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Roof Shingle Types

Mike — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 17:16:30 +0000

Types of Shingles used For Roofing

The most popular roofing material is of course asphalt shingles. There are many shingle manufacturers to choose from, but only two main types of shingle: Architectural, and Three Tab.

Shingle Manufacturers

The two most popular shingle manufactures are GAF/ELK and CertainTeed. Their next two biggest competitors are Owens Corning, and IKO. GAF/ELK used to be two different companies, GAF and ELK, GAF was know for the best longest lasting roofing shingle, and Elk was known for their high end product line and state of the art machining and manufacturing equipment. When the two companies merged, and became GAF/ELK they became the number one best shingle manufacturer in the United States.

Shingle Types

Three tab shingles are fast becoming obsolete, as all new home builders use the more durable, longer lasting architectural shingles. Still some home owners prefer the look of the three tab shingles as they lay flatter, and cost less.

Types of Architectural Shingles

Manufacturers of shingles offer a few choices of architectural shingles, regular and designer. Most homes feature the regular style architectural shingles with a roof life of approximately 30 years, and offer 8 to 10 colors to choose from. The designer arky’s offer different designers looks and colors and last between 40 and 50 years.

We always recommend using GAF/ELK shingles. We feel they offer the best quality and value for our customers. Over the past 20-30 years we have installed every brand of shingle, and have learned to trust GAF/ELK.

Free roofing estimates are an industry standard. If you need a roofing estimate, all you need do is call and set up some appointments with contractors in your area.

Home owners insurance companies require you to get and submit a few written estimates to file a claim. Not only will most contractors come and evaluate your concern for free, but they will often provide you with a temporary patch till you are ready to proceed with repairs or construction, as the situation dictates.

The only exception to this standard practice is with regards to non home owners. Many people shopping for real estate look to local contractors for free estimates. Some will provide a free inspection and some advice in hopes of securing a future job.

Written by Quinns Construction, a Massachusetts Roofing Contractor

Roof Shingle Types is a post from: Roofing Contractor

Asphalt Pro Starter Strips

Mike — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 14:43:39 +0000

When installing a new shingle roof it is important to remember one of the weakest points on the roof are the roof edges. This is a typical area of damage due to wind. Roof eves and rakes should have a starter strip installed before the shingles are installed.

Many roofers will not use starter strips, or they will just cut the tabs off a three tab shingle, flip it upside down and install it as a starter course. This is a clear case of the good being the enemy of the best. Installing a shingle starter strip course designed specifically for the roof edges, will protect the roof system, and reduces the need for costly repairs, 95% better than other systems.

Starter strips are an essential part of a shingle installation roofing system. This is why we use Weather Blocker Pro starter strips from GAF on every asphalt roof installation we do. GAF Pro Started Strips have been tested to resist winds up to 120 mph.

Get you home improvement done right the first time, and avoid the need for costly repairs down the road. Contact

Asphalt Pro Starter Strips is a post from: Roofing Contractor

Green Lighting via Tubular Skylights

Mike — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:33:56 +0000

A great “earth friendly” way to draw in some natural light into just about any room is with a tubular skylight.

The collectors are mounted on the roof, and the light travels down a tube, the light being multiplied as it travels, then it is finished off in the ceiling with a fixture, much like a pot light.

The fixture can be controlled with a solar powered remote controlled shade/diffuser.

Eliminating the need for electricity.

I personally like these in bathrooms where there is generally a small window or no natural lighting.

The 10″ and 14″ collectors are completely water tight and simple to install on a shingle roof. They come with a limited lifetime warranty.

Green Lighting via Tubular Skylights is a post from: Roofing Contractor