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How Fire Resistant Are Asphalt Shingles?

One of the positive qualities of the asphalt shingles installed by roof contractors is that they are fire resistant to varying degrees.

This can be a critical feature for owners of homes and buildings in locations that are affected by wildfires, excessive heat, and also in congested neighborhoods where houses are close together.

Yet not all asphalt shingles are highly resistant to embers or flames and homeowners planning for roof services in the future must understand how fire ratings work to ensure they choose the right asphalt shingles to protect their homes.

What Is The Fire Resistance of Roofing Material?

Fire resistance refers to the ability of roofing materials to not catch directly on fire when affected by embers or fire.

All asphalt shingles installed by roof services are rated in their level of fire resistance.

A Class A rating is the most fire-resistant shingle, while those rated Class C are only somewhat fire-resistant.

Shingles with a Class B rating fall somewhere in between the two.

More Asphalt Shingles Available With an A-Rating

Today, many high-quality asphalt shingles like dimensional and architectural shingles are A-rated, meaning they provide a high level of protection to the roof deck of the building.

This rating, which is also given to metal, slate, and ceramic roofing, is met by shingles made with a high fiberglass content as this material is both lightweight and extremely fire resistant.

Flying embers are less likely to ignite these materials on an installation that receives regular roof maintenance, and they are also more resilient to high heat.

As such, Class A fire-resistant shingles are the preferred materials for homeowners to have installed by roof contractors if fire resistance is a concern.

They may also cost slightly more than lower-quality, non-premium shingles that have lower fire-resistance ratings.

What Are C-Rated Shingles Like?

At the bottom of the list are Class C-rated shingles, which provide only the minimum fire resistance and protection, making them somewhat riskier to use in fire-prone areas.

They are commonly some of the less expensive shingles that roof services can install.

As noted above, Class B-rated shingles are mid-range in their fire resistance and also their cost.

Assess Your Risk Dangers

Because some roofs can catch fire from just a few burning embers landing on them, roof contractors highly recommend that homeowners choose premium Class A-rated asphalt shingles whenever possible for the greatest protection.

Class A premium shingles made with fiberglass are affordable, durable protection against conditions that could destroy the entire structure if the roof catches on fire.

Contact a reputable roof service to talk more about fire resistance and choose the best shingle for any home!

What Are All the Materials Needed for a Roof Replacement?

Roof replacements may look easy, just pull off the old materials and nail on the new ones, but that is a very simplistic view of what is really involved.

In reality, roof replacement contractors go to great lengths to properly install many different materials, not just the ones that lay on top.

To fully understand the complexity of roofing, this list of all the different materials that roof replacement companies use in their installations should help homeowners understand why the job takes so long, and costs so much!

Wooden Decking - Decking is the main support for all the other roof replacement materials installed by contractors. It lays over the spaces between the rafters and trusses, covering the roof area and providing a flat surface on which the other materials can be securely installed.
Felt Underlayment - Underlayment is a water-resistant, yet breathable covering that protects the decking by preventing moisture from seeping through the external materials and down to the wood.
Ice Shields - Ice shields are waterproof barriers that get installed in valleys where water flows and ice can form, providing an additional layer of protection in these vulnerable areas on the roof.
Metal Drip Edges - To prevent water from rolling down a roof and then clinging to the roofing material and soaking into the decking underneath, roof replacement contractors install drip edges at the ends of the decking to prevent those droplets from hanging on so they instead release and fall off the roof.
Shingles or Panels - Available in countless types and styles, the external shingles or metal panels are the main protective roofing materials that cover up everything previously mentioned.
Ridge Caps - Ridge caps are shingles or metal pieces that protect the ridge vents and the upper edges of the roofing material by covering those areas while still leaving space for the vents.
Roof Vents - Installed in various places by roof replacement companies to ensure good attic ventilation and prevent heat damage to the external materials, vents are critical roofing components. Contractors will install gable vents, standard roof vents, and soffit vents as needed to regulate the roof and attic.
Flashing - Flashing is the pieces of metal that cover the seams in roof valleys to protect them from moisture and seal off those vulnerable areas.
Pipe Boots - When exhaust vents and other pipes extend through the decking and other materials, roof replacement companies protect those areas with rubber boots which are like flashing for exhaust and vent pipes.

Based on this long list of essential materials, it is easy to see how roof replacement involves much more than just putting on a new set of shingles.

Experienced roof replacement contractors use all these items to ensure a perfect, leak-free roofing system!

A Quick Look at Impact Testing for Asphalt Shingles

According to asphalt shingle roof contractors, asphalt shingles are one of the most popular types of roofing installed today due to their durability and affordability.

When designing products to be installed by asphalt shingle roof services, roofing materials manufacturers put their products through multiple quality tests, one of them being an impact test.

Impact testing ensures that the shingles installed by asphalt roof services will withstand impacts up to the rating of that product.

For homeowners in parts of Texas that are prone to hailstorms, impact resistance is a very desirable quality.

How Is Impact Testing Done on Shingles?

There are two main tests used to determine the impact resistance of specific products installed by asphalt shingle roof contractors.

Those are the Underwriters Lab (UL) standard 2218 Impact Resistance test and the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IIBHS) Impact Resistance Test.

What is Involved With the UL 2218 Impact Resistance Test?

The UL 2218 test, also called the steel ball test, is done by dropping various-sized steel balls from a distance of between 12 and 20 feet onto the roofing material to see how it is affected.

The test is run by dropping the balls onto a fully installed test roof on various parts of the roof, then deconstructing the roof afterward to examine it.

Specifically, the backs of the shingles are inspected to look for any cracks and tears caused by the impacts of the steel balls.

Products are then rated according to their impact resistance and made available to asphalt roof services to install for their customers.

What Is Involved With The IIBHS Impact Resistance Test?

The IIIBS test is done under similar conditions on a test roofing deck but using a slightly different method.

According to asphalt shingle roof services, this test involves shooting various sizes of man-made hailstones of various hardness at the test deck, then analyzing the impacts afterward.

This test evaluates not just the cracks and tears that can occur due to impacts, but also details like granule loss and surface dents.

Based on the results of those tests, a variety of grades on the different measurements is given.

What Do the End Results Mean?

While both tests assess impact resistance in similar ways and assign impact-resistance ratings to the products used by asphalt shingle roof contractors, they are also somewhat different in their end results.

The criteria for which each test passes or fails a product is different.

While the IIIBS test is more in-depth and stringent and offers a variety of grades, it is also more complex to determine which is the best product.

On the other hand, the UL 2218 test looks at only one factor and gives a clear pass/fail rating.

In Summary

When purchasing shingles from asphalt roof services, consumers should be aware of these two methods and how they are interpreted in the impact-resistance ratings of different shingles.

Some Important Information About Asphalt Shingle Roofing!

Asphalt roofing has been around in various forms since the late 1800s, as it has always performed as an inexpensive yet highly durable material.

Though it was used differently back then, mostly as asphalt dust coated roll roofing, some inventive people created asphalt shingle roofing around 1950 and the industry has never looked back.

In this more convenient and easily applied form, asphalt shingle roofing quickly took off to become the most commonly used roofing material everywhere.

Over time, the products used by asphalt roofing contractors have only improved in quality, durability, and lifespan, which is why asphalt shingles retain the crown as being America’s favorite roofing material.

What Are The Benefits of Asphalt Shingle Roofing?

What is so great about asphalt roofing shingles? Here are just a few of the many benefits of choosing asphalt shingle roofing for any house or building with an inclined roof:

Supreme Weather Resistance - For the money spent, asphalt roofing shingles offer great weather resistance in a variety of climates when properly installed using the right insulation techniques.
Fire, Wind, and Impact Resistance - Premium asphalt roofing shingles to protect against specific risks like fire, high winds, and hail are available.
Easy and Fast To Apply - Asphalt roofing contractors can install a shingle roof in a fraction of the time of many other more complicated roofing systems.
Many Styles and Colors - Architectural and dimensional asphalt roofing shingles come in many different shapes, colors, and thicknesses to add style to any type of home architecture.
Low Maintenance Requirements - Asphalt roofing generally requires minimal maintenance, consisting of occasional cleaning and routine inspections to ensure it is performing as it should.
Long Lasting - Some asphalt shingle roofing is designed to last up to 50 years, which is almost as long as some metal roofs.
Cost-Effective - With so many benefits, so many styles, and such a long life potential when properly installed by professional asphalt roofing contractors, asphalt shingle roofing is one of the most cost-effective roofs out there. It is a lower-priced installation in comparison to many other types, but still offers so many advantages!

Offering so many positives, asphalt roofing shingles are the go-to roofing material that many people continue to choose for their homes and buildings for good reasons.

Asphalt shingle roofing products get better and better, making it the most affordable, long-lasting, and trouble-free roof for the money as long as it is properly installed and cared for!

Talk about the options with a local asphalt roofing contractor today!

Don’t Get Ripped Off By a Storm Chaser The Next Time It Storms!

Damage after a major storm needs storm damage roofing repair contractors as soon as possible.

What homeowners don’t need are the knocks on their door from unscrupulous storm damage roof repair contractors that go where the storms go in hopes of finding more work.

These “storm chasers” can be shrewd in their approach, but should be avoided.

Instead, homeowners should refer all their repair needs to trusted local storm damage roofing repair contractors that won’t disappear overnight.

How Can You Tell Who Is Who?

Firstly, know how the storm chasers operate.

Storm damage roofing repair contractors go around looking do to repairs in neighborhoods that have experienced storms, frequently contacting homeowners even before they realize themselves that they might have damage.

Sometimes, there really is no damage, but they prey on ignorance and a homeowner’s desire to keep their roof in great shape.

They may even go up on the roof and look around and declare that there is a definite need for storm damage roof repair services or more damage than there really might be.

Don't Sign an Insurance Commit Form

Then, if the owner seems interested, storm damage roof repair contractors will ask them to sign an insurance commit form, explaining it as a permission form for them to talk to the homeowner’s insurance company but in reality, it is a work order commitment.

Just like that, unaware homeowners can get roped into having work done that they technically did not approve of and were fooled into agreeing to.

Ask Them For Their Local Address

Before anything like this can happen, homeowners can stall the tactics with one simple question.

Asking where the storm damage roof repair contractors are based and for proof will either stop storm chasers in their tracks or reveal the requested information.

With that information, homeowners can then take a few minutes to research the company to see if they are local and established and what kind of reputation they have.

Storm damage roofing repair contractors unwilling to provide that information is a major red flag that they are storm chasers and not trusted local contractors interested in helping homeowners in their community.

Ask Them to Explain Their Warranties

Another red flag when dealing with storm chasers is their unwillingness to properly disclose or explain warranties or simply not offering one.

Also, a “too good to be true” price is yet one more warning sign that the storm damage roofing repair service that has conveniently shown up is not to be immediately trusted.

Research First!

Instead, homeowners should take things into their own hands before accidentally allowing a storm chaser to cheat them with unneeded repairs or poor workmanship.

Research trusted local storm damage roof repair services after the storm passes, pay for a roofing inspection, and then go from there.

The best local storm damage roofing repair contractors are not out there knocking on doors begging for work. Most of them have lots of it already because they are honest, they do good work, and have earned their community's trust!

What Types of Solar Roofing Are Out There?

Each year, roof contractors get increasingly more requests for solar roofing as homeowners are becoming more energy conscious.

Some are interested, but due to finding traditional solar panels to be unattractive, opt against going solar.

The good news is that, due to the growing interest in better and more appealing solar options, there are now multiple types of solar that roof services can install on homes and buildings.

One of these new solar roofing ideas might be the perfect solution to have your roofer install!

Traditional Solar Panels - While they are still panels installed on top of the roof, today’s solar panels are flatter, better looking, and more powerful than their predecessors. While they are still large panels installed by roof contractors on top of the existing roofing materials, lower-profile designs look less obvious and less clunky than the solar panels of the past. When matched with a dark roof, they blend more easily, too.
Solar Shingles and Tiles - Available in multiple styles, solar shingles or tiles installed by roof services are smaller than panels, lighter in weight, and go on like regular shingles or tiles. With a variety of products out there today, some that roll out in strips, some that cover the entire roof, and others that lay on top of the existing shingles or integrate with concrete tiles, this is one area where roofers have seen a lot of advancement in recent years. Solar shingles are the closest thing to a standard shingle roof, but with the capability of solar. Some even look like traditional shingle roofing but with a slight shine to them.
Metal-Look Solar Panels - Another newer advancement in solar roofing that some roofers can install are metal-look solar panels, which are a sort of hybrid between shingles and traditional panels. They are long, thin panels that install vertically to look like a typical standing seam metal roof. Of all the types, metal-look solar panels are possibly the least conspicuous.

If you are considering having a roofer install solar on your home sometime soon, be sure to research the many types of solar roofing now available today.

Gone are the days when thick, ugly panels were installed by roof contractors to cover the roof as now there are sleeker, lower profile panels, flat solar shingles, and metal-look solar that more closely mimic the more traditional materials we all recognize.

As solar technology continues to advance, the time is now to consider having roof services add solar for an energy-producing, attractive, and more sustainable roofing solution!

Is Your Roof Insurable?

As homeowner’s insurance companies struggle to stay afloat amidst years of increasing claims, many of which include claims for roof repair, a new trend is emerging that has many homeowners concerned.

According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), some homeowners in the south are receiving notices of being dropped by their insurance companies because of their roofs.

Even roofs that still have a few years left before they reach the guarantee for the materials are being dropped, all in the drive to reduce claims payouts for what could happen if that roof fails.

Ways to Prevent Being Dropped By Your Homeowners Insurance Company

What is a homeowner to do to prevent being dropped by their insurance company over their roof?

The best way to satisfy your insurance agent while also keeping your home safe is to find a reputable local roof company that performs skilled work and team up.

These roofer tips will help you keep your roof in good condition and your insurance company happy:

Follow the Maintenance Required on the Warranty - If you are having roof repair done or having a new roof put on, be sure to follow the warranty requirements for maintenance and care. Failing to do so can void certain warranties and if that happens, your insurance company is less likely to cover an otherwise coverable repair.
Get An Annual Inspection - It may cost a few hundred dollars, but an annual roof inspection will detect problems as they are starting and can be repaired inexpensively. Insurance companies frequently decline to pay claims made for roofing problems that were ignored and could have been corrected earlier for a lot less money.
Plan Ahead for A New Roof - Regardless of whether it is likely for your insurance carrier to suddenly drop you, create a time plan and budget for a new roof early, rather than later. Considering how expensive a new roof can be, devise a plan to pay for it with plenty of advance timing. Should your insurance company then decide that to keep your homeowner's policy, you’ll have to get a new roof 3 years early and be able to cover it.
Talk To Your Roofer - Develop a relationship with your roofer to choose the right roof for your home, then come up with the right maintenance program to maintain it. Getting some input from your insurance agent would be worthwhile, too.

Wrapping It All Up

While it is impossible to guess how many insurance companies will jump on this growing bandwagon of dropping homeowners with aging roofs, there are things you can do.

Stay in control of your roofing situation by staying informed, practicing good maintenance, and finding a qualified roof company to work with.

Best Practices For Home Roof Maintenance And Repair

When it comes to your roof, it is extremely important that you know how to take proper care of it. Too often, people neglect their roofs until a problem develops that can no longer be ignored. Keep this from happening to you by using the following tips to properly maintain your roof throughout the year.

Be Careful Hiring Roofers

Never hire a roofing contractor that can not supply you with a list of satisfied customers. Having a roof repaired or replaced can be expensive. Additionally, if they do not do quality work it could lead to water damage inside of your home. Be cautious and always ask for references before hiring a roofer.

Always consider the climate when considering roofing. When you live in a dry climate, go for clay tile. In rainy climates, a clay roof can deteriorate quickly. If you don't know, ask.

To avoid a common scam roofing companies engage in, don't pay anything to your contractor until the supplies have been delivered. Some firms will ask for a down payment up front to cover their supplies, but you should pay them only once you have the supplies in hand so you get what you pay for.

Keep Your Gutters Cleared Out of Debris

If you have a leaky roof, make sure that your gutters are clear. If there is no way for water to drain, then the gutters can accumulate rainwater and cause leaks in the roof. Install ridge and soffit vents so you can prevent any dry rot from developing on your roof.

Always Take Care of Your Roof!

As was stated in the beginning of this article, many homeowners neglect taking proper care of their roofs until a serious problem arises. Make sure you use the tips and tricks illustrated above to ensure that your roofing is always in good health so that you won't ever have to deal with costly problems in the future. You'll be glad you did.

Getting the Best Help from a Roofing Contractor

Do you find yourself capable of doing some roofing works? Or do you know a little about your house roof? Whatsoever the solution may be, you need to make sure that you always make it a priority to keep the roof protected and on its good state.

Find A Great Roofing Contractor

To make things easier and convenient for you, it is an excellent idea if you can find a good roofing contractor to help you out. There is a significant advantage if you will have the right people to handle everything about the house roofing.

Many roof contractors can be found around everywhere in which are making it easy for you to find one. However, there are just some criteria that you need to consider when finding a roofing contractor to assist you in any project.

Get Expert Help With Roofing Contractors

You need to understand that rather than doing the roofing project on your own, you can have the experts do it. You can be certain that things will be done with competence and expertise if you have experienced people to handle them.

How to Select A Roofing Contractor

Some of the things that you need to consider when picking a roofing contractor are the kind of project that you need the help of, the budget that you have intended and the reputation of the contractor in getting every job done. It is necessary that you make the proper selection.

When you are planning to make a complete roof replacement or just a simple roof repair, you need to understand that you can't just settle on some low standard process. You need to make sure that things will be done with expertise and consider the protection of the entire house.

Choose Wisely

The house roofing plays an important function for the safety and comfort of your family. In which case, putting proper attention to it is your number one responsibility. You can't afford to make mistakes and having too much regret at the end.

Making sure that all the proper solutions are used to fix anything is crucial. A simple roof repair work will become a big trouble if no proper attention is given at the specified period. It is even necessary that you make some regular inspection to get yourself updated on its condition.

In Summary

Just look for a trustworthy roofing contractor to help you out in getting the right roofing solutions. Get the best help from a reputable roofing contractor now.

Worried About Your Roof? Get Great Tips Here

By having a solid roof, you are assured that your home is safer from the ravages of the elements.

If there is a problem with your roofing, Mother Nature can really take a toll on your entire house, so knowing how to care for your roof can really save you money and time in the future.

Keep reading to learn important information.

Do Roof Repairs After The Bad Weather Passes

If you have a leak in your roof and the weather is wet and/or icy, it is a good idea to wait until the weather is better to take care of it.

While fixing the roof right away might seem like the best solution, you are increasing your chances of getting hurt.

It is common sense not to do a roofing job in the rain; however, you always want to check the weather before hand because a wet roof can be slippery.

Your roof will also need an ample amount of time to dry and a rain shower the following morning can end up setting you back.

Look For Roof Leaks With A Hose

If you have a leak and are going on your roof to search for it, bring a hose with you.

You can spray the hose in order to find out where the leak is coming from; however, do not do this in the winter as the water from the hose could cause ice.

There Are New Roofing Materials

Some of the new types of roofing materials are steel panels, slate tiles and shingles formed from composite materials.

These roofing choices range from average price to very expensive and the most expensive ones can last the lifetime of the house.

Consider how long you will own your home when choosing your roofing material.

The Importance of Roof Maintenance

Any homeowner who's had to repair a roof or replace on entirely can tell you what a nightmare it is to deal with the consequences of poor roof maintenance.

Follow the above tips to keep your roof ready to withstand all that bad weather.