by siteadmin | Mar 13, 2020 | Commercial, Roofing Materials
Have you ever wondered if there was a difference between a residential and a commercial roofing system? From the ground, most roofs may look the same, and objectively, both serve the same purpose. The type of roofing materials and installation processes between commercial and residential roofs, however, are actually quite different.
While residential roofs pertain to homes, commercial roofs vary from retail shopping centers, office buildings, and restaurants. While long term durability and quality installation is necessary for any roof, the needs of residential buildings and commercial buildings sometimes vary. Understanding these differences will help you determine the best roofing system for your project.
Type of Roofing Systems
Due to the different features installed directly on the roof, commercial roofs typically use different roofing materials than those used residentially. Even if a home has a chimney or air vent, asphalt shingles are a popular choice and can be easily installed on a home. Commercial roofs, however, may have to work around exterior structural components such as HVAC system, skylight, or external piping. In order to withstand the weather elements and secure long term durability, commercial roofs may choose polyurethane foam, built-up, concrete, or other flat roof materials.
Roofing Installation Differences
In terms of time and process, the installation of commercial and residential roofs differs. Most homes can have a roof installed within a couple of days, but a typical commercial roof may require over a month for completion. Factors such as the size of the building, roofing materials, and building codes may extend the project timeline significantly.
Pro Tip: Roofing requirements of commercial buildings can vary depending on your location, scope of business, and roofing material. Be sure to get approval for your new roof before installation.
Roof Maintenance Needs
Caring for a commercial roof is vastly different from a residential roof. Residential roofs may suffer from leaks or missing shingles, but most repairs can be easily patched. Comparatively, commercial roofs require ongoing maintenance of structural components and equipment supports in addition to normal roof maintenance. Many building owners may hire a specific person or roofing service to care for the roof entirely, especially to guard against extensive repairs that could affect working hours.
Residential & Commercial Roofing in Spring, TX
At the end of the day, commercial roofs are not the same as residential roofs. Between the different roof materials and installation required, a commercial building tends to have features that the roof of your home doesn’t contain. In order to adhere to the building codes of Spring, TX and surrounding areas, it’s important to have a roofing contractor with experience. We’re proud to have a roofing team with over 50 years of combined experience in the roofing industry.
Do you need a commercial roof installed? Connect with us on social media to learn more about commercial building practices.
by siteadmin | Feb 7, 2020 | Homeowner Questions, Roofing Materials
Of all the decisions you have to make when renovating your roof, the color seems like the least important. After all, as long as the leaks are covered and your new roof works well, who cares what color the shingles are? On the contrary, the color of your new roof can have a noticeable effect on your home’s energy efficiency and curb appeal. Learn how to choose a roof color for your Houston home with these considerations.
How much thought have you given to what color you want your roof to be? Before you make your final decision, consider the impact your choice will have and what your hopes are for your new roof. Are you more interested in appearances, functionality, or energy efficiency? Your answers to these questions will influence your ultimate decision.
Appearance: Compliment Your Home’s Exterior Colors
Did you like your previous roof color? When you replace your roof, you’re presented with a new opportunity to drastically improve the style of your home. For many homeowners, they want to make sure that whatever shingle-style they choose, their home will look as good (or better) as it did before. The key is knowing what colored roofing will complement your home’s siding and architectural elements. Here’s a helpful table to help you choose your shingle color based on your home’s exterior paint color:
Pro Tip: Most types of roofing materials offer a variety of colors to choose from. However, if you want to experiment with patterns or a wider selection of colors, you’ll likely prefer to use asphalt shingles.
Functionality: Follow Neighborhood Requirements
Unfortunately, if you live in a neighborhood governed by a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), you might have little freedom to choose your roof color. To preserve the harmony of the homes in your neighborhood, there is usually a list of approved shingle colors and styles for you to select from. When deciding on a roof color for your home, get in touch with your HOA for approval to avoid costly consequences.
Efficiency: Conserve Energy
Last but certainly not least, it’s important to consider the energy efficiency and weather durability of the asphalt roofing that you choose. Depending on the climate you live, the color of your shingles can directly affect the heating or cooling cost of your home. Darker shingles tend to absorb heat, which can keep your home warm in the winter if you regularly experience snow or ice. Conversely, lighter color roofs tend to produce cool roofs that can help you save air conditioning expenses.
Choosing Your Conroe Roof Color
Ultimately, the roof color you choose is just as much a part of your home’s architectural style as the rest of the building. Even if the ultimate deciding factor is more practical than decorative, your new roof will still look fantastic and complement your neighborhood.
Ready to start choosing a shingle color? Connect with us for more ideas and inspiration!
by siteadmin | Aug 23, 2019 | Home Renovation, Roofing Insulation, Roofing Materials
When you think about insulation for your home, you probably think of keeping the heat inside during cold weather. While this is certainly one application of insulation, a different type of material can actually help keep heat out. Believe it or not, using the right kind of insulation in the right places can actually repel heat and keep your home cool in the summer.
If you’re looking for the best insulation to keep heat out, you can’t go wrong with the two most popular and effective choices: weather stripping and radiant barrier insulation. Properly used, both will seal your air conditioning inside and repel the heat outside. How can these help your house as the weather stays warm?
Weather Stripping
Some of the most common places for climate-controlled air to escape is around your windows and doors. A crooked window or door could be raising your energy bills significantly by providing a constant slow leak. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. Strategically placing weather stripping around the edges will block most leaks and allow your home’s climate to balance itself out again.
Pro Tip: Be skeptical of any window company that claims to be able to reduce your energy bills with replacement windows. These claims are borderline illegal, often incorrect, and have gotten several companies sued. Save your money and install weather stripping instead.
Radiant Barrier
Radiant barrier insulation does more than just keep cool air inside. This reinforced layer of aluminum lines the inside of your attic roof and reflects heat back outside. Even this thin layer of insulation is surprisingly effective–a study shows that proper installation of a radiant barrier could save between 10-15% on energy costs. Just make sure your roof builder knows how to properly install insulation!
A Few Mistakes to Avoid
Of course, insulation material should be handled with care and isn’t effective in every place in the house. Keep these common errors in mind as you plan your insulation project:
- NEVER put insulation on or near active knob and tube wiring–that’s a great way to start a fire. Have the hazardous equipment professionally removed first.
- Avoid insulating spaces that won’t affect the transfer of heat much, such as exterior walls. You’ll just end up spending a lot of money for very little change.
- Don’t block any ventilation or HVAC ductwork with insulation–this will only make the problem worse.
Stay Cool!
Your air-conditioned home is your refuge against the high temperatures of any Houston day. By researching and installing the best insulation to keep heat out of your house, you’re sure to continue enjoying the comfort of a climate-controlled house for years to come.
Connect with us to learn more about preparing your roof and house for hot weather.
by siteadmin | Aug 16, 2019 | Home Renovation, Roofing Materials, Severe Weather
Are you thinking of upgrading or replacing your roof? What materials are you planning to use? Not all roofing materials are created equal, after all. Most homeowners generally try to find the most cost-effective, longest-lasting roof material they can.
Different types of roofing material are appropriate for different home locations, as well as previous damages done to the roof. While certain types of roofing materials last longer than others, it’s also important to remember that some types may not be appropriate for a particular setting. The best thing to do is to look at the different types of available materials and see which is the best fit for your home.
Shingles
High-quality asphalt shingles are still the most popular choice for the majority of homeowners. The slightly higher cost of these roofing materials are more than worth it–well-made shingles will last 20 years or more. Roofing shingles are also among the easiest roof materials to replace or patch following roof damages. These popular materials stand the test of time!
Pro Tip: Some homeowners opt for wood shingles and shakes. Similar to asphalt shingles, wood shingles have an expected lifespan of about 20 years but can last much longer in mild weather.
Tiles
Roofing tiles made of concrete, clay, or slate have a staggering life expectancy of 100 years! Even so, tiles are more of a challenge to install or maintain than shingles. For instance, the building materials are significantly heavier and more expensive, making a project with them more difficult. Additionally, poorly made shingles can crack or split during severe weather such as a hailstorm. While tiles are certainly an elegant and durable choice, it pays to double-check their quality and make sure your local weather won’t cause you problems later on.
Metal
Metal roofing generally lasts 40-60 years and is arguably the strongest of any conventional building material. However, certain types of damage (like a dent or rusty spot) require most of the roof to be replaced since the metal is likely all a solid piece. Additionally, between materials and installation costs, you’ll end up paying more overall for a metal roof. Talk to your roofing contractor to see if it’s in your best interest to opt for metal.
A Houston Roof that Will Last for Decades
A well-constructed roof of long-lasting roofing material will survive for decades in most cases. Depending on your home’s location, your current roof’s condition, and your own preferences, you can easily opt for an excellent roof to protect your home for years to come.
Connect with us to learn more about the best roofing material for your home.
by siteadmin | Jul 19, 2019 | Roofing Materials, Severe Weather
Hurricane season lasts until Saturday, November 30. During this time of year, the chances of a hurricane or tropical storm increase substantially, making storm preparations a necessity. If you’re looking to replace or renovate your roof before severe weather hits, consider upgrading to a more durable roofing material more likely to survive any upcoming storms.
Most roofing materials can survive severe weather if properly installed. However, some are more durable than others, particularly if the storm has especially high winds. Before you choose a permanent roofing option, consult with a professional roofing company to see which choice can best withstand the storms you’re likely to face.
Metal
As one of the most durable roofing materials on the market, metal rooftops can withstand winds over 100 miles per hour. It’s also hard for ice to form on a metal roof, preventing severe damage from a cold snap. However, remember that metal expands and contracts with dramatic changes in temperature. This does make a metal roof slightly more vulnerable to leaks than other materials.
Shingles
The majority of homeowners choose conventional shingles as a roofing material because of their cost-effectiveness, high quality, and variety of styles. Well-made asphalt shingles can easily withstand severe weather and high winds, as well as repelling rain off your roof. The biggest vulnerability of a shingle roof comes if the shingles aren’t properly nailed down and blow off the roof, letting rainwater into your house. Fortunately, making sure your shingles get plenty of nails and regular maintenance should prevent this from happening.
Pro Tip: Schedule a free roof inspection and let an expert determine if your shingles need reinforcements to protect you from severe weather.
Tiles
Made of concrete, slate, or clay, roof tiles provide an elegant look to your home. These tiles are also very hard and can easily last for decades once installed. Their weight makes it nearly impossible for winds below 120 miles per hour to knock them loose. However, homeowners should be aware that roofing tiles cost more than shingles or metal, and tend to be brittle if handled improperly. The materials must be transported and installed with expert precision.
A Wind-Resistant Houston Roof
At the end of the day, remember that while some choices may be more durable than others, a particularly severe hurricane can damage your roof and make emergency repairs a necessity. Your best bet is to meet with your roofing contractor beforehand and discuss your options for a new roof. If they can suggest the best roofing material for high winds for your roof, take their advice and save yourself some trouble later on.
Connect with us to learn more about preparing your home for severe weather this hurricane season.
by siteadmin | May 24, 2019 | Home Renovation, Roof Replacement, Roofing Materials
As important as your roof’s functionality is, no one wants an ugly rooftop. A pleasing color can complement your home and increase your property value. Plus, different roof colors absorb heat at different rates, helping balance your home’s energy consumption. This choice can make a big difference!
Your choices in shingle colors are generally restricted to a few shades. Unfortunately, you’ll probably never get a neon green set of shingles. But the choices you do have can make your home look classy and help balance heat flow. Which color is best for your home? These factors can help you decide.
Local Climate
For Houston homeowners, keeping out the heat is a constant problem. Fortunately, a wisely chosen shingle color can reflect a decent amount of sunlight. Darker colors tend to absorb huge amounts of heat, so if your home gets a lot of direct sunlight, consider a lighter earth tone or even off-white shade. This color will prevent your air conditioning from working overtime and keep your energy bills low.
Pro Tip: A lighter shingle color will repel heat more effectively, but it will also show algae and mold growth pretty clearly. Keep a light-colored roof clean!
Your House Color
A shingle roof will last between 10-30 years depending on environment and maintenance. You’ll want it to look good and complement your house color! While you could definitely find a matching color for a seamless house, why not go for a contrasting color that just looks good? For instance, for a brown or earth-tone house, go for a grey or dark blue shingle color. A white-walled house might look good with slate gray or black shingles. Some roofing companies will even mix different shades for a checkerboard pattern! It all depends on your preference and what looks best with your house.
The Neighbors’ Roofs
What decorative choices did your neighbors make for their roofing shingles? You don’t have to copy their ideas, but cool roofs could be a source of inspiration for you. Are there any colors or patterns that catch your eye? Would they complement your own home too?
A Decorative and Functional Choice
Choosing a shingle color may seem largely trivial until you consider its potential impact on your energy efficiency and property value. Don’t settle for a boring shingle pattern. Ask about different colors you can choose from and find one that works best with your home and preferences.
Ready to schedule a roof redesign? Connect with us to browse our roofing materials and speak with our experts.
