More likely than not, you don’t have any sort of glass roof on any part of your home. If you do have glass on the top of your home, my guess is it’s either in the form of a skylight or glass above your sunroom. So what are the benefits of glass on your roof? Are there other places in your home that would be ideal for a glass roof? We will answer these questions for you now…
Where are the most suitable places for a glass roof?
Covering your entire home with a glass roof is probably not the best idea… and probably isn’t the best idea structurally. Instead glass used as a top layer to the outside world should probably be reserved for the places we mentioned above, sunrooms and skylights. Skylights do not have to be limited to one pane, you can have glass placed over large portions of rooms in your home. Some larger glass sections we have seen in homes also contain operable sections of glass that open and close.
The most obvious place for a glass roof is a sunroom. Of course sunrooms are usually some kind of extension from the home and are usually almost completely made of glass, except for the wall of the home they are connected to.
Benefits to sunrooms and Skylights
If you love gardening or just love the sun, you may consider building a glass roof sunroom to complement your home. A glass roof sunroom, is also called a conservatory and is generally a 3- or 4-season room with a glass or polycarbonate roofing system. These rooms are great for growing plants or even small trees because they offer plenty of sunlight all year round.
It probably wouldn’t make much sense to have a sunroom in a part of the country that has cool temperatures for most of the year. Instead, sunrooms are usually found in places with warm and moderate temperatures. From your sunroom, you can enjoy the sun’s warm rays while blocking out much of the UV radiation and enjoying a moderate temperature indoors. The natural lighting is great for reading a book, relaxing or entertaining without the hassle of bugs and inclement weather.
If you want a year-round sunroom, you will probably want to install a heating a cooling system for maximum comfort. This will allow you to use your sunroom all year long and not be uncomfortable. Using windows and glass packages with low-e and argon gas, sunrooms are energy efficient and can retain much heat in the winter or cool air in the summer.
If you’re not interested in a sunroom but would like additional natural light in your home, skylights are a great option. Skylights used to only be small glass portions, rarely found in homes. However, the popularity of skylights has grown recently and the size of skylights has also grown.
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Nothing is worse that waking up in the middle of thunderstorm only to realize that there is a steady stream of water leaking from above your bed. There are several precautions you or your roofing contractor can take to help prevent a leaking roof. Roof flashing is a very important part of your roofing and helps seal the roofing materials off from vents, chimneys and other common roof aspects.
Roof flashing is a common component of most buildings, and is most often used around chimney, roof vents, and roof valleys where two slopes meet. Roof flashing can be repaired in most instances in a short time using basic tools and supplies easily found at any home improvement store. The majority of damage caused to roof flashing is the result of metals that oxidize or deteriorate and loosens due to age and exposure to the elements. For best practices, roof flashing should be inspected annually for problems, and a small amount of preventative maintenance can save big problems down the road for a homeowner.
Roof flashing around chimneys are probably the most difficult repairs to make, mostly because the surface area is larger than others that utilize flashing. Chimney flashing usually consists of two parts – a base that extends to where it meets the shingles, and a cap that covers the base and is attached to the chimney itself. The most common malfunction happens when the flashing cap becomes displaced from the chimney and requires reattachment. This can be accomplished by chiseling out old mortar between the flashing and the chimney, and cleaning the area thoroughly. Using a sponge or paint brush, wet the flashing with water and apply a moderate amount of mortar. Press the flashing back into place gently until a bond is created. After allowing the mortar to dry completely apply a liberal amount of roof sealant to the edges of the roof flashing and the job is complete.
The roof flashing around vent pipes is also usually in two separate pieces, consisting of a collar that encompasses the pipe and a base. After ensuring that the collar is flat against the base, it is a simple task to apply roof sealant to the base and around the pipe to form a tight seal.
In roof valleys where two slopes converge, it is a common practice to line them with flashing. In situations where the flashing has a hole in it, a basic patch can be made by cutting a new piece of flashing to a size slightly larger than the hole and attaching it in place with the heavy use of roofing sealant. When you make this kind of repair it is important to keep an even surface so you do not disrupt the flow of water off the roof.
For more information or to contact a local Dallas-Fort Worth Roofing contractor look though our directory today!
By TW Conroy
Arguably the most important component of a home is the roof. After all, it’s the roof that protects the home against wind, rain, hail and other types of dramatic weather. When homeowners decide to replace their roof it’s usually for one of two reasons, the current roof is old and is showing signs of wear and tear or the homeowner wants to go with a more environmentally friendly option. Metal roofing and asphalt shingles are the two most popular types of roofing material today. This post is focused on giving you the benefits of both types.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are composed of fiberglass, crushed rock and asphalt coating. The fiberglass gives the roof a small 
level of protection against fire, but not enough to protect against a major threat. Composite shingles can come in a number of shapes and sizes and can last anywhere between 15 to 30 years.
Prices vary greatly depending on the quality and style of asphalt shingle you choose. On the low end of the price scale are the plain, flat shingles. For a more appealing appearance, many homeowners opt for a slightly more expensive shingle.
A few disadvantages of asphalt shingles include the susceptibility to erosion and damage, especially in environments with extreme weather. The erosion of the crushed rock composite leaves the roof vulnerable to damage in other forms. Compared to other types of roofing, asphalt shingles don’t have the curb appeal like some of the others.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing, generally in the form of steel roofing, is a better option for parts of the country where homeowners might experience rain, high winds and other harsh weather types. Metal roofing material is also much lighter that asphalt shingles so it puts less stress on the structure of your home. Like asphalt shingles, metal roofing can also come in a variety of shapes and styles and can imitate the look of cedar shakes, slate and other types of roofing. Although metal roofing costs more initially, it will be cheaper in the long run.
Metal roofs are fire retardant, which would keep your home safer if there was a fire in the forest or neighboring buildings. It keeps your home cool during the summer, which not only allows you to save money, but also reduces the amount of electricity used, helping out the environment. Metal Roofing is fully recyclable at the end of its service life, estimated to last for over 50 years! Since metal roofing can be recycled, there will be no wasted materials going into the landfills, which is always the case with asphalt shingle roofs.
Conclusion
If you’re a Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas homeowner looking for a quick, non-expensive, roof that will last you for a while then your best option is to go with an asphalt roof. If you’re willing to pay a little more initially and get a better look to go with it, you will want to consider metal roofing. If you decide to go with metal, you probably will never have to replace your roof again, assuming it is installed properly.
There wasn’t much debate when it came to today’s topic. As the rain soaks the Dallas-Fort Worth region it has brought with it hail. Somewhat common in the Midwest and Southern United States, hail can damage anything that gets in its way, including your home’s roof. So just how much damage can come to your roof during a hail storm?
Just by looking at your roof, you may not be able to see the damage, if any, that has been caused by hail. This could be the most dangerous damage as it could have an effect on the longevity of your roof. Hail ranges in size from tiny pellets to baseball size (although very rare) with the larger hail more likely to cause the roof damage. We are going to focus today’s discussion on asphalt roofs, as these are the most popular roofing type in areas that are at risk of hail damage.
The main damage hail can cause to your asphalt roof comes when the hail hits the protective granular surface of the shingle which can loosen and potentially fall off. When the granules are loosened, the asphalt shingles loses some of its protection and becomes vulnerable to additional damage. If the shingles become damaged water could penetrate though the layer and into the roof.
As previously mentioned hail damage cannot necessarily be seen from the ground. It is probably best to go up to your room for a closer look. Shingles can be dented or bruised, granulation can be displaced exposing the asphalt and certain spots could be soft from a direct hit. You should also check metal vents on your roof, gutters and siding to ensure no additional damage has been done.
If you notice some displacement of granules or see some soft spots in your shingles there is no need to panic. Typically hail damage doesn’t do any immediate damage, however it’s the effect hail damage has on the longevity of your roof. The best thing to do after a significant hail storm is to inspect the roof from the ground level. If anything looks irregular you should contact a local roofing contractor to come out and inspect your home.
Did you know that roofing shingles account for a large percentage of the construction waste that is shipped to landfills every year? Many homeowners don’t realize that even with asphalt shingles there are ways to make the roof more energy efficient. As the first line of defense in protecting your home from the outside elements, your home’s roof should be one of your top green priorities. If you prefer to stick with the use of asphalt shingles, there are several things you can do to help save money and the environment.
Recycled Shingles
The lifetime of asphalt shingles can vary greatly depending on the type of shingles. Some asphalt shingles can wear out in as little as 10 years while other types of asphalt shingles can last up to 50 years. Recycled asphalt shingles are at the green end of the spectrum as purchasing asphalt shingles can leave you worry free for the next 45 to 50 years! Recycled content asphalt shingles are made from recycled waste paper and/or use reclaimed material slag for their surfaces.
Light Colored Shingles
If the roofing shingles currently on your home are a dark color, consider switching to lighter colored shingles next time you roof your home. Light colored shingles reflect the sun while darker colors absorb the heat. This will help keep your home cooler and your roof will last longer because light shingles don’t expand and contract with the heat.
Radiant Heat Barriers
Radiant heat barriers can reduce the transfer of heat into your attic by up to 95%. Before shingles are applied to your roof, a radiant heat barrier can be laid down. Heat barriers are a thin layer of metal insulation that resembles aluminum foil.
There are also several ways in which homeowners can do their part in reducing waste during the installation and disposal of asphalt shingles. Each year the U.S. manufactures and disposes of 11 million tons of asphalt shingles. Ten million tons come from installation scraps and re-roofing tear off. So what can you as a homeowner do to help reduce waste?
Careful Measuring
Make sure you and/or the contractor measure the size of your roof carefully and correctly.
Recycle
Make sure the contractor working on your home is recycling the old roofing material. Asphalt shingles can be recycled for things such as: asphalt, pothole repair, new shingles additive and fuel.
Donate
If you have extra materials leftover from your roofing project there are several organizations that could use the extras. Organization like Habitat for Humanity are always looking for building materials they can use to help defray the cost of building their homes for their families.
If you’re looking for a roofing contract make sure to look in our Dallas-Fort Worth contractor directory located at the top of the page.
If you’re looking for a roofing material that is long lasting, low maintenance and good looking, then slate tiles may be the best option for you and your home. Slate is typically found on more expensive homes and older, more prestigious buildings. Slate roofs are popular and aesthetically appealing.
The durability of slate is one of the biggest benefits of installing this type of roof. If applied properly, a slate roof can last well over 100 years with little maintenance. Many of the buildings on my college campus were built in the early-mid 1900’s with slate roofing tiles. I’m sure they don’t look exactly like they did back then, but something about the slate gives the buildings an esteemed look.
Slate colors are limited to what is found in nature and generally comes in three colors: grey, black and red. Using this type of roofing gives the home or building a more natural look as slate tiles are actual shingle-like slivers of rock. A few other benefits of slate roofing is good fire protection and invulnerability to rot and insects. Slate roofing also offers energy efficient benefits when paired with normal ceiling insulation as the two form a solid barrier that can influence moderate internal temperature conditions.
While slate is definitely an eye pleaser, there is a reason slate roofs tend to only be on expensive homes. Slate is an expensive choice and cannot be applied to all homes. Because slate tiles are heavy, it can leave many people without the option for slate. Most homes are built to supports asphalt shingles which are very light. Many homes were not built to support such weight on the rafters of your home. It is important to have a professional assess whether or not your home can handle the weight.
We mentioned earlier that slate is made of slivers of rocks, therefore, slate can easily be broken if not handled properly. Just by walking on your roof you are at risk of breaking tiles. The best option is to hire out a contractor to re-roof your home and come out again if any repairs are ever needed.
Terra cotta roofing tiles and clay roofing is one of the oldest forms of building materials. Today, you can see influences of the Spanish clay roof in the parts of the world that were touched by Spanish influence, including parts of the United States (most noticeably in Florida and California).
Spanish clay tiles are formed by placing the clay in a mold in the shape of a quarter-round tube and allowed to dry, then fired in a kiln. The predominately terra-cotta roofing tiles are designed with ridges that allow them to be locked in place while directing rainwater off the roof. There are several variations of this style of roofing around today including mission, round and barrel.
Today’s clay roofing tiles can also be treated to withstand the elements in various regions. Clay roofing tiles that are made to withstand cold temperatures are usually more expensive than the tiles made to fit warmer climates.
If you decide on clay roofing tiles for your home, you need to make sure your home is built strong enough to handle the weight. Because clay tiles are much heavier than other forms of roofing material, not all roofs are built for the additional weight they would add on.
Finally, it’s important to understand that installation of these fine tiles requires a great deal of skill. It is a job that is best left to experienced professionals like those in our contractor directory.
Technically speaking, a green roof could be referring to a roof with green colored shingles. However, the term green roof has taken a whole different meaning over the past few decades. A green roof refers to a more expansive type of roof-top garden.
A green roof provides a host of environmental “services” for the living space below as well as for the surrounding ecosystem. Green roofs thrive off of rainwater, providing moisture for plants that help cleanse the air and absorb carbon dioxide before it gets into the atmosphere.
Before the “green” is added to the roof, a waterproof layer and usually a root proof layer are spread across the roof top. Then, soil, fertilizer, grass and other objects are dumped to start the foundation of the green roof. The extra levels on top of the structure also act as insulation, keeping the building warmer in the winter and cooler during the summer.
As plants, trees and other vegetation are planted and begin to grow, birds and other wildlife will eventually take a liking to the now eco friendly environment. This is especially true in urban areas where natural habitat options are limited. Individuals who work or live in the building will also take a liking to the new area as these environments are often peaceful and pleasing to the eye.
So just how popular are green roofs? According to Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, green roofs are gaining popularity. North Americans added some 3.1 million square feet of them to their buildings in 2008 alone—up 35 percent from 2007. Cities such as Chicago, Washington DC and New York City are just a few of the places where green roofs are exploding in popularity.
While green roofs are not as popular in the Dallas area, there are a few to be seen. There are also contractors in the Dallas-Fort Worth area who can help you with your project.
Many of the articles on the site have reviewed many different styles and options of roofs. But let’s say you don’t want to replace your current roof, you just want to repair it. However, repairing a roof can be one of the most expensive home repairs. Determining whether your home needs a new roof or roof repair can be confusing. There are several determining factors which can guide homeowners. If you are unsure whether your roof needs replaced or repaired it is best to ask a roofing contractor to take a look.
Here are a few factors that can be used to guide homeowners on their decision:
The Age of the Roof
Most asphalt shingled roofs last about 15-20 years (however, with recent technology they are made to last longer). If your roof is around 15 years old and has several leaks or damaged areas it is probably time to replace it.
Multiple Roof Layers
If you have multiple layers on your roof already and it is now leaking again, chances are you will need a completely new roof. This will require a contractor to completely rid your roof of any layers and install a new layer of shingles onto new wood roof framing.
A few more signs your roof might need some help:
Missing or Torn Shingles
Torn, damaged or missing shingles are often a sign of other roof problems. Peeling shingles could be caused by poor roof ventilation which results in warm air escaping through the roof. The warm air can lead to moisture under the shingles and cause them to peel. It is important to check that your roof has enough intake and outtake attic vents to ensure proper ventilation. Moisture problem such as mold or black spots can also appear with lack of ventilation.
Interior Walls
The condition of the interior walls that touch the roof can give many clues about what is going on up on top of the roof. You may notice moisture forming near the tops of these walls. If so, try to get into the attic to see if you can spot any leaks coming inside your attic.
Weather Conditions
Tornadoes and hurricanes can cause roof damage that cannot be repaired. Unfortunately for us here in Texas we experience both. In Dallas-Fort Worth we are also susceptible to high winds which can also cause roof damage. Structural damage to the roof cannot always be seen. A professional roofing contractor can help determine if you need a new roof.
Remember, just because you are having some roof problems doesn’t necessarily mean you need a brand new roof. Leaks and missing shingles can usually be repaired if damage isn’t too significant. Have a professional look over your roof and give you feedback before you rush into any decisions.
Butterfly roofs give a very modern design.
While you don’t see many of these around Dallas-Fort Worth, butterfly roofs are a modern design fit for any homeowner wanting a fresh and standout look. Admittedly, a home with a butterfly roof does take some getting used to, but the benefits could sway you over.
Before we get into the benefits, let’s fill you in on what a butterfly roof is. A butterfly roof is formed by two adjacent gables slopping inward, creating a valley in the roof at the meeting points. The eves on the exterior of the roof slope downward toward the middle of the roof instead of sloping upward. The design is meant to resemble a butterfly flapping the wings in an upward motion. Design of the roofs can vary as the gables can be different lengths, the same lengths or the roof can just have one gable sloping downward.
So what are the benefits to having such an odd shaped roof? The shape of the butterfly roof forces rainwater to the valley of the roof which then rushes off one side of the house where the water can be captured. The water can be used for just about anything like watering plants and flushing toilets and in some instances, it is used for drinking.
Butterfly roofs can be especially useful in places that are prone to high winds. Because the roof is aerodynamic, it is not as susceptible to being damaged in those conditions.
Because of the high outer walls, architects are able to design homes that take in the surrounding environment. Through lengthy windows that fit the design of the outer walls, the outside environment is easily brought into the home.
