by United Roofing MN | Sep 29, 2011
Minneapolis Residential Metal Roofing MN Metal roofing has increased in popularity significantly over the last several years. Today’s metal roofing systems are built to last. Steel metal roofing has a “metallic coating” made of either zinc or a combination of zinc and aluminum. This metallic coating prevents rust from forming and is bonded to the steel at the factory. Paint is then applied over the metallic coating to provide the long-lasting color homeowners desire. If you’re looking for installation of a new metal roof, it’s particularly important to choose an experienced and reputable metal roofing contractor because metal roof installation requires skills and tools that are different than the more common asphalt shingle roof. Advantages of Metal Roof Installation Residential metal roofing – metal is durable, when installed properly, a metal roof will outlast most other materials in the home. Long term warranties – many manufacturers warranty their metal roofing for up to 50 years. That compares favorably to asphalt shingles, which may need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years. If you compare the average annual metal roof prices to shingles, metal is competitive over the long haul because you need to repair and replace it less often. Lower energy bills – metal reflects heat from the sun helping your roof and home stay cooler, using less energy Green roofing – metal roofs are a “cool roof option” Non-combustible and fire resistant – residential metal roofing has a Class A fire rating, which means it receives the designation of “most resistant” to fires. Lightweight roof material – metal can withstand extremely high winds and climate changes Will...
by United Roofing MN | Sep 27, 2011
The Importance of Roofing Underlayment We select our roofing material carefully and one of the basics is that it has got to be waterproof. It has to perform that function, so why the heck do we need to spend extra money on underlayment? While the roofing material is indeed waterproof there are other factors that come into the equation. You could quite possibly void your roofing manufacturer’s warranty if you don’t use it. Regulators around the world require it. If you don’t use it you could be in trouble, but the regulations are there for good reason:- The roofing underlayment forms an additional waterproof membrane for the extreme cases that the roofing material itself can’t handle. Extreme wind blown rain, capillary action and ice dams around chimneys etc can let water past the main roofing material. Condensation. In humid conditions variations in temperature between inside the roof space and outside the roof can cause condensation on the inside of roofing material, causing rot in timber dampness and mildew in ceilings. Thermal efficiency. A good underlayment can keep hot air inside the home in winter, saving heating costs and it can keep hot air out of the home in summer saving on air conditioning costs. Choosing the Right Underlayment There are different categories of roof underlayment. The old faithful, roofing felt and its derivatives. Be careful here and check carefully the fire ratings of these materials and your own regulations. Felt itself, as in felt hats is a non woven material. The strands are aligned in a bonding material and pressed into flat layers. The original fibres were probably wool,...
by United Roofing MN | Sep 22, 2011
Roofing Contractors Minneapolis & St Paul MN All roofing systems are made of a number of different components: roof sheathing, underlayment, roofing material, roof intersections, flashing details and ventilation. Each of these systems must be installed correctly for the system to work as designed. Roof underlayment acts as water barrier installed underneath the roofing system. Essentially, it is a roof underneath the roof. It protects your roof from condensation that may form underneath the metal due to the differences in temperatures in the attic and outside. More Information On Felt Roofing Underlayment One of the most common mistakes being made today in the installation of asphalt shingles on new or re-roofing work is the practice of not using felt underlayment. Many thousands of new homes do not have felt beneath the shingles. This is a HUGE mistake! Remember, shingles rely on gravity to keep water from entering your house. It is very possible for wind driven rain to get underneath your shingles or to enter along valleys (especially when the valley shingles have been improperly trimmed!) Without felt Underlayment, you have no hope of stopping a leak. With felt, there is a possibility that the water will travel down the felt and not enter your house. Many asphalt shingles that are installed on residential roofs carry a Class A fire rating. This rating is given to the shingles by independent laboratories. The ratings are granted only when the shingles are installed as they were tested in laboratory conditions. The shingles are tested with felt in place under the shingles. As such, if felt is deleted on your job, the shingles...
by United Roofing MN | Sep 20, 2011
Residential Roofing Services MN – Roof Underlayment The correct roofing underlayment, also known as roofing felt is critical to any roofing job. You must use it! Roof underlayment acts as water barrier installed underneath the roofing system. It protects your roof from condensation that may form underneath the metal due to the differences in temperatures in the attic and outside. What Function Does Shingle Underlayment Serve? Underlayments extend the life of a roof by protecting it against leaks. An underlayment, commonly known as roofing felt, will: Protect the roof deck from moisture prior to shingle application Provide a degree of backup protection in the event water gets under roofing shingles. Extend The Life of Your Roof With Roofing Underlayment Some local building codes and UL standards require that a shingle underlayment be installed. Ask your Minnesota roofing contractor if this is the case in your area. Also, some manufacturers offer a special underlayment product which prevents leaks caused by water backup from ice dams—a common condition in our Minnesota winters. Protection against ice dams can be obtained by using a waterproofing shingle underlayment at the eaves or lower edges of the roof, in addition to installing adequate ventilation and proper insulation in the attic floor. (See Prevent Roof Damage From Roof Snow and Ice Dams) Ask your roofing contractor about these specialized underlayments. Underlayment & Ice and Water Protection The entire state of Minnesota requires special eave protection that consist of at least two layers of Underlayment cemented together of a self-adhering polymer modified bitumen sheet, shall be used in lieu of normal Underlayment and extend from the eave’s edge...
by United Roofing MN | Sep 15, 2011
Roof Flashing | Roof Flashing Repair For many people, a roof is something they depend on, but don’t think about. Until, of course, it leaks. If you are dealing with a roof leak, you will most likely hear a contractor talk about flashing. Roof flashing is usually made from galvanized metal or aluminum and is placed wherever parts of a pitched roof intersect or penetrate. Its purpose is to direct water to run-off down the slope of the roof. Learn More About Roof Flashing Flashing is extra protection for the most vulnerable places on a roof such as where the chimney joins, at the edges of skylights, where dormers meet a roof plane, or any similar seam or joint in a roof design. Flashing is designed to work together with other roofing materials to keep your roof from leaking. Flashing is generally nailed down, but if the flashing is corroded, bent, or missing, it will not work effectively and water can get inside a home and cause serious damage. Why Do You Need Roof Flashing? Roof flashing is a critical part of preventing leaks and water seepage in your roof. Many contractors view it as the “last line of defense” against water penetration. Flashing can be made of either galvanized metal or aluminum. Most homeowners choose aluminum because it is easier to bend into the right shape and will not rust. The principle of using flashing is simple. Any place on your roof where different surfaces meet – such as dormers, the roof peak, edges, vents, skylights, etc. – requires flashing and proper sealing to prevent leaks from developing...
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