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.

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


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