck because I’m going to break down all the information that you need to know. We are going to start with why roofing is important, then go on to the different types of roofs. Roofs should provide protection to your home and be installed properly. Picking your roof should be easy and not a high pressure situation. Many damaged roofs can be related to claimable events such as wind, hail or weight of ice and snow damage. Here at CCX we are professionals in inspecting insurable losses. We pride ourselves in the ability to coordinate properly the work you may need done for your roof. In many cases allowing our clients the ability to claim entire roof systems. Making it possible to keep quality on your roof for the cheapest cost. Some might say at CCX you get the best quality for your money spent. How many roofing companies can say they are the cheapest roofing company in south east idaho? How many roofing companies can say that they are the best roofing company in Idaho, or pocatello. We can. 

On a rainy/stormy day or even a blizzard your roof protects your family and all of your belongings from being damaged. When you break it down your roof is a shield from things such as; wind, snow, tree branches, hail, even heat. That is why it is important to keep it in good condition, if it’s in poor condition you have the chance of your home developing leaks which can lead to mold and other serious damages to the inside of your home. Another reason why roofing is important to your home is its effect on energy efficiency. When your home has the proper ventilation your home is less likely to have stagnant air in the attic space. This stagnant air in summer heats the ceiling in your home allowing the inside temp to rise making cooling costs increase in the summer. Intense Heat under the roof also increases the evaporation of the light oils in the shingles causing them to erode quicker and curl or bubble up. Stagnant air in the winter causes condensation on the underside of the roof deck causing the build up of moisture and in turn the build up of fungal growth which causes rotting to the decking and weakening of the integrity of the roof. Curb appeal and home value is also a reason to make sure you have a good roof. When purchasing a home one of the most common things people tend to look at is the roof, more often than not if the roof has broken shingles, ripped off or blown off, holes, moss or algae potential buyers will assume that the roof maintenance hasn’t been kept up which can also lead to the assumption that the rest of the home maintenance hasn’t been kept up. This can turn potential buyers away from your property. Lastly it is important to know when you need to do maintenance or replace your roof. There are a few determining factors that indicate when you replace your roof. When shingles become damaged, missing or broken shingles indicate that your roof is becoming aged and is not going to give you the protection that you need. If you see light from your attic this indicates that you have holes in your roof and that it needs to be replaced. 

Staining or widespread staining could mean that you have algae or moss on your roof can lead to the shingle damage. (see picture) If the staining is widespread it can compromise and damage your decking. Granular sloughing or shedding can be a common sign shingles are worn. The visible sign of the fiberglass showing the grey hairs on the roof indicate the age and is another indication the roof needs to be looked at. After severe wind storms and severe hail storms that might cause insurable damage to the roof causing the age of the roof to be increased, and decreasing its longevity.

There are many different types of roofs, let’s take a look at what they are and what makes each one unique. We have options of Wood, Metal, Slate, Clay, Concrete tile, and Asphalt shingles. 

Wood Shingles are pieces of wood that are cut into tiny tapered pieces about ½” or less in size can be about 2’ long and about 6” wide and layed on the roof overlapping each other to provide a waterproof system. Shakes and shingles are two different types. Shakes can be made different ways. The most common ways we see them are split, split/sawn, double sawn. Split shakes have a very irregular shape and look more rustic, split sawn are sawn on the bottom creating a flat uniform applicable surface and rough on top to give that rough rustic look, and double sawn shakes are sawn and uniform on both sides. Shakes are typically thicker in appearance about ½”-¾” thick (thicker than wood shingles) and are more common now than wood shingles in the market. Wood shingles are all typically sawn and are typically ¼”-½” thick, they are never irregular and they are installed very similarly to shakes. These two roof types are commonly mistaken for each other. Wood shingles are thinner and more uniform. Different types of wood options are available to choose from for your shakes and shingles. Available options are Western Cedar (which is the most common), California Redwood, Cypress, and Atlantic White Cedar. The Advantage of the wood roof; wood is considered a poor thermal conductor which means in the summers it will keep your house cooler and in the winter it will keep your house warmer. Due to its insulating in winter and not absorbing the sun in summer. Wood shingles have less of a chance of lifting during a windy occasion than asphalt shingles. Wood roofs also require more maintenance than other types of roofs. They often grow moss and algae faster then different types of roofs which can lead to the deterioration of the shingles or shakes. In addition if you live in a fire prone area a wood roof would not be my first suggestion since wood is highly flammable. Wood roofs are typically about 3-4 times the cost of an average 30 year architectural asphaltic roof. It is more common when a client asks for a wood roof for them to ask about aesthetics rather than functionality or cost. In conclusion wood roofs have been around for many many years. Probably one of the oldest types of roofs. Wood roofs can create an aesthetically pleasing look to your home, they are also slightly more efficient in the hotter months and colder months on your heating and cooling bill. If you want a roof that requires maintenance and meets these aesthetic bench marks a wood roof is there for you. Wood roofs are also very light and have less of an effect on the structure than other similar roof types.

Metal roofs are generally made from steel,aluminum and copper (steel is the most common option). The Benefit of having a metal roof is its lifespan. The majority of manufacturers claim that the metal lasts 2-4 times longer than typical asphalt shingle roofs. Maintenance with metal roofs is typically 8-10 years and sometimes maintenance free depending on which type is installed. Maintenance is easy, however should be installed by a professional to increase longevity. Maintenance includes: resealing panels as needed, swapping out screws ,replacing rubber/neoprene gaskets and accessories. Although in the beginning you might have a higher cost, in the end you would be saving money because the roof will outlast the common 30-50 year asphaltic roof. Metal roofs generally come in two types or styles which are either interlocking shingles or vertical panels. Metal is non-combustible so unlike other roof types metal will never catch on fire. Metal is resistant to termite or rodent infestations. Metal will not, split , crack or warp. All in All the metal roofs would be the go to choice if you want a roof that will last long and that is highly durable. Metal roofs come most commonly in a tuff rib panel or delta rib panel. Metal roofs can be installed with no exposed fasteners such as with a standing seam panel. These hidden fasteners aid in the longevity of your roof giving the weather less to grab onto, like flowing ice. Metal roofs do the best under extreme weather conditions in high elevations; you commonly see them on cabins or warehouses. Metal roofs can be purchased in all shapes and sizes, if it fits on the bed of a semi trailer it can be installed. Metal roofs can also be purchased in various gauges or thicknesses allowing for optimal defence against things like wind, hail, falling tree limbs or simply the weight of ice and snow. If you want durability over cost or aesthetics metal roofing is the type for you.

Slate is very expensive because it is natural stone. The high density of the natural stone makes it waterproof and non combustible. If installed properly, it can last longer than the underlying structure depending on the type you use. The major downfall to slate is its weight. It is so heavy not all underlying structures will support the installation of a slate roof. Home value will go up with the slate roof because of the stone’s durability and aesthetic look. Slate makes your home more attractive to potential buyers. Slate roofs will always vary in their durability to hail. If the slate is thin the brittle stone might not withstand the heavy blows of hail. Slate will withstand wind very well due to its weight. Slate roofs are not a super common roof type because of their cost. Slate, clay and concrete roofs are very similar in the above aspects, however concrete is much more common. We often find that concrete roofs are much lighter than natural stone or clay. Concrete is also much less expensive than clay or slate. Concrete, Clay and Slate are brittle and can break under extreme snow and ice loads. Natural stone and clay and concrete roofs don’t fade in color. We often see Clay roofs installed in hotter/drier climates, they tend to do better in these climates due to their resistance in heat and direct sun exposure.

Asphalt shingle roofs are the most widely used roofing material in the united states. This is due to the inexpensive upfront cost, their ability to be manufactured quickly, and their ease in install, they are durable and require no maintenance for their life time. Asphalt shingles come in many varieties, the most common types we see are three tab, architectural shingles. Three tab shingles are quickly becoming obsolete and being replaced by architectural shingles. Asphaltic shingles are classified in weight classes. 230-250 LB shingles are commonly 25year shingles and are typically a 2-3 tab shingle in appearance. They typically withstand about 80-100 mph wind, and typically have a class 2 hail rating which means they can take a direct hit from a hail ball of ½” or less with minimal to no damage. Next we have the 270-350 LB shingles which are the most common, these typically last anywhere between 30-50 years and have a hail rating of a class 3 or 4 which means they can take a direct hit by a hail ball about ¾” and withstand winds of about 100-130 MPH. from here you have a 350-400 LB shingle which is typically rated for 50-70 years sometimes longer depending on their type and make, and they are common in heavier weather conditions. They typically have a class 3-4 hail rating like their 300LB

 Shingles. They can withstand also about 130 mph wind. These shingles take heavy snow best in these smaller roof types. From here there is the 500-550 LB shingles often called presidentials, once you get past a certain point in asphaltic shingles you speak less about how long they will last and how durable they are and speak more about what they look like and their aesthetic design. 500-550 LB shingles share are class 5 hail rated (1” hail ball) and withstand high winds (130MPH) they last about 90-120 years and are maintenance free. Cost follows the weight. As you can imagine 200LB shingles will cost less than 500 LB shingles. And there are slight installation differences in each type. Our Particular favorate manufacturer is Malarkey brand. Malarkey shingles are a step above their competitors due to their tapered shim, “the zone” their conscientiousness to their impact on the environment and their Polymer modified asphalt. Malarkey boats having the “greenest” granule stating that for every 10 squares of roofing material installed is the equivalent of a mature spruce tree in its reduction of smog and other carbon pollutants in the air. For more information about Malarkey shingles please click thi hyperlink here:

MALARKEY 

Another of our favorite brands to install is Americas #1 most installed roofing system. “GAF” Gaf has made a great product for many many years and what is more impressive about their product is their warranty for their warranty information click the link below:

GAF

Shingle manufacturers compete in the same playing field. They are constantly trying to beat the other with longevity, durability, or the aspects of being maintenance free. At CCXteriors we believe in delivering the highest quality installed properly. For this reason we recommend these two companies for asphaltic shingle roofs.

When you notice damage to your roof, come to us and allow us to make a proper assessment of your roof and its lifetime left. Estimates are free. The purchase of your roof should be easy and not high pressure. We will help you get the highest quality at the best cost. We at CCX work with all major insurance companies. We offer financing for those who need to make easier payments to protect their home. CCX roofers are Malarkey certified and GAF certified installers. The number one roofing company in south east Idaho. Confident we can serve you best.