Your roof creates the integrity that protects your business or home’s value. How do you make an informed decision about one of the most important investments you will ever make? First, you have to become an informed consumer. Tri-Star Roofing has been in the roofing business in the Texas Hill Country for over 25 years, and we would like to pass on some of our acquired knowledge to help you with your roofing decisions.
The most common type of roof is comprised of composition shingle. The least expensive and lightest weight type of composition shingle is a three tab shingle. Three tab shingles comes with a 20 or 25 year manufacturer’s warranty. Realistically, it will last on an average of 12 to 15 years.
Next, are the laminated composition shingles. They come in 30, 40, and 50 year manufacture’s warranty. As the number indicates the 40 year is heavier and will last longer than the 30 weight and so on. The laminated composition shingle is designed to look like wood shingle and dramatically improves the curb appeal of your structure. For my money, the 30 year is the best bet and hold up well in windy areas. In my opinion, the 40 and 50 year shingles aren’t cost effective. Of course, they all come in a wide variety of colors to suit any taste.
Many people ask if they need to tear off the existing shingles before they put on the new shingles. Our answer is yes. The reason the old shingles need to be removed is to check for any rotting or wear and tear to the decking. You can have the best shingles known to mankind, but if your decking is damaged, your roof is more prone to leaks.
Another good reason to tear off the existing roof is so that new drip edge along the perimeter of your roof can be replaced. Drip edge helps to protect your fascia. Replacing the drip edge is the homeowner’s choice. Many times the homeowner doesn’t want the drip edge replaced because it is painted to match the house. Unless the drip edge is damaged, it isn’t necessary to replace.
The next step to installing a new roof is to put down a layer of base felt which is a moisture barrier between your shingles and your decking. Base felt comes in 15 or 30 pound weights. Fifteen pound felt should always be used under three tab composition shingle because 30 pound felt can create wrinkles once your three tab shingles are installed. Conversely, 30 pound felt should be used under the 30 year shingles because the weight of the 30 year shingles will take out any wrinkling that might occur with the 30 pound felt.
New valley metal should be installed because it provides extra protection to leak prone areas. Also, as the new roof is installed, new pipe flashing should be installed. The best pipe flashings are constructed from lead and will provide superior protection. The next thing that should be considered before installing your new roof is adequate attic ventilation. This is the perfect opportunity to improve or upgrade your attic ventilation which can add to the life of your roof.
For further information please see our website at www.roofingtristar.com to contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have about your roofing project.
The most common type of roof is comprised of composition shingle. The least expensive and lightest weight type of composition shingle is a three tab shingle. Three tab shingles comes with a 20 or 25 year manufacturer’s warranty. Realistically, it will last on an average of 12 to 15 years.
Next, are the laminated composition shingles. They come in 30, 40, and 50 year manufacture’s warranty. As the number indicates the 40 year is heavier and will last longer than the 30 weight and so on. The laminated composition shingle is designed to look like wood shingle and dramatically improves the curb appeal of your structure. For my money, the 30 year is the best bet and hold up well in windy areas. In my opinion, the 40 and 50 year shingles aren’t cost effective. Of course, they all come in a wide variety of colors to suit any taste.
Many people ask if they need to tear off the existing shingles before they put on the new shingles. Our answer is yes. The reason the old shingles need to be removed is to check for any rotting or wear and tear to the decking. You can have the best shingles known to mankind, but if your decking is damaged, your roof is more prone to leaks.
Another good reason to tear off the existing roof is so that new drip edge along the perimeter of your roof can be replaced. Drip edge helps to protect your fascia. Replacing the drip edge is the homeowner’s choice. Many times the homeowner doesn’t want the drip edge replaced because it is painted to match the house. Unless the drip edge is damaged, it isn’t necessary to replace.
The next step to installing a new roof is to put down a layer of base felt which is a moisture barrier between your shingles and your decking. Base felt comes in 15 or 30 pound weights. Fifteen pound felt should always be used under three tab composition shingle because 30 pound felt can create wrinkles once your three tab shingles are installed. Conversely, 30 pound felt should be used under the 30 year shingles because the weight of the 30 year shingles will take out any wrinkling that might occur with the 30 pound felt.
New valley metal should be installed because it provides extra protection to leak prone areas. Also, as the new roof is installed, new pipe flashing should be installed. The best pipe flashings are constructed from lead and will provide superior protection. The next thing that should be considered before installing your new roof is adequate attic ventilation. This is the perfect opportunity to improve or upgrade your attic ventilation which can add to the life of your roof.
For further information please see our website at www.roofingtristar.com to contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions you might have about your roofing project.