by United Roofing MN | Jun 29, 2011
First to pass ASTM D3161 Class F (110 mph) and ASTM D7158 Class H (150 mph) wind ratings on every manufactured shingle (per UL public listing) GAF Materials Corporation, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, today confirms that every shingle it manufactures now passes the two toughest wind tests in the roofing industry: ASTM D3161 Class F 110 mph and ASTM D7158 Class H 150 mph. Roofing contractors in the U.S. can now install any GAF shingle in any area without concern about whether they comply with national or local wind speed requirements. To its knowledge, GAF may be the only shingle manufacturer that can make this claim. GAF Shingles Now Pass Two Toughest ASTM Wind Test In order to pass these arduous ASTM tests, the shingles were first subjected to 110 mph winds using ASTM’s testing protocol. Not only did the GAF shingles pass, but they exceeded the test requirements by enduring the test conditions for a full two hours, showing no damage. They were then tested using the 150 mph wind test protocol, and passed again, thanks to GAF’s DuraGrip® adhesive’s tight seal. In case some contractors think that wind may not be a major concern outside of obvious coastal areas, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers (who develop wind guidelines for construction in the U.S.), the lowest wind speed that home designers should plan for is 85 miles per hour. In fact, for about 110 million people in the United States from Maine to Texas, codes require 110 mph or greater ASTM classifications. Further, high winds are not just a concern for coastal regions, as...
by United Roofing MN | Jun 27, 2011
Roof Inspection For Minnesota Homeowners A checkup on your roof system will help diagnose potential problems early. NRCA recommends you hire a professional roofing contractor to assist you with checking your roof. However, NRCA realizes many homeowners prefer to perform an initial roof inspection themselves. If you prefer to go that route, following are some important tips to get you started. So how’s your roof? You don’t know? Most of us don’t know what’s happening with our roofs because we never actually climb a ladder and look at them. But that out-of-sight, out-of-mind approach can turn into a costly roof maintenance strategy. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends homeowners conduct a simple roof checkup every fall and spring. Doing so now can help prepare your roof for harsh weather. NRCA recommends you hire a professional roofing contractor to assist you with checking your roof. However, NRCA realizes many homeowners prefer to perform an initial inspection themselves. If you prefer to go that route, following are some important tips to get you started. Removing Leaves and Debris from Your Gutters Once or twice a year, it’s a good idea to clean out your gutters and downspouts. If your gutters are clogged, rain won’t drain properly. Water can overflow the gutters and cause serious structural damage to your foundation over time. In addition, a gutter full of water is heavy and can damage the fascia boards on your roof. Some hints: • Remove leaves, sticks, needles and seeds from gutters, scooping out debris with a garden trowel or gloved hand. • Don’t try to remove the debris with a hose because...
by United Roofing MN | Jun 14, 2011
Minneapolis MN Roofer | Minnesota Roofing Contractor Minneapolis MN Sometimes the decision for a new roof is easy, sometimes it’s hard. All those who want to spend any money at all on a new roof, raise your hand. We know yours isn’t raised because hardly anyone wants to spend money on a new roof. Almost without exception, a new roof comes under the need to column. It usually becomes a need when you find water is getting into your house, where you live. You might be lucky and a less costly repair of chimney or siding flashing solves your problem. But more often than not water getting into where you live is a symptom of roofing system failure which requires a new roof. While spending the money is not easy, the decision to do so pretty much is. But what can happen if you wait? A failed roofing system has occurred months and sometimes even years before water gets into where you live. And not many people wait to address it once water gets in there. We’re talking about the waiting people do after they first notice some type of roof deterioration has begun. Not many people make annual roof inspections part of their house maintenance routines. So roof deterioration becomes evident almost by accident or happenstance. A failing roofing system can become first evident by looking on the ground. Roof granules present at the end of leaders, especially after a heavy rain, speak to the end of a roof’s useful life. Retrieving a kite or Frisbee from the roof or cleaning out a clogged gutter or leader might...
by United Roofing MN | Jun 7, 2011
Roofing Company MN | Minnesota Roofing Contractor Is it Time for a New Roof? Curling Shingles: Curling shingles allow rain and snow to get into your property. These shingles may also be damaged by wind easily. Missing Granules & Exposed Shingle Mat: Granules are there to protect the asphalt from UV rays and water. If you view worn areas on your shingles your roof is deteriorating. Many times you will discover granule accumulation by your gutter downspouts. Broken or Missing Shingles: If they are not on the roof they are not doing their job!. Cracked Shingles: Many leaks arise from this condition. Nails that have come loose may contribute to this. Interior Water Spots: Notice any interior water spots on your ceiling? Life Of Roof Quality: Shingle installation can last between 10-25 years. If you notice many properties in your area getting new roofs it is a good idea to have yours evaluated. A roof system’s performance is affected by numerous factors. Knowing about the following will help you make informed roof system buying decisions: Sun: Heat and ultraviolet rays cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time. Deterioration can occur faster on the sides facing west or south. Rain: When water gets underneath shingles, shakes or other roofing materials, it can work its way to the roof deck and cause the roof structure to rot. Extra moisture encourages mildew and rot elsewhere in a house, including walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems. Wind: High winds can lift shingles’ edges (or other roofing materials) and force water and debris underneath them. Extremely high winds can cause extensive damage. Snow and...
by United Roofing MN | Jun 2, 2011
How Can a Homeowner Recognize When a Roof System Has Problems? All too often, roof system problems are discovered after leaking or other serious damage occurs. Periodic (twice-a-year) inspections often can uncover cracked, warped or missing shingles; loose seams and deteriorated flashings; excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts; and other visible signs of roof system problems. Indoors, look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof areas. What are my options if I decide to reroof? You have two basic options: You can choose a complete replacement of the roof system, involving a tear-off of your existing roof system, or re-cover the existing roof system, involving only the installation of a new roof system. If you’ve already had one re-cover installed on your original roof system, check with a professional roofing contractor. In many instances, building code requirements allow no more than one roof system re-cover before a complete replacement is necessary. My roof leaks. Do I need to have it replaced completely? Not necessarily. Leaks can result from flashings that have come loose or a section of the roof system being damaged. A complete roof system failure, however, generally is irreversible and a result of improper installation or choice of materials or the roof system installation is inappropriate for the home or building. Maintenance performed by home and building owners should be confined to inspecting roof systems during the fall and spring to check for cracked or curling shingles and cleaning gutters filled with dead leaves and other debris. If you must inspect your roof system yourself, use a firmly...
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