Comparison of Different Roof Materials

Construction, Roofing Materials

When your roof must be replaced, this is a good opportunity to upgrade the roofing materials you choose for your house. It’s highly likely that if your home is old or you can’t remember the last time your roof was replaced, only basic and old materials were picked. There are many actions to take when you are picking the proper material for your new roof. You ideally want to look for a solid roof as well as one that looks great and matches your home’s style. Tar shingles are the most common roofing material chosen, but we’ll also discuss some other roofing choices so you can make a thoughtful decision. Even asphalt roofs come in several subcategories.

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Asphalt shingles are also another common roofing option. 80% of the houses across the nation employ asphalt shingles. The primary reason they are used by most roofing contractors is their cost. Asphalt shingles are the lowest cost option when it comes to getting a new roof. Asphalt shingles typically fall into two types: asphalt shingles, strip shingles, dimensional shingles, and architectural ones. 3tal shingles are the most fundamental kind of asphalt shingles. They are commonly used to control roofing costs and they come in a wide range of shades and finishes. However, they are not as durable as other materials and won’t protect your house much from harsh weather conditions. Architectural shingles are of better quality and appearance compared to common asphalt shingles. Architectural types are multi-dimensional, something that adds to their durability and good looks as well. They are more costly compared to other asphalt shingle types but they last more and look more appealing. Architectural shingles are slowly rising in popularity among homeowners today.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are also another roofing material option. Like other materials, these come with their pros and cons. Metal roofs can look very appealing but they make noise when struck by a heavy storm. They are also more costly compared to common asphalt shingle roofs. Their biggest strength is their high durability as they typically last anywhere from 40-75 years. A downside of metal roofs is that in the San Diego region which is often hit by hail storms, small dents may appear on the roof’s surface and make it look less appealing–however, most dents that may form will not look so obvious provided that the hail storm damage is not extended. You may choose between metal roofs that resemble clary barrel tiles, slate tiles, and wooden shake.

Natural and Artificial Slate

Slate is a choice that was traditionally used several decades ago but now it has become a luxury roofing material. Additionally, the weight of slate shingles generates the urgency of keeping a solid framing structure. Slate roofs look very appealing and are highly long-lasting. Because of the heavy burden of shingles and the high cost of picking a slate, it has become a less common roofing option today except for rich homes.

Artificial slate is typically fabricated from recycled rubber and plastic materials and is very durable. It’s also more lightweight than natural slate. Additionally, while it looks identical to natural slate, it’s a less costly option. With fake slate, you can enjoy high durability and appealing looks at a lower cost than its natural counterpart.

Wooden shakes and shingles

Wooden shakes and shingles were once a roofing option that looked very appealing but they aren’t so widely used today because of their low fire tolerance. Many local authorities impose limitations that ban the use of wooden shingles on roofs. However, if you like their look, you can get fake wooden shingles.

Concrete & Clay Tiles

Concrete tiles are a quite solid choice. They weigh more than others and will require a more powerful framing system to tolerate the weight of the tiles. They look very attractive and are fire-proof. You may find these in the form of barrel-type shapes over a roof but many of these can also resemble a compact form of roofing that resembles a slate shingle. Clay tiles are generally highly durable but they are costly.

Skylight Installation Tips

Construction, DIY Tips

Common Considerations Before the Installation of a Skylight

Do you have any spaces in your house that could be illuminated more? Installing a skylight is a great idea to shed some natural light into a murky area. Before you choose to get a skylight, keep reading to find out more about its installation procedure and how to pick the best spot for a skylight.

How to Stop Skylight Dazzling

It’s best to apply skylights with caution to mitigate the odds of a solar flare. This doesn’t only add excess light to a space but it also raises the heat to uncomfortable levels. Glaring also fades out shades of materials. You may control its effects by installing a shader or filter to your skylight.

Control Light’s Direction

Not many homeowners are aware of this but the skylight determines the direction of light in a space. If you wish the light to diffuse to other areas, get a skylight that glares in place of a type with straight sides. The straight-line types are a better choice only if you want the light to be concentrated in a single solace in a straight direction.

Generate the illusion of spaciness

Does your house appear small and crowded? Rood extensions are quite costly but getting a skylight won’t hurt your pocket much. Rooms and spaces typically appear smaller than they are when they are not properly dimmed. It only takes a single skylight in the right spot to make an obvious difference in the space.

Minimize Heat Accumulation

Heat accumulation can make you feel as if you are in a sauna. In warm and sunny states like Georgia and Florida, installing a skylight is not a good idea as it will produce more heat. To prevent the accumulation of heat, you can get a skylight that is fabricated from 2X insulated glass that is mixed up with low-E layers. Experts also suggest bronze-shaded skylights, particularly if the skylight is an apple on the south or west corner of your house.

You may also control heat accumulation by attaching a skylight at a lower level. According to U.S Department of Energy recommendations, it’s best to attach a skylight at a slow that is 5-15 levels lower than your home’s slope.

Consider Skylights With Venting Properties

Another trick to control heat while enjoying the benefits of natural sunlight is to get a skylight with venting properties. This will enable fresh air to circulate through the room and release the heat outside. For your convenience, select skylights that come with a motorization unit and not those that turn on manually.

Use Automatic Skylights

If you have the budget, consider upgrading to auto skylights that come with rain and heat detectors. The detectors will sense any heat and humidity levels and expose the skylight when it becomes too hot then shut it off when rain is detected. Many of these auto types also have adjustable remote control units.