The roof is an integral part of your house. It performs a vital function by keeping the elements out of the home’s interior and protecting everything inside. Being constantly exposed to harsh weather, your Orange County roofing will deteriorate in time and need repairs or replacement. Detecting early signs of roof going bad will enable you to fix it, prevent further damage and spending more money.

Here are the most common signs of a problematic Orange County roofing:

1. Uneven or Damaged Shingles

Conduct a visual inspection and look at the shingles on your roof. Do they look flat or uneven? If they look like the latter, it may indicate damaged shingles that need to be replaced. Inspecting your roof after a storm or severe weather condition is advisable. Shingles may be damaged from strong winds, snow or hail. Delaying the repair of your roof could lead to serious damage later and cost you more.

2. Higher Electric Bills

We use power to cool our homes during the hot summer months and to heat them during the cold winter months. A good roofing system helps insulate your home against drastic temperature fluctuations by maintaining relatively uniform temperatures inside. If you suddenly find your monthly electric bills going up without your having bought or use new appliances or equipment that could explain the increase in power consumption, you might be losing cold or heat through your roof.

3. Spots on Ceilings and Walls

Water leak on the roof is the usual culprit when you see spots on these areas. Molds grow on damp places and indicate the something is wrong with your roof. Mold may also be caused by poor ventilation or damaged shingles. A professional is the best person to determine the problem.

4. Cracked or Peeled Paint

Paint is a good indicator of the roof’s condition. A cracked or peeled paint on the exterior or underside may indicate rust or other issues with the roof. An inadequate or impaired attic ventilation is one of the common causes of peeling paint.

5. Old Roofs

Roofs are built to last for decades depending on the material type used for the roof. Metal roofs generally last longer but cost more. If your roof has been protecting your home for years and has reached its estimated service life, it may be time to consider making a replacement. A proactive approach to roof maintenance means checking your roof and replacing parts before a real problem arises. Proactive maintenance could save you money in the long run.

These early warning signs of a roof going bad should alert you to take remedial actions to prevent further roof deterioration.

Some people—particularly the do-it-yourself owners—prefer to do repair works on their roofs themselves instead of hiring licensed roofers. While this may save them money that would otherwise have been spent to pay for professional contractors, there is a risk they might commit mistakes.

Below are some of the most common mistakes in shingles installation that may be committed by inexperienced roofers plus their remedies and prevention based on United Home Experts:

1. No Starter Strip

Employ starter shingles starting at the rake and going into the eaves. The starter shingles are cut by around nine inches for new construction to fit the existing first course. For three-tab repair shingles, the measurement is five inches. The first shingles should be cut by six inches so that the shingles could stagger out of the first course.

2. Misaligned Shingles

This creates an unsightly look on the roof. Make sure the vertical and horizontal alignments are in place. Use a chalk line when installing new shingles. For repairs, simply align the new shingles to the existing shingles. Set horizontal chalk lines every 10 inches starting from the bottom. Vertical chalk lines are made every 36 inches starting from the ridge to the end of the shingles on the first course.

3. Shingles Not Properly Nailed

Always read the product specifications by the manufacturer on the number of shingles to be installed based on local wind zone. Three-tab shingles usually require at least four nails although the number of nails could go up to six in places where strong winds blow.

Aside from the number of nails required to properly fix the shingles to the roof, the location where the nails are driven is just as important. Again, look at the manufacturer’s instructions to know where the nails should be placed on the shingles. Know also the length of nails required for the right shingles. As a rule of thumb, nail penetration should be at least three-quarters of an inch.

4. Using the Wrong Cement

Improper use of incompatible cement and other adhesives could further damage the shingles. Asphalt cement should only be used on the underside of shingles.

5. Shingles Do Not Overhang the Eaves

Just make sure the shingles overhang at the eaves by not less than half an inch. Ensure that there is enough space between the shingles by about one-sixteenth of an inch. Affix three inches of shingles above the eaves, the number of nails depending on local and geographic conditions.

While different roofing materials have their strengths and weaknesses, you should not rely solely on these traits when deciding which type to install on your home. You should also consider the area where your house is located.

Roofing needs vary in regions with different climates. Before buying a particular roof for your house, you should know the qualities of different roofing materials to be able to choose the ones most suitable for your region’s climate.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is extremely durable and could last up to 50 years or more. This roof is ideal for practically all types of climate especially in wet or rainy areas. Modern metals are waterproof and resistant to corrosion. They are also treated to resist against algae infestation.

Clay Tiles

These are more expensive than shingles or metals but they are popular choices for use in hot areas and desert climates. They are good in blocking heat and keeping the interiors cool and at the same time able to resist wind. Unlike other roof materials, we do not recommend this one for DIY practitioners because installing tiles requires special tools and training. In fact, in some areas finding a qualified installer may be hard to do.

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Houses in places where temperatures are soaring are not ideal for wood shingles and shakes as they tend to crack or split under high temperatures. Places where rain is common is also not an ideal place for this type of roofing particularly when the materials used are not of high quality because they rot easily.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are durable, inexpensive and attractive, which make them the most commonly-used roofing type in the country. They do well against heavy rain, snow, moderate winds and even minor hail. However, they are not really suited for extremely hot and dry climates since these temperatures tend to shorten the lifespan of the roof by about 20 to 40 percent. In warm climates you can choose light-colored shingles that are better in reflecting heat.

Slate

This roofing material is very durable and should be good to use in almost any kind of climate. Slate works well in cooling down your house during hot weather. It also performs well against heavy rains. In cold areas, snow could fall for months. While slate roofing is heavy, this should not prevent you from using it. Just do not forget to reinforce your roof to withstand the combined weight of the roofing material and accumulation of heavy snow.

One of the most common types of roofing materials are shingles. While shingles are generally associated with asphalt shingles, they actually embrace a wider range of materials.

Shingles include almost every roof cover type that does not involve a single material capping the entire roof. Hence, shingles could be made from different materials such as the common asphalt, wood, clay, tile and even metal.

Each type of shingle has its corresponding costs in labor and materials. The costlier versions are the so-called impact-resistant shingles since they provide defense against leaks, create roof deck protection, improve the physical appeal of the house and enhance energy efficiency.

To help you prepare your budget before embarking on a roofing project, we provide an estimate of the costs involved in the installation of the different types of shingles:

Asphalt Shingles

The most common type of shingles used for roofing because they cost less than other materials and are relatively easier to install, which make them perfect for DIY practitioners. They are lighter than other shingle types, and therefore, more convenient to use.

The cost of DIY asphalt shingles on a normal ranch-style house would range from $680 to $3,700. The cost variation depends on the design, material quality and roof size. Hiring a professional costs from $1,700 to $8,400.

Metal

Metals provide the longest roof lifespan because they are durable and not affected by issues faced by other shingles. Its high cost but long life make metal suited for people intending to stay in their homes for a long time.

Metal roofs cost from $5,100 to $22,000. Aluminum has a higher price range—$11,900 to $24,200. The cost of copper roofs range from around $25,500 to $39,600.

Slate

Its natural look and durability make slate a favorite among homeowners. Indeed, larger houses usually have slate for their roofs.

Costs vary from $17,000 to $84,000 for a 2,000 square-foot home. A 3,000 square-foot home will cost from $27,000 to $120,000 depending on location and design.

Tile

People love tiles because they can be formed into different colors and shapes. They are also easy to replace if they are damaged.

The cost of concrete tiles runs from $7,650 to $21,000. Ceramic tiles will cost around $11,900. If you want to customize the tiles, you will shell out a higher amount from $17,000 to $60,000.

Wood Shake

Wood shakes have more aesthetic appeal but require more maintenance because they deteriorate faster than other materials and are fire-prone. Insects and molds are other issues affecting wood shake shingles.

The costs vary from $6,800 to $20,000. Synthetic or simulated wood shakes made from rubber or plastic, which provide better fire protection, cost around $12,600 to $18,900.

There are several reasons why fall is the best time to call Chicago roofers to start working on your roof replacement. Networx recently shared some tips showing why you should take advantage of that season and not wait until winter or summer to do it.

Ideal Weather Condition

Elements such as rain, summer wind, and instances of hurricanes can really get your roof beat up. The effects are multiplied when it is already near the end of its lifespan. Any holes or cracks left behind will get worse once winter starts. That will certainly present a lot of problems to your household.

Fall presents an ideal condition when the weather is more stable, especially when the thermometer reading is at 45 to 50 degrees. The said temperature is favorable for the installation of asphalt shingles, because the ambient warmth lets the seal strips of the shingles to melt and adhere properly in a process known as “thermal sealing.”

Chicago Roofers Can Work Easily

During this time, the temperature is not too hot. Thus, it presents a better working condition to any roofer. That will help roofers deliver a faster and more efficient job.

In addition, the mild temperature will prevent the shingles from getting brittle during installation. Getting it brittle will increase its tendency to break while pressing it in place. That factor will also force roofers to nail them manually with a hammer instead of using roofing guns. Of course, that will add to their burden and may result to a longer completion period of their work.

Energy Savings

Getting your roof ready before winter starts will help you shave off the cost of your energy bills. If you have your HVAC system installed in the attic, a roofing with a good condition will let you maximize its effectiveness in maintaining the temperature of the home.

Furthermore, having your roof replaced will allow you to avail of the federal tax credit for energy efficiency until December 21, 2016. This is subject to certain conditions though like the roofing material must pass the requirements. You have to present receipts and product labels too for the income tax return.

Reminder

When booking roofers in Chicago for the job, make sure to do it in advance. That is because many homeowners also prefer autumn to have their roofs replaced. Calling them at a short notice might place you in their queue, which will delay the project.

There are as many types of roof designs as there are materials used for roofing. Let us compare the best qualities of two of the most popular roof types—the flat roofs and dimensional shingles.

1. Dimensional Shingles

Dimensional shingles, also called laminated or architectural shingles, are simply two regular asphalt shingles bonded together to create a new type of roof shingle. Since there is now a top layer and an underlayer, the design gives the impression of a three-dimensional appearance.

They were created primarily for aesthetic appeal by combining two shingles together to form a new type of shingle. Designers went further by experimenting with different styles and themes to create what are called designer shingles, which range from the rugged to Victorian in concepts.

The combination of at least two layers of shingles results to stronger roofing material and affords better protection from harsh weather. The sturdiest model could withstand winds of up to 130 mph.

These are the desirable qualities of dimensional shingles:

• Durable. Manufacturers give warranties lasting up to 40 to 50 years.
• Appealing. It has multiple designs with different color combination.
• Availability. It is widely available at your local supply stores.
• Adaptability. It can be used on most pitched roofs.

2. Flat Roofs

Flat roofs are becoming more common these days because of improvements that minimize if not eliminate most objections against this type of roof. Ponding is a big reason why people stay away from flat roofs. When left unattended and allowed to deteriorate, the waterproofing materials on top make water seep into cracks that eventually find its way inside the building and ruin the materials within. The development of new materials and technology, however, improves the roof’s water resistance through better seals that provide more water protection than earlier methods.

To keep the roof in excellent condition, regular maintenance is a must including replacement or re-coating of the waterproofing materials used to keep water away. Neglect to perform this procedure drastically cuts down the lifespan of the coating and leads to expensive replacement.

These are the best traits of flat roofs:

• Cost-effective. Flat roofs require fewer materials and labor, hence they are significantly cheaper.
• Additional Space. The extra spaces at the top are often used as material storage or spare room.
• Durable. Only strong and sturdy materials are used to withstand snow, ice and rain accumulation.
• Weather Resistant. During severe storms where winds of more than 100 mph could be observed, flat roofs offer the best wind-resistant design compared to pitched or angled roofs.

You can find cheap shingles that you can use as sturdy and reliable roofing materials for your house. Perseverance and a little effort are all it takes to trim your budget and minimize your roofing expenses. We compiled seven practical tips to help you find cheap shingles.

Shop Online

The proliferation of online stores makes it convenient for shoppers to look for and compare prices of the items they want to buy. Most brick and mortar hardware and construction supply stores have their own websites with a complete listing of their products and corresponding prices. You can find reasonably-priced shingles in the Internet with very minimal delivery charge.

Consider the Pros and Cons

Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of shingles. Each type has its pros and cons. Homeowners are advised to personally visit the hardware and examine the different types of shingles and their prices. Talk to the person in charge and ask about the details of each. Picture in your mind how your house would look like using the different types of shingles.

Purchase in Bulk

Plan your roofing project in advance. If possible, have all your roofing work done at the same time to give you the option to buy shingles in bulk. Similar to other commodities, shingles bought in bulk are cheaper than if they were bought in small quantity.

Look for Wholesalers

Some manufacturers sell their products themselves or actively help their distributors and retailers in marketing. You can buy directly from them at much lower prices since you will be cutting all the middlemen and going direct to the source.

Never Stray from your Budget

Prepare a budget before actually buying the shingles and stick to it. More often than not, owners overshoot their budget when they allow themselves to be swayed by pricier and elegant-looking shingles. You could end up buying just the shingles without any money left for installation.

Buy from Your Local Stores

Shingles are very common roofing materials. Almost 80% of houses in the US use asphalt shingle for their roofs. Your local hardware and roofing material stores will carry a wide range of shingle products from the basic design to the higher-end models. Buying local means savings on transportation cost.

Consider the Consequences

Using low-quality shingles could result in shortened lifespan for your roof. They may lose their waterproofing quality early on and fail to protect your house, resulting to structural damage. They could also be easily blown away by strong winds. Never sacrifice quality when you are buying cheap shingles.