Shingles are one of the most prevalent roofing materials that you can find in the market. Not only are these materials easy to install, but they can hold their own against high winds and heavy rain. However, this is not always the case as the wrong way of installing your shingles inadvertently lead to more damage to your roof.

Sometimes, high winds and storms can be hard to predict and could damage roof shingles if they are not installed or maintained correctly. What could be the reason why shingles flap in the wind? Is there any way that I can remedy this?

But before we get into anything else, we have to first discuss why shingles flap when exposed to high winds.

Why Do My Shingles Flap?

There are two ways that roof shingles resist winds, first is through the nailing pattern. When shingles are being riveted in place, it’s going to be hard for wind to uproot it. The second way is through roof sealants. Both are great at making sure that water does not seep towards the gaps of shingles, but most are still susceptible to deterioration from age.

Check Nailing Patterns

Normally, nails don’t degrade when exposed to rain or high winds, but it can become dislodged and out of place. In most cases, this is due to an error in the installation process or erosion around your shingles. Nails that are used to rivet in place flashings, shingles, and other structures in your roof might last years to decades, but it can still deteriorate when faced with the constant flow of water and fluctuations in temperature.

It’s best to have a local contractor look at your roof for any nails that are out of place. This can be one of the major contributions to why shingles will flap when exposed to wind.

Check Your Sealings

One of the reasons why shingles flap uncontrollably is when they’re installed during colder seasons. Usually, sealants that are exposed to lower temperatures will take several weeks before they settle and become good adhesives.

Aside from the improper way of installing sealants, the deterioration of sealants based on the age of the adhesive can also be a factor. As the sealants and the shingles age, the bonding matrix of the adhesive becomes less potent and will weaken over time. The fluctuation of temperatures could also lead to the weakening of sealants since most roofing materials expand and recede in warm and cold temperatures.

The best time to seal your shingles is during warmer seasons when your sealants can activate in a shorter span of time. UV rays and the heat of the sun can also help your shingles expand which can give you a clear and accurate measurement of how your shingles will look when expanded. Sealants that are installed during colder temperatures might have bonds that will become weak when exposed to higher temperatures.

If you’re not up for the task of resealing your shingles, you can always contact a professional roofing specialist to do it for you. Most of them offer different varieties of sealants and sealing services.

Prolonged Storage

Since most shingles are susceptible to cold weather and low temperatures, contractors and homeowners tend to store them for a long amount of time. For homeowners that are planning on installing during colder seasons, Warehouses that store shingles need to have the right temperature and humidity to make sure that the roofing materials do not become brittle. Too much moisture could also lead to shingles forming molds and mildews.

Will Roof Shingles Lift?

But don’t worry, moderate to strong winds will not lift your shingles if your roofing system is sound and secure. If high winds will not be able to penetrate your roof’s interiors and inside your home, there’s little chance that shingles will be propelled.

To make the long story short; the reason why shingles flap when exposed to strong winds is that it’s not installed correctly. It might be because your local roofing contractor overlooked certain parts of the installation process, you did the installation yourself without proper professional supervision, or they simply don’t know what they’re doing. To make sure that your roof shingles are installed the right way, it’s best to look for a professional roofing contractor. Moreover, it’s best to do your research first on the track record of your contractors first before commissioning them into service.

Additionally, you can always consult your roofing material manufacturer if the warrant for your shingles remains valid after man-made errors. In most cases, warranties will cover damages caused by man-made errors during the installation process.

Installing a roof is easier said than done; it will take a good amount of time, energy, and effort to make sure that it’s properly installed and every part of your roofing system will be working efficiently. Moreover, owners and contractors have to plan ahead of time on how they will design and install the roof while taking in factors like the weather, humidity, and level of precipitation that your house will be receiving around the whole season. One of the most important aspects of designing a roof is choosing the right materials.

Roofs are designed on keeping any inhabitants inside your home dry and comfortable by keeping moisture and the different elements of nature away from your house’s interiors. However, not all roofing materials are built to last and most of these materials, if not properly installed and implemented, can inadvertently result in more damages being done. It’s always a good practice to seek help from your local roofing specialist on what are the ideal roofing materials for your community.

Homeowners have to also remember that each area and community will have building regulations and requirements on what they can and can’t install. It’s best to follow these rules and regulations since it’s there to fully optimize your home for the climate and environment it will be on.

But before we discuss the different types of thin roofing materials, we have to first determine what are the different shapes of roofs that are compatible with thin roofing materials.

Shapes of Roofs

Gable roofs

This roofing design is one of the most popular designs that you’ll find in the United States which can be easily discerned from the triangular shape that most conventional houses have. The design of this roof can easily let water and snow flow off the roof towards the designated gutter systems. The only downside of these types of roofs is that they are quite susceptible to strong winds, horizontally-propelled rains, and storms. It’s best to have a contractor look into some counter-measures for storm damage if you are going to go with this type of roofing.

Flat roofs

This type of design is quite prevalent among commercial and industrial buildings because of its utilitarian and cost-effective design. In reality, most buildings with flat roofs are not entirely flat and they do have a small pitch of around 1/12 or 0.5/12. Moreover having a flat roof means that there’s more space for rooftop patios, gardens, and HVAC equipment for the comfortability of the building’s inhabitants.

Hip roofs

Hip roofs are not the usual type of roofing design that you’ll find in the country, but it will still get the shop done like gable roofs. Because of the in-ward facing slopes, these roof design is durable and long-lasting. Compared to gable roofs, this type of roofing design can withstand strong winds, updrafts, and storm damages.

Skillion/shed roofs

This roof design is simpler than the others with a single roof being attached to a taller wall. This type of roof design is usually seen among tool sheds, garages, porches and other areas that are usually not meant to be inhabited in long periods of time.

Types of roofing materials

Rolled Roofing

Rolled roofing is a preferred roofing material for low-sloped roofs, especially for commercial buildings. Being injected with minerals and asphalt means that it is both durable and long-lasting.

Built-up Roofing

This one of the oldest options when it comes to flat roof design. This roofing is comprised of several layers of asphalt.

Membrane Roofing

One of the most popular materials for membrane roofing is EPDM which is comprised mostly of rubber and is an eco-friendly and cheap way of protecting your low-pitched roofs. There are also other materials like Neoprene and PVC, bitumens, and chlorinated polyethylene.

Asphalt Composite Shingles

There’s no doubt that asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States and it’s because it’s fairly common, easy to maintain, can withstand the different elements of weather, and has a good lifespan.  

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

This type of roofing is quite prevalent among buildings that are in close vicinity to each other because of being fire-resistant. Additionally, it’s highly sought after for having a longer lifespan than can last from 30 – 50 years. The only downside is that it costs $6 – $12 per square foot.

Metal Shingles and Shakes

For homeowners who prefer metal shingles over metal roofing, then metal shingles are the right answer. The long-lasting and durable nature of these shingles can make it last longer than other roofing materials.

Wooden Shingles and Shakes

Another fairly common shingle that has existed for centuries is wooden shingles. Most shingles like cedar shingles are known to be relatively more expensive than other roofing materials but will last for more than 60 years. The downside to these shingles is that it is quite susceptible to fires and will easily rot in wetter climates.

Clay Tiles

These types of shingles are more prevalent among luxurious homes that are situated in warmer and drier climates. The downside to this material is that is has a hefty price of $10 to $18 per square foot.

Concrete tiles

Concrete tiles can be an alternative to clay times, but instead of having a reddish tone, this has a more neutral grey tone. The weight of these tiles is a good way of holding down your roof against strong and high winds.

Depending on the style of your roofing Alexandria VA, these are just a few of the roofing options that you can use. It is best to get the advice of a roofing specialist to identify what the best material would be for your property.

A house wouldn’t be complete if there’s no roof. In fact, the roof of a house is the first thing that most visitors and passers-by look at since it takes up a good amount of space. Roofs aren’t just aesthetic in nature, but they also have some very important functions, especially in keeping rainwater, snow, and strong winds away from your house’s interiors.

For centuries, most houses have been using the same material for different parts of the world, but as technology evolved, so did the roofing industry. As of this moment, there are several different roofing materials that you can choose in the market. But for now, we’ll be looking at one of the more classical and widely used roofing material that was available for centuries and has stood the test of time; cedar shakes and shingles.

In most cases, the first thing that homeowners look for when choosing roofing materials is the lifespan and the durability of the roofing material, especially when it’s exposed to rainwater, snow, and strong winds.

We’ll be discussing how long will a cedar shake roof last when exposed to certain factors. But before we do that, we’ll first discuss what are the advantages and disadvantages of using a cedar shake roof.

Cedar Roofing

Cedar roofing has been around for centuries and is one of the most highly sought-after wooden roofing materials in the market. Obviously, cedar roofing is made out of cedarwood, especially from the California Redwood tree in the United States and the North American region.

If you’re looking for roofing that has a rustic and classical feel, then cedar shingles are a good choice since it can easily blend in with any architectural style.

Cedar Shake Roof Lifespan

When a cedar roof is installed properly and is also maintained well through the years, it is likely to reach a lifespan of up to 30 years if the conditions are just right. To prevent deterioration, then it’s best to perform maintenance every 2 to 4 years if you want to maximize the life expectancy of your roof.

Cedar Deterioration

Compared to other wooden shingles in the market and other building materials, cedar doesn’t just deteriorate because of age and there are several external factors that can cause its deterioration. Cedar is known for being weather-resistant, but at some point, it will deteriorate. One of the most common reasons why cedar roofing will deteriorate is in the form of moisture which can greatly affect the life expectancy and state of cedar shakes. If you’re leaving your cedar shakes unchecked and dirty, then this can easily be a breeding ground for molds, mildews, lichen, algae, and mosses. These organic growths can accelerate rotting by absorbing more moisture in the process. In most cases, cedar shakes and shingles that are exposed to these organic growths can easily warm, break, shrink, and get weaker over time. It’s best to keep an eye out for any type of organic growth on your roof and to contact roofing contractors if ever that’s the case.

Cedar Shake Costs

Compared to other wooden shakes, metal roofing, and asphalt shingles, cedar shakes have a hefty price with the highest quality costing you $14 for every square foot and the standard quality costing you $7.50. You also have to take into account the cost of labor and installation for this type of roofing.

Moreover, you will also have to weigh-in on the cost of maintenance from professional roofing specialists, especially when keeping mosses, algae, and mold off the main structure of your roof.  

Alternative to Other Wooden Shakes

Cedar shingles are the perfect alternative to other wooden shingles since it has the best life expectancy out of any wood roofing. Sure, it might take a lot of time and effort to regularly maintain this roof, but it will pay off in the long-run when you can save money that would have gone to roof replacement and repair.

Ultimately, there are several factors that you have to take into account and the location, climate, and levels of precipitation on your area will play a major role in the life expectancy of cedar shake roofs. But on average, it will take around 30 years. If you are looking to extend the life on your cedar shake roofing, getting the help of a skilled roofing contractor will be sure to optimize your roofing Alexandria VA.

Starting fresh by replacing and repainting an old roof by having a new one can be one of the most satisfying things in life. Just like having a new car with a new paint job, painting your roof with a new color can easily help you start fresh and clear your mind.

However, having an attractive roof doesn’t guarantee that it’s going to be sturdy and hold off the forces of nature. You might have the best looking roof in the neighborhood, but it will all for naught if your roof can’t hold down your house and protect it against rainwater, snow, hailstorms, strong winds, and updrafts. It’s best to carefully consider your roofing material before making any decisions on what color scheme you want to choose for your roof.

But before we get into what’s a better choice of color between pewter gray or charcoal shingles, we have to first weigh-in on the different factors that will affect your roof.

Function Over Design

Obviously, your roof was designed on keeping water, snow, and other debris away from your house’s interiors and far from your house’s foundations. Sure, the color and design of your roof can leave a lasting impact on visitors and passers-by which can increase the value of your home, but the true test is on its strength in withstanding the forces of nature.

An ideal roofing system should be a combination of both high-functioning roofing materials that stand the test of the environment while still looking aesthetically pleasing. But at the end of the day, the function will always be more important than design.

Durability and Longevity

Just because a certain roofing material looks good, doesn’t necessarily mean that it will last a long time. Most homeowners see a roofing material and will immediately buy it from the local builder’s depot once they see that it’s compatible with their rooftop. One thing that homeowners should always weigh-in is the lifespan and the strength of the shingles. Even though most shingles are designed for rain, snow, and strong winds, they are still quite susceptible to hailstorms, high winds, and other elements of the weather. It’s best to keep this in mind whenever you are looking for the right materials.

Moreover, investing in cheaper roofing material can save you money in the short-term, but you will be spending more in the long run when you’ll have to contact your roofing specialists for repairs and replacements. 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles have different unique lifespans and characteristics but 3-tab shingles are generally cheaper and won’t last long.

A good way of determining if the shingles are durable is that it will have a longer coverage for the warranty since shingles that have a more hefty price tend to be more durable and long-lasting.

If you’re not sure whether a certain roofing material will last longer and will work well with where your house is situated, then you can always consult a professional roofing specialist.

Exposure to Wind

In states that are located in the southern part of the United States, hurricanes and storms are quite prevalent with winds reaching up to 130 miles per hour. With winds that strong, it can easily uproot and send a roof flying off. Homeowners are highly encouraged to choose shingles that have a wind rating of 130 miles per hour if they want their roofs to still be intact.

Wind rating is especially important since an uprooted roof will not just be dangerous to your home, but also to cars and other inhabitants from other homes. Shingles that are propelled at very high speeds by hurricanes and typhoons can be lethal.

Pewter Gray vs. Charcoal Shingles

An easy way of determining if a shingle is pewter grey or charcoal is by the shade. Normally, pewter has a lighter shade than charcoal. Metallic pewter shingles are able to reflect more light. In turn, it appears as a lighter grey. On the other hand, charcoal has a deep shade that borders from dark gray to black.

Ultimately, the paint that you will use for your roof will depend on your personal preference. Most individuals would choose pewter grey since the different shades of gray can make it look classy while most would also choose charcoal-colored shingles since it can easily hide dirt and can absorb heat if you want to retain heat on your roofing Alexandria VA and house.

When it comes to roof design, flat roofs are getting increasingly prevalent on commercial and industrial buildings since it has several benefits. In reality, there’s no such thing as a truly ‘flat’ roof and most flat roof designs actually have a slope of 1/12 or 0.5/12 so that water can easily flow towards one side of the roof and redirect towards the appropriate drainage systems. A slope is an inclination or steepness of your roof. If a slope is 1/12, then it means that for every 12 inches that’s traversed, there is a 1-inch difference.

When installing flat roofs, skilled roofing contractors will never make roofs truly flat and will always have a pitch of 0.5/12 to 1/12. But before we move in on how to add a slope to your flat roof, we have to first look into what are the long-term effects of having a truly flat roof and what are the advantages that we can get from having a flat rooftop.

Advantages of Flat Roofs

More space

A flat roof means that there is more space to install HVAC equipment and can also be a potential space for garden roofs, penthouses, and solar panels.

Easier to Install

Flat roofs are the preferred designs for commercial buildings since it’s easier to install and will only take days to install rather than a week.

Relatively Cheaper Materials

Compared to conventional gabled roof designs, flat rooftops use cheaper building materials and are cheaper to maintain. Moreover, roofing specialists won’t have a problem with dangerous slopes or heights since the pitches or slopes of these roofs can be easily walked on.

Long-term Effects

Some areas and communities have building codes and regulations where flat roof designs should have slopes of at least 1/12 of 0.5/12. The main purpose of a roof is to dispose of water far from your house’s foundations as fast as possible. Truly flat rooftops or rooftops that have too much material at the edge of their flat roofs tend to trap water on their roof’s area which can lead to several problems.

• Ponding can occur
• Rotting can take place
• Fungal growth
• Compromised foundation

Advantages of Slopes

Stylish Roof

When you add a pitch to your flat roof, you’re adding more aesthetic value and there adding more monetary value to your home. However, you have to keep in mind that this should be for low-story commercial buildings and traditional shops and not for high-rise buildings and skyscrapers.

Stops Water from Ponding

The main reason why you need to add a slope to your roof is to make sure that your house’s interiors are dry and away from moisture. Moreover, water damage can lead to many problems if left unchecked.

Less Energy Consumption

HVAC equipment can lower your energy costs, but having a good roof that can naturally retain heat and cool off your house during hotter seasons can minimize your energy bills.

Adding Slope

For obvious reasons, you shouldn’t be working on your flat roof by yourself. Having professional craftsmanship and proper planning can ensure that your roof’s lifespan will be lengthened. You can use this information when evaluating your roof with your roofing contractor.

Determine the Pitch and Span of your Roof

The first thing that roofing contractors have to do is to measure and determine the span and pitch of your roof so that they can extensively create a roofing plan for your roof. Prices and estimates are determined in this process.

Remove the Old Materials and Apply a New Roof Sheathing

For the next step, roofing contractors will have to remove every single existing structure and material for your roof since they will add new trusses while having to put in mind the different attachments that they have to place in. If the roof sheathing is in bad condition, then it has to be obviously removed. If you’re having some doubts on a roof sheathing even if it looks good, then you can always have it replaced.

Install the New Materials

The last part will be your contractor installing your preferred roofing material. Make sure that you already have chosen the right roofing material so that there won’t be any miscommunication.

You can do your own research on the unique characteristics of each roofing material before making any final decisions. Overall, adding a new slope is basically replacing your older roof with a newer one and you have to make the necessary commitments to get things done. Adding a new slope to your flat roof can land you several advantages that will also ensure a longer lifespan for your roof. If you don’t have the equipment to do this, you can always ask a professional roofing specialist to do the heavy lifting for you. It is actually advisable to have a proper team work on your roofing Alexandria VA.