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How long will it take to install a new roof?-American Construction

February 2, 2019

If your roof is leaking and you have had that dreaded feeling that all signs are pointing towards the expense of having a roof replaced, it is natural to feel stressed and worry. It is natural to wonder how and how soon the project can be done. It is critical to get your bearing around you before you schedule to get your roofing replaced. Installing a new roof is a labor intensive job that takes a large crew and resources to get it done quickly. Although most homes can have their roofs replaced within a week, there are a number of factors that can delay the replacement due to a variety of factors. A few of those factors are:

Weather:

Weather is the most common factor that causes delays in installing a new roof. It is especially true when the rain interrupts a roofing job already underway. If the roof is not covered up immediately, the decking may get wet, which will need to be dried before the shingles could be put on the roof. Other inclement weather elements such as high winds or snow make it dangerous for the crew to work on the roof making it difficult for the crew to complete a project. Your roofing contractor is always cognizant of these factors and will always advise you on when and how to install the roof and will schedule the project accordingly.

Weather can also play havoc on roofing tools. Colder temperatures especially if you are having your roof replaced in the winter can have a negative effect on tools that can delay your roofing project timeline.

Weather can also have an effect on shingle roofing. Shingle roofing, being made using tar can lose its flexibility when the temperatures get very cold.

Type and Size of your home’s roof:

There are many variables with the type of your house that can lengthen the roofing job. However, the sheer square footage of the roof itself decides the replacement timeline. Along with the size of the roof, another factor is the pitch of the roof. The steeper the roof, the riskier it is to work on it and more precautionary measure and specialized labor and equipment are needed. If the pitch of the roof is steep the workers need to have a temporary railing, harnesses, and cleats to install the roofing and installing these and taking them off add to the time it takes to roof.

Another element of the house that may cause a delay in the installation is where the house is located or if it has some issues with delivering the supplies and shingles. But, this might not be something of a surprise since a professional roofing contractor would foresee and plan for any issues arriving due to this issue.

Material Availability and Delivery:

This is a subject that we seldom think about. Of course, this may not be a problem when you are located close to a metro area like we are in Cherry Hill, NJ. But, if you are located in a remote area or if you have selected color or item that is unique in arranging the delivery of needed roofing material might take some time. Also, if your home is difficult to get to, like at the end of a 100 feet long unpaved driveway might make it challenging for a loaded truck to deliver a bulk of shingle to your doorstep, which may prove costly and time-consuming. Aside from such unique challenges material delivery or availability may not pose a major issue.

Complications in repair and rehab once the shingles are removed:

The true condition of your roof and what needs to be done to restore it back to health cannot be determined until the old roof is taken off.

This is particularly true of roofs that have a layover on top of the first layer. When the crew takes off the existing layers of the roof they cannot be sure as to what previous problems were covered over by doing a layover with a second layer of shingles and they have to remedy the problems found before installing the new roof.

Sometimes, for example, there are hidden structural issues like rotting decking or even rotting rafters that need to be addressed before putting on the new roofing. This causes substantial delays in completing a roofing project.

Changing the Type of Roofing:

It is not normally common, but when a client decides to move from one type of roofing, say asphalt shingles to another type of roofing, say tiles, the needs for support of the roof are totally different because tile roofs are normally much heavier than asphalt shingles. If your house was originally built to hold the weight of an asphalt roof, additional structures may need to be erected or devised to allow the roof to be able to hold the added weight. This may cause substantial delays in installing the new roof.

Installing Deck Protection and Barriers:

If you have older home chances are that after several decades deck protection, barriers and other preventative measures and weather-related fittings are worn out or entirely missing. Having to take off the bits and pieces of the old material and installing modern fittings can take some time and delay the roof install.

In conclusion, there are many factors that can change the timeline of your roof installation, however, a professional and ethical contractor who has your best interest at heart will plan for any and all eventualities and deal with the problems accordingly.

Determinants of how much will my roof replacement cost?

February 2, 2019

Replacing your roof is a major investment in your home albeit an essential one. When you are planning on having your roof replaced, it is a good idea to understand not only the process through which you can get most for your investment but also why and how certain choices you make in terms of replacing your roof can impact the price you pay for roof replacement.

It is important to educate yourself first before you invite a contractor in to provide you with an estimate for the cost of replacement of your roof. Here at American Construction, we provide services that can fit every budget.

Factors that Impact the Cost of a New Roof:

Your roof is a complex structure with several layers of material that work together to not only protect you against outside elements but also ensure a healthy and optimum atmosphere inside your house. Here are a few important factors that can impact the final price you pay for roof replacement:

Square Footage of Your Roof:

Traditionally your roof is measured in what they call a roofing square which is a ten feet by ten feet piece of roof. You can call your prospective list of roofing contractors you are considering for the job and find out what their cost per square is. That should give you a rough idea of what to expect when budgeting for your roof.

Roofing Material Used:

Your cost of replacing the roof can vary dramatically depending on the material you use to replace your existing roof. Not only can the quality of material, even the color of the material impact the price noticeably. For example, just in the asphalt roofing costs if want to replace a three tab shingle roof to an architectural type shingles roof, both the life of your roof and the price can practically double. Similar or even more drastic differences in prices can occur when you move from an asphalt roof to a wood, shake, slate, or metal roof.

It is also important to note that when you change from using one type of material for your roof to another there are additional costs associated with increased weight or handling of the new material that is added to the cost of roofing. It is important to be mindful of this fact since added weight or handling can change your bill noticeably.

House Structure and Suitability for Chosen Material:

It is important to note that when you decide to move from having one type of roof to another, the technical requirements of various parts of your house such as the weight of the material or the underlying decking may change. The new material, such as a tile roof, may be much heavier than the old and thus require more support under it to hold the weight. This can add substantial cost to your overall bill if such structural changes are needed before your new roof can be installed.

Roof Pitch:

Your roof’s pitch is the angle of the steepness of your roof. The steeper it is, the riskier it is for the roofing crew to move around and work on it. Added to the risk is the cost of having safety equipment like temporary railing harnesses and cleats. This adds to the cost of putting on a new roof.

Valleys and Peaks on the Roof:

Valleys are areas of the roof where two different roof lines meet. Your house may have a different number of levels in the different area that can add to varying peaks and valleys on your roof. It is cheaper and easier to cover straight sections of a roof. Peaks and valleys not only require special equipment and expertise to put a roof on but may also require more time and labor. This may change your roofing estimate.

Access to the House or the Roof:

Sometimes your house is located far from the main road or at an awkward angle architecturally that make it difficult for the material deliveries to be brought in or have to be carried up. This will add to the labor for the job and can impact your final bill.

How Many Layers of Shingles are on Your Roof?

Most of us assume that our taking one layer of shingles off is the same as taking two off, however, it may take double or more time depending on what is found under the first layer. If your house, unfortunately, has three layers of shingles, this may also have done some damage to the underlying structure of decking due to added weight that may need to be properly assessed before a new roof may be put on top of it.

Extra Structures on the Roof:

That grand chimney on your roof may let you have a lovely fire during winter nights or having multiple skylights on your roof might bring in more light, but when it comes to accommodating such structures during your roofing project may add to the cost of not only working around it but also ensuring no water or other elements get around them and under your shingles during its lifetime. This may add a good chunk to the cost of adding a roof to your house.

Repairs to the Existing Infrastructure:

Try as you may and have your roofing contractor inspect the roof before writing that estimate, but the true condition of the underlayment and decking cannot be known precisely before taking the old roof off. Until then it is impossible to predict the added cost of repairs that are needed to mend the underlying damage before putting the new roof on.

Overhang:

If your house has a large covered porch or other such structures, ice protection will need to be installed at the edge of the roof and inside the line of walls. This is a prudent and smart addition, but it will add to the cost of your roofing job.

In conclusion, putting on a new roof can be a challenging and frustrating thing if you are running on a tight budget. Unexpected costs and cost overruns may put a squeeze on your budget. But an ethical contractor with your best interest at heart can walk you safely through this quagmire and advise you on what prudent investments to make and what to differ for a future project.

What is the Process of Providing your Roofing Estimate?

February 1, 2019

Finding a roofing contractor like that has your best interest at heart isn’t going to be easy. But, it can be done if you know exactly what you are looking for. Replacing a roof is unquestionably one of the largest home renovation investments you will make in your lifetime. It is therefore critical to pay attention to what is listed in a roofing proposal.

Remember that replacing a roof is a fairly labor intensive process. There are a number of costs involved in it that either gets explicitly included in an estimated or added on top of things. This may include many expenses that a homeowner may not consider part of a contractor’s cost, such as the labor cost of removing the existing roof, the massive amount of debris produced, the dumpster rental to store the debris from the roofing job, and the cost of delivery of new roof’s material such as shingles and underlayment to the job site.

It is your responsibility to get the contractor to explain the details of any additional charges listed on the job estimate. The more willing and transparent the contractor is with details of each charge the more likely it is that the numbers are not padded. At American Construction, we always follow the best practices and we will treat your project like our own.

It’s An Estimate:

No matter how sincere and ethical your roofing contractor is, it is impossible to know everything that will need to be addressed with your roof specifically. Whatever the quote says, take it with a grain of salt and as a projection of what lies ahead. A good roofer however, would thoroughly inspect your home, understand what they are working with and communicate that to you when they provide you with an estimate. A truly professional roofer will also make recommendations of products that will fit your unique need and budget. He may also show you samples of what they are going to use for your roofing project. The more thorough the inspection and less the selling and trying to get you to sign a contract, the more comfortable you will feel towards a roofing contractor.

Do Your Homework:

Before a roofing contractor arrives to provide you with an estimate, you should proactively gather some information and try and educate yourself about your home a little in order to not be taken for a ride. Here’s what you’ll need to get a realistic and accurate estimate:

Budget: If you’ve read our (insert link here) article, you may have done some ground work as to calling various roofing contractors and getting their per square foot/yard cost of roofing. This is just a starting point of figuring out a ball park figure of what you should allocate for your roofing job. However, please understand that your roofing cost depends on several factors aside from just the plain cost of shingles. Also, the roofing cost depends on both the square footage and the pitch of your roof.
Material Used: It is essential to understand that even within the category of asphalt roofing there are several qualities of material and respective life of those materials used. If you’re jumping altogether from asphalt roofing to metal or ceramic tile, you’re talking about a whole different ball game. Share your vision of the roof you would like to install and let them help you with the process. However, you need to be your own best advocate and do independent research on what you are going for and what to expect in cost structure for your choice of material.
Timeframe of the Project: Roofing by its nature is a short project with a timeline of up to a week. However, if you have other projects dependent on the timeline of your roof being replaced, make sure you discuss that with the contractor representative that comes in to discuss the project.
Existing Problems with your roof: It is critical that you list all the issues you are having with your roof and the timeline of when it occurred (approximately). Problems like leaks, ice dams and other issues that lead you to believe you need to replace your roof. This will be of enormous help to the estimator to provide you with an accurate estimate of job at hand. Based on the weather if certain problems have disappeared or have corrected themselves, does not necessarily mean they have gone away for good. A good roofing contractor would appreciate having all the details at hand before providing you with the estimate.

How to gauge the estimate you are given?

Now that you have done your homework and provided the roofing contractor with all the pertinent details of what you are looking for in replacing your roof, it is time to closely examine what your estimate states:

Material Used:

Each estimate you get should mention exactly the material that would be used on your roof along with manufacturer, style, grade and color of the shingles. This is not only to educate you about the tendency of various roofers and their pricing structure but also how the pricing changes from vendor to vendor.

Explanation of Liabilities and Warranties:

It is critical that you look at these two parts since if the contractor does not have liability insurance you could be sued for any accidents or injuries that the crew suffers on your property. Your roof comes with two kinds of warranties. One on the material from the shingles manufacturer and another from the contractor on work performed to install the roof. Both warranties cover separate events and you need to read these and understand what is covered and how to claim it.

How the waste will be removed?

Roofing is a messy project that will not only produce the debris from the roof being removed but a whole lot of nails and other metal debris that is either being removed or used to install the new roof. You need to know how the waste will be removed and who is responsible for the costs associated with the removal, such as rental cost of a dumpster that is commonly used to collect all the debris in.

Other items that you need to look at closely are payment terms, additional costs and licenses and permits being issued for the work.

In conclusion, a roofing estimate is a detailed document that holds you liable for not only the payment for the roof but associated costs, liabilities and warranties. You need to read it in its entirety and understand it completely before you sign on the dotted line.

Does the Roof Estimator Need to Come Inside My House?

February 1, 2019

Replacing your roof is one of the most expensive home remodeling projects you will ever invest in. So, it is vitally important that you find a competent, experienced and proactive contractor. Before finding out if a roofing estimator should come inside your house, let’s first discuss how you should prepare for selecting a roofing contractor to replace your roof. A mistake in picking the right contractor can cost you an average of 10 years of your home’s roof life. The quickest way to finding a reliable and competent roofing contractor is by doing some due diligence when getting your first set of estimates. Get it free from us at American Construction.

Most of us intuitively think that the more information we have and higher the number of businesses there is competing for our business, the better our chances of making an informed decision. Right? Wrong! Of the top 10 web search results for “roofing contractor cherry hill, NJ” 5 of the top 10 results aren’t even for the websites of roofing companies. They are for powerful service ranking websites like Yelp, Angie’s list, and BBB. These organizations get paid to recommend roofing contractors to you at a cost to the roofing company that gets added to your tab for services rendered.

The result is that we begin to consider roofing contractors recommended to us based on a paid service or worse yet we have so many candidates that we either forget or ignore important details of what they are offering including the length of the warranty of installed roof and the certification and qualification of the installing crew.

In the end because of the massive amount of information we end up deciding simply on the basis of the lump sum price of the installation without considering critical factors that impact that price.

How to avoid such costly mistakes due to information overload?

We have devised an easy to follow screening process to root out roofing outfits that are either fly-by-the-night companies that are not licensed to do business in the State of New Jersey or are Jack-of-all-trades businesses that do not have expertise in installing roofs and can make a mess of any project.

Your homes roof will be with you for over 50 years, so it is critical to have someone install it that can service it and repair it if the roof fails to perform as expected. There are three questions that your roofing contractor must be able to answer to establish a business relationship with you.

Question 1: What is your legal business name?

Any business wanting to earn business from the public should be able to answer this question credibly. It is very easy to misrepresent who you are and what you do these days and asking for a legal business name is a quick way to establish the fact that you are dealing with a legitimate business that would be around to service you or resolve any issues with the faulty roof should you need to unfortunately claim the warranty on the roof to do so; if the person hems and haws ask them to provide you with a copy of their state license via email. This is a quick way to establish if you are dealing with a credible and dependable vendor.

Question2: What Level or Roofing Insurance do you carry?

The State of New Jersey requires a minimum of $1,000,000 liability insurance for a roofing contractor to operate. Any amount above that and the ability to fax or email a copy of a valid proof of insurance should suffice. However, any hemming or hawing or variation from the standard answer is a fair warning against hiring that contractor.

Question 3: Do You Use Subcontractors/Who Will be at the Jobsite during the Roofing of My House?

If the answer to them using the subcontractors is yes, you need to keep moving and find yourself another roofing contractor. The answer on who will be at the job site should be someone who can take the ownership of the project, not someone who is a stand-in. The answer should be along the lines of either owner of the company, manager of the company, etc. Larger companies do have project managers that are specially trained to marshal all the resources to carry a project to successful completion. An answer like a roofing crew or a foreman is just not good enough.

Roofing a house is a complex operation and a small problem can easily derail your project into a disaster zone.

Now that you have established the credibility of the roofing contractor you are considering installing a new roof over your house, it’s time to check which contractor has your best interest at heart.

Here are a few questions you need to ask the contractor:

Can you drop off an estimate for my new roof in my mailbox? A competent roofer with your best interest at heart will need to ask you about a number of things, examine your roof to get the lay of the land of the project and explain the process to you. Anyone not willing to do that is probably either grossly incompetent or in it to make a few bucks regardless of what’s best for you.
How much do you charge per square foot of roofing? Lots of factors go into roofing. Anywhere from the current price of the material, to the age of the roof, the pitch of the roof and specific conditions with your roof. Anyone who races for the bottom-line price isn’t looking out for your best interest.
Can you do a layover instead of tear-off roofing? A tear-off is when the roofer tears off the old roofing down to the decking, examines and addresses any underlying issues and then puts a new roof on. A layover is basically putting shingles on top of your existing roof, drive a nail through your existing shingles and hope for the best. A contractor agreeing to do a layover without examining your roof to see if it is appropriate is out to simply make a buck and leave you with a bad roof.
Do you need to come inside my house to give me a quote? An experienced contractor looking out for your interest would like to inspect your roof both inside and out and only after the thorough inspection would advise you on how to proceed with the roofing project. Anyone saying, no we can do the roofing without a thorough inspection of how things stand is just trying to take your money.

In conclusion, the answer to your question, “Does a roof estimator needs to come inside my house?” The answer should always be a definite ‘Yes!’

How Long Can I Expect My Roof to Last? – American Construction

February 1, 2019

Your roof is a major investment in your home and especially an asphalt roof can last you 50+ years. Before discussing the lifespan of a roof, American Construction provides a list to help you understand the anatomy of a roof, discuss its parts and what function they perform in the overall scheme and how they balance each other’s role.

Here are the layers that make up your home’s asphalt roof:

Shingles:

The uppermost layer of your roof is, of course, the multiple layers of asphalt shingles.

Aside from providing an aesthetic cover for homes of most architectural styles, asphalt shingles provide an excellent cover to repel water, absorb the damaging ultraviolet rays and protect the underlying structure from extreme heat or cold. The shingles are mostly composed of a tough fiberglass sheathing underneath that holds together a shingle, the asphalt and the granules made from crushing a specific type of hard rock.

Underlayment:

The underlayment lies under the shingles. There are a number of materials used for underlayment. But, the most common one used is called ‘Felt.’ Felt is a thick durable paper which has been soaked and saturated in asphalt. ‘Felt’ provides a secondary, although temporary protection against rain or wind, in case a shingle comes loose or gets torn away in inclement weather. It also acts as a temporary measure to keep the wood underneath it dry during the time the shingles are being added on top of it. The underlayment is rolled horizontally on the roof when installed from the bottom edge. During the installation, significant overlap is allowed to ensure that no water seeps into the wood structure below the underlayment.

Drip Edge:

The drip edge is an angled aluminum strip that is nailed onto the underlayment at the edge of the roof before installing the shingles. The drip edge, also known as ‘Eave Flashing’ are put in place to guide water to easily flow into roof gutters without getting absorbed at the edge of the roof and building up, especially during winter months.

Flashing:

The flashing does exactly what the drip edge does for the edges of the roof. The flashing is a piece of sheet metal usually made from aluminum or galvanized steel that is placed over joints between a roof and outcropping wall construction on the roof. Objects such as chimneys, plumbing vents, fan vents and other items that stick out of the roof are surrounded by flashing. The purpose of flashing is to use the gravitational force to keep the water from seeping under the shingles via the gap between the roofing and the outcropping object. If properly installed, flashing directs the water away from the joint and down the roof either reaching the ground or the gutter system surrounding the roof. The aluminum or galvanized steel is used for flashing largely because of its durability and the ability to withstand major temperature fluctuations causing it to expand and contract and still maintain the seal it provides to repel the water from seeping in. The metal used usually have a lifespan of over 100 years and can withstand temperature fluctuation of 50+ degrees.

Decking:

This is the foundation of a roof upon which all the other protective layers are placed. The decking is normally plywood boards attached to the rafters of a house, however, with the changing technology, these could be anything from OSB (oriented strand board), polystyrene, metal or even concrete. The function of all the roofing material from shingles, to underlayment to flashing and drip edge, is to protect the wood decking underneath.

Now that we understand the anatomy of an asphalt roof let’s discuss the factors that impact its longevity:

The Singles:

Whether your house is topped with the affordable asphalt roof shingles or fancier tile or cedar shingles, these shingles and their health ultimately decide the life and longevity of your roof. Please understand that the roof as a whole is a system with essential components that work together to protect your home against outside elements and the system as a whole needs to work, but shingles ensure the overall safety from it all. It is like an armor that protects more sensitive parts inside it.

The asphalt shingles normally have a lifespan of 50+ years, but various factors can make a big difference in it.

Type of asphalt shingle used:

3-tab shingles are the least costly of the asphalt shingle family. They are an acceptable choice for a more temperate climate but, they are not suitable for any area that suffers from extreme weather, like high winds, high heat or rapid temperature changes. The shingles themselves can withstand winds of up to 60 – 70 miles per hour. Anything above that and you are risking major roof damage. They are also very sensitive to extreme heat or rapid temperature changes and are not recommended for areas with strong direct sunlight or arid areas with the high heat index.
Architectural / Dimensional Asphalt shingles are made of thicker material and hence are more durable. They can also withstand stronger winds and are rated for wind speeds up to 110 miles per hour. They can also withstand high heat, direct sunlight and rapid temperature changes.
Premium Shingles are similar to architectural asphalt shingle with even sturdier construction. They can withstand the winds similar to the architectural asphalt shingles, however, they may have added features such as being better able to reflect sun’s rays (also known as Cool Roof) and better impact resistance capability to sustain damage caused by a hail storm.

Installation:

Aside from the material used for your roof, the installation of that material has a great impact on its lifespan. Here are some important installation issues to discuss with your contractor:

Ventilation: A well-vented roof and attic can add or subtract as much as 5-10 years from your roof’s life. In addition, a properly vented roof can help reduce your energy bills, keep the snow from melting prematurely preventing the formation of ice dams on your roof and keep the excessive moisture in the attic from rotting out the decking of the roof.
Meeting Specific Regional Installation Requirements: Installing your roof correctly for where your house is located and the weather conditions it would encounter makes a big difference in getting the most life out of your roof.
Correctly Managing the Airflow: As we discussed above ventilation and airflow around your roof is of great importance. Having the correct airflow management using vents, soffit, and other good ventilation routing tools. Good airflow and ventilation are also part of the manufacturer’s warranty requirements.

In conclusion, before answering the question about the life expectancy of your roof, it is essential to understand how a roof anatomically functions and how to protect it from an early demise. This is also true for making your new roof last as long as physically possible with good maintenance, ventilation, and care.

Can You Do a Layover Instead of a Full Roof Replacement?

February 1, 2019

Re-roofing or Layover is a process in which the second set of shingles is layered over an existing set of shingles on a roof without taking off the existing layer of old shingles on a roof. A roof can only have one layover done. Therefore, if your roof already has two layers of shingles (layered separately) you cannot have a layover done on top of it.

Since you do not tear off old roofing shingles, a layover can be done much faster and it is supposed to be a cheaper alternative to complete roof replacement.

Layover may be a good option for those homes whose asphalt shingled roof is old enough to be replaced but the overall structure of the roof is sound. The layover may be a choice if there have been minor leaks, but no significant damage due to leaks and there are no issues with mold, mildew, moss, fungus or other growth. However, it is critical to understand that in order for a layover to work you must be replacing or covering your entire roof and not just doing a layover on parts of your existing roof.

However, layover may not always be your go-to option. Without removing the existing layer of shingles, it is often impossible to tell what you will find lurking under them. How much if any of the felt underlayment is covering the decking and if the decking itself is dry. While it is possible to gauge some of the issues by looking through the attic at the underside of the roofing, it is difficult to diagnose a rot or sagging decking from the underside.

When you add a second layer of shingles upon the first you are not only covering up an existing problem instead of fixing it, you might be making it worse by leaving it untreated.

As mentioned above, a layover is only feasible when done on the entire roof. If you will try to do a layover on a portion of the roof, it can cause some unexpected problems with the overall integrity of your roof. Since the reroofed areas of your roof are now thicker than other areas the reroof areas will not match other areas especially at the ridge cap.

It is often a bad idea to do a layover if you already have two separate layers of shingles on your roof. Although you can do it as a DIY project or even find a jack-of-all-trades roofer do it for you, you may be risking a major waste of money since a third layer of shingles may not be secured properly by nailing them to the decking, which can become undone any time any inclement weather hits your house. This may also mean you are simply covering over some existing issues with your roofing rather than addressing them. At American Construction, we will deal with the problem correctly and treat your roofing project, big or small, like it is our own.

When Is Roof Replacement a Better Option Than Overlay?

The best thing about a complete roof replacement rather than doing a layover is that it could be done at any time. Total replacement should always be the default option when you have more than one layer of shingles on your home’s roof. It is also highly recommended when you suspect the decking to be the main problem with the roof rather than the shingles. If the shingles on your roof are in a bad shape, the more likely scenario is that the decking underneath it is in poor shape as well and is in dire need of inspection and repair rather than being covered up.

Why Should You Reject Layover?

Decking Problems Left Unsolved: Covering up the existing shingles with another layer of shingles temporarily covers up an existing problem with your roof’s decking and let them fester for future problems to occur with your roofing.
No Ice and Water Shield: Tearing off the existing roof allows the roofing crews to install or repair secondary leak protection like an ‘Ice and Water Shield.’ Any secondary leak protection needs to be installed on the decking to work properly. Without the secondary protection, ice and water can sneak below the top layer of shingles and get trapped onto the old layer to cause all kinds of leaks and other problems.
Roof Collapse Hazard: The weight of a single layer of shingles can be as much as 250-300 pounds per 100 square feet of decking. By having a layover you are doubling that weight to roughly 500 pounds. If you have rotting or soggy decking under it, it means that during inclement weather and with additional water and ice snuck under the top layer you are risking the roof to collapse during a rough storm during inclement weather.
Lower Life Expectancy: If you do not resolve the issues underlying you existing roof shingles, it will detract the new layer of layover from protecting your roof for the long term that the new shingles are rated for. If the new shingles are a poor fit, it will allow ice and water to sneak under them and cause all sorts of havoc needing both layers of shingles to be removed before the investment of the layover is realized.

In conclusion, layover might be a good option for a roof that has no major issues with leaks or rotten or soggy decking. However, it is impossible to know this for certain without removing the old shingles and homeowners who choose to do a layover without knowing the problems lurking underneath get a rude awakening when those problems crop up after the layover has been done. Your best option is to tear-off your existing roof and have a new roof put on after a thorough examination and eradication of underlying problems.

Importance of Keeping Your Roof Clean-American Construction

February 1, 2019

It is no secret that the roof of a house is the most sturdy and unflinching protector against the elements. And when we talk about the elements out there, they are not just seasonal. Most of the exterior of the house like siding and windows come into immediate focus if we notice any impact or unsightly damage. But, the roof is often ignored to withstand the impact of the outdoor elements tacitly. Just like the windows and the outdoor siding of a house its roof also need regular cleaning.

But, don’t the elements also keep the roof clean?

It is true that sunshine and rain help in keeping the roof clean. But, not all parts of the roof get the needed amount of sunlight, nor do all the roof elements absorb the moisture and other natural elements that affect it negatively. Unlike in the arid areas out west, most houses in the metropolitan suburbs like, Moorestown, NJ, Voorhees, NJ, and Mount Laurel, NJ are surrounded by trees which in turn prevent some areas of the roof from getting enough sunlight. There are a number of natural elements that cause your roof to look dingy, dirty and aged with dark stains, areas that seem discolored. Most of this malaise is generally caused on your roof by three common elements:

• Algae

• Moss

• Fungus

The elements along with dirt can make your roof look dirty, aged and unwell.

What is Algae?

At times homeowners consider the ugly black streaks on the roof as normal wear and tear of the roof. In reality, it is an alga of genus Gloeocapsa, called Gloeocapsa magma or GM, a bacterium that causes those black stains. Due to tree cover or other reason, when the roof is not getting enough sunlight, GM forms a blue-green cover over your roof and starts discoloring. The GM feeds off of the asphalt and limestone roofing shingles. The GM also houses several other types of mold that can be damaging to your roof. Persistent cover of algae can help deteriorate the shingles and eventually cause a total rot. The mold spores they carry can also cause havoc to your indoor air quality.

Moss:

Moss is naturally occurring plants in nature that have shallow roots and love moisture. The often grown under tree cover in areas with copious amounts of moisture, lows sunlight and no traffic. The also use the debris that trees drop on them to feed on and thrive. Moss spores like those of algae are in the air and attach themselves to buildings and damp spots on bricks, wood and other objects to grow. Unlike algae, moss is relatively less invasive and dangerous. In itself, moss does not pose any threat to your or your house’s health. Moss neither has any poisons nor does it cause irritation, and its mass does not grow rapidly to gargantuan size to impact your roof. The biggest impact of moss is on wood and wood structures. The extensive presence of moss on wooden roofs can cause roof-rot. Of course, the moisture in itself is a danger to any roof. It can weaken or even rot the shingles over time.

Fungus:

Fungi feed on dead, fossilized organic matter. The tar used on roofing shingles is just the ticket and an important food source for fungi. Just like algae, fungi travel in form of spores and attach themselves to various hospitable objects to grow. They settle on the roof in areas that get the least sunlight and are the last to dry after the rain or the morning dewfall. The regular addition of moisture creates an ideal environment for fungus to grow. The fungus first feeds on asphalt and the granule base. The granules on the asphalt shingles are the protection of the shingles and the roof underneath from the harsh and unforgiving effects of the ultraviolet rays of light. The granules and the tar also work to protect against the extreme heat that a roof bears day-in-day-out. When the asphalt granules are eaten away, every extraordinary event mars the shingles. Be it harsh sunlight, extreme heat or a hailstorm, the shingles get weaker. They crack; they brittle and they buckle and eventually stop protecting your roof that they are meant to. The penetrating tentacles of fungi and lichens get in and around the eaten asphalt and create pockmarks that wear away your roof.

What Can You Do to Prevent the Damage?

According to American Construction, one of the most effective and efficient ways to maintain your roof and ensure its long life is through regular roof cleaning. However, it is important to understand that cleaning your roof is not as simple as grabbing a garden hose and hosing off your roof. Or even trying to pressure wash your roof with a high-powered washer hose since it may damage or remove the granules on your shingles which protect your roof from the effects of ultraviolet light of the sun and protects it against extreme heat. In addition, cleaning your roof with high-powered cleaning agents such as concentrated bleach or other corrosive chemicals may kill off the plants and surrounding greenery around your home. Bleach can be used for removing mildew and mold, but it should be used sparingly.

Get Rid of the Debris First:

In a DIY scenario before cleaning your roof, make sure you have removed all the debris from your roof. Suck leaves, broken tree branches and other debris can block your gutters and drain, so it is important to blow or sweep them away.

Clean Your Roof Only with Approved Biodegradable Compounds:

Although DIY sites recommend using Chlorine bleach, Copper Sulphate, Tri-Sodium Phosphate, Emulsifiers, and other harsh chemical compounds, it is important to note that there are other milder Eco-friendly, Bio-degradable products available in the market to do the job without the corrosive effects of these harsh chemicals. Check with your roofing cleaners for the options available to you for cleaning your roof.

In conclusion, the roof of your house is a living breathing organ of your most cherished investment that can have a long healthy life if properly cared for. And its health has a direct and often costly impact of you and your family inside your house.

If Your Roof is Leaking, Does It Need to be Totally Replaced?

February 1, 2019

Logical and well-informed decision-making is critical for minimizing your short and long-term home maintenance and ownership costs. This is especially important when it comes to major expenses in maintaining or replacing the main components of the house like roofing. These decisions need to be made before your first call to a contractor or deciding on which roofing manufacturers to consider.

The first decision you’ll have to make is whether to patch over leaks and damages and move on or to consider partial or complete re-roofing. American Construction provides a list of certain factors make this a very easy decision. Those are:

How Old Is Your Roof?

If your roof’s life is in its 40s it might be a high time to consider partial or complete re-roofing. Although, with a few major repairs you can get by for another 2, or 5, or even 10 years, but is it worth the risk and the expense of increased energy costs and weather-related hassles? If you live in a neighborhood that was built as a development and you see roofs being replaced of the neighborhood houses around you, you know your turn is coming.

Your Entire Roof Is Sagging?

When your roof is sagging, it is a clear sign of a larger and more structural problem that is beyond a matter of routine maintenance. You need to address is on an urgent basis. There might be a problem with the underlying decking or even the rafters might have rotten. This is not a situation where your life might be in danger but this needs to be addressed now to solve a local problem to a specific area of the house rather than having your house become inhabitable.

Once you determine that you do not have an aging or morbidly damaged roof, it’s time to assess the damage and find the optimum solution.

Replacing a few shingles on your roof that were damaged as a result of high winds or a fallen tree limb is a breeze, but before you replace those shingles with mismatched shingles, check with the contractor to see if you can find ones with the closest match to your existing shingles. It may not seem like a problem now but, it can seriously impact your home’s value when you go to sell it in a year or two. A glaring patch in the middle of the roof can put a big ding in the curb appeal of your house and confidence in the soundness of their investment. A partial roof replacement might be a solution that will blend out the different color of shingles and keep the look appealing.

Contrary to common belief the cost of a partial roofing job is a lot more expensive (on a 10’ X 10’ portion) than having the entire roof redone. And a partial re-roofing job comes with its own headaches. For example, Depending on the number of layers of roofing material, either all the layers in an area being redone will need to be removed or you’ll be left with a lopsided looking roof that may look worse than if you had done a patch-up job on the damaged portion. Of course, there are other methods like adding a ridge cap, but the difference in height to the rest of the roof might still be noticeable.

Especially if you live in an area like Cherry Hill, NJ where being hit by a hurricane is not a once-in-a-life thing (remember Hurricane Sandy), you might not want to replace a dozen or so shingles every couple of years where it ends up leaving your house looking like something borrowed and something blue.

A New Roof Is Cheaper In the Long Run:

If you have a roof with lower quality and lower life expectancy, like the one with a –tab shingles, it might be a wiser choice to update your entire roof in one go. Remember, if one part of your roof is having a leakage problem, there is the likelihood that other parts will begin going as well because they are of the same age as the part you’ve just replaced.

The second issue is that a roof repair or a partial roofing job is getting the crew to your doorstep and doing the prep-work needed to fix the roof. This is an overhead cost that you’ll be paying for several times over if you decided to replace the roof in sections rather than in one go, doubling or even tripling the labor on a roof job.

When In Doubt Look For The Ominous Signs:

If you are not sure about the age of the roof, here are some signs to look for in order to determine if it’s time to replace your roof:

Cracked Shingles: One or two shingles that were damaged as a result of inclement weather or other incidents is fine but if you start seeing groups of them it means the ultraviolet light has damaged them beyond repair and it’s time to replace your entire roof.
Check the Southern Exposure: The Southern side of your house gets the most amount of sun. Almost throughout the day, this side of the house is exposed to the sun. If the Southern side of the house is okay, then you do not need to replace your roof, otherwise, it may be imminent that the whole roof will need to be replaced.
Curling of Shingles: Curled shingles can mean a lot of things. It may mean your roof is leaking, or that your roof’s shingles weren’t lined up properly during the installation, or poor installation or even poor ventilation underneath. They all, however, lead to a single conclusion; your roof needs to be replaced.
Roof Granules in the Gutter: If you are finding substantial number of granules that cover your shingles in your downspout, it means that the UV protection of your roof’s shingles is being quickly washed away leaving the shingles vulnerable to the ultraviolet rays of the sun and the extreme heat your roof bears on a daily basis.

In conclusion, only fixing the immediately apparent leaks in your roof might be a cheaper and quicker solution, but it might be wiser to take a long look at getting rid of your roofing woes once and for all.

Do I Need to be Home While Roof Work is Proceeding?

February 1, 2019

Your roof is an integral part of your home that not only ensures your safety but also protects you from elements. Your roof also maintains the health of the air you breathe inside your home. A home’s roof stays with you on average for 50+ years so it is critical to understand the steps to go through when you are replacing your home’s roof.

You have taken all the preliminary steps in calling a number of contractors, reviewing their estimates and making a choice of the contractor for the job. But, now you are wondering how to plan your work and your life around the project. More importantly what to expect from your roofing contractor and what can you do to make yours and his life easier through the process.

If you live in the northern suburbs of New Jersey like Cherry Hill, NJ or Moorestown, NJ, you cannot get your roofing replaced just any time of the year, so you have many aspects to ensure that the job will go through without the additional interference of the weather.

Should I Move While My Roof is Being Installed?

American Construction says No! You do not need to move out of the house just because its roof is being repaired. To replace the roof of an average single family home should only take a few days, a week at the most. Barring any inclement weather conditions that prevent the crew from working or if they discover some major repairs are needed to the underlying structure before a new roof can be put on, most roofing jobs are done very quickly, limiting you time and hassle. Most roofing jobs are done on weekdays during business hours when you and your family are out at work or school. However, if you work from home or have you or your spouse spend majority of your days at home, you may wish to consider moving away while the roof is being installed.

Would there be a Lot of Noise?

A roofing job that is performed over the span of just a couple of days or even over a week to replace the entire roof does take a lot of manpower, which means a large crew working on top of your house. Roofing is a construction project where the entirety of shingles is removed off of the roof of your house, your roof’s skeleton is checked for its soundness and a new layer of shingles is put on the roof of your job. So, yes it will be a noisy affair with lots of pounding and metal banging and nailing going on. If you think that would not be able to withstand the noise that comes with it, it might be a good idea to leave the house for the duration of time when the roofing crew is working to replace your roof. Even if you can handle the noise here are some tips for other occupants of your household and how to handle them during the time of roof replacement:

How to Prepare Your Children?

If your children will be at home while the roofing crew will be working around the house, it is very important to have a conversation with them to prepare them for the precautions that they must take in order to avoid any incidents that might hamper the work or cause any injury to the children or the crew. Especially while the crew will be tearing down the old roof, there will be a lot of debris falling down on all sides of the house and having anyone in any areas surrounding the house will not only endanger their safety but it will also slow down the working crew from quickly, safely, and efficiently remove the roofing off of your house. Although all roofing contractors are very thorough about removing all or most of the debris after their shift ends, even if the project has not been completed, it is essential that the young children in the household do not roam around outside the house when the roofing project is underway.

How to Handle Pets during Roofing Work?

Pets are considered an important part of any family and their well-being is considered very important by the family members. Unlike children however, it is not possible to discuss the cause of noise and commotion going on around the house with them. If you are planning to stay at home during the time your house’s roof is being replaced, it is highly recommended to board your pets. Even the calmest pets can get very nervous, agitated and uncomfortable with the noise of roof work. Most pets, especially dogs react at any foreign or unknown noise and get highly stressed with consistency of it. It is highly advisable to either board your pet or if you cannot board the pet or take them out with your while the roofing crew is working. As a last resort place them in a quiet part of the home like a basement with the least amount of noise from the construction.

Where to Park the Cars?

The amount of debris falling off the roof of the house whose roof is being replaced will merit that the cars should be kept as far away from the house as possible. We would highly recommend parking the cars across the street from the house while the roof is being replaced. It is not feasible to park the car in the driveway because of the falling debris and the inconvenience it will cause the crew trying to get around the house. Parking in your garage is hazardous as well, since all the knocking and nailing being done may pry a tool or other object off the wall and cause it to drop on the car damaging it. Therefore, to be on the safe side it is advisable to park your car as far away from the house as possible.

While the roofing project is a major renovation of your home, it is relatively painless and gets done in a few days during the time when you and your family are at work or at school. It may be noisy and inconvenient at times but our customer service reps will advise you on the best course of action to get through it with minimal inconvenience to your family and your life and you’ll soon be owner of a brand new roof that should last you another 50+ years.

7 Warning Signs Your Roof is Failing – American Construction

February 1, 2019

Your home is the single biggest investment of your life and the roof of your house is critical in protecting you, your family and all that is in your house from outside elements. You may not consider your house as a living organism, but like any such organism, the health of your roof impacts all other elements inside your house. When the roof of your house is failing, it will provide you with a clear, unambiguous and repeated warning of the coming events and ignoring these signs will be at your peril.

If you live in the Northeast and places like Cherry Hill, NJ, your house and especially your roof goes through four distinct seasons through a year, each with its specific temperatures, humidity levels and how hard the season is on your house and on your roof. There are several obvious signs to look for when doing a regular roof inspection on your house according to your best roofing contractor, American Construction.

Damaged Shingles:

A single shingle damaged because your curious 14-year-old wanted to know what shingles are made of is no big deal, but a number of damaged shingles on various spots on your roof is a sure sign of an impending leak and in some cases a failing roof. There are other issues with shingles that you should be looking out for if you find broken shingles, such as:

Curling or Bucking Shingles:
Curling or buckling shingles, especially on the side of the house that gets most light is a sure sign that your roof has outlived its usefulness. If your roof shingles have lost a large majority of its granules, sun’s ultraviolet rays play havoc with them and make them buckle and curl. Time to call a roofing professional.
Eroding Valley:
If the shingles in the valley of your roof are eroding, it’s a sure shot sign that you may need a new roof. Having buckled or damaged shingles in the valley mean that either there has been water seeping through the valley or is about to, introducing water into the most vulnerable areas of your house.
Shingle Granules in your gutters:
A few shingle granules sporadically in your gutter is no big deal, but a consistent glut of them may be a worrisome sign of rapid decline in your roof’s health. The shingles rapidly lose their granules when they are close to the end of their life. Examine your roof line in later part of the day and see if you find darker or inconsistent spots on your roof. This is a clear sign that the granules have worn away from your shingles.

Ceiling Stains:

A stain on the ceiling in the inside of your house is also an alarming sign that your roof is failing and it needs to be inspected or worse replaced. The cause of the roof stain may very well be a plumbing leak, but if there is not plumbing located above the location or the stain or the location is directly under the roof it may be a cause for concern.

Water Spots along the wall:

When the ceiling stains are ignored the damage gets even worse, especially after the rains, the issue often is problem with flashing on the roof. This time around though it’s not the flashing around the chimney instead it is the one where two different siding or roofing material butt together and leave gaps.

Chimney Flashing:

If you have a brick chimney on your home, an improperly secured or rusted out chimney flashing is a clear sign of failing roof. In case you have tar or roof cement doing the waterproofing work, it might be a good idea to replace it with metal flashing even if you do not need to replace the whole roof. This will ensure long-lasting watertight protection against leaks.

Leaking roof in times of temperature fluctuation:

When temperature fluctuates between unseasonably warm and cold your roof leaks and forms what are known as “Ice Dams.” This happens when your roof is no longer properly ventilated and the heat from the attic melts the snow from the top of your roof, only to have it ice over your gutters and create a problem. This phenomenon has pulled apart and damaged roofing material due to rapid heating and cooling and thus allowing the moisture to get back into the inner layers of your roof.

Cracking Shingles:

If you have asphalt shingles this may come as a surprise. You checked off all the other signs that may spell trouble for your roof, but none of them check out. Are you finding granules in the downspouts? No! Are the valleys eroding? Niet! Are the shingles curling or buckling? Nope! So, what is making these shingles crack? Apparently, things look okay, but the reality is that your roof is so old that the granules have already worn away. The granules act as a protector for your shingles from sun’s harsh UV rays and once they are washed away the shingles begin to crack after exposure to heat and direct sunlight.

Age of your roof:

This is one of the most indicative of all the reasons why your roof is failing. An average roof is made for a life of 20-25 years and if your roof is over 20 years old chances are that no amount of patching, fixing, or waterproofing it will do the job of investing in a new roof and maintaining it for the coming two to three decades.

So, what can you do if you get these signs or the beginning of these signs? Well, if your roof has already seen 20 or 30 good years of service, you’re doing great! In fact, you’ve gotten a few dollars out the man’s pocket. However, if it has been less than a few years there is a lesson to learn here. Here are a few things to check regularly to have a longer roof life check out our other blog posts to educate yourself about roof cleaning, maintenance, and care and to ensure a better bang for your buck in the future.

New Jersey and Pennsylvania Roofing Contractor

September 15, 2018

Synthetic Roofing Underlayment
– Felt underlayment- Rubberized asphalt underlayment- Artificial underlayment also called tar paper): This is the cheapest price underlayment – and for a fantastic reason: Absorbs wrinkles and moisture when exposed to snow or rain, Tears when subjected to high winds, Prone to ripping around attachments, Is much thicker than most of its synthetic rivals,: A self-adhesive and self sealing tissue. This is a great selection for water infiltration and slope prone areas adhesive backer making for a membrane if installed. Self sealing nail attachments and heads that’s particularly critical for low slope roofs. Could be left exposed to snow or rain without fear of leakage for a time period.

Brands are temperature resistant and ideal for metal roofing. Warning: Do NOT use optional membranes. As the metal panel expands and contracts with changes in temperature, the granules wear away both the primer and zinc \/ Galvalume coatings, which can lead to premature corrosion and nullify the panel manufacturer’s warranty. Barrier PS200 Ice and Water Resistant by TarcoSynthetic Underlayment: A light weight, very large strength alternative to felt underlayment that contributes to diminished employee fatigue and increases safety, Breathable varieties guarantee that moisture will not be trapped on the roof deck, Can be left for several months exposed to hot, wet and \/ or cold weather conditions, Available with a non skid surface which results in increased rooftop safety. Owen’s Corning makes the best roofing products on the market. If you are looking for high quality roofing products, look no farther than Owen’s Corning.

Use of a substrate between the roof deck and the metallic panel is always recommended as a barrier from condensation. This really protects both the wood of the roof deck from possible rot as well as the metallic panel to be in constant contact with a moist \/ wet surface. Follow manufacturer guidelines if installing the selected tissue. Overlaps, fastening patterns, weather conditions and roof deck prep are all critical factors in achieving long lasting results. We do not advocate the use of staples if applying underlayment. Use either plastic capped nails or conventional roofing nails.

Both must be coated \/ plated for corrosion resistance. We do NOT recommend the use of tar paper for metallic roofing projects. Whether you’ve a roof that’s susceptible to ice damming or a low roof slope, a self-adhesive membrane is recommended. For high slope programs, think about combining products – consider putting a self-adhesive round the perimeter, in valleys and possible water infiltration areas, and covering the equilibrium with a lightweight synthetic. By no means use an optional coated membrane beneath a metal roof. Greg Dobkin is a pro metal roofer by trade with 10, 000+ Hours of installation expertise and President of American Construction Inc.

Installing Roof Leak Barriers
To keep it in top condition for many years to come and while looking to defend a roof against the elements, house owners need to consider the installation of an escape barrier. Step one is to locate a Houston roofing business that is reliable and consult them about protecting the roof from leaks. Damage from ice and water can be expensive, as it affects the roof, but the ceiling of the home beneath. These leaks may occur from water damming ice dams rain and the gutters. Various kinds of leak barriers exist for various kinds of roofs.

Nevertheless, they all are applied under the roof shingles. For efficiency’s speed, the leak barrier’s brand must be just like the newest the roof shingle. Leak barriers can be bought at most house repair retailers that were commercial, but it is always an option to hire a roofer to put in the leak barrier to ensure the job is completed. Leak barriers are needed in areas like vent pipes and chimneys, dormers, skylights. The leak barrier should prevent water. They’re also helpful in areas like Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey while escape barriers are required by building codes in several areas of the US.

Roofers out of American Construction roofing companies will be happy to answer any question you’ve about storm harm or residential roofing. The heavy and sometimes unforeseen precipitation in this area may cause serious roof harm if the roof isn’t correctly shielded with a leak barrier. Proper attic ventilation and insulation is extremely recommended when utilizing a leak barrier as it can trap humidity in the attic. Leak barriers are among the most effective ways to fortify a roof from costly water and ice damage. Even when this homeowner lives in an area that doesn’t usually experience high degrees of freezing weather, a leak barrier may still protect against heavy rainfall along with other forms of precipitation. When building a brand new roof or repair an old one, South Texas residents must make sure that they’ve a leak barrier set up, ideally one which was installed by a pro roofing company.

Roofing Products & Roofing Material

September 15, 2018

When being responsible is not a priority renovations will produce a better place to live for several years to come. Roofing materials vary from clay tiles, asphalt shingles, slate, and metal. Now the roofing concept for building is a roof. This is expensive for a renovation there are choices. Asphalt shingles damage the earth’s atmosphere and bring about the heat island effect of your house. In addition, it heats up the inside of your house driving energy bills up. Alternatives include replacing the shingles with slate shingles, or a metal roof. Ultra beams are reflected by white roofs, maintaining your house cool and reducing heat island effect. This is a beneficial way to build a roof. When looking for a roofing contractor or a roofer in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, you should pick the name you can trust, the name that everyone knows and trusts, American Construction. At American Construction we treat everyone like family. Give us a chance to earn your business.

There are many products currently on the market to use as asphalt shingle accessories on gable roofs. For example, Owen’s Corning is making two types of synthetic underlayment. These two types of synthetic underlayment are Deck Defense and ProArmor. These synthetic underlayment’s will make sure the roof stays cool in the summer. They will reduce the temperature, the high heat, that was common on roofs where tar paper was used as an underlayment. A cooler roof means a cooler house. Another advantage of a cooler roof is there is less concern in the winter, with ice dams creating water damage in people’s homes. When choosing a roofing contractor, it is important to make sure the roofer is using the best materials available. A lot of roofs will leak when the roofer is inexperienced. At American Construction we stand behind our roofs. We do the best work in the business! It is important to find a roofing contractor who will guarantee the work on a roof.

The Owen’s Corning Pink Panther is a symbol that is known around the world. The Pink Panther is synonymous with quality. That is because Owen’s Corning is committed to providing the highest quality products on the market. There was a time when metal roofs were considered higher quality than asphalt shingles. However, the increases in technology mean that today’s asphalt shingles are meant to last. Studies show that homeowners will replace their roof once during their lifetime. Therefore, it is important to know that you are getting a roofing system that will last the lifetime of your home. Why settle for second best? Replacing your roof with quality products is not about adding “bells and whistles” to your roof. It is about making sure your roof holds up under adverse weather conditions. The money you spend on a quality roof today is money that will be saved later, when you don’t have to shell out your hard on money on costly roofing repairs. Most roofers and roofing professionals will tell you that spending the extra money now, to ensure your roof is in the best condition possible, is money well spent.

Slate roof shingles last over when compared with asphalt shingles 10 year lifespan. Siding is not considered an asset to the curb appeal of a home. It is also not a cladding for a house with regards. Vinyl siding could be substituted with brick, stucco or stone. A more sustainable project will be installing cladding which has insulation built in. An exterior may add energy and style efficiency. Windows is a task that’s suggested by energy audits on houses with windows that are over two decades old. New windows add insulating properties when installed 12, and eliminate air drafts. When purchasing new windows look to get vinyl or fiberglass which are double or triple glazed and include airspace. However, the best roofing materials are manufactured by Owen’s Corning. The Durations Shingle is a premium roofing shingle. American Construction uses all synthetic underlayment on roofs, making them a premium roofing manufacturer. That is why the family owned business, American Construction, is one of the top roofing contractors in all of New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

This project is sure to raise the value of your house and provide instant return on lower utility bills. Flooring is your popular renovation made by new homebuyers. Raise the value of your property by replacing first floor carpet or vinyl flooring with appealing sustainable alternatives. Using tile on your kitchen and bath room will emit less VOC’s that contribute to poor air quality. Bamboo flooring is also your desired flooring option that’s sustainable. Bamboo can be grown rapidly and doesn’t require tree topping in forests. John Noriega is an Architectural Engineering student at Philadelphia University. When not in class or working, he writes articles to get sustainable building and green home renovations. When choosing a roofing contractor, make sure to find a family owned business like American Construction, where honesty and integrity are more than just slogans!