The Latest Designs In Roofing

There are a number of different designs in roofing that fall under two categories; sloped roofs and flat roofs.

Roofing designs are linked to either a certain style of housing or a particular region.

Here are 6 of the most popular ones out there.

1. Shed Roof

This is a simple option; a flat roof that is sloped. An upper floor can be added depending on the architectural elements and how sloped the roof is.

2. Pyramid Hip Roof

All four sides of the roof meet at the center point. This is commonly used in ranch style homes which do not have an upper floor. Dormer windows can be added but they aren’t necessary.

3. Gable Roof

This is one of the most popular designs in roofing. This allows room for creativity; dormer windows can be added to make it look even more extraordinary.

4. Mansard Roof

Mansard roofs have steep sides which give it a cap effect. This is a French inspired roof that allows additional space and light in the upper floors.

There are a number of variations within this design; such as the pyramid mansard roof in which the corners meet at the center creating a pyramid at the top, and the mansard roof that flares out at the bottom.

5. Bonnet Roof

There is an extended ledge around the base of the roof. At the top, it can be any roof design but the extended ledge makes it a bonnet variation.

The ledge can be held up with pillars for extra support. These are a good option for areas with strong winds and hurricanes as these are less likely to get torn off due to the extra support. The sides are sloped and so they protect the house from the sun, so that the porch is far cooler.

6. Flat Roof

This might appear a simple and plain design, but if you want a modern and mid century-look for your home, then this is the ideal choice.

These are mostly common in arid climates; the roof space can be used as a living space. They are usually found in commercial buildings all around the world. The material depends upon the region and preference. In warmer climates, concrete is a good option as it keeps the heat out. Wood is another popular option, but cannot be used where rainfall is common.

Haralson Roofing is a reliable and experienced roofing company. If you need repairs for your flat roof or want a new roof installed, they take care of the job. 

Long Live The Roof!

When installing a new roof, there are a number of factors to consider: cost, aesthetics, lifespan—there are so many things to keep in mind.

The lifespan of the roof depends on the sort of material that has been used to construct it. Roofing materials can last between 10 to 50 years. Here are some pointers that can help you make the right choice.

Asphalt Shingles

These usually last for about 20 years; if superior quality shingles are used, then it can last for up to 50 years. These are one of the least expensive options in roofing, but installation is a bit tricky so that will cost you. This is the most widely used product in the US and also has a number of options in colors and styles.

Architectural Asphalt

These only last for about 30 years and installation is also difficult due to the shingles being twice as thick and heavy as the regular asphalt shingles. This a new product used for roofing which in appearance looks similar to either slate tiles or wood shakes. These are less expensive but since it’s a new invention, there is no guarantee of how reliable the product is.

Metal Roofing

This product lasts between 40 to 60 years. The cost is higher as compared to asphalt shingles but you might want to consider this option since it will last almost a lifetime. The product is still less costly than slate. If you want to add another layer beneath it—for better insulation—then costs will drastically increase for you. Leaks, tears and punctures are concerns the same as with other materials.

Wood Shakes

This material does not last longer than 30 years unless the weather conditions are in its favor. The problem with wood is that becomes wet and weakens over time. In winters, this becomes a major concern.

There are pressure treated options available in the market which are said to hold up better. Since wood is easy to cut and shape, the thicker shakes are able to last longer than the thinner ones.

Slate Roofing

Concrete, slate and clay all can last for over a 100 years. This is definitely the most expensive option, but worth the investment. The major problem with this is the fact that it is extremely challenging to work with and installation will be time-consuming.

Apart from the lifespan of the material, another factor to consider is whether your roofing company is reliable to begin with. Haralson Roofing is a leading Ohio-based roofing company you can turn to for all kinds of roofing installation and repair services. 

Comparing Roofing Materials: Choose the One for You!

Roof comes in all shapes and sizes, and they can be made up of different materials. Each has its set f properties and advantages. Let’s discuss some of the most common roofing material you can choose from.

Composite Roofing

Composite roofing is what we know as asphalt shingles and is perhaps the most common type roofing used on modern homes. If you are strapped on budget, this tile is perhaps your best option in terms of low cost and quick installation.

This roofing is made from fiberglass or cellulose mats that are coated with granules and asphalt. Its profile is flat and rather lightweight. As a rule of thumb, the heavier the shingle you choose the more durable they will be.  

Wooden Roofing

Wooden shingles are made of southern pine, redwood, and cedar. You might want to check out your county's local construction code as some prohibit use of wood, as it is flammable. You will have to double your budget if you go with wooden roofing.  

If you live in a suburban neighborhood, wood would blend seamlessly with the surrounding ambiance of your home. The average life you can expect from this type of roofing is between 15 – 25 years and requires your roof measurements to be at least 4:12 slope.

Concrete Tile Roofing

Concrete tiles are modern in appearance and virtually indestructible in terms of durability. This type of roofing gives you an added peace of mind as you install and forget about its replacement guarantee. This type of roofing isn't the most expensive, neither is it the cheapest.

This type of roofing is molded so they interlock firmly, not to mention this makes it easier to install if you are considering doing the roofing yourself. You can decide between different weight types depending on your roof.

Rubber Composite Roofing

Rubber composite roofing, also known as synthetic slates are shingles made from rubber and blend of plastic. Bonded on a molecular level, the characteristics of this tile make it extremely lightweight, extremely strong and flexible.

These types of roofing come with a minimum warranty of 50 years. This is perhaps the most expensive roofing available and is not height in demand. But if it is durability you are looking for, this roofing is the go-to type.

No matter the type and material of your rood, we offer a wide range of roofing services to help you maintain one of the most important components of your home. Get in touch to learn more about our domestic and commercial roofing services. 

Benefits of Having a Professional Inspect Your Roof for Storm Damage

Being able to see a damaged roof and knowing that it needs repair doesn’t make anyone a qualified roof damage inspector. There is a reason professionals go through extensive training and build their expertise over years of supervised on-job training and experience.

Once the storm is over, there is much more than meets the eye.

Water being one of the most destructive forces of nature can deal more damage than what you initially see and imagine. It is why it is important to call in a team of professionals who can climb on to the roof and take a look at every nook and cranny for the damage that is not visible otherwise.

Now, you may be great at climbing the roof but there are many reasons the inspection part should be left to the residential roofing companies. Here are just a few reasons to convince you of that.

We Are Equipped for Safety and Efficiency

What might take you hours is actually a matter of minutes for us because we have the right tool, equipment, and experience. While the importance of tools and equipment and tools is unchallenged, experience also has a key role to play in expediting the work. We are well aware of the places water can sneak into, so we have a better roadmap to begin with.

Speaking of safety, we bring along the approved safety gear and equipment that let us work safely and quickly at great heights. Most people don’t have such equipment at home and buying that will cost at least ten times more than hiring professionals.

Our Words Matter, Especially for Insurance Claims

When we inspect roof damage, we create a proper report that mentions the extent of damage and the cost of repair. This will help you start your insurance claim process even before we start working on the repair. Since our inspection is more comprehensive, the report also accounts for damage that you might not consider when estimating the cost. This means you will not end up claiming less money than actually needed.

We Help You Prevent Future Damage

Sometimes during an inspection, we realize that the roof has taken more damage than it should have. This usually happens when there is an underlying issue that makes roof more vulnerable during a storm. In such scenarios, our professional roofing experts can offer you the right advice and recommendations to protect your roof from as much damage as possible, in case a calamity strikes again.

Learn more about our residential roof repair and inspection services by getting touch with us at 330-784-4000 

The Effects Of Mold On Your Roof — And How To Remove It

Over time, as a result of exposure to moisture, our roofing can experience mold growth.

This not only ruins the aesthetics of your home, but this can cause several medical conditions. These conditions can include allergies, irritation or infections.

How Is The Roof Affected?

A moist and humid environment is ideal for the growth of mold. Algae, lichens and mold can eat through the shingles in the roof, causing the wood to rot.

Once the wood rots, moisture can easily seep through the cracks and make its way into your home. This will not only damage your roof, but can weaken the structure of your home once the moisture seeps into the walls. You will begin to see cracks in the walls; the shingles on the roof will be covered in stains.

Mold stains form on the roof shingles because of being in permanent shade. If there is a tree providing shade to your roof, you are creating the perfect conditions for mold growth. The stains caused by mold discolor the roof and weakens the shingles.

How To Clean The Roof

If you are experiencing problems with mold growth, here is a way you can use household cleaning supplies to get rid of this issue.

First, you the need to make sure that all the plants near the sides of your house are well protected.

The bleach solution you are going to use can damage the plants. You can splash water on the plants or cover them with plastic sheeting.

Before using the bleach solution, wear gloves and a breathing mask. The solution you make must contain ½ parts of chlorine bleach and ¾ parts water. Add one tablespoon of trisodium phosphate (TSP). Now that your mixture is ready, pour it into a pump sprayer to apply it easily.

Spray it all over the shingles and let the solution soak into the shingles for about 15 minutes. This time will depend on how much mold there is. Then using a garden hose, rinse the entire roof. Start from the top and make your way to the bottom shingles. This way you will be able to prevent seepage in the roof.

Remember to never use a pressure washer for this cleaning it can corrode the shingles, which will further weaken the roofing.

When you are consistently facing problems with mold, it is a sign that you need to contact a professional roofing company. Your roof might need to be replaced.

Haralson Roofing can help to make the necessary repairs you might need, or in the case of severe mold, they can install a new one. Take their online mold quiz to find out the next step in roof repairs.  

5 Things To Do Before You Replace Your Roof

How Bad Weather Impacts Your Roof

Imagine yourself sitting on your living room couch, enjoying a cup of hot chocolate, and watching your all time favorite movie.

It’s raining outside. This means you’re confined indoors—but you don’t mind.

The beauty of nature amazes you; you feel warm and cozy inside your blanket. Suddenly you feel droplets of water on your shoulder, and you look up, only to discover that there are not one, but a number of leaks in your roof.

There are many situations we tend to ignore—however when it comes to the care of our homes, we need to stay alert. Look out for all these weather conditions which can cause destruction.

Heat

Paying attention to the adverse effects of heat is something people often ignore. What they are unaware of is that summer is almost as dangerous as other weather conditions when it comes to the roof of your home.

Certain materials that make up your roof tend to swell in extreme heat, while other kinds of materials shrink. This results in immediate damage to the construction.

The supporting structure can also grow weak over time. Breaking and displacement are common and will only be discovered at the last possible moment.

Rain

Rain is a common occurrence, and one that should be given the right amount of attention.

Checking the roof for leaks due to cracks caused by rain is thus essential. Once there is too much leakage, it will be a really big problem for your house. It can result in the damage of furniture and at times extreme repairs will be needed.

So the next time it rains, be sure to go up into your attic and check for leaks!

Wind

We often ignore wind until we are faced with extremely strong winds or at the time of a hurricane. However, this can severely affect our homes and should not be left unnoticed. The roof is most prone to damage at such times.

The strong winds can move panels and tiles on your roof exposing your house, which will cause problems at the time of rainfall. Despite them not completely falling apart, their displacement alone can be of concern.

Another thing; are there trees near your home? The wind causes trees to rub against the building, which causes the structure of your roof to weaken over time.

Snow

Snowfall is the weather condition that affects the roofing of our homes the most. This is because it often combines with wind and rain, adding to the damage.

It is especially harmful if the necessary precautions have not been taken to protect the roof. It can even lead to part of the roof collapsing as a result of the weight of snow.

Not only will this add weight to the structure, but will also clog gutters. Damage to the roof is accelerated because of moisture.

The protection of your home is in your hands. Contact us now for the best residential and commercial roofing services. We give you the help that you need, so that you can sit back and enjoy your hot chocolate in the comfort of your home.