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 | 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...
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