roofing shingles: 2011

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

GAF Roofing

One of the biggest residential and commercial roofing builders in North America is GAF Materials Corporation GAF Materials Corporation (GAF). In fact, their sales far exceeds $2 billion. GAF is also a multi-awarded company, having achieved first spots in terms of the qualities of their vents and shingles, innovations with regards to these roofs, and the most popular brand used.

GAF Roofing is a well-known name and definitely worth considering if you need to install a roof. However, make sure to do your due diligence and find out about other suppliers so you can compare prices and features and make an informed decision before you proceed with your project.Select 40 roof shingles from GAF last longer and more durable. They are 17 percent thicker and heavier. They provide a shadow accent effect as well as appear classic with their wood shake look. With superstrong adhesive seals, they are thought to withstand strong winds of even up to 80 mph.Roof-mounted solar panels are much more attractive today than in the past. They offer more versatility for optimal performance since they can be adjusted for the best sunlight reception over the course of the year. They are also easier to retrofit for your roof, though some homes are even designed with these solar panels in mind and are even highlighted by their incorporation of solar panels and photovoltaic shingles into their design.Solar panels and photovoltaic shingles are two great ways to capture the sun's energy on the roof of your home. Most roofing compainies install and repair both solar panels and Photovoltaic shingles. Both types of solar energy collectors work on the same principle. When the sunlight hits the photovolactic semiconductor material in the panel or in the shingle; this is then converted to direct current via diodes. This direct power is wired to a converter that converts it to alternating current which all of our home are wired for. Then this power enters our house and is either used directly, stored in batteries, or sold to the power company.Both types of solar energy collectors work on the same principle. Sunlight hits the photovoltaic semiconductor material in the panel or in the shingle; this is then converted to direct current via diodes. This direct power is wired to a converter that converts it to alternating current that all of our homes are wired for. Then this power enters our house and is either used directly, stored in batteries, or sold to the power company.Also Roof-mounted solar panels are much more attractive today than in the past. They offer more versatility for optimal performance since they can be adjusted for the best sunlight reception over the course of the year. Photovolactic shingles resemble regular asphalt shingles and you can blend them in with the most traditional homes roofs. However, depending upon the latitude (north and south position) your rooflines may be in direct opposition of your wishes and shingles cannot be adjusted.The strongest among all types of GAF shingles are the ultraroof shingles. They are heavier and much thicker, about 25 percent. They appear like any other type of GAF roofs. They can resist wind and fire, and can offer protection against algae. However, one distinct feature is its ability to last longer than any other types in the series. This is due to the use of the most durable adhesive seals used.

As you can see GAF roofing products supplies alot of the shingles in demand today. However, GAF shingles are not the only roofing material roofing material choice for your home. Be sure to check out all of the roofing possibilties before choosing which roofing material is right for your home.

Author: Elite Roofing and Home Improvements

Solar Panels And Photovoltaic Shingles

Solar panels and photovoltaic shingles are both good ways to collect the sun's energy on the roof of your home. Each choice has pros and cons you should consider before you decide which option is for you. Some choices you can dictate, but some are controlled by the location and design of your house alone.

GAF roofing products range from different designs as well as different uses. There are a few popular choices when it comes to GAF shingles.The GAF shingles GAF shingles are made of fiberglass asphalt complete with adhesive seals. They also give shadow accent effect. They are highly practical yet stylish at the same time. They are known to withstand wind and fire, having attained a Class A classification. These types of roofs are also algae resistant, especially to those areas where rains often occur.Solar power is such an effective power source; every property owner should consider it the next time they make an investment in a new roof or in a new home. The advances in solar technology have been dramatic in only the last five years. If you thought you knew about solar power, it's time to read up again. Solar panels and photovoltaic shingles are only a couple of the areas in which solar is shining. Add all of the new solar technologies to the rising cost of coal power and solar power makes a lot of sense.Aside from roofing, GAF also offers decorative stones to further accentuate the overall design and architecture of your own home. They make use of natural stones that offer both durability and aesthetic value to any property. They can be used as interior or exterior walls. Moreover, they are known to withstand fire and are available at a fraction of the typical costs of decorative stones available in the market today.Photovoltaic shingles look quite similar to regular asphalt shingles and can blend in with most traditional homes' roofs. These blend in much nicer to your home's roofline, but you are at the mercy of your roof's lines. Depending on your latitude and north/south position, your rooflines may be in direct opposition of your wishes and shingles can not be adjusted. If you are planning new construction, you can consider designing your roofline and roof's angle for the best solar energy reception. But on an existing roof they could be ineffective depending on its angle and what direction it faces.

Also Roof-mounted solar panels are much more attractive today than in the past. They offer more versatility for optimal performance since they can be adjusted for the best sunlight reception over the course of the year. Photovolactic shingles resemble regular asphalt shingles and you can blend them in with the most traditional homes roofs. However, depending upon the latitude (north and south position) your rooflines may be in direct opposition of your wishes and shingles cannot be adjusted.

Author: Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC

Energy Powered Homes With Solar Panels Or Photovoltaic Shingles

Solar panels and photovoltaic shingles are both good ways to collect the sun�s energy on the roof of your home. Each choice has pros and cons you should consider before you decide which option is for you. Some choices you can dictate, but some are controlled by the location and design of your house alone.

Slate is a beautiful for residential roofing. It is a high end roofing material, it sheds ice and snow, and it has a classic appeal. Slate is also very heavy and requires a structure built to withstand that amount of weight. It is also expensive to buy and install. It is, however, now available in an engineered product which is less expensive and considerably lighter. This option makes a slate look-alike roofing shingle an affordable consideration for many builders and contractors to suggest to their clients.Ceramic roofing material is most commonly seen in Mediterranean style homes. The most often used ceramic is the barrel tile, or the half cylinder, but also common is the ceramic clay tile roofing material. Ceramic roofs are beautiful but are heavy and the installation is quite labor intensive. A good contractor can locate master roofers to ensure proper installation of a ceramic roof. With the variety of roofing materials available these days, we hope these six options help to make choosing the right roofing product for your project a little easier.Roofing Material #1: Asphalt ShinglesRoofing Material #2: Wood ShinglesUnder coursing: Under coursing is not suitable for most exterior home applications. It is mainly used at the rake of your cedar roof as starter strip.Solar energy is such an effective power source; every property owner should consider it the next time they make an investment in a new roof or in a new home. The advances in solar technology have been dramatic in only the last five years. If you thought you knew about solar power, it�s time to read up again. Solar panels and photovoltaic shingles are only a couple of the areas in which solar is shining. Add all of the new solar technologies to the rising cost of coal power and solar power makes a lot of sense.

Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC provides detailed information about windows, siding, roofing, remodeling, additions and much more. Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC is also a member of CCN. (Certified Contractors Network)

Author: Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC

6 Choices for Your New and Improved Roof

Roofing Material: 6 Choices for Your New and Improved Roof

These days there are many types of roofing shingles that are manufactured to look like wood or shake, among other things. These products meet fire codes and restrictions and can often be cost effective and low maintenance. A good contractor can help guide you in your selection of engineered roofing materials.Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC provides detailed information about windows, siding, roofing, remodeling, additions and much more. Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC is also a member of CCN. (Certified Contractors Network)Black Label: Black label cedar is one step down from Red Label shingles. They have clear heartwood in about 50% of the shingle. Like red label, black label shakes and shingles also have a limited number of knots and defects above the clear portion of the shingle.Cedar shakes and cedar shingles are either CCA treated or not CCA treated. CCA stands for chromate copper arsenate. CCA is a preservative that inhibits the growth of mildew, mold and fungus and helps keep insects from eating away your beautiful cedar roof. CCA cedar can make your roof last longer, but CCA is NOT A FIRE TREAMENT. Cedar that has been fire treated is available, but your roofer will have to special order it. CCA treated cedar normally cost 15 - 20% more than non-CCA cedar. Most cedar roofs are not CCA treated.Roofing Material #3: Engineered Tiles and MaterialsSolar Panels and photovoltaic shingles are two great ways to capture the sun�s energy on the roof of your home. Both types of solar energy collectors work on the same principle. When the sunlight hits the photovoltaic semiconductor material in the panel or in the shingle; this is then converted to direct current via diodes. This direct power is wired to a converter that converts it to alternating current which all of our home are wired for. Then this power enters our house and is either used directly, stored in batteries, or sold to the power company.Photovoltaic shingles look quite similar to regular asphalt shingles and can blend in with most traditional homes� roofs. These blend in much nicer to your home�s roofline, but you are at the mercy of your roof�s lines. Depending on your latitude and north/south position, your rooflines may be in direct opposition of your wishes and shingles cannot be adjusted. If you are planning new construction, you can consider designing your roofline and roof�s angle for the best solar energy reception. But on an existing roof they could be ineffective depending on its angle and what direction it faces.Roofing Material #4: SlateRoofing Material #6: CeramicElite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC provides detailed information about shingles, cedar shingles, fiberglass shingles and more. Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC is affiliated with the National Roofing Contractors Association.Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material seen on American homes these days. They are an inexpensive roofing option and they come in a variety of colors. They are generally guaranteed for 20 to 30 years and require no maintenance. The drawback is that this roofing material is so common your roof won�t stand out from the crowd, however the asphalt shingles have great value in their durability and ease of installation. You can choose from the standard 3-tab shingles or upgrade to a thicker architectural shingle. Ask your contractor for samples of each to determine which type of asphalt shingle is the roofing material best suited for your residential roofing project.Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC provides detailed information about shingles, cedar shingles, fiberglass shingles and more. Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC is affiliated with the National Roofing Contractors Association

Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC provides detailed information about shingles, cedar shingles, fiberglass shingles and more. Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC is affiliated with the National Roofing Contractors Association

Author: Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC

Cedar Shake Shingles

If you're replacing your roof, cedar shakes or cedar shingles are an excellent way to increase the curb appeal of your home while also increasing your home's value. It's easy to see why someone would want to add cedar shakes or cedar shingles to their home. Cedar's beauty is unsurpassed by any other roofing material. But how do you choose which type of cedar roof you want to put on your house? The following paragraphs will help you understand cedar roofing material terminology.

Elite RoofingBoth types of solar energy collectors work on the same principle. Sunlight hits the photovoltaic semiconductor material in the panel or in the shingle; this is then converted to direct current via diodes. This direct power is wired to a converter that converts it to alternating current that all of our homes are wired for. Then this power enters our house and is either used directly, stored in batteries, or sold to the power company.Blue Label: This grade features 100% heartwood, 100% edge grain and no defects. They are the "perfect" shingle or shake. This cedar is also the most expensive of the four.Also Roof-mounted solar panels are much more attractive today than in the past. They offer more versatility for optimal performance since they can be adjusted for the best sunlight reception over the course of the year. Photovoltaic shingles resemble regular asphalt shingles and you can blend them in with the most traditional homes roofs. However, depending upon the latitude (north and south position) your rooflines may be in direct opposition of your wishes and shingles cannot be adjusted.Wood shingles are beautiful. This is a classic roofing material that ages and weathers to a beautiful gray or silver. If installed properly wood shingles can last 30 to 50 years. This roofing material, however, has some drawbacks. First, it�s not fireproof. Second, it�s expensive to install and often requires maintenance, such as washing to remove mildew and application of new oil. If this is your roofing material of choice, make sure your contractor is knowledgeable about shingle selection and installation.Metal roofs are cheap, rugged, and long lasting. They vary from the low end of galvanized metal, like you would see on a barn, to high end copper. Metal roofs can be a great residential roofing option, as it is generally maintenance free and can protect from fire damage in high fire areas. Metal is another roofing material that requires proper installation as even small mistakes can cause leaks.Roofing Material #5: MetalRed Label: Red label cedar is not as "perfect" as blue label, but they are still a very good shingle. About 66% of the shingle is heartwood. It has limited amounts of sapwood and flat grain. It also has a limited number of knots and defects above the clear portion of the shingle.Cedar shakes and cedar shingles are beautiful, and they're also a great investment. Knowledge of terms such as CCA, premium grade, Number 1, blue label and black label will help you select the right cedar roof for your home.

Elite Roofing

Author: Elite Roofing

Roofing Materials

Roofing Materials: 6 Choices for Your New and Improved Roof With the variety of roofing materials available these days, here are six options to help make choosing the right one for your roofing project a little easier.

Roofing Material #2: Wood Shingles Wood shingles are beautiful. This is a classic roofing material that ages and weathers to a beautiful gray or silver. If installed properly wood shingles can last 30 to 50 years. This roofing material, however, has some drawbacks. First, it�s not fireproof. Second, it�s expensive to install and often requires maintenance, such as washing to remove mildew and application of new oil. If this is your roofing material of choice, make sure your contractor is knowledgeable about shingle selection and installation.Roofing Material #1: Asphalt ShinglesCeramic roofing material is most commonly seen in Mediterranean style homes. The most often used ceramic is the barrel tile, or the half cylinder, but also common is the ceramic clay tile roofing material. Ceramic roofs are beautiful but are heavy and the installation is quite labor intensive. A good contractor can locate master roofers to ensure proper installation of a ceramic roof.Roofing Material #5: MetalIf your Roof System does not currently have drip or rake edge installed, do not panic, you'll survive well enough. Just be aware that when your roof needs to be replaced, the Roofing Contractor you may need to replace some of your wood Roof Deck on an as needed basis.A word of caution; most roofing companies use felt paper as Roof Deck Protection. Although using felt paper is a standard and acceptable practice, some issues can arise if the felt paper becomes wet during or after the installation. Ever notice how paper tends to curl when it dries after it was wet? In a similar way, felt paper can curl if water or excess moisture touches it. For this reason, and because the cost is quite small, we recommend installing a higher quality Roof Deck Protection such as a GAF/ELK Deck Armour. For a relatively small additional cost, you'll be rewarded with a much more reliable Roof Deck Protection.

Author: Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC

Roofing Material: 6 Choices For Your New And Improved Roof

With the variety of roof materials available these days, here are six options to help make choosing the right one for your roofing project a little easier.

Remember, if your roof deck is rotting or damaged in any way, people walking on your roof could potentially crack or break through the wood, causing further damage to the roof system, such as to the shingles...and to the person who walked on it! However, most roof decks can withstand a little bit of exposure to water or ice before it needs to be replaced.Roof Deck Protection is very similar to a Leak Barrier. The difference is that Roof Deck Protection is installed on the entire Roof Deck area instead of only on "special areas" as we mention in the Leak Barrier section.Roofing Material #5: Metal Metal roofs are cheap, rugged, and long lasting. They vary from the low end of galvanized metal, like you would see on a barn, to high end copper. Metal roofs can be a great residential roofing option, as it is generally maintenance free and can protect from fire damage in high fire areas. Metal is another roofing material that requires proper installation as even small mistakes can cause leaks.Roofing Material #1: Asphalt Shingles Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material seen on American homes these days. They are an inexpensive roofing option and they come in a variety of colors. They are generally guaranteed for 20 to 30 years and require no maintenance. The drawback is that this roofing material is so common your roof won�t stand out from the crowd, however the asphalt shingles have great value in their durability and ease of installation. You can choose from the standard 3-tab shingles or upgrade to a thicker architectural shingle. Ask your contractor for samples of each to determine which type of asphalt shingle is the roofing material best suited for your residential roofing project.Metal: Drip Edge and Rake EdgeIn the same way water runs along the valleys between two mountains, water runs along the valleys on your roof peaks. Valleys generally receive the highest concentration of water flowing through them, therefore installing them correctly is extremely important!These days there are many types of roofing shingles that are manufactured to look like wood or shake, among other things. These products meet fire codes and restrictions and can often be cost effective and low maintenance. A good contractor can help guide you in your selection of engineered roofing materials.Metal: Chimneys and SkylightsAs mentioned in the Leak Barrier section, valleys have leak barriers installed underneath them. Even though some Building Codes do not require such a leak barrier to be installed, we recommend installing one always in every valley.Roof Deck ProtectionThink of a leak barrier as a "second layer" of protection for your Roof Deck. A backup plan, if you will, and also a protection against moisture build up. Leak barriers are nearly always installed on top of the Drip Edge and Rake Edge metal along eaves trough areas, gable areas and valleys because of the risk these areas pose for leaks, ice build up, shingle deterioration and water back flow.

Ceramic roofing material is most commonly seen in Mediterranean style homes. The most often used ceramic is the barrel tile, or the half cylinder, but also common is the ceramic clay tile roofing material. Ceramic roofs are beautiful but are heavy and the installation is quite labor intensive. A good contractor can locate master roofers to ensure proper installation of a ceramic roof.

Author: Elite Roofing and Home Improvements

Roofing: Under the Shingles - What goes on beneath the Asphalt, Metal, Wood, Rubber and Clay Tiles

Imagine, you�re standing on the sidewalk, looking at an average house. You see the siding, the windows, the front door, and way up above, you see the roof. Does the roof have asphalt shingles? Wood shakes perhaps? Maybe it�s made of metal or rubber tiles? What you see is where the focus goes, but it�s what you don�t see that really matters. There�s more to roofing than meets the eye. So let�s talk about what goes on, under the shingles.

Metal: ValleysRoofing Material #3: Engineered Tiles and MaterialsLeak BarrierIf you've ever looked at your roof during winter, you'll notice how ice and snow builds up along the length of your eaves troughs and inside the roof valleys. As with Rake Edge and Drip Edge, some Building codes require Leak Barriers to be installed and some Building Codes do not. In Alberta, the Building Code requires a leak Barrier to be installed on all eaves trough and valley areas of a Roof Systems because of issues related to such snow and ice build up. As an optional upgrade, some high end roof systems even have leak barriers installed on top of the entire Roof Deck (as opposed to only along the special areas we just mentioned) where normally a standard Roof Deck Protection would normally have been installed.Roofing Material #4: Slate Slate is a beautiful for residential roofing. It is a high end roofing material, it sheds ice and snow, and it has a classic appeal. Slate is also very heavy and requires a structure built to withstand that amount of weight. It is also expensive to buy and install. It is, however, now available in an engineered product which is less expensive and considerably lighter. This option makes a slate look-alike roofing shingle an affordable consideration for many builders and contractors to suggest to their clients.Choosing an appropriate Leak Barrier and installing it properly is an important step in every Roof System. Speak with your Roofing Contractor to learn more about leak barriers, how to choose the right one and how to choose a Professional Roofing Contractor to install it.Typically, Roof Deck Protection is a step lower in quality than a Leak Barrier. As with Leak Barriers however, there are many different types of Roof Deck Protection available to choose from ranging from basic felt/tar paper to advanced plastic woven sheets of rip and wrinkle proof material. Choosing a reliable Roof Deck Protection is an important part of a quality Roof System.We learn to crawl before we walk, so when talking about roofing let�s start with square one, the surface area of your roof which is made of wood. Your wood roof deck is comparable to an automobiles metal body. It is installed on top of the basic house frame to give a surface area on which to install Shingles. Without a roof deck installed on your house, there would be nowhere to install your Shingles. And of course without the shingles, your roof deck would rot away due to exposure to the sun, rain, snow and ice and etc...not a comfortable home at all!Arguably the most important part of every complete roof system. The metal installed in the valleys, chimneys and skylights take the brunt of water flow on every roof. Poorly installed, a brand new roof system can make a waterfall out of your living room.Drip edge and Rake edge is the first part of the Roof System to be installed. It is a long and narrow piece of metal which is installed along each end of your Roof Deck, ie: along the eaves trough and along the gable ends.Every chimney and skylight needs what is referred to as �a back pan�, which consists of sheet metal folded at around a 90 degree angle (depending on the slope of your roof) and tucks under the shingles and up under the siding, stucco or counter flashing on the chimney or skylight. Every back pan needs a small 2� section of metal sticking out 1� or more from either side of the chimney or skylight to divert water away from the corners. Water should hit the metal back pan and be directed away on either side where it can continue its run into the eaves trough.Roofing Material #4: SlateRoofing Material #2: Wood ShinglesRoofing Material #3: Engineered Tiles and Materials These days there are many types of roofing shingles that are manufactured to look like wood or shake, among other things. These products meet fire codes and restrictions and can often be cost effective and low maintenance. A good contractor can help guide you in your selection of engineered roofing materials.Some area local building codes require the installation of Drip Edge and Rake Edge and other building codes do not. Check with your local city building offices to find out. In Alberta for example, the Building Code does not require the installation of Drip edge or Rake edge. Therefore many new homes and/or low budget roof systems do not have drip edge installed in order to allow for more affordable roof prices. We recommend however that Drip edge and Rake edge be installed on every Roof System, no exceptions.All the best with your roofing project, and remember, be proactive, make educated decisions.ConclusionAsk your local trusted Roofing Contractor about which under-layer would be best for your Roof System any why.Virtually all roofs in Calgary, Alberta have leak barriers installed, and many different types of leak barriers are available in today's market, each offering a different level of reliability, functionality and warrantee and produced by many different manufacturers.On Newer Houses, sheets of plywood or OSB boards are fastened on top of wooden trusses in your attic to form the roof deck. Plywood or OSB boards are installed in a staggered formation with small spaces between them to allow wood to expand and contract as the wood heats in the summer and cools in the winter. Older homes often have lengths of 2" x 6" installed instead of plywood or OSB board. When the time comes for you to replace your Roof System, remember to have your Calgary Roofing Contractor replace any and all damaged wood.Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material seen on American homes these days. They are an inexpensive roofing option and they come in a variety of colors. They are generally guaranteed for 20 to 30 years and require no maintenance. The drawback is that this roofing material is so common your roof won't stand out from the crowd, however the asphalt shingles have great value in their durability and ease of installation. You can choose from the standard 3-tab shingles or upgrade to a thicker architectural shingle. Ask your contractor for samples of each to determine which type of asphalt shingle is the roofing material best suited for your residential roofing project.Drip and Rake edge is available in a variety of different colors and sizes and can be custom built for the needs of your roof system. Installing an appropriate drip edge often saves hundreds and sometimes even thousands of dollars when your roof system needs replaced.So there it is, life beneath the shingles. See how much goes on behind the scenes? Professional roofing contractors know this stuff inside and out and can help immensely in ensuring a roof system is reliable for many years. Product suppliers such as GAF/Elk and IKO can help answer specific questions about products as well.Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC provides detailed information about shingles, cedar shingles, fiberglass shingles and more. Elite Roofing & Home Improvements, LLC is affiliated with the National Roofing Contractors AssociationRoofing Material #6: CeramicRoofing Material #6: Ceramic Ceramic roofing material is most commonly seen in Mediterranean style homes. The most often used ceramic is the barrel tile, or the half cylinder, but also common is the ceramic clay tile roofing material. Ceramic roofs are beautiful but are heavy and the installation is quite labor intensive. A good contractor can locate master roofers to ensure proper installation of a ceramic roof.Wood shingles are beautiful. This is a classic roofing material that ages and weathers to a beautiful gray or silver. If installed properly wood shingles can last 30 to 50 years. This roofing material, however, has some drawbacks. First, it's not fireproof. Second, it's expensive to install and often requires maintenance, such as washing to remove mildew and application of new oil. If this is your roofing material of choice, make sure your contractor is knowledgeable about shingle selection and installation.Slate is a beautiful for residential roofing. It is a high end roofing material, it sheds ice and snow, and it has a classic appeal. Slate is also very heavy and requires a structure built to withstand that amount of weight. It is also expensive to buy and install. It is, however, now available in an engineered product which is less expensive and considerably lighter. This option makes a slate look-alike roofing shingle an affordable consideration for many builders and contractors to suggest to their clients.

All the best with your roofing project, and remember, be proactive, make educated decisions.

Author: Eric Gilbert

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Grades Of Cedar Roofing Shingles

Another easy aspect for you about starter shingles is some manufacturers produce starter shingles which can be used with the Field Shingles of their competitors. In other words, some starter shingles are interchangeable with the products of different manufacturers. Not all starter shingles however are interchangeable. To avoid any 'unpleasantness', double check with your roofing contractor that they will be installing a proper starter shingle.Starter shingles are, as their name implies, the starting shingles of a Roof System. They are installed on top of the Drip Edge/Rake Edge and on top of the Leak Barriers and begin the overlapping pattern for the remainder of Shingles (or tiles) on the roof.Besides the cosmetic advantages that these newer solar power shingles provide, they are also more durable than a standard solar panel installation. This is mainly due to the fact that a solar panel is typically mounted on a frame that is raised a few inches above the roofing material on a home. The gap between the solar panels and the roof allows rain, ice and debris to flow below the panel and off the roof. The challenge is that this gap also allows wind to flow beneath the solar panel, which creates a lifting action on the panel. In areas of high winds, this can be a concern and may damage a panel if it isn't mounted securely. Also, areas that receive heavy snowfall present a hazard for conventional solar panels as well. The weight of the accumulating snow can twist and damage a solar panel that is not supported fully. Because the solar panel shingles lie flat on the roof, they are not subjected to these hazards and can last for years once installed.Starters Shingles and Starter TilesBlue Label: This grade features 100% heartwood, 100% edge grain and no defects. They are the "perfect" shingle or shake. This cedar is also the most expensive of the four.The final touch. Ridge Shingles are to your roof like a picture frame is to a picture. What kind of frame did they put around the Mona Lisa in the Louvre? I'll bet you it wasn't purchased at Wal-Mart... And what a difference it makes to have a good quality ridge shingle installed.There are a total of 4 different grades of red cedar. The following list contains the four types of cedar shingles and cedar shakes:

Cedar shakes and cedar shingles are beautiful, and they're also a great investment. Knowledge of terms such as CCA, premium grade, Number 1, blue label and black label will help you select the right cedar roof for your home.

Author: Elite Roofing and Home Improvements

Roofing Shingles and Tiles - 3 Basic Types

Roofing shingles come in many different styles, shapes, colors and patterns. But every roof has but three basic shingle (or tile) types. This article explains the three basic types of shingles and tiles which are produced. We're not talking about specific products here, simply the types of each product.

Handsplit and resawn cedar comes in two different grades and many different thicknesses. Premium grade cedar shakes or shingles are made of clear heartwood, and are 100% edge grain. Number 1 grade cedar is also made of clear heartwood, but it they have a maximum of 20% edge grain. Two of the most popular thicknesses of cedar shakes or shingles are heavy and medium. Heavy cedar has 3/4" (19mm) minimum thickness at the buttend, while medium cedar has 3/4" (13mm) minimum thickness. If you hear the term "perfection" it has nothing to do with how much "perfect" heartwood the cedar contains. "Perfection" means the cedar shake or shingle is 18 inches long. Perfection shakes and shingles come in all 4 different grades.Cedar shakes and cedar shingles are beautiful, and they're also a great investment. Knowledge of terms such as CCA, premium grade, Number 1, blue label and black label will help you select the right cedar roof for your home.Important note: Higher quality ridge shingles typically require special installation procedures when installed. It may be wise to mention this to whoever you choose to install your roof. Ridge shingles are located at areas of your roof most vulnerable to wind damage and therefore subject blowing off if they are not installed properly. Ask your roofing contractor what sort of Special Installations are required for installing high quality ridge shingles.Shingles, or "field" Shingles are the main component of your Roof System. It's the part you see first when looking from the street. And it�s the part which primarily keeps the weather out of your home. Many differing types of shingles are available to choose from, ranging between the traditional Asphalt, Wood Shake and Slate/Tile, to the relatively newer Metal, Rubber and environmentally friendly Plastic Types. Manufacturers are even experimenting with new Green Roof Systems which do not have shingles at all but are instead composed of real dirt and vegetation!Field shingles are installed overtop the Starter Shingles we just discussed. They take the brunt of the weather and are the 'meat and potatoes' a Roof System. Without good Field Shingles, your roof doesn't stand a chance. Of course, all components of a Roof System are vitally important, however it�s the Field Shingles which are the most visual, the most costly and receive the most attention on your Roof.The price difference between a regular ridge shingle and a more visually appealing ridge shingle on a standard home is around $200 - $300.As with every other part of a Roof System, different types of starter shingles are offered by many different manufacturers. Fortunately for you, you don't need to select what type of starter shingle to use on your roof, because the manufacturer of the Field Shingle you chose chooses for you. As long as your Roofing Contractor follows the manufacturers recommendations when selecting starter shingles, you're in good hands.Ridge Cap Shingles and Ridge Cap TilesField Shingles and Field TilesDry climates generally reduce the effectiveness of Wood Shingles and Tile Shingles are relatively expensive and 'out of fashion'. Rubber and Plastic tiles are relatively newer in the market and still gaining market share. This leaves Metal and Asphalt as the most popular tile and shingle options for Roofing Systems, with asphalt being the most popular due to its lower cost and long reliable track record. Asphalt and Metal Shingles have recently adapted in design to match the luxurious 'layered' look that Wood Shingles used to offer. Recent advances in technology have allowed more and more Asphalt and Metal shingle designs.Undercoursing: Undercoursing is not suitable for most exterior home applications. It is mainly used at the rake of your cedar roof as starter strip.Simply put: One single row of starter shingles is installed everywhere your roof ends, ie: in the same areas as with Metal Drip Edge and Rake Edge.The mounting on these newer solar panel shingles is simpler as well and conforms to the nail patterns of a standard sheet of roof shingles. This makes it easier for them to be incorporated into the standard roofing materials. It also allows a builder to have them installed by the same roofing company that is doing the rest of the building's shingles. This can save time and money on the installation and make these types of home solar power systems very affordable. The wiring for these solar panel shingles is run through the roofing material and the interconnections are done inside of the attic. This way there are no visible wires on the roof which males for a cleaner installation.Black Label: Black label cedar is one step down from Red Label shingles. They have clear heartwood in about 50% of the shingle. Like red label, black label shakes and shingles also have a limited number of knots and defects above the clear portion of the shingle.

Important note: Higher quality ridge shingles typically require special installation procedures when installed. It may be wise to mention this to whoever you choose to install your roof. Ridge shingles are located at areas of your roof most vulnerable to wind damage and therefore subject blowing off if they are not installed properly. Ask your roofing contractor what sort of Special Installations are required for installing high quality ridge shingles.

Author: Eric Gilbert

Solar Panel Roof Shingles

With home solar power systems becoming more popular every year, some builders are looking for creative ways to incorporate this amazing alternative energy solution into their homes. Even though modern solar panels have improved over the years to be much more productive and durable, they are still a very obvious addition to a home that impacts the aesthetics of the design. Because of this many builders and homeowners are looking for alternative ways to build a solar power system into their homes that is less noticeable. Solar panel roof shingles allow a homeowner to enjoy the free power that these home solar power systems provide without the need to mount a set of solar panels on the roof.

The bottom line is, visually appealing Roof Systems include visually appealing ridge shingles. If you are not concerned with the visual appeal of your Roof System, then save a buck and use a standard cut shingle for your ridge caps. If however you'd like your house to look more like your castle...use a definitive edge ridge shingle such as an IKO Ultra Hip or a GAF/Elk z-ridge.Red Label: Red label cedar is not as "perfect" as blue label, but they are still a very good shingle. About 66% of the shingle is heartwood. It has limited amounts of sapwood and flat grain. It also has a limited number of knots and defects above the clear portion of the shingle.Solar panel shingles have been in development for the past few years and there have been versions of them available commercially for some time. What set the recent wave of these solar power shingles apart from the earlier models are their durability and their mounting options. Older solar panel shingles were hard to add to a roof because of the way they mounted and connected to the homes electrical system. Most of these early models had to be mounted in large groups on the roof and because they were typically thicker than current models, they were about as obvious as a standard solar panel cosmetically. Modern versions of these solar panel roof shingles are thinner and can be mixed in with standard roof shingles to help them better blend into a roof's design. They are also available in a wider variety of colors to allow you to match them to the color of the other roof shingles.

While these solar panel shingles will not produce as much power as a typical solar panel of the same size, they are increasing their efficiency every year and are close enough today to make financial sense for many homes. When you consider the advantages they provide over conventional solar panels in durability and aesthetics, they are fast becoming the solution of choice for many homeowners.

Author: Christhoper Lollini

BIPV Solar Market Accelerates According to GTM Research

GTM Research releases new report, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics: An Emerging Market

Schiffer Publishing Ltd.A woman was using the stove in her first-floor unit when she smelled something burning. Unable to find the source of the smell in the kitchen, she went into the bedroom to see if anything was amiss. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary, she returned to the kitchen, where she saw smoke. At about the same time, the smoke detectors began to sound.GTM Research is the market research arm of Greentech Media, providing in-depth technology, economic and market analysis for the global renewable energy and electric power industries. Greentech Media is an integrated online media company designed to deliver the highest-quality content in the industry, whether it is news, research or critical networking events. Greentech Media is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., with operations in New York City, San Francisco and Munich. For more information, visit http://www.greentechmedia.com.For detailed information about Building-Integrated Photovoltaics: An Emerging Market, priced at $1495.00, visit http://www.gtmresearch.com/report/building-integrated-photovoltaics-an-emerging-market.

About GTM Research and Greentech MediaNA7208Key Elements of the Report:GTM Research’s latest report, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics: An Emerging Market maps the global BIPV solar landscape from current and projected market opportunity to technology evolution, supplier portfolios and the sector’s innate design challenges. GTM Research’s report acts as a crucial guide through the levels of the expanding BIPV market structure.Building-Integrated Photovoltaics: An Emerging Market examines the latest generation of BIPV suppliers, products and applications, detailing the technology’s current and future markets globally.CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- The BIPV solar sector is poised for rapid expansion after years of being confined to niche markets. Impelled by maturing energy-efficiency codes, lucrative feed-in tariffs and supply-side product development, BIPV players are experiencing demand for a new array of BIPV solar components, including shingles, curtain walls and flexible panels for roofs and windows.

GTM Research is the market research arm of Greentech Media, providing in-depth technology, economic and market analysis for the global renewable energy and electric power industries. Greentech Media is an integrated online media company designed to deliver the highest-quality content in the industry, whether it is news, research or critical networking events. Greentech Media is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., with operations in New York City, San Francisco and Munich. For more information, visit http://www.greentechmedia.com.

Malfunctioning microwave starts fire

CONNECTICUT- A single sprinkler extinguished a fire that began when a microwave oven malfunctioned and ignited crackers stored inside it and wooden cabinets above it.

A floor monitor who came to investigate opened a window and told the woman and her husband, who had been watching television in the living room, to evacuate. The monitor also pulled the building's manual fire alarm and asked a neighbor to call 911. When the couple left the apartment, they did not know where the smoke was coming from.176 pages([c]2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR)HardcoverAccording to GTM Research, the installed capacity of PV on the whole is forecasted to reach more than 20 GW globally by 2013 (equating to roughly US$60 billion in revenue), and the cost of PV panels is projected to fall to US$1.20/W by that same date. This sustained boost for the overall PV industry will have an enormous spillover effect on the commercial opportunity for BIPV as engineering, construction and design companies avail themselves of PV’s economic viability in the face of mounting energy efficiency demands.

The building, valued at $2.8 million, sustained $22,000 in damage. There were no injuries.

Shingle style architecture for the 21st century

Shingle style architecture for the 21st century.

The three-story, 54-unit, woodframe apartment building, which was 255 feet (78 meters) long and 56 feet (1 7 meters) wide, had brick walls and a wooden roof covered with asphalt shingles. In addition to the wet-pipe sprinkler system, the building had a smoke and heat detection system.About the ReportThe building, valued at $2.8 million, sustained $22,000 in damage. There were no injuries.A fuse problem in the fire alarm control panel prevented the alarm from reaching the monitoring company, so the fire department only learned of the fire through the 91 1 call. Fortunately, one 155�F (68�C) sprinkler operated and extinguished the fire in the unit.Some 300 photos of 40 homes showcase a style popular in the United States beginning in the late 1800s, adopted as a reaction against Victorian fussiness. The homes usually have wood shingles on siding and roof, an irregular roof line, porches, and an asymmetrical floor plan. A sequel to the author's 2007 Shingle Style Houses, this book features houses built by today's architects that incorporate the best of the Shingle Style tradition. Introductory text and thorough captioning support the photo presentation.2010Investigators determined that the fire started in the internal control panel of the kitchen's microwave, which was plugged in but not in use at the time of the fire.Rooney, E. Ashley.

([c]2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR)