Comparing Aluminum and Steel Ladders
No matter what the job is, there’s a ladder to help get it done. The challenge is determining whether the best ladder is aluminum or steel. For industrial uses in the Atlanta area, either material could offer the best solution; it depends on the job. Read here for a comparison of steel and aluminum ladders.
Is Steel the Best Material?
Steel isn’t a new industrial material. In fact, it’s been around for more than 4,000 years. If you buy a steel ladder, you can feel confident you’re buying something which has stood the test of time. Steel ladders are heavier than aluminum. This makes them ideal for use in the roofing and construction industries. Their weight is one disadvantage of steel ladders. If you aren’t strong enough to move them, you’ll have to recruit help. Steel also conducts electricity, meaning you’ll need to stay off the ladder during inclement weather. The strength of steel is also one of its major advantages. A steel ladder will have no problem holding up under your weight and the weight of any tools you carry up with you.
The Advantage of Aluminum
Aluminum may not have a long history like steel, but aluminum has still been around since the early 19th century. At one time, aluminum was more precious than gold. By the end of the 19th century, it was more economical to buy the material and people started using it as a building material. Aluminum is lighter weight than steel. Its weight makes it ideal for household use. It’s also a favorite of professional interior painters for the same reason. Like steel, aluminum ladders conduct electricity. If your job includes the use of electrical equipment, aluminum is a poor choice. To ensure aluminum will work for a specific job, visit a ladder supply company and try it out.
The Rust Issue
One of these ladders is prone to rust. For the other, rust isn’t an issue. If you leave a steel ladder outside long enough, it will develop rust. That doesn’t mean you can’t use it outside, but you will need to find indoor storage for your steel ladders. Aluminum ladders are rustproof. Roofing companies and other construction companies usually have a few aluminum extension ladders. They work great for getting up on a roof. For the company who uses ladders outdoors or doesn’t have access to indoor storage, buying aluminum ladders makes sense since they won’t wear out as quickly due to rust.
The Durability Test
Since steel ladders are heavier than aluminum, it makes sense that they’re more durable. For industrial and commercial use, steel is the best choice because it’s resilient. If your ladder bears the brunt of the job, buy steel. Steel can take being bumped and banged around without denting. Resilience doesn’t mean you can treat your steel ladders carelessly. Take care of them and they’ll treat you well too. As far as durability, aluminum is not a heavy-duty material. While it doesn’t rust, because it’s a lighter weight material, aluminum bends.
Which Ladder Is Best?
If you’re looking for industrial ladders for sale in Atlanta, you want to know whether you should buy steel or aluminum. The answer is both! Both ladders offer excellent solutions for roofing and construction companies. Most trades have multiple types of jobs where both ladders can help people get work done safely. You won’t go wrong with either.
Looking for ladders for an industrial job but aren’t sure which one is best? Call Preferred Roofing Supply at 678-395-6880. We have a large selection of ladders that work for a variety of jobs.
3Tab Shingles vs Laminate Shingles: Which Is Better?
3-Tab Shingles vs Laminate Shingles: Which Is Better?
If you’re on the market for a new roof, chances are you are inundated with options for materials, contractors, schedules, even price. One choice you will have to make is whether to go with 3-tab, known as an asphalt shingle, versus laminate shingles. In Lawrenceville, the asphalt shingle versus laminate shingle debate is not as important as if you lived in a hurricane-prone area like South Florida, but the weather in and around Atlanta can be severe enough to make it worthwhile knowing the pros and cons of each option. Here is a brief rundown.
Composition
3-tab asphalt shingles are made of asphalt, are flat and have a single tab shape and size. Laminate shingles, or “laminated architectural” shingles, are made of a more refined asphalt, have a heavier base mat and multiple material layers. They come in different shapes and sizes, which adds to the overall look of a home’s roofing.
Installation and Materials Cost
3-tab asphalt shingles are lighter than laminate shingles, but more difficult to install. Laminate shingles are more expensive as a product. That makes the installation cost of both similar, but generally, laminate shingles run a slight bit more expensive for installation.
Durability
Laminate shingles are heavier and have the strength of multiple shingles, which means they can withstand stronger winds and extremely adverse weather conditions. 3-tab roofing is susceptible to high winds and can be ripped off in very severe weather. Additionally, laminate shingles generally last longer and retain their appearance longer, although the difference over time is negligible.
Long-Term Cost
There's an upfront investment in laminate shingles, but they tend to last longer than 3-tab, under ideal conditions. Generally, a roof will need a shingle replacement every couple of decades, which makes the long-term savings of laminate over 3-tab less pronounced. Other materials, such as nails for shingles, wear out on either type at about the same rate.
Appearance
This is subjective. Laminate shingles bring a dimensional look to a roof, which some people find more aesthetically pleasing. 3-tab shingles bring a more uniform look, which other people prefer. Laminate shingles can be styled to imitate slate or cedar roofing, which also can enhance the appearance of a home. 3-tab shingles are cut and dried as it pertains to looks. The downside to the specialized look of a laminate shingle is the cost although the extra cost of that type of roofing is much less than actually installing slate roofing or a cedar roof.
There are benefits and detriments to each type of roofing. If you're looking for roofing in Lawrenceville, the asphalt shingle versus laminate shingle debate comes down to a comparison of upfront costs, durability and appearance over time. While there is no “wrong” answer, what you choose should be based on what you think you will need in terms of resilience in weather and long-term costs. Contact Preferred Roofing right away to learn more.
Understanding nail length for shingle roofing
Understanding Nail Length for Shingle Roofing
When it comes time to replace the roof on your home, there are many choices to make. While there are certainly aesthetic and cost factors involved in your selection of roofing materials in Marietta, the primary reason you have a roof is to put a protective shell over your property that can withstand the torture that nature will hurl at it.
Therefore, while it’s important that your roofing material choices fall within your budget and have an appearance that adds to the beauty of your residence, the most important consideration is durability and roof strength. The primary method of controlling your roof strength regardless of roofing material type is proper roofing nail selection. That doesn’t just include the style of nail, but also the length. You must select the proper length of nails for roofing in Marietta if you’re going to have a roof that can withstand the elements and provide years of dependable service. The length of nail necessary to properly construct your roof depends on the type of shingle used and what’s underneath it. Read on for some points you should understand when selecting proper roofing nail length.
Many Choices
Roofing nails come in a variety of lengths to meet a variety of needs in the roofing industry. About 70% of roofs in the United States are made from asphalt shingles, and most roofing nail guidelines use the asphalt shingle as the standard. For attaching asphalt shingles to standard decking, nails can range in length from 1 inch to 2 inches. But some applications may require longer nails up to 6 inches long. Those longer nails aren’t likely to be needed for residential roofing, and, as a result, are difficult to find in local roofing supply stores. Bear in mind that, as the length of the roofing nail increases, so does its gauge.
Type of Shingle Matters
One of the first factors to consider is the type of shingle you will be using. The two primary types of shingles in use today are the 3-tab asphalt shingle and the dimensional shingle. You’ll usually need to use a longer nail when using dimensional shingles since they consist of two layers of shingle material bonded together. In other words, a dimensional shingle is double the thickness of a regular shingle, and you must choose your nail length accordingly.
Decking Thickness
While asphalt shingles from various manufacturers are of similar thickness, the decking or sheathing below the asphalt shingles can vary by builder or homeowner preference. Therefore, two homes may have the same shingles but require a different length of nails because of what is beneath them. The thickest decking typically used in modern roofing is just under an inch in thickness, though most decking is 3/4-inch thick. Your nails must penetrate the decking, so if your decking is thicker, you’ll need longer nails.
Other Layers Add Thickness
In between the decking and the shingles is another roofing layer that must be factored into your nail length selection. If your roof has been stripped of old shingles and the new shingles will be applied over a single layer of felt paper over inch-thick decking, then you’ll need to use nails that are 1 ½ inches in length. If your decking is ¾-inch or less, you can use 1 ¼-inch nails. If, however, you plan to install your new shingles over a layer of old shingles, your nail length must increase accordingly.
If you’re planning your next roofing project, make sure that you include proper nail length as a key consideration when selecting your roofing products in Marietta. By selecting the right nails, you can get a roof that will stand the test of time and protect your most valuable possession. To learn more about choosing the proper nail for your roofing job, visit Preferred Roofing.