Tag Archive for: Roof Replacement

Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles

There are asphalt shingles that use a different base material than the usual asphalt roof shingles. One of these is the fiberglass asphalt shingle. In contrast, regular asphalt shingle, also called organic asphalt shingle, uses paper or shredded wood as its base.  Fiberglass acts as the mat for this type. This gives it characteristics not found in the organic shingle.

What Makes It Different

These fiberglass asphalt roof shingles Roofare thinner compared to those with a paper base. The matting needs to be sturdy enough in order to support the asphalt placed on it. Because the fiberglass type needs less material to support asphalt, they are much lighter. Installation is thus made considerably easier.

Heat and fire resistance is also much higher with this type of roof shingle. Paper, being paper (or wood being wood, for that matter), is susceptible to heat and fire. This causes it to ignite at temperatures lower than the fiberglass variety. The higher fire rating of the fiberglass shingle makes it more ideal for warmer regions, although it can also work as well in colder ones.

The manufacturers’ warranties also differ. Fiberglass warranties go as high as half a century while the organic variety warranties generally range from 25 years to 40 years, or even less for some. The warranty, however, does not automatically make a particular brand a good choice. It represents, to some extent, the manufacturers’ confidence in their product.

Quality Standards

The material used to make a roof shingle does not automatically make it good. It depends on the standards used by the manufacturer when they make the product. The minimum acceptable standard for organic and fiberglass is different for each type. For the organic variety, the standard is set by ASTM D225. On the other hand, ASTM D3462 is the standard for fiberglass. These asphalt shingles need to meet these minimum requirements before they are deemed acceptable for installation in a home or building. How far these standards are exceeded by the manufacturer is an indication of their quality.

The United Home Experts Advantage

Here at United Home Experts, we strive to provide one of the highest warranties in the country for fiberglass shingles. On top of this we also provides a warranty on installation that ranges between five to fifteen years. This provides the prospective customer with an idea of how confident they can be with the roof shingles provided by United Home Experts.

CertainTeed, one of the best manufacturers in CertainTeed Logothe nation of asphalt shingles, have rated United Home Experts as a SELECT ShingleMaster. This is the highest rating they have for a roofer. This is due to the company’s long experience in the roofing business and the many satisfied customers it has. Incidentally, this has also earned them an A rating with the Better Business Bureau.

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The Advantages of Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles

The problem with re-roofing a house is not just the expense.  It is also the time and inconvenience, as well as the durability of the materials.

Therefore, when a home needs a new roof, several factors must be weighed.  Cost is one factor.  Another is how quickly the job can SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERAbe completed.  The third, and possibly the most important consideration, is durability.  In other words, how long will the new roof last?

Roofs in the Northeast, for example, must be able to withstand extremely harsh weather—everything from intense heat to extreme cold, high winds, and pounding rain.

Homeowners have many choices when it comes to the composition of a new roof.  Three of the most common are wood shingles, tile, and fiberglass asphalt shingles.

For homes which are subject to the extremes in weather that the Northeast is famous for, only one style of roofing meets all three homeowner requirements: fair price, speed of installation, and long-lasting durability. That choice is fiberglass asphalt shingles.

Wood shingles warp and crack under the extreme temperature variations of the Northeast.  To a somewhat lesser extent, the same is true of tile shingles. Fiberglass asphalt shingles, which come in a number of pleasing colors and patterns, are clearly the best choice when it comes to protecting a home, especially in the harsh conditions of the Northeast.

Roof shingles made from fiberglass asphalt expand and contract with temperature rather than crack, and roofing shingles professionally installed by a quality company such as United Home Experts are 100% guaranteed. Other companies may offer a slightly more attractive price, but when it comes to top-notch, skilled craftsmanship there is nothing more solid than a company such as United Home Experts, which has almost 8,000 happy customers and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Start with a free quote.  It is important to deal with a company that will provide an actual quote and not an estimate – estimates have a way of vanishing into thin air when the work actually begins.  It is also important that the quote not be part of a high-pressure sales pitch.

Choice is another important consideration.  The color and pattern of the roof must complement the home it protects.  Many companies offer only a limited number of choices when it comes to roofing material, but a reliable company such as United Home Experts offers the homeowner a wide range of choices when it comes to its durable, long-lasting, guaranteed roof shingles.

Choosing a roofing material that is guaranteed to last and hiring a rock-solid locally based company that treats each and every customer with respect is of vital importance.  After all, a house is more than just a long-term investment – a house is also a home.

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Explore the Benefits Roof Shingles and Coatings Can Offer

Living in the northeast part of the U.S. means dealing with extreme weather conditions throughout the year.  Wicked northeastern storms, hurricanes, and snowstorms expose roofs to year-round abuse by Mother Nature. Homeowners need effective strategies to help keep their roofs intact and their property safe. United Home Experts can help with advice on roof shingles and roof coatings.

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Shingles serve several purposes in the roof structure. The main purpose is to divert water and reroute it to run off away from the home. Shingles also protect the surfaces of the roof underneath the shingles. When combined with the other layers of the roof they form a waterproof barrier. They can also provide heat resistance, which can help save money on utility costs. Choosing a high quality shingle that meets the needs of the home can be a daunting process.There is a wide range of materials from traditional asphalt to new eco-friendly products. There are so many makes and manufacturers that a homeowner needs a knowledgeable guide to navigate the selection process. The staff members at United Home Experts have the experience to help homeowners decide on the right shingles for their home. They can offer advice and choices for functionality, styling, warranty, and installation decisions. As well, the company resides in Massachusetts, so they understand the needs of Northeastern homes.

Roof Coatings

Roof coatings can provide the opportunity to add desirable properties to an existing or a new roof. Stone-coated metal roof shingles are an expensive alternative to traditional asphalt for Northeastern homes. This material is resistant to extreme weather such as heat, wind, rain, and hail. Traditional roof coatings can revitalize an existing roof and strengthen its waterproofing, repair small leaks, improve heat resistance, and more. United Home Experts can assess the condition of the home’s roof and make outstanding suggestions as to how coatings can improve the current roof. The company has experienced professionals who understand what products are available, what those products do, and how they can improve a roof structure. With United Home Experts, homeowners do not have to go out and research all of this information on their own.

The roof structure is a crucial component in the functionality and styling of a home. Do not leave it to chance. Choose a company that has a positive reputation in the community they serve. Look for a company that keeps up to date on the latest products and techniques.  Choose United Home Experts and sleep well knowing experts are on the job.

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Knowing What to Ask About Roof Warranties Can Save You Money

Roofing a home is a scary process that causes homeowners many sleepless nights.  There are tons of things take into consideration—things such as local weather patterns, the type of existing roof, the shape and design of the home, as well as pricing, materials, and labor.  Warranties are a crucial concern, too, as homeowners must seek a firm understanding of what the roof warranty covers.  United Home Experts can help provide that peace of mind with quality construction and generous warranty. SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

When choosing roofing contractors it isimperative to understand what is covered and who is covering it.  The shingles themselves are warranted by the manufacturer.  This means the manufacturer will replace the shingles if they have defects such as cupping, curling, or splitting of shingles.  The manufacturer will only pay for the cost of replacing the shingles, however, and not of installing them. Moreover, it is actually rare for the shingles to fail, assuming that the homeowner uses a reputable brand.  The majority of failures are due to installation errors, so even though shingle coverage is essential, the chances are it will not be the problem. United Home Experts does a thorough assessment of the home’s needs, providing top quality work that is customized to the needs of the home.  This helps eliminate installation errors, thus eliminating potential problems.

Roofing contractors will provide additional roof warranty coverage, but the terms of a roof warranty vary from company to company. Since it is most likely to be the workmanship that fails, choosing from roofing contractors that offer comprehensive warranties, as United Home Experts does, is essential to protect the investment.  Labor is the single largest expense in roofing, and the homeowner will naturally want to ensure that labor is covered if repairs are needed.  Failure to cover labor should set bells and whistles off in the mind of a potential customer.roof prep (5)-resized-600

It is important for homeowners to discuss specifics of installation with the roofer, taking into account regional problems such as snow, wind, excessive rain, and other weather issues. One is advised to ask the contractor how his installation techniques will address these problems.  One then reviews such considerations, like using screws instead of nails in areas with frequent high winds and blowing rains.  Areas prone to heavy snow will want thick, quality underlayment to help handle large amounts of melting snow. Homeowners who anticipate this issue should ask about how failures due to inadequate installation techniques would be handled by the warranty.

Any reputable roofing contractor will go through the warranty with the homeowner, showing pride in the coverage being offered and eager to discuss the details. The information should be provided in writing with concise language that is easy to understand. In line with this, United Home Experts is proud of their warranty and ready to talk about it with their customers.

A roof is a substantial investment. Taking the time to talk with a roofing contractor about the warranty being offered is time well spent for any homeowner. After all, one needs to know that he or she has sufficient warranty coverage to cover any future expenses.   Clear, concise warranties leave no room for doubt and lots of room for peace of mind.  United Home Experts will provide the homeowner with a worry-free process and a fabulous warranty.

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Asphalt Roof Tiles and Stone-Coated Roof Tiles

Roof tiles come in many varieties like asphalt and stone coated tiles. Both of these types have their advantages and disadvantages.

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There are basically two kinds of asphalt roof tiles: organic (paper-based) and fiberglass. This depends on the material used as a base on which the asphalt is attached. Organic tiles are usually waste paper saturated with asphalt and ceramic granules to make it durable and resistant to both water and algae. The downside to this type, however, is that it is vulnerable to fire damage.

The fiberglass variety uses a mat base of glass fiber, which is then coated with asphalt and other mineral fillers. The resulting roof tile is also resistant to water. Compared to the organic variety, it is better able to resist fire damage due to the material used. The more expensive kind of fiberglass asphalt tile is the laminated roof tile. This is composed of two fiberglass layers with asphalt used as a sealant to bond both together. It is also called an architectural asphalt shingle.

Based on what asphalt tiles are made of, they are not expensive and easy to install. However, they last longer in places where the ambient temperature is cool as opposed to places that are warmer. This type of shingle is also susceptible to sudden rises in temperature, called thermal shock. The warranty for these tiles range from two to five decades depending on how well they are manufactured.

Stone-Coated Metal Roof Tiles

The construction of these tiles is similar in principle to the asphalt tile, with the big difference being its base, which is metal. It therefore has the water resistant properties of an asphalt tile. On top of that, it also has the advantages of having metal, such as steel, at its core.

This type of roofing tile is resistant to fire, wind, and hail. Because of its stone covering, it has the same aesthetic qualities as an asphalt tile. Despite being made partially of metal, it is lightweight and needs little maintenance. However, it is susceptible to thermal expansion when exposed to high temperatures. This causes an undesirable movement in the installed tiles. It is thus important to have an expert install this type of roof tile.

It is also considerably more expensive when compared to an asphalt tile. It costs twice or thrice that of a typical asphalt roof.

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With the right installation and maintenance, asphalt is the viable choice. United Home Experts has long experience in aiding clients choose the best type of tile for their roofing needs and budget. Visit the website UnitedHomeExperts.com or call for advice and an estimate.

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5 Tips to Choose a New Roofing Material

Roof repairs and replacements take a big chunk of money out of a homeowner’s budget. Replacing roofs in a timely manner ensures proper attic insulation and a home with no water damage from leaks. Fixing the roof prior to major damage saves money on costly structural repairs. Finding the right roofing contractor and roofing material means the repair job will be done correctly by a professional the first time around. Replacing a roof proves easier with a few simple tips on how to choose the right roofing material.roofing-thumb-our-work

1. Durability. The longer the roof lasts, the more money will be saved over the years. Clay tiles are not only one of the most popular tile choices, but last longer than most other tiles. Some warranties ensure clay roofs for up to 50 years. Another option for long-term durability is slate roofing. Not as popular as clay, but becoming more used as the years go by, slate adds a cultural European feel to a home’s style.  Due to slate’s structure, it withstands the harshest weather, including constant damage from the sun.

2. Weather Resistance. Consider the weather when choosing the right material – is the area in the desert or a cold climate, or does it receive a large amount of rain? Not all materials tolerate the same weather environment. Ceramic tiles are a great choice for cold weather homes. Slate tiles are often used in warmer climates. A varying climate home benefits from composite roofing, although it will not last as long as other types.

3. Cost. Buying the right roof may seem like a balancing act. When considering all factors, the best roof is often pricey. If on a budget and cost is important, compile a pros and cons list. While a cheaper roof might be preferred, a few extra dollars spent now could save money later on.  Roofing contractors can help sort out the conflict between needs and costs.

4. Energy Savings. With increasing oil and natural gas costs, homeowners look for energy-efficient roofing that lasts yet saves on electrical costs. Tile roofing is a great choice when looking for energy-efficient material. Also, look for materials with an Energy Star logo. These products have been tested to provide the best energy efficiency on the market.Luxury Roof Thumbnail

5. Types of Roofing Material. Some of the different types of materials have already been mentioned.  Price, durability, and style all play a role in choices. However, sometimes simple preference rules out.  A large percentage of homes use composite roofing. Homeowners state cost and ease of application as two main reasons for choosing this type of roof. Do not be carried away with alternate choices and let the preferred choice fall by the wayside.

Selecting the right roofing contractors and best roofing material ensures that the job is completed professionally. The home will benefit from the repair and added beauty, and the pocket will save money by having the job done right the first time around.

For homeowners in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Southern New Hampshire, United Home Experts will be able to address their roofing needs. United Home Experts will do the job right the first time and are highly recommended by homeowners who have used their services in the past.

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Asphalt Shingle Warranty

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When you buy asphalt shingles for your home it is very important that you know exactly what you are paying for. It’s a large investment, and at times there can be some confusion as to what exactly is included in your asphalt shingle warranty.

Be aware that when you purchase “30-year shingles” it doesn’t necessarily mean that your roof will be fully covered for a full 30 years. Many companies will offer a limited warranty, but there are often many caveats to be aware of.

Most limited warranties won’t cover any type of damage that is not deemed to have been a defect of your asphalt shingles from day one. This means that damage during installation, fire or emergency damage, and even weather damage may not be covered. If your shingles were not installed by exact specifications, that too, may void your warranty.

Luckily there are reputable companies out there which will give you a better and fair asphalt shingle warranty, though you may have to be diligent in making sure that you find one of these companies and get yourself a very good deal.

It’s important to be sure of exactly what you’re getting yourself into with any investment as important as the roof of your home, and if you do keep your wits about it there should be no trouble at all finding a certifie

d and trustworthy company willing to give you a fair estimate and, importantly, be upfront with you on the details.

At United Home Experts we offer a full coverage warranty that covers materials, labor, and workmanship for the life of the roof. Please request our full warranty for full details. For more information about our roofing services, visit out main roofing page!

Click here for another article that details roof warranties.

**Call us today for a free estimate at 888-724-6865.

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Asphalt Shingles – Most Affordable in Roofing Cost Comparison

If you have researched the cost of having a new roof installed, you’ve probably learned that Asphalt Shingles are the most affordable roofing product. For example, Architectural Asphalt Shingles are less than half the cost of Standing Seam Metal Roofing, Inter-locking Metal Roofing and Cedar Roofing Shingles. Asphalt Shingles are 1/3 the cost of Slate Roofing Shingles. If you put this into dollar amounts, you can assume that the installation of Architectural Asphalt Shingles installation will range from $4-$7 per square foot, while Standing Seam Metal Roofing, Inter-locking Metal Roofing and Cedar Roofing Shingles installations range from $8-$13 per square foot, and the installation of Slate Roofing Shingles range from $10-$20 per foot.

The more complex your roofing project is, the more costly your project will end up. The asphalt roofing prices mentioned above are the lowest prices you will find for a new roof. The cost will increase based on the complexity of your roof, that is, the number of cuts, angles and planes of your roof. The cost of your roofing project will also increase based on the incorporation of expensive products such as metal or slate.

Granted, in searching for the best roofing material, some experts same that slate is supreme because of its durability. Chosen for its resistance to corrosion and fire, experts have found that slate roofs need minimal repairs. Slate may be durable, but it is not very affordable, costing anywhere between $10 and $20 per foot in contrast with asphalt roofing ranging between $4 and $7 per square foot. There are so many other factors that may affect the cost of your roofing project. The only way to know for sure is to get a roofing estimate. You may also find our free roofing guide helpful.

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Average Cost of Asphalt Roofing

If you are considering having a new roof installed, it is important to consider the range of roofing costs. There are several reasonsroofing-contractors roofing costs can vary. For example, the type of materials you would like used for your new roof can greatly impact the final cost of the installation. Architectural Asphalt Shingles and Lifetime (or Designer) Architectural Shingles tend to cost significantly less than the average Standing Seam Metal Roofing and Inter-locking Metal Roofing. Cedar Roofing Shingles are slightly more expensive, but not as much as Slate Roofing Shingles, considered the most costly.

A small, low-pitched roof that only requires basic equipment for asphalt roofing installation may only cost between $5500 and $7500, whereas a large, high-pitched roof requiring a more complex installation (one with more cuts, angles and planes) may cost between $11,500 and $14,500. An even larger roof may cost between $17,000 and $25,000. If your roof is neither too small nor too big, you may find that a medium-sized roof with an average installation ranges between $8,500 and $10,500.

In addition to considering the type of roofing materials you choose to have installed and the size and pitch of your roof, there are other factors that may help determine the cost of a new roof. For example, the cost may vary based on the need for sheathing or rot replacement and the need for adding specialty ventilation. These are just a few components provided to give you a general idea of residential roofing costs. The only way to really know for sure is to get a roofing estimate. You may also find our free roofing guide helpful.

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Ridge Vent Comparison

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Before installing a ridge vent onto your roof it is important to do your research.  3 things to consider are:

  1. How Well A Ridge Vent Actually Vents
  2. How Weather Resistant is A Ridge Vent
  3. How Durable is Ridge Vent

Shingle Vent II has been tested as being the best investment for improving your home. In comparative tests with Cobra Vent, Roll Vent, Cor-a-Vent, VentSure, Highpoint, and RidgeMaster unbaffled ridge vents, the Shingle-Vent II with its external baffle is consistently proven to be the most reliable ridge vent. The external baffle of the Shingle-Vent II permits air to come out of both sides of the ridge vent, while the unbaffled vents do not. The Shingle-Vent II thus releases more air than unbaffled vents. The Shingle-Vent II harnesses the wind outside to ventilate the attic and pump out air. In test comparisons with the different unbaffled vents, each test demonstrates how the Shingle-Vent II ventilates attic air the most effectively. In addition to being a better ventilation system, the Shingle Vent II also protects your attic from water infiltration. The external baffle of Shingle-Vent II protects your attic from rain that leaks through other ridge vents. In tests comparing VentSure ridge, Roll Vent, and Ridge Master ridge vents with Shingle Vent II, the first three leaked 2-4 gallons of water, while the latter did not permit any water to infiltrate into the attic.

Ventilation efficiency and weather resistance are two extremely important qualities to consider when you are choosing a ridge vent. A more weather resistant and higher quality ventilation system will decrease mold and decrease the chance of any other moisture problems that may damage your house because it decreases the amount of moisture in your attic overall. It will also decrease the heat that gets trapped in your attic. With a lower amount of trapped heat, there is a decreased chance of ice dams because ice won’t freeze, then thaw and build up again. In the summer, decreased heat also means decreased energy bills because your house is easier to cool. These are just a few reasons why it is so important to consider ridge vents with better ventilation and better weather resistance.

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