Rubber Roofing Shingles
Some material that we use for roofing is similar today to those used in ancient times. Man has used materials like wood and clay for shingles or tiles for almost as long as they have built houses. There is one very new material that is gaining in popularity and should be considered for you new home or replacement roof. Rubber roofing shingles have only been sold since 1993 but have many advantages over more traditional singles.
Rubber roof tiles are principally made from recycled tires. The tires or other recycled materials are ground down into a powder which can then be molded, colored and textured into a shingle. The choices for appearance and color are vast and can fit any style home. Shingles can be found which simulate wood, slate or ceramic. The malleability of the material often makes for more realistic impressions of these materials than can be found in metal or plastic tiles.
Disposal of a rubber shingle roof is also eco-friendly as they are completely recyclable.
Rubber shingles are usually very inexpensive, often a fraction of traditional ones. They are extremely durable and often come with manufacturers guarantees to last between 30 and 50 years. Such a shingle roof is also extremely low maintenance as they are resistant to mold, insects, ultraviolet radiation and extreme eat or cold. They are flexible and may expand and contract causing them to loosen. In these cases they are very easy to replace or repair. Most of these tiles are given a fire rating of A from the American Society for Testing and Materials. Rubber is a flammable material and additional coating or fireproofing can be added when they are installed.
Installation of these shingles is similar to wood or asphalt tiles.
The unique flexibility of rubber makes shaping a shingle to fit corners or other spaces very easy with a simple utility knife. They are manufactured in a standard 3 tab design like asphalt ones. There are very few disadvantages to these shingles. The most typical issue involves the smell that exists when newly installed on a home. This odor dissipates in time and is typically not an issue after the first few weeks.
Though the shingles themselves are generally less expensive than other materials you may find that you will spend a bit more on some peripheral materials. Due to the extremely long life expectancy of a rubber roof you will want to buy top quality materials like for flashing and bituminous membranes to pair with it.
Rubber roof shingles are new and some roofers have not worked with them. They may seek to charge a higher price than they would to install an asphalt roof. Finding a roofer that specializes in these installations is a way around this issue.
You can learn more about metal roof shingles, and get much more information, articles and resources about roofing shingles at Roof Shingles
I am a freelance writer with expertise in a variety of subjects and topics. I run numerous informational websites on subjects which I am knowledgeable about, and enjoy writing articles to help out other people looking for some guides or tips.
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Asphalt Roofing
Asphalt roofing and shingles is the most popular and common roofing application that you will see on homes and other buildings today. There are many reasons as to why this is the most frequently used type of roof. It has a lot to do with cost effectiveness, looks, and many other factors. Here is some information, benefits, and facts on asphalt roofing.
The first thing to look at is why this type of roofing is the most popular. The main reason is because they present a very durable option for the roof of a home. Even though they aren't the most durable on the market, they still can last over ten years without having any problems. Another reason why is because this type of roof can complement the style of any home.
What asphalt shingles are is fiberglass mixed with asphalt. Because of this combo they have great resistance to heat and other factors that could potentially damage the roof of your home.
They come in small sections and they are installed on roofs in rows. All that is required during the installation is to nail down each row. The next row will overlap the previous to create a protective barrier on top of your roof. This will prevent leaks and form the shingles into one large unit, which improves the durability.
This type of shingle comes in different architectural styles and can come in different shades of color. That helps to make asphalt roofing a good choice for any home that you see, whether it be moderate in size or very large. Choosing the right style and shade can be assisted by your roofing installer if you just can't figure out what will look the best on your home.
After the installation process you will receive a warranty on your shingles that lasts decades. What this warranty covers is defects and not damage from weather. If your roof is damaged by a storm, tornado or consistent heat, it is possible to have your roof fixed or replaced under your insurance. A roofing installer will be able to tell you what caused damage to your existing shingles and can even work with your insurance company on getting you a new roof installed.
Between a relatively low cost and the chance of having your insurance pay for a new roof, asphalt roofs are by far the most economic and best choice for any home owner no matter what the circumstances are.
Gives input and advice on asphalt roofing.
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