LEARNING CENTER

BLOG

Types of Roofs: A Comprehensive Comparison of Modern Materials

Types of Roofs: A Comprehensive Comparison of Modern Materials

Summary This article is specifically focused on asphalt three-tab or dimensional shingles, which are what many homeowners have in the greater Richmond and Tri-Cities area, but would not apply to metal roofs, slate, cedar or “designer” asphalt shingles. Age is...

Types of Roofs: A Comprehensive Comparison of Modern Materials

Types of Roofs: A Comprehensive Comparison of Modern Materials

Summary Choosing the right roof involves balancing factors like budget, climate, longevity and aesthetics to ensure the material enhances your home's character and value. As a popular and cost-effective choice, dimensional asphalt shingles offer a balance of...

How to Tell if Your Roof Needs to be Replaced

How to Tell if Your Roof Needs to be Replaced

Summary The lifespan of a roof depends on the material, its age and the local climate. Typical lifespans are: Asphalt Shingles (15-20 years), Metal Roofs (40-70 years) and Slate or Tile Roofs (100+ years). The lifespan of a roof depends on the material, its age and...

How To Choose a Quality Roofing Contractor

How To Choose a Quality Roofing Contractor

Trusting the Right Roofing Company Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, so it's important to hire a qualified and reputable roofing contractor when it needs repairs or replacement. But with so many companies out there, how do you know which one...

Gutter Sizing

Gutter Sizing

Gutter sizing is an aspect of rainwater collection that has been studied extensively and can be calculated based on published guidelines in the plumbing codes. For example, the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) recommends that a gutter system be able to carry the runoff of...

Roof Components for a Shingle Roof

Roof Components for a Shingle Roof

There are generally five main components to any asphalt-based roof system.  These five components are not specific to any one brand but are rather generally required by all of the major shingle manufacturers to obtain the full manufacturer’s warranty.  These five...

Why Do Shingles Streak?

Why Do Shingles Streak?

What are the Black Streaks and Spots on my roof? Answer: Algae typically known as Gloeocapsa Magma and Blue Green Algae. The reason for the black color is the algae has the ability to form a protective coating (black in color) that shields it from the sun’s harmful...

Why Ventilation is Important

Why Ventilation is Important

Choosing the right roofing company, with qualified roofers that install excellent products for a full roofing system, is essential for any homeowner.  However, few people realize that proper ventilation is one of the most important things you can address with regard...

How cold is too cold?

How cold is too cold?

Like many other trades, the roofing industry has to be conscious of ever-changing weather conditions. In the summer we have to monitor everything from pop up thunderstorms to excessive heat which can lead to shingle scarring. The winter months also present challenges....