Installing Roof Shingles Guide
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The different roof shingles explained and things to avoid
You may have thought deciding what type of roof you want to install was going to be easy; however, there are various options to choose from when thinking of replacing your roof. Probably some of the most deciding features of roof replacement would be a comparison of the prices and longevity. The labor involved and the time consumption of the install should also be considered along with the material type. Roofing replacement can be a costly home improvement job but will increase the value of your home and can save you money in the long run.
When it comes to installing roof shingles, one of the choices is metal roof shingles. There are many types and brands with various metal roofing prices available for you to choose from. Gerard, Decrabond, and Met-Tile are a few of the galvanized steel choices. Gerard roofing is a tile-colored finish of stone granules made in two patterns. Decrabond, by Carter Holt Harvey, is a granulated stone finish of a tile facsimile. Colortile, made by the same manufacturer, with its unusual shape and baked on acrylic finish (a series of seven coatings) is available in six standard colors and special colors can be ordered subject to minimum order size. Met-Tile is a tile look-alike that is made from painted 26-gauge galvanized steel. Pricing ranges around $3 to $4 per square foot or more if tear-off is required. Most panel type metal roof shingles can be applied over one to two layers of existing roofing.
Another choice is aluminum roof shingles. They are also available in copper. Zappone is one manufacturer of aluminum and copper roof shingles shaped to resemble wood shakes. These are relatively simple but time intensive to install and about half of the shingles sold are owner installed. Material pricing for aluminum runs from $1.75 to $4 per square foot depending on the complexity of the roof. Copper runs from $4 to $7 per square foot, also depending on the complexity of the roof. Alcoa is another manufacturer of aluminum shakes and offers a lifetime, non-prorated limited warranty that is transferable if you sell the house.
Another choice is asphalt roof shingles, the most common residential roof shingles, with two main types available in the market, organic and fiberglass. The use of organic, known as paper saturated shingles, has reduced drastically due to fire hazard. The fiberglass shingles are most used now because they can be handled easily and come in a variety of colors that are pleasing to the eyes.
The main thing to avoid when replacing you roofing is inclement weather. Be sure to check out the forecast for several days and know what type of weather you have heading your way. A simple rain shower can sure be frustrating when in the middle of replacing you roofing so you want to definitely check with Mother Nature before starting your project. Also certain materials, such as asphalt roof shingles, can become brittle and crack due to extreme temperatures. Keep this in mind when adding the roof. Finally you should not attempt your roof replacement by yourself. Get a friend, family member or co-worker to assist by holding the ladder or lifting shingles. You should always have someone there in case of emergency, so be wise and don't work alone.
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