by United Roofing MN | May 31, 2011
Minneapolis Minnesota Roofing Contractor Your Roof System All steep-slope roof systems (i.e., roofs with slopes of 25 percent or more) have five basic components: * Roof covering: shingles, tile, slate or metal and underlayment that protect the sheathing from weather. * Sheathing: boards or sheet material that are fastened to roof rafters to cover a house or building. * Roof structure: rafters and trusses constructed to support the sheathing. * Flashing: sheet metal or other material installed into a roof system’s various joints and valleys to prevent water seepage. * Drainage: a roof system’s design features, such as shape, slope and layout that affect its ability to shed water. Choosing a Roof System There are a number of things to consider when selecting a new roof system. Of course, cost and durability head the list, but aesthetics and architectural style are important, too. The right roof system for your home or building is one that balances these five considerations. The following roofing products commonly are used for steep-slope structures. Asphalt shingles possess an overwhelming share of the U.S. steep-slope roofing market and can be reinforced with organic or fiberglass materials. Although asphalt shingles reinforced with organic felts have been around much longer, fiberglass-reinforced products now dominate the market. * Organic shingles consist of a cellulose-fiber (i.e., wood) base that is saturated with asphalt and coated with colored mineral granules. * Fiberglass shingles consist of a fiberglass mat, top-and-bottom layers of asphalt, and mineral granules. Asphalt shingles’ fire resistances, like most other roofing materials, are categorized by Class A, B or C. Class A signifies the most fire-resistant; Classes B...
by United Roofing MN | May 26, 2011
Storm Damage MN | Hail Damage Roof Repair MN When hail damage occurs to shingles, there may be severe granule loss, the shingles may lose material at their edges, and penetration is also possible. If wind is involved, then the damage becomes much worse. Minnesota Impact Resistant Shingles Are any Minnesota shingles impact resistant? That is a good question because there is approximately $1 billion in damage done to roofs each year due to hail storms. From the years 1991 to 1995, hail damage resulted in nearly $8 billion in insurance payouts for each year. Fortunately, there are new shingle designs that are able to resist both hail and wind. If you currently have old shingles on your roof, then you may already have hail damage. Some of the older asphalt shingles that are currently on roofs around Minnesota are not designed to handle the harsh environment of a hail storm. As a matter of fact, many of these older roofs have got wear and tear that makes them weaker than what they used to be. New shingles There are several manufacturers offering resistance to the effects of weather. Not only do they resist hail, but they can resist flying debris. These shingle products are known as Class 4 shingles. These are shingles that meet standards that are quite stringent. These standards are set by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The manufacturing methods that are used are meant to keep the granules attached and prevent the shingles from breaking during impact. And when high winds occur, the shingles stay attached to the sheathing. When these shingles are tested, steel balls are...
by United Roofing MN | May 23, 2011
May 22 2011 Storms Rip Through Minnesota Sunday, May 22, 2011, large tornadoes moved through much of Minnesota, damaging many homes and businesses. People in the Twin Cities metro area had to take cover once again as severe storms and tornadoes moved through the area 2 days in a row. The havoc started about 2 p.m. in St. Louis Park, where a suspected tornado tore up the Cedar Trails Condominiums complex, forcing out residents from the 35-building property. Minneapolis Tornado Damage was extensive, leaving a trail of devastation for many Minnesota homeowners. Sunday’s damage appeared consistent with tornadoes rated EF2, which carry winds of 111 to 135 miles per hour. Only 10.7 percent of U.S. tornadoes are rated EF2, and only about 4 percent are stronger. On Monday, damage assessment teams from the National Weather Service will visit dozens of damage scenes and make a final pronouncement on the length, strength and number of tornadoes. Surveying the Damage in North Minneapolis Crews from several city departments were in north Minneapolis to access short and long-term work needed following a tornado Sunday afternoon that ripped through many neighborhoods in that part of town. Two days of threatening skies turned furious over the Twin Cities on Sunday, unleashing at least three tornado touchdowns in the metro area in Minneapolis MN. Six public schools were also storm-damaged. The massive, slow-moving storm also caused major damage in other metro communities, most significantly St. Louis Park and Fridley MN. Fridley hit hard by Sunday storm Of all the chain of thunderstorms that were triggered across the Twin Cities metro area, North Minneapolis was one...
by United Roofing MN | May 23, 2011
Homeowners Dealing With Tornado Damage Tornado Damage To Your Minneapolis MN Roof? In Minnesota, we are well into the storm season. Hail, heavy rain, high winds and tornadoes are all common this time of year. Damage from these weather phenomena can of course be obvious. Most know that if they have been hit by a tornado or if they have leaks after a severe storm. You call the insurance company and your roofing professional and start the repair or rebuilding process. But sometimes your property goes through a severe storm with no apparent damage. Don’t be so sure. Hail, high winds and even tornadoes can do serious damage that may not be noticed for quite some time. First, let’s talk about hail. Even moderate hail can do damage to some single-ply and older built-up roofs. PVC membranes may suffer tiny shatter areas that may no leak for quite some time. The normal expansion and contraction of the membrane will eventually open these cracks enough to permit the entry of water into the system. Some hail can also damage the fins on condensing units and rooftop equipment, if it is driven by high wind. Large hail can cause immediate leakage, but no always. Membranes that are resistant to hail can be damaged, yet exhibit no symptoms for one to two weathering cycles. For instance, EPDM (rubber roofing) can be damaged by large hail but will not exhibit problems for while. Small gull-wing cuts can start to appear long after hail hits. Shingle roofs will suffer granule loss that will expose the underlying reinforcement and asphalt to UV degradation that will...
by United Roofing MN | May 23, 2011
May 22 2011 Storms Rip Through Minnesota Sunday, May 22, 2011, large tornadoes moved through much of Minnesota, damaging many homes and businesses. People in the Twin Cities metro area had to take cover once again as severe storms and tornadoes moved through the area for 2 days in a row. Minneapolis Tornado Damage was extensive, leaving a trail of devastation for many Minnesota homeowners. The havoc started about 2 p.m. in St. Louis Park, where a suspected tornado tore up the Cedar Trails Condominiums complex, forcing out residents from the 35-building property. Sunday’s damage appeared consistent with tornadoes rated EF2, which carry winds of 111 to 135 miles per hour. Only 10.7 percent of U.S. tornadoes are rated EF2, and only about 4 percent are stronger. On Monday, damage assessment teams from the National Weather Service will visit dozens of damage scenes and make a final pronouncement on the length, strength and number of tornadoes. Surveying the Damage in North Minneapolis Crews from several city departments were in north Minneapolis to access short and long-term work needed following a tornado Sunday afternoon that ripped through many neighborhoods in that part of town. Two days of threatening skies turned furious over the Twin Cities on Sunday, unleashing at least three tornado touchdowns in the metro area in Minneapolis MN. Six public schools were also storm-damaged. The massive, slow-moving storm also caused major damage in other metro communities, most significantly St. Louis Park and Fridley MN was hit hard by Sunday storm. Of all the chain of thunderstorms that were triggered across the Twin Cities metro area, North Minneapolis was...
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