Green Roofing Options To Change The Appearance Of Your Roof

Have you grown tired of the same old roof? Are you someone who likes to be environmentally conscious? There are ways for you to blend design and décor with a green footprint. It all has to do with the type of roofing materials you choose. Many commercial buildings these days are choosing to have green roofing systems installed. They typically include plant life and gardens that increase the overall aesthetic and reduce urban heat levels. At home, you too have options. These are a few of the ways you can embrace green roofing materials - and change up the appearance of your roof.
The roofing materials you choose can be classified as green in a few different ways. They either: reduce the levels of energy used inside the home, the materials are made from recycled materials, or the materials can be re-purposed at the end of the roofing lifespan. In addition, when roofing materials have a longer lifespan, this too can classify them as green. How? When materials last longer, they are not hitting landfills as quickly. That means less waste and a stronger roof. You want to make sure when you are choosing materials that they are of high-quality, have a solid reputation, and come with a warranty of at least 15-20 years.
Ready to go green? Certain roofing materials can be used to reduce the amount of energy you need inside your home. For instance, many homeowners prefer to use white asphalt shingles. Not only do they provide a change of colour (they often stand out from the endless sea of black and brown roofing materials in the neighbourhood!) but they can also reduce your air conditioning costs. White materials don't absorb as much sunlight as those darker shades. That means your home will require less energy to stay cool. This cuts down on your monthly energy bill, saving you money and benefiting the environment at the same time. Not only can you enjoy a stylish roof colour - but you can also do some good. It's a win-win!
Now for recycled materials. There are many options when it comes to materials that fall into this category. Materials like wood or recycled shingles work well, as do metal roofing materials. Wooden shingles or shakes can easily be recycles from other projects. Meanwhile, recycled shingles are made up of post-consumer waste. This reduces the amount of new materials being used, which is great for the environment. Metal materials are another option if you are thinking about going green. They are durable, fire resistant, and have a very long lifespan. Though the price upfront will be much higher than some other materials, it is certainly something to consider. Another benefit to going green? Many of these materials can also be recycled again and used for future roofing projects. So, you can feel good knowing that your roof is good for the environment both now and in the future.
Change the look of your home by going green. Your roofing materials can impact the way your home appears on the outside as well as the way it affects the environment. Choose your roofing materials carefully and consider the long-term effects of your decision. It can make more of a difference than you may realize!
Joe Davis understands green roofing systems. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Roofing.

How To Fix a Leaking Flat Roof Quickly and Easily

It is no secret that flat roofing systems need attention. Thanks to the design, pooling water and poor run off can cause the structure to weaken - or lead to leaks inside your home or garage. Keeping your flat roof free from water damage requires a certain amount of work. The only option? Check your roof often. If you happen to experience a leak, the key is to act quickly. This will prevent further damage from occurring. While finding a leak is never a good thing, there is a bit of good news: this is one roofing repair you can handle on your own if you choose. So, how can you fix a leaking flat roof quickly and easily? Simply follow these steps.
The best place to start is by finding the source of the leak. On flat roofing systems this can be trickier than on sloped roofing. In fact, this tends to be the most time consuming part of the task. This is because the actual damage could be located several inches or feet away from the leak itself. To avoid calling a professional, sweep your flat roof with a large boom. It may sound a little strange, but clearing away the dirt and debris allows you to get a better look at the roofing system. This in turn makes it possible to locate the leak, or leaks. You want to look for any sections where you can visually see damage, puddles of water, loose flashing, or holes in the aluminium trim around the edge of the roof.
Now that the problem area has been uncovered, it is time to fix that leaking roof! If your flashing is causing the leak, you will need to use a drill to remove it. A tip? If you are having problems getting the flashing off, use a hammer or pry bar. This will make it much easier. To repair the damage itself, you will need roofing cement. Using a trowel, spread a thick layer of roofing cement or roofing putty underneath the flashing. This process will help fill any holes or cracks that you may have uncovered. Wait 10-15 minutes to ensure that the roofing cement has set properly, then attach new flashing and drill into place using long nails.
If part of the actual roofing materials have been damaged or appear to be soaked through, use a knife to cut away the materials. You will then need to replace them. Use a replacement piece of material and apply roofing cement to the back. Lay it into the cut away area and use nails to hold it in place. Finish by applying cement to the top layer and let it dry for 5-10 minutes. After it has dried completely, you can use a hose to test that the area is really leak free.
A flat roof needs to be well taken care of. Luckily, handling the repairs tends to be fairly straightforward. That means you can handle the repair on your own - so long as you have the right roofing materials and products on hand. Remember to be careful and do the job right the first time. It will make your DIY project a complete success.
Joe Davis understands how to fix a flat roof leak. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Roofing Shingles.

Taking Your Home Design and Décor To The Next Level

Not all homes are the same. From the interior décor to the exterior design, there are countless elements that make each house on the block different from the next. Have you been thinking about making a few changes? Are you looking to give your space a splash of style? Whatever you have been dreaming about - you can achieve it. There are many different ways to take your home design and décor to the next level. It doesn't matter if you have unlimited resources or your funds are tight. There are solutions for every home and every budget.
Where to begin? Let's start with the exterior design of your home. Certain elements are harder to change, like the structure or placement of the windows. However, there are things that can be altered to better suit your personality and to give your house an upgrade. For instance, your porch can always be expanded, re-painted, or re-imagined. A fresh coat of paint is a more cost effective alternative while an entirety new porch layout is a pricier one. Think about your budget and then determine what really matters to you. Go from there and it will be easier to prioritize your must haves.
Looking into new roofing materials can also alter the exterior design of your home. Whether you have asphalt shingles on your roof right now or are using tile, slate, wood, or architectural shingles, they can be changed. You may want to choose a new type of roofing material altogether or even change up the colour. Going from black shingles to a warm red tone or a light grey can make your home look more polished, cohesive, or dramatic. This can impact the overall design of your space.
Shingle colours don't just affect design. They can also save you money throughout the year. To keep air conditioning use to a minimum, choose lighter coloured asphalt shingles with a UV coating. They work to reflect the heat of the sun. They are also more resistant to sun damage like cracking or fading. On the other hand, darker asphalt shingles are ideal if you live in a cooler area. They absorb heat, which reduces your heating bills in the wintertime. To improve the look of your home (and to save money), your roofing materials may be something to consider - especially if it is time to start thinking about roof replacement.
Now to tackle the interior design of your home. There are so many ways to change each and every room. From new wall colours to throw pillows, candles, and end tables...the possibilities are endless. To keep the décor inside your space cohesive, think before you buy. It is easy to get carried away with beautiful furniture and knick-knacks. So, sit down and really think about how you envision your space. Are you more of a modern person or do you prefer warm and cozy spaces? Once you have decided what type of design you prefer, start choosing pieces that reflect that aesthetic.
Something to remember? Changing or updating your space doesn't mean getting rid of everything you have. There are many ways to re-use furniture and other important items. Try staining that old coffee table or moving your dresser into the spare room. With a little bit of creativity, both the inside and the outside of your home will look exactly how you want it to. Don't be afraid to take chances and let your artistic flair shine through!
Taking your home to the next level doesn't have to be complicated. It just has to represent who you are. From the colour of your roof materials to the décor in your bedroom, it is possible to create the perfect space. Unleash your creative side - and get ready to enjoy the home of your dreams.
Joe Davis understands home design and decor. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Roofing.

DIY Roof Inspection Tips For The Thrifty Homeowner

Do you like to save more than you spend? There are ways to make it happen.... even at home. Keeping your household running smoothly is a massive undertaking. There are so many things that need to be handled on a daily basis. That doesn't even include tasks that need to be dealt with during certain times of the year! Some of those things require assistance from a professional, however certain tasks can be turned into a simple DIY project. That project may entail re-painting the spare bedroom or even sprucing up the garden. It may also include your roofing inspection.
While some homeowners choose to have their bi-annual inspection performed by a roofing professional - you don't have to. It is possible to do it yourself. If you are looking to save a few dollars and still get quality results, keep reading. It is time to tackle DIY roof inspection with these helpful tips for thrifty homeowners.

Tip #1: Take a Look At Your Trees First

Saving money on your inspection requires some attention to detail. It is important to keep a look out for any potential problems...otherwise your thrifty solution may end up costing you far more over time. The best place to start is by looking at your trees. Yes, before you climb a ladder or grab those binoculars, inspect your trees first. Whether you have trees in the front or back yard, pay attention to the overhang. When branches are too long they can scratch your shingles, pull them off completely, or cause serious damage to your roofing materials. Falling leaves can also clog up your gutters and result in water leaks. If you find that your tree branches are close enough to cause concern - make note. You will need to have them trimmed as quickly as possible.

Tip #2: Keep an Eye Out For Black Marks On The Roof

Now it is time to actually start inspecting your roof. It is recommended that this be done both on ground level with a pair of binoculars as well as at eye level, by stepping up on a ladder. There are certain things you should be looking for. Like black marks, for instance. Do you see any black streaks or lines on your shingles? How about black spots? This is a problem. If you happen to see this anywhere on your roof, there is a strong possibility that you are dealing with a mold problem. Mold and algae tend to grow during the humid times of the year. If the problem is left unfixed for too long, your roofing structure can become weakened. From that point on, water leaks will be nothing but inevitable. Speak to a roofing professional immediately to begin the proper removal process. A tip? To prevent this from happening, use a protective UV coating on your roofing system.

Tip #3: Take Note Of Any Noticeable Damage

You never want to sacrifice the safety and security of your home. This is why inspections are such an integral part of your routine. While you are busy looking for signs of black spots or streaks, you should also be looking for damage to your roofing materials. That includes rips or tears in your shingles, missing sections, worn out areas, missing flashing, and so on. Anything that looks out of place will need to be inspected more thoroughly and repaired. This is essential as damaged or missing roofing materials can cause water leaks and structural damage. That can put the rest of your roof - and your home - at risk. Take note and handle the necessary repairs as quickly as possible.
Want to save money this year? Then perform a roofing inspection twice a year and keep a look out for any potential problems. From there, you can choose to handle repairs and maintenance on your own or with a little outside help. Consistency is key.... so stay up to date to prevent costly emergency repairs down the road.
Joe Davis understands the importance of roof inspections. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Roofing.

How To: Handling Asphalt Shingle Replacement On Your Own

Do you consider yourself to be handy? If you like to take care of your home through do-it-yourself projects and repair tasks, then you can effectively keep your home safe and protected. How? By handling asphalt shingle replacement. Your roofing system is perhaps the most important part of your home. It works to keep you and your family members comfortable, dry, and warm. It also protects your personal items from becoming damaged or destroyed in the event of severe weather.
When an issue arises, it is important to act quickly. Whether that means calling in a roofing professional or taking measures into your own hands.... the key is finding a solution that works for you. Has a shingle on your roof been ripped or torn? Do you notice signs of wear and tear? Then take action. This is your how to guide to handling asphalt shingle replacement on your own.
Reasons To DIY Your Shingle Replacement
Let's start by addressing the obvious question. Why would you want to handle the repair on your own rather than use a professional? There are a number of reasons to bring a little DIY attitude to your roofing repairs. Labour costs can be quite high. Taking care of a replacement by yourself means you only have to shell out money for the necessary roofing materials. If you happen to have left over asphalt shingles sitting in your basement or garage from your last roof installation, that is a major bonus! The repair costs will be virtually nothing. Another reason to take care of shingle replacement on your own? It can be difficult to schedule a professional repair call around your day-to-day schedule. When you take care of the replacement yourself, you have a little more leeway.
Essential Tools You Will Need
There is nothing wrong with performing a shingle replacement on your own, so long as you have the appropriate skills to do the job correctly. If you don't feel comfortable, skip this DIY project. Otherwise, there are a few basic tools and materials that you will need to have on hand. So, what will you require? Make sure you have a hammer, pry bar, asphalt shingles, shingle nails, and a pair of sturdy gloves. You will also need a ladder to get to the roof level safely.
How To Replace an Asphalt Shingle
Now it is time to get down to business. Take care of the replacement when the weather is moderate. If you choose a day that is too cold, the shingles might crack. On warmer days, the shingle sealants can be difficult to break. Start by locating the problem shingle. Then loosen the tabs underneath. Do the same to the next two shingles above it. This is important as shingles are held in place with eight nails. Four of those nails are at the centre and the other four go through the shingle above. Once the tabs are loose enough, use your pry bar to lift up the damaged shingle.
As you pry underneath the shingle, carefully pop out the nails. After you have completely removed the nails from the damaged shingle, lift up the undamaged shingles above it and start to remove the nails there as well. When this step has been completed, you should be able to remove the damaged shingle with ease. Now for the replacement part of this do-it-yourself task. Take the new shingle and slide it into the appropriate spot. Attach it with shingle nails, starting at the centre row of the new shingle. Finish by re-adding nails to the shingles above.
Shingle replacement doesn't have to be overwhelming. To handle the job on your own, simply make sure you have the necessary tools, materials, and knowledge needed to do the job properly. The end result should be a sturdy roof - and no additional repair costs.
Joe Davis knows how to handle asphalt shingle repair. He has experience bringing both residential and commercial roofing products to customers all over the country. In the last few years, he has been working successfully with IKO Shingles.