Roofing questions, sorted into clear topics
Plain-language guides for homeowners, from choosing shingles to filing a storm claim. Every guide sits under the topic it belongs to: start with the main guide of a topic, then read the guides around it.
- 149 guides
- 11 topics
Topic 01
Roofing materials
23 guides in this topic
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Types of Roofing Materials: How to Compare Your OptionsThe right roofing material is the one your slope, framing and local rules allow, rated for your area's hazards, at the lowest cost per year of service. The National Roofing…
- Flat Roof Materials Compared: EPDM, TPO, PVC, Modified Bitumen, and Built-Up
- Roof Pitch Explained: How to Measure It and What It Means for Materials
- Switching Roofing Materials: Weight, Structure, Slope, and Code Checks
- HOA Roofing Rules: Approvals, Restrictions, and State Limits
- Historic Roofs: Repair and Replacement Guidance for Slate, Tile, Wood, and Metal
- Impact-Resistant (Class 4) Shingles: What the Rating Means and What It Doesn’t
- Shingle Wind Ratings Explained: ASTM D3161, D7158, and High-Wind Installation
- Cool Roofs: How Reflective Roofing Reduces Heat Gain
- Best Roofing Materials by Climate: Heat, Cold, Coastal, Hail, and Wildfire Zones
- How Long Does a Roof Last? Lifespan by Material and What Shortens It
- Roof Replacement Cost: What Drives the Price and How to Estimate Yours
- Is a New Roof Tax Deductible? Basis, Credits, and Rental Property Rules
- Asphalt Shingles: 3-Tab vs. Architectural vs. Designer, and How to Choose
- Metal Roofing Types: Standing Seam, Exposed Fastener, and Metal Shingles
- Metal Roof vs. Asphalt Shingles: A Side-by-Side Decision Guide
- Metal Roof Noise, Lightning, Rust, and Dents: Facts vs. Fears
- Stone-Coated Steel Roofing: How It Compares to Tile and Shingles
- Clay vs. Concrete Roof Tiles: Weight, Lifespan, and Climate Fit
- Natural Slate Roofs: Lifespan, Weight, Repairs, and What to Expect
- Synthetic Slate and Shake: How Composite Roofing Compares
- Wood Shakes vs. Wood Shingles: Cedar Roofing Pros, Cons, and Fire Ratings
- How to Choose a Roof Color: Heat, HOA Rules, and Curb Appeal
Topic 02
Flat roof materials
13 guides in this topic
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Flat Roof Materials Compared: EPDM, TPO, PVC, Modified Bitumen, and Built-UpHomes with roofs too flat for shingles use one of a handful of systems: EPDM rubber sheet, TPO or PVC thermoplastic sheet, modified bitumen, built-up roofing, or spray foam with…
- How Long Does a Roof Last? Lifespan by Material and What Shortens It
- Roof Pitch Explained: How to Measure It and What It Means for Materials
- Tying a New Roof Into an Existing Roof: Additions, Porches, and Garages
- EPDM Rubber Roofing: Installation, Lifespan, and Common Failure Points
- TPO vs. PVC Roofing: Choosing a Thermoplastic Membrane
- Modified Bitumen and Built-Up Roofing: Multi-Ply Flat Roof Systems
- Flat Roof Drainage and Ponding Water: Causes, Limits, and Fixes
- Flat Roof Repair: Patching Membranes, Blisters, and Seams
- Roof Coatings: Silicone, Acrylic, and Elastomeric Options for Low-Slope Roofs
- Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing: How SPF Works as Roof and Insulation
- Green Roofs on Homes: Extensive vs. Intensive Systems, Weight, and Upkeep
- Mobile and Manufactured Home Roofs: Roof-Overs, Coatings, and Code Limits
Topic 03
Parts of a roof
27 guides in this topic
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Parts of a Roof: Every Component Named and ExplainedA pitched roof is built in layers: a frame and deck, water barriers, metal at the edges, shingles across the field and over the ridge, and flashing wherever the roof…
- Roof Decking: Plywood vs. OSB, Thickness, and When It Gets Replaced
- Roofing Nails and Fasteners: Placement, Length, and Wind Resistance
- Roof Underlayment: Felt vs. Synthetic vs. Self-Adhered
- Ice and Water Shield: Where Codes Require It and Where It Helps
- Roof Overhangs and Eaves: What They Do and How Deep They Should Be
- Drip Edge: What It Does and Whether Code Requires It
- Soffit and Fascia: What They Do and How Roof Problems Show Up There
- Gutters and Downspouts: Sizing, Slope, Placement, and Guards
- Starter Strips and Ridge Caps: The Edge Shingles That Keep a Roof On
- Snow Guards and Snow Retention: Protecting People, Gutters, and Lower Roofs
- Types of Roofs by Shape: Gable, Hip, Gambrel, Mansard, Shed, and Flat
- Roof Valleys: Open, Closed-Cut, and Woven Valleys Compared
- Roof Flashing: Types, Locations, and How Each One Fails
- Kickout Flashing: Stopping Leaks Where a Roof Meets a Wall
- Chimney Leaks: Flashing, Counterflashing, Crowns, and Caps
- Chimney Crickets (Saddles): When a Roof Needs One
- Skylights and Roof Windows: Types, Leak Risks, and Energy Ratings
- Plumbing Vent Boots and Roof Penetrations: Why They Fail
- Types of Roof Vents: Ridge, Box, Turbine, Gable, and Soffit Vents
- Attic Ventilation: How Intake and Exhaust Work Together
- Flat Roof Materials Compared: EPDM, TPO, PVC, Modified Bitumen, and Built-Up
- Flat Roof Drainage and Ponding Water: Causes, Limits, and Fixes
- EPDM Rubber Roofing: Installation, Lifespan, and Common Failure Points
- Roof Coatings: Silicone, Acrylic, and Elastomeric Options for Low-Slope Roofs
- Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing: How SPF Works as Roof and Insulation
- Roofing Glossary: Terms You’ll See in Estimates, Contracts, and Inspection Reports
Topic 04
Attic airflow and moisture
15 guides in this topic
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Attic Ventilation: How Intake and Exhaust Work TogetherAttic ventilation works when outside air comes in low, through soffit or eave vents, and leaves high, through ridge or other upper vents, carrying out moisture that has reached the…
- Soffit and Fascia: What They Do and How Roof Problems Show Up There
- Curling, Cupping, and Clawing Shingles: Causes and What They Mean
- Blistering Shingles: Causes, Warranty Questions, and When It Matters
- Attic Condensation and Frost: Causes, Signs, and Fixes
- Attic Insulation and Your Roof: R-Values, Air Sealing, and Ice Dams
- Ice Dams: Why They Form and How to Prevent Them
- Types of Roof Vents: Ridge, Box, Turbine, Gable, and Soffit Vents
- How Much Attic Ventilation Do You Need? The 1/150 and 1/300 Rules
- Unvented (Conditioned) Attics: When Sealing the Roof Deck Makes Sense
- Powered and Solar Attic Fans: Do They Help or Hurt?
- Mold in the Attic: Roof and Ventilation Causes and Cleanup Decisions
- Bathroom and Kitchen Fans Venting Into the Attic: Why It Damages Roofs
- Radiant Barriers in the Attic: Where They Help and Where They Don’t
- Cool Roofs: How Reflective Roofing Reduces Heat Gain
Topic 05
Storm and hazard damage
18 guides in this topic
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Roof Damage After a Storm: What to Check and What to Do FirstAfter a storm, stay off the roof and work from the ground: confirm the house is safe, photograph damage inside and out before anything is moved, cover openings only if…
- Roof Leaking Right Now? What to Do Inside the House First
- Hail Damage on a Roof: What It Looks Like on Shingles, Metal, and Vents
- Wind Damage to Roofs: Lifted, Creased, and Missing Shingles
- Tree Fell on Your Roof? Safety, Insurance, and Repair Steps
- Snow Load on Roofs: Warning Signs and Safe Snow Removal
- Ice Dams: Why They Form and How to Prevent Them
- How to Remove an Ice Dam Safely
- How to Inspect Your Roof From the Ground and the Attic
- How to Check Whether Hail or High Winds Hit Your Address
- How to Tarp a Roof After Damage: Temporary Protection Done Safely
- Roofing Scams and Storm Chasers: How to Spot and Avoid Them
- Wind and Hail Deductibles: How Percentage Deductibles Work
- How to File a Roof Insurance Claim, Step by Step
- Hurricane-Resistant Roofing: The Construction Details That Keep a Roof On
- IBHS FORTIFIED Roof: What It Requires and How Homeowners Use It
- Roofing Near the Coast: Salt Air, Corrosion, and Fastener Choices
- Wildfire-Resistant Roofing: Class A Ratings, Embers, Gutters, and Vents
Topic 06
Professional roof inspections
15 guides in this topic
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What a Professional Roof Inspection Includes and How to Read the ReportA roof report is only as complete as its author's job: a home inspector may judge the roof from the ground, a roofer looks for repairs to quote, an insurer's…
- Roof Age and Home Insurance: Restricted Coverage, Inspections, and Nonrenewal
- Drone, Satellite, and Aerial Roof Inspections: What They Can and Can’t Show
- How to Inspect Your Roof From the Ground and the Attic
- Signs You Need a New Roof (and Signs You Don’t)
- Shingle Granule Loss: Normal Shedding vs. a Failing Roof
- Curling, Cupping, and Clawing Shingles: Causes and What They Mean
- Blistering Shingles: Causes, Warranty Questions, and When It Matters
- Black Streaks, Moss, and Lichen on a Roof: Causes and Prevention
- Sagging Roof: Structural Causes and When It’s an Emergency
- How to Find a Roof Leak: Tracing Water From Stain to Source
- Why a Roof Leaks Only in Heavy Rain or High Wind
- Roof Leaking Right Now? What to Do Inside the House First
- Buying a House? How to Evaluate the Roof Before You Close
- FHA and VA Roof Requirements: What Appraisers Check
Topic 07
Roof maintenance checklist
20 guides in this topic
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Roof Maintenance Checklist: What to Do Each SeasonRoof maintenance is a twice-yearly look from the ground and the attic, gutter and debris clearing on the schedule your trees and climate set, and a check after every major…
- How to Inspect Your Roof From the Ground and the Attic
- Curling, Cupping, and Clawing Shingles: Causes and What They Mean
- Blistering Shingles: Causes, Warranty Questions, and When It Matters
- Roof Cleaning Methods: Soft Washing vs. Pressure Washing
- Black Streaks, Moss, and Lichen on a Roof: Causes and Prevention
- Animal Damage to Roofs: Squirrels, Raccoons, Birds, and Woodpeckers
- How to Clean Gutters Safely and Check the Roof Edge While You’re There
- Snow Load on Roofs: Warning Signs and Safe Snow Removal
- How to Remove an Ice Dam Safely
- Metal Roof Maintenance: Fasteners, Sealant, Rust, and Scratches
- Tile Roof Repair: Cracked Tiles, Underlayment Life, and Walking on Tile
- Flat Roof Repair: Patching Membranes, Blisters, and Seams
- Flat Roof Drainage and Ponding Water: Causes, Limits, and Fixes
- Roof Sealants and Caulk: Where They Belong and Where They Hide Problems
- Ladder Safety for Roof Access: Setup, Angle, and Footing
- DIY Roof Repair: What Homeowners Can Safely Do and What to Leave to a Pro
- How Damaged or Missing Shingles Are Replaced
- Matching New Shingles to an Old Roof: Why Repairs Look Different
- Roof Repair vs. Replacement: A Decision Framework
Topic 08
Replacing your roof step by step
23 guides in this topic
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The Roof Replacement Process, Step by StepA roof replacement runs in six stages: inspection and contract, scheduling and preparing the house, tear-off, deck repair, building the new roof from the edges up, and cleanup with final…
- Roof Replacement Cost: What Drives the Price and How to Estimate Yours
- Roof Overlay vs. Tear-Off: Can You Put New Shingles Over Old?
- Do You Need a Permit to Replace a Roof?
- HOA Roofing Rules: Approvals, Restrictions, and State Limits
- How to Compare Roofing Quotes Line by Line
- Roofing Deposits and Payment Schedules: What’s Normal and What’s a Red Flag
- What a Roofing Contract Should Include
- Roofing Glossary: Terms You’ll See in Estimates, Contracts, and Inspection Reports
- How to File a Roof Insurance Claim, Step by Step
- Can a Roof Be Replaced in Cold or Wet Weather?
- How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take? What Changes the Schedule
- How to Prepare Your Home for Roof Replacement Day
- Asbestos in Roofing: How to Recognize It and What the Rules Require
- Lead Paint and Roof Projects on Pre-1978 Homes: What the EPA RRP Rule Covers
- What Happens to Old Shingles? Disposal and Recycling
- Roofing Safety Rules Explained: Fall Protection and Heat Requirements for Roof Work
- Ladder Safety for Roof Access: Setup, Angle, and Footing
- Roof Decking: Plywood vs. OSB, Thickness, and When It Gets Replaced
- How Asphalt Shingles Are Installed: The Sequence From Deck to Ridge
- Roofing Building Codes: What the IRC Requires When You Re-Roof
- Tying a New Roof Into an Existing Roof: Additions, Porches, and Garages
- After the Roofers Leave: Final Walkthrough, Cleanup, and Punch List
Topic 09
Roof replacement cost
14 guides in this topic
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Roof Replacement Cost: What Drives the Price and How to Estimate YoursA roof replacement price starts as your roof's area in squares times a per-square installed rate for the material you choose, then moves with lines a quick quote can leave…
- What Is a Roofing Square? How Roof Area Is Measured for Estimates
- Roofing Glossary: Terms You’ll See in Estimates, Contracts, and Inspection Reports
- Roof Overlay vs. Tear-Off: Can You Put New Shingles Over Old?
- Roofing Building Codes: What the IRC Requires When You Re-Roof
- Best Roofing Materials by Climate: Heat, Cold, Coastal, Hail, and Wildfire Zones
- Cool Roofs: How Reflective Roofing Reduces Heat Gain
- How to Compare Roofing Quotes Line by Line
- Roof Repair Costs: What Determines the Bill
- How to Pay for a New Roof: Financing Options Compared
- Roof Repair Assistance: Government Grants and Loans for Homeowners
- Is a New Roof Tax Deductible? Basis, Credits, and Rental Property Rules
- Does a New Roof Increase Home Value? What Buyers, Appraisers, and Insurers Weigh
- Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Damage?
Topic 10
Homeowners insurance and roof damage
14 guides in this topic
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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Damage?Homeowners policies typically cover roof damage caused by a covered peril, while a leak from age or skipped maintenance is the owner's responsibility. Cause decides whether you are covered at…
- How to Check Whether Hail or High Winds Hit Your Address
- Tree Fell on Your Roof? Safety, Insurance, and Repair Steps
- Roof Damage After a Storm: What to Check and What to Do First
- Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost for Roofs: How Depreciation Changes Your Payout
- Wind and Hail Deductibles: How Percentage Deductibles Work
- Roof Age and Home Insurance: Restricted Coverage, Inspections, and Nonrenewal
- How to File a Roof Insurance Claim, Step by Step
- How to Read an Insurance Roof Estimate: Line Items, Depreciation, and Supplements
- Ordinance or Law Coverage: Who Pays for Code Upgrades on a Roof Claim
- Insurance and Mismatched Shingles: How Matching Rules Work
- Roof Claim Denied? Common Reasons and How to Appeal
- Public Adjusters for Roof Claims: When They Help and What They Cost
- Insurance Discounts for Roofs: Impact Ratings, FORTIFIED, and Wind Mitigation
Topic 11
Choosing a roofing contractor
14 guides in this topic
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How to Choose a Roofing Contractor: A Vetting ChecklistChoose a roofing contractor by running checks in order and keeping the evidence: a permanent business address, a license where your state requires one, insurance proof you have confirmed with…
- Who Actually Installs Your Roof? Subcontractors, Crews, and Supervision
- Manufacturer-Certified Roofing Contractors: What Certification Does and Doesn’t Prove
- How to Verify a Roofer’s License and Insurance Before You Sign
- How to Compare Roofing Quotes Line by Line
- What a Roofing Contract Should Include
- Roofing Deposits and Payment Schedules: What’s Normal and What’s a Red Flag
- Mechanic’s Liens and Lien Waivers on Roofing Jobs
- Roof Warranties Explained: Manufacturer vs. Workmanship Coverage
- Transferring a Roof Warranty When You Sell Your Home
- Can a Roofer Pay or Waive Your Insurance Deductible?
- Roofing Scams and Storm Chasers: How to Spot and Avoid Them
- Canceling a Roofing Contract: The Three-Day Rule and Other Rights
- When a Roofing Job Goes Wrong: Complaints, Disputes, and Recovery Options
Recently published
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Roofing materials
Wood Shakes vs. Wood Shingles: Cedar Roofing Pros, Cons, and Fire RatingsCedar shakes are split and rough-faced, cedar shingles are sawn and smooth, but the fire rating decides a cedar roof before looks do. The Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau's fire-retardant…
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Storm and hazard damage · Homeowners insurance and roof damage
Wind and Hail Deductibles: How Percentage Deductibles WorkA percentage wind, hail or hurricane deductible is figured on your home's insured dwelling limit, not on the damage: the Insurance Information Institute's example puts a 5 percent deductible on…
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Storm and hazard damage
Wind Damage to Roofs: Lifted, Creased, and Missing ShinglesWind damages a shingle roof by breaking the adhesive seal under each tab, then bending the tab back until it creases or tears off. Missing shingles are easy to spot.…
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Storm and hazard damage
Wildfire-Resistant Roofing: Class A Ratings, Embers, Gutters, and VentsA wildfire-resistant roof starts with a Class A rated covering, the highest of the three classes in the ASTM E108 fire test, but that rating does not stop embers. Embers…
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Attic airflow and moisture
Unvented (Conditioned) Attics: When Sealing the Roof Deck Makes SenseAn unvented attic moves the insulation, the air seal and the moisture control from the attic floor up to the underside of the roof deck, so the attic becomes part…
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Parts of a roof
Types of Roofs by Shape: Gable, Hip, Gambrel, Mansard, Shed, and FlatResidential roofs come in six basic shapes: gable, hip, gambrel, mansard, shed and flat, and a single house can combine several. The shape tells you where to look for trouble:…
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Storm and hazard damage · Homeowners insurance and roof damage
Tree Fell on Your Roof? Safety, Insurance, and Repair StepsIf a tree comes through your roof, get everyone out of the rooms below and away from any wires, then call 911 or the utility before anyone touches the tree.…
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Choosing a roofing contractor
Transferring a Roof Warranty When You Sell Your HomeA roof warranty moves to a buyer only if its terms allow it, and the deadlines are short: GAF's base shingle warranty for products installed after January 1, 2025 can…
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Flat roof materials
TPO vs. PVC Roofing: Choosing a Thermoplastic MembraneTPO and PVC are both thermoplastic roof sheets joined with heat-welded seams, specified under ASTM D6878 and ASTM D4434. On a house, choose on the installer's welding record and the…
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Roof maintenance checklist
Tile Roof Repair: Cracked Tiles, Underlayment Life, and Walking on TileTile roof repairs come in two kinds: swapping cracked or slipped tiles, and lifting sound tiles to replace a leaking underlayment beneath them. Tiles crack when someone steps where they…
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Roofing materials
Synthetic Slate and Shake: How Composite Roofing ComparesSynthetic slate and shake are molded composite products made to look like natural stone or split cedar. Choose one on its fire class, its impact rating and its data-sheet weight,…
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Roofing materials
Switching Roofing Materials: Weight, Structure, Slope, and Code ChecksSwitching from asphalt shingles to metal, tile or slate works only if your framing can carry the new weight and your roof pitch sits at or above the new product's…
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Roofing materials
Stone-Coated Steel Roofing: How It Compares to Tile and ShinglesStone-coated steel roofing is made of formed steel panels finished with bonded stone granules so the roof reads as tile, shake or shingles from the street. Whether it beats concrete…
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Parts of a roof
Starter Strips and Ridge Caps: The Edge Shingles That Keep a Roof OnStarter strips are the first row of shingle material at the eaves and rakes, laid under the first visible course, and hip and ridge caps are the pieces that close…
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Flat roof materials · Parts of a roof
Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing: How SPF Works as Roof and InsulationA spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roof is foam sprayed onto the roof deck as one continuous layer, then covered with a coating that takes the sun and weather. How long…
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Solar Shingles vs. Solar Panels: How Building-Integrated Solar Compares
Solar shingles replace part of your roof covering with power-generating material, while rack-mounted panels sit on top of the roof you already have. Your roof's timeline decides which comparison is…
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Before You Add Solar: Roof Age, Condition, and Penetration Questions
Replace the roof before installing solar when its remaining life is shorter than the time the panels will stay up and the roof life you would give up is worth…
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Parts of a roof · Attic airflow and moisture
Soffit and Fascia: What They Do and How Roof Problems Show Up ThereThe fascia is the vertical board along the roof edge, the one a gutter hangs on, and the soffit is the panel underneath that closes the overhang back to the…
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Storm and hazard damage · Roof maintenance checklist
Snow Load on Roofs: Warning Signs and Safe Snow RemovalA foot of light, dry snow weighs about 3 pounds per square foot, a foot of wet, heavy snow about 21, and a foot of ice about 57, according to…
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Parts of a roof
Snow Guards and Snow Retention: Protecting People, Gutters, and Lower RoofsYou need snow guards where a sliding sheet of roof snow would land on something that matters: a doorway, walkway, driveway, deck, lower roof, gutter, gas meter or vent. FEMA's…
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Roofing materials
Natural Slate Roofs: Lifespan, Weight, Repairs, and What to ExpectNatural roofing slate is graded S1, S2 or S3 under ASTM C406, and industry sources tie those grades to expected service lives that run from 20 to 40 years for…
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Parts of a roof
Skylights and Roof Windows: Types, Leak Risks, and Energy RatingsSkylights come as fixed, vented or tubular units, and a vented unit set within reach of the room is called a roof window. A roof replacement is the time to…
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Professional roof inspections
Signs You Need a New Roof (and Signs You Don’t)The clearest replacement sign is wear that shows up across the roof: HUD's inspection guide says asphalt shingles that are losing their granules and starting to curl should be replaced.…
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Roofing materials
Shingle Wind Ratings Explained: ASTM D3161, D7158, and High-Wind InstallationClass F means an asphalt shingle passed ASTM D3161's fan test at 110 mph; Class H means it passed ASTM D7158's uplift test for basic wind speeds up to 194…
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Professional roof inspections
Shingle Granule Loss: Normal Shedding vs. a Failing RoofGranules in the gutter matter less than what is left on the shingles: if you can see dark asphalt or the mat showing through across the roof, the shingles are…