by United Roofing MN | Nov 3, 2011
MN Roofing 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 is the one that balances these four considerations. Buying a New Roof – What Are The Options? Asphalt shingles—which possess an overwhelming share of the U.S. residential roofing market—can be reinforced with either organic or fiberglass materials. Although 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. To fight fungus growth in warm, wet climates, they are available with special algicide granules. Fiberglass shingles consist of a fiberglass mat, top-and-bottom layers of asphalt, and mineral granules. Typically, a fiberglass mat offers greater durability, but its manufacture is important. The fire resistance of asphalt shingles, like most other roofing materials, is categorized by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) Class A, B, or C. Class A is the most fire-resistant, while Classes B and C have less fire resistance. Generally, most fiberglass shingles have Class A fire ratings, and most organic shingles have Class C ratings. UL Class A fire ratings are available for certain products that incorporate a factory-applied, fire-resistant treatment. A shingle’s reinforcement will have little effect on its appearance. Both organic and fiberglass products are available in laminated (architectural) grades that offer a textured appearance. Zinc or copper-coated ceramic granules also can be applied to either organic or fiberglass products to protect against algae attack, a...
by United Roofing MN | Jul 26, 2011
Metal Roofing Materials Now Come In A Variety Of Options When you tell people you are considering a metal roof, many people get the mental image of the farm house with an unsightly tin roof hovering over its barn. In the past years, metal roofing materials have made incredible forward progress to combine their extraordinary benefits as a building material with the eye catching appeal the standard homeowner is after. No longer just a solution for industrial buildings and barns, metal roofs now can be found in a variety of styles and colors. Believe it or not, metal roofing materials are now available that replicate many of the traditional styles we’ve grown familiar with. Metal roofing can be purchased that duplicates the appearance of a slate or shingle roof. Some manufacturers have even gone as far as to embed their metal “shingles” with sand and stone, lending them to the most authentic look possible. There are metal shakes that replicate the wooden shake roofs from the olden days and even clay tile to give an authentic Mediterranean or Spanish image. There are other designs available as well that can only be achieved with a metal roof, such as a standing seam metal roof that is popular with many architects due to its contemporary design characteristics. Why a Metal Roof? It’s the most economical choice- Lasts a lifetime Beauty and durability that will last 2-3 times longer than an asphalt roof Maintenance free- No need to shovel off snow Helps increase your home’s re-sale value Many styles, patterns, and designs Save money on heating and cooling bills Less weight on...
by United Roofing MN | Jul 12, 2011
Fire Resistance Ratings In fact, the materials that you use for your roof must be fire resistant and have a rating to let you know how much safety and protection the roof will provide. Regardless of the type of roof you choose to have installed, it is important to understand fire resistance ratings and choose your roof according to the desired rating you prefer. Fire Ratings for Roofing Material The independent, for-profit company Underwriters Laboratories Inc (UL) has developed a series of laboratory tests to measure how well roofing materials (such as shingles) resist fires. These tests are widely accepted by the roofing industry, and the results are widely quoted in industry promotional materials. UL 790, the most widely quoted standard, tests roofing materials’ resistance to fires from external sources — fires that originate outside of the house (such as from a lightning strike). It should be noted that the fire rating is not earned solely by the physical properties of the roofing material, but also by installing the material in the manner recommended by the manufacturer. The UL assigns roof coverings a rating that ranges from Class A (the highest level of protection) to Class C (the lowest level of protection). There are three fire resistance ratings — Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A offers the highest protection from fire while Class C offers the least amount of protection. A roofing material that receives a Class A, B or C rating should maintain its position on the roof following a fire, and is not expected to generate flying, burning, shards of shingle. Class A roof...
Click Here To Use
Click Here