5 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roofing Shingle
There are more important considerations to think about when choosing new roofing material for your house. Whether you’re trying to make a choice for shingles for a new construction home or if you’re re-roofing your current house, here are some of the most important things you need to think about before tackling your roofing in Stockbridge, GA.
Weight
While some materials such as slate and tile are very durable, they're also very heavy. Your home may not be up to the task of holding that weight for so long. Other shingle types include composition and asphalt and they can be very good options even though they are a lighter material.
Price
One of the greatest mistakes that you can make when undertaking a roofing project is to make decisions regarding the types of shingles you use based solely on price. Of course, the cost of the shingles is valuable information, especially when you’re on a budget, but you should first be aware of the value that the shingle provides. In terms of weight, durability, aesthetics, and other factors, does that material bring a good value for the price you’ll pay? This is imperative to think about to choose the right shingles.
Durability
When selecting roofing shingles, pay attention to how durable the material is. Different materials will have different life expectancies. This is one of the most essential elements to think about because it will determine how often you end up replacing your roof or repairing shingles.
Aesthetics
Although color and style aren’t the only or even the most important things to take into account when choosing a shingle material for your roof, they are still considerations. Choose shingles that compliment the siding and don’t stand out from the surrounding homes too much to enhance curb appeal.
Architecture
Every roof has its own unique shape and architecture that you need to consider. The architecture of your roof doesn’t just refer to the shape but also the architectural style of the home as well. If you have a Mediterranean style of home, then it should have an appropriate roof to match.
When taking on a roofing project, it's important to know what you're looking for in terms of material by visiting a Stockbridge asphalt shingle supplier. Every house has its own unique features that make it impossible to ever choose one blanket solution for all roofing applications. Take these considerations into account to help you make the best possible choice in the type of shingles you use for your roofing project.
A Brief History of Roofing Nails
Roofing materials and tools have been around so long that many homeowners and even professional roofers and home builders take this technology for granted. For instance, did you know that roofing nails in Stockbridge were used as far back as 5,000 years ago? Here's some more information about roofing nails and other innovations in roofing you'll be surprised to know.
One at a Time
5,000 years ago, roofing nails were made by hand melting and shaping each individual nail into the proper shape with a hammer. As a roofer, you probably use all the nails in a five-gallon bucket without batting an eyelash, so forming all the individual nails one at a time is probably a crazy concept. However, bulk manufacturing nails the way is done now is relatively new technology.
Many at a Time
At the turn of the 17th century, an English builder designed a machine to cut iron into strips. While this made the process of hammering the nails into different widths, it still took an extraordinary amount of time, although it made the whole process of creating many nails at a time much easier.
Innovations in Technology
Technology in nail design and manufacturing wouldn't come until nearly 200 years later. In the late 1700s, a machine was patented in the United States that revolutionized the construction industry. The technology involved cutting and heading several nails all at once. Suddenly, there was a machine that could manufacture 200,000 nails a day. As technology has continued to evolve over time, manufacturers can produce 300 different varieties of nail at the rate of 500 per minute.
The First Nail Gun
The first nail gun was designed by civil engineer Morris Pynoos, who designed and built Howard Hughes' iconic Spruce Goose, the nickname for Hughes's airlift flying boat intended for use during World War II. The first nail gun in the 1950s used air pressure and could house between 400 and 600 nails. It had the capacity to nail 40 to 60 nails per minute.
Nowadays, roofing shingles in Stockbridge as well as nails are convenient to use and often taken for granted. The technology you use today hasn't been around long at all considering the length of time people have been using nails and coming up with new ways to produce them. Next time you're at the home improvement store or working on a roofing project, you may have more respect for the process that it required to get nails to where they are today.
Types of Roofing Materials for Traditional Homes
Your home's roof does more than protect you from the weather and environment. It makes a statement about who you are and what you believe in. At Preferred Roofing in Atlanta, GA, we know there was a time when a roof could be considered just a roof. However, in today's connected world where people know more than ever about the problems the world is facing, a roof can now be more than just a way to cover your home.
Common and Cheap
Most roofing today is made from asphalt shingles. These are the cheapest option in every way. They have the shortest lifespan and are made from petroleum products, which cannot be recycled when combined with fiberglass. Their insulation rating is also quite low. Because of their price, they generally make the best choice for people who find themselves in a financial bind or an emergency situation.
Shingles or Shakes
Wood shingles are more refined; wood shakes are handmade. Either way, these roofing supplies usually have a terrible fire rating because they are made from wood. However, they look beautiful and are made from renewable resources. Just check your fire codes before installing wood on your roof.
A Clean Slate
Slate is usually quarried in such a way that it may be the most environmentally friendly of shingle choices. Slate shingles also last up to 100 years, which is the longest of all the roofing materials. However, slate is heavy, so your roof may need to be reinforced. Slate should be avoided in high heat areas because of its dark color.
Clay and Concrete
When local clay is available, it may be the most environmentally friendly choice of all the roofing options. They are heavy, so your home may need additional reinforcement. However, clay tiles can reflect as much as 50 percent of the sun's heat, which helps keep your home cool during hot months. Concrete can resemble almost any other choice of roofing. Concrete shingles are versatile and provide a roof that can last a long time. Concrete can even be mixed with other materials to make it lighter.
Steel, Aluminum, or Copper
Metal roofing materials in Atlanta can provide your home with an amazing look and great insulation. Whether you choose steel, aluminum, or copper, metal roofing choices are usually made from a high level of recycled content. They stand up to bad weather well, and they tend to last longer than other roofing choices. No matter what your lifestyle is, you can get a roof to reflect who you are. Talking with a professional can help you get the right shingles for your home.
Types and Uses of Construction Materials
New construction is exciting. From the building concept, to design, and then breaking ground, you visualize the finished structure in your mind. Whether you're erecting a new home, office site, or business complex, it's essential you research, then use the right type of discount building materials in Atlanta.
Ground-up construction is a complex job. Your choice of building supplies will vary based on the weather patterns in your area. For example, if you're purchasing from a builders supply in Atlanta, you know the heat index can get extremely high during the summer months. Your choice of materials will need to address cooling as a priority.
Roofing
Metal roofs are popular in Atlanta. They're known for repelling the sun’s rays, in turn, maintaining the temperature of your home during the hot, summer months. Moreover, coolant technology is now being utilized, creating a dual-property system to protect your home from the hot, stagnant heat.
Metal roofs are also easy to install. Your contractor will be able to finish the job on time when they use roofing staples in Atlanta.
Structure Materials
There are a large number of building materials available for you to choose from. Each has its benefits based on the purpose and scope of your project.
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Cement
There are a variety of cement options, including cement mixed with other particles, like sand or gravel. The ratio of cement to other silts is how your contractor will decide which part of the building to construct with it. Any cement structure can then be coated, perhaps in a stucco style, to add appeal to the outer shell of the building or home.
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Adobe
Adobe construction is a well-documented style as far back as the days when people first settled in the United States. Because of its clay base, it's well-suited for homes that, at times, literally bake in the hot sun. As such, many southern homes feature this self-cooling construction style. As with any building material, there's always some risk. In this case, adobe construction does not hold up well during an earthquake. If you plan to build in an area where earthquakes are common, perhaps you want to choose a different base style.
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Aggregates
Drainage is often an issue near floodplains and bodies of water. When pulling a permit, you can note if you're required to take additional measures to ensure proper drainage. If so, it will be very important to use an aggregate, a gravel mixture, as a subfloor for your concrete slab. When your structure is complete it will settle onto a strong foundation.
Work with your contractor to assess the build site for all the factors discussed above, then visit a builders supply in Atlanta to get everything you need. Together, you’ll erect a long-lasting structure.
A Guide to Different Types of Roofing Nails
You can't install a stable roof without nails, at least not without severely limiting your style and material choices. Fasteners like roofing nails are essential pieces of the installation process, and knowing which roofing nails you need for your installation project is just as essential as the nails themselves. Failure to use the correct fasteners can result in loose shingles, underlayment that is not watertight, and, if you're a roofing contractor, very angry clients. Before you shop for a good supply of flooring nails in Atlanta, it's wise to know exactly what you need for your current and upcoming projects. Here's your guide to the different types of roofing nails, where they're useful, and where to find them.
Roofing nails of all kinds are distinct from generic nails in that they must have wide, flat heads, small shanks, and extremely sharp tips. They are designed for easy installation while delicately piercing materials like wooden shingles, and to hold objects in place for many years. There are several categories of roofing nails:
- Aluminum: These nails are great for metal roofing, but only in regions that do not risk salt exposure. Coastal homes should not have rust-prone aluminum nails.
- Stainless Steel: These nails are excellent for slate and ceramic roofing tiles, and are less rust-resistant than aluminum.
- Copper: Copper nails are standard and offer basic benefits for all types of roofing, but you may want to consider nails that are specialized for a specific purpose.
- Galvanized Steel: These ultra-rust-resistant nails, coated in zinc, are excellent for coastal buildings, areas with high rainfall, and asphalt roofs.
- Standard: This length classification refers to 1-2-inch nail shanks. These are generally for ordinary roofing construction, including asphalt and fiberglass roofs.
- Long: Longer nail shanks are essential for thick wooden shingles, which standard nails may not penetrate. Every builders supply store should carry a variety of nail shank lengths.
- Screw Shank: These nails have a twisted shanks and rhombus-shaped tips for extra holding power. They are excellent choices for real wooden roofs, which require extra securing strength.
- Ring Shank: With a wide head, these nails are great for securing shingles in high-wind regions and buildings at high elevations.
- Smooth Shank: Inexpensive, standard-shank roofing nails, these are basic materials that are useful when roofing staples would also be appropriate. They are suitable for asphalt roofs in areas without severe weather.
Be sure to shop for a variety of roofing nails in Atlanta so you are prepared for different types of roofing projects. You can visit a discount building materials shop to save on a large supply.
Ways to Recycle Roofing Shingles
Home
You can also use shingles for other home projects, especially if they’re in relatively good condition. You may have enough to tile the roof of a dog house, or to put into a home decoration project like a doormat.
Garden
If you don’t mind the look of your shingles, you could also lay them down as a garden path instead of buying gravel or pavement stones. Since the shingles are uniform, you can make some very precise lanes with a unique style.
Community
How to Store Your Roofing Materials
Temperature Matters
Most roofs are made out of asphalt shingles. They are particularly susceptible to damage if the weather is too cold. Atlanta doesn't often get cold enough to interfere with the adhesive qualities of the asphalt (around 40 degrees Fahrenheit), but heat can also cause problems (when it's hotter than 110 degrees). Roofing suppliers recommend storing asphalt shingles in a dry, temperate place with ventilation. Putting the shingles up when it's a mild day, not too hot or cold, can ensure that they adhere properly and make your roof sturdy in the long run.
Wind and Moisture
You should ensure that your shingles are stored where there is good ventilation to prevent damage from moisture building up. Moisture leads to mold and mildew growth. While it's unlikely your shingles will be sitting long enough to develop these issues, the wetness can still cause damage to different parts of the shingles. Ideally, your shingles will be covered by a tarp strung between 2 buildings or in the front part of a garage where they will not be disturbed.
The way to make sure that your shingles are installed and stored properly is to keep an eye on your contractor crew and make sure that the specific instructions for handling the shingles are followed. The exact number of nails and cement specified will work the best to give you a well-constructed roof. Because the engineers who made the shingles did extensive tests to see what works best, you can trust the product recommendations.
Different Parts of a Roof StructureDifferent Parts of a Roof Structure
There are many different parts of a roof, as well as different types of roofs, including gable, flat, and mansard. For the most part, though, a typical roof structure will consist of the following parts.
First is the frame of the roof structure. The truss is the “skeleton” of a roof, made of a series of parallel beams. The rafters are the supporting beams that run from the apex to the bottom of a roof, holding up the truss. Eaves are the edges of a roof, typically overhanging the vertical exterior walls of a building. They consist of fascia, soffits, and drip edges.
Then there is the finishing layer on top of the roof. The sheathing consists of boarding—either plywood or particle board—that is laid on top of the truss. It adds structural integrity to the frame and provides a base for the underlayment and shingles. Underlayment is a waterproof seal that is often made of felt and lays over the sheathing. Flashing, meanwhile, is a metal strip that forms a watertight seal between the roof shingles and other materials, like a chimney or vent.
Last but not least are the shingles, which can be made of asphalt, clay, wood, metal, or something else entirely. This top, finishing layer provides waterproofing and a neat appearance.
Whether you want to DIY your own roof or are a roofing contractor in the business of building roofs for residential and commercial structures, Preferred Roofing Supply is your source for the materials you need to get the job done. Our locally and family owned business has been in the construction field for over 12 years, helping homeowners, builders, and contractors find the materials they need at low prices. You can find siding, tools, fasteners, and more from well-known and respected brands like TAMKO and Atlas Roofing. We are located in North Atlanta and we proudly serve all of the greater Atlanta area. Contact us today to begin building a superior roof that will look great and last for decades, all thanks to affordable, high-quality materials.
A Guide to Choosing the Right Roofing Nails
Roofing nails come in a variety of dimensions, materials, and types to meet the individual requirements of each roof. Whether you’re using metal, asphalt, or ceramic roofing, you need the right type to ensure that it remains structurally sound and durable for years. Before searching for nails for shingles in Atlanta, read this guide to understand which type is best for your current or upcoming project.
Size, Length, and Gauge
Though they come in a variety of sizes, lengths, and gauges, all roofing nails share common distinctive features: a wide, flat head and short shanks. This design allows them to pierce shingles, felt, or sheet metal without splitting underlying wood.
The dimensions (gauge and length) of the nails you need are dependent on shingle material and what type of project you’re doing. The ideal gauge, which refers to diameter, is between 10 and 12. Roofing nails can range from one to six inches in length, though those most commonly used are often between one and two inches, which are suitable for conventional asphalt shingles. However, if re-roofing over existing shingles or using thick, wooden shingles, you likely need 1 ¼ inch nails.
Material
You must also carefully consider roofing nails based on the materials used to manufacture them; this is because certain types of nails better operate in particular environments and hold up stronger to stressors. The four composition-based types of roofing nails are:
· Aluminum – A durable variant, aluminum nails are suitable for fastening metal roofing; however, due to its tendency to rust when exposed to salt, it’s recommended not to use them in coastal areas.
· Copper – Copper nails are standard types of nail that offer basic benefits in all environments and for many different kinds of roofing, although, using specially-made nails is more preferred.
· Stainless Steel – Stainless steel nails are less prone to rust than their aluminum alternative and secure slate and ceramic roofing tiles very well.
· Galvanized Steel – Coated with zinc to form a rust-inhibitive finish, galvanized steel nails are incredibly rust-resistant; due to this quality, they're frequently used in coastal and high-rainfall areas.
Type
The type of nail you choose is critical because each has a direct effect on how well the roofing is secured. The three main variants are screw shank, ring shank, and smooth shank nails.
If your roof consists of wood and pallets, you benefit greatly from using screw shank nails. Due to its unique twisted shank, this kind of nail is exceptional at fastening shingles even in extreme weather. Other distinguishing features are its flat head and diamond tip, which allow it to easily puncture shingles without causing excessive stress.
Typically made of galvanized steel and larger than a standard nail, ring shank nails hold down asphalt roofing felts and shingles exceptionally well; notwithstanding, due to its relative bluntness to alternatives, they have been known to create stress.
Smooth shank nails are noticeably cheaper than other types and considered ideal for people on a budget. They, however, do not provide as much protection and can be affected by adverse weather conditions.
Ridge Vent vs. Turbine: What's Better for Attic Ventilation?
Though your attic space may seem benign, it plays a critical role in protecting your home and maintaining energy efficiency in all seasons. But to realize those benefits, the attic must be properly ventilated. If it’s not, oppressive heat can build up in the summer, which will wreak havoc on your energy bills. In the winter months, an improperly vented attic can result in ice dams, walls of ice that form on the edge of the eave that can force water runoff to pool on the roof and eventually leak inside.
Because the proper ventilation of your attic is critical to energy efficiency and roof integrity, it pays to deliberate on the right choice of attic vent. While many spend time researching the benefits of various roofing materials in Marietta, they forget about the other components that comprise a well-constructed roof. Two of the most common types of attic ventilation devices are ridge vents and turbine vents. Both have their pros and cons, but the choice is one of personal preference. When shopping for roofing products in Marietta, make sure to give ample thought to the type of vent you want on your roof.
Turbine Vents
A turbine vent consists of an array of wind-catching vanes that are arranged in a ring. They are like wind or water turbines used in other applications, and they work in much the same manner. Turbine vents are powered by the wind and require no other external power source. When the wind passes over the turbine, the vanes catch the air, which cause the turbine to spin. As it spins, it creates negative pressure in your attic, which draws air out. Because the hottest air in the attic will be closest to the surface of your roof, the turbine can pull out the hottest air from the attic space with the help of the breeze. That will help regulate the internal temperature of your attic, which makes it easier to maintain temperatures and humidity levels in your home below.
The benefits of the turbine vent include its lower cost of installation and the active nature of ventilation it provides. However, because the turbine relies on the wind, it is far less effective at venting the roof when there is no breeze. When the wind is blowing, however, a turbine can move massive amounts of air. In fact, the turbine can move more air when a steady breeze is present than any other vent type. Because turbines noticeably stick up from the roofline, they are quite visible. If the presence of a turbine would be considered an eyesore, another type of vent may be more appropriate. Finally, turbines can become noisy as they age, as rust can cause them to whistle, squeal, and moan in a stiff breeze.
Ridge Vents
Ridge vents are vents that run the span of your roof’s ridge or peak. They aren’t active in nature but are considered passive ventilation devices. Since the hottest air in your attic rises to the top, thermodynamics lead it to vent from the attic at the highest point, which is the ridge. When properly installed, a small pocket of low-pressure exists just outside of the vent that allows the hot air inside the attic to rise and be efficiently drawn out into the external atmosphere.
Ridge vents are almost invisible to the observer; they resemble a slightly elevated ridge cap on the roofline. Because of their size, they have the potential to move a lot of air despite their low-profile appearance. While the ridge vent has many benefits when properly installed, installation is key to proper function. Also, because the vent leaves a space at the crown of the roof, it’s critical that baffles and moisture barriers are installed. Without weather barriers in place, moisture would seep back into the attic. If the baffles aren’t properly executed, there would be no low-pressure area at the vent, which could limit the amount of hot air that can escape the attic. Finally, ridge vents aren’t right for every roof. Steep roofs and roofs with few ridges may not get adequate ventilation from a ridge vent alone.
When picking out roofing nails and roofing shingles in Marietta, make sure you dedicate some thought to the type of vent that will best suit your roofing needs. Vents play a critical role in maintaining the comfort inside your home and protecting your roof structure. To learn more about the strengths of ridge vents and turbine vents, contact Preferred Roofing.