I've got to add on to yesterday's blog—Many people in Chicago can now mow their roofs. Okay you are thinking: "Why would I ever want to mow my roof?" Spinning blades, a 60-degree angle and at temperatures approaching wicked hot... Well commercial and apartment...
Roofing
In High Winds, It’s Hip to Be Hipped
Did you know that the shape of your roof has a lot to do with how well it stands up against high winds, including hurricane-force winds? Hipped-roof systems are more likely to stay put in a hurricane than gabled-roof systems. Why? Unlike gabled roofs, a hipped roof...
Proper Attachment for Roof Coverings – Part 2
We've talked about attaching shingle and clay or concrete tiles, now let’s look at metal panels and slate. For metal panels, clips or cleats are preferred over exposed fasteners because they won't be exposed to weather. Clips and cleats also allow the metal to expand...
Proper Attachment Is Key to Roof Coverings
When it comes to roof coverings, you have several choices, among them shingles, clay or concrete tiles, metal panels, and slate. But which of these roof coverings perform best during severe winds? The answer may surprise you. All of these types of coverings can...
Waterproof Homes for All
At long last, the entire building industry admits that the exterior components of a house constitute a whole. There's no longer a reason to think roof guys only care about roofs and siding guys only care about exterior sheathing and cladding. As of this spring, the...
Hot News for the Photovoltaic Tile Roof
If you're looking to go carbon-free or carbon reduced, look no further than the roof for your technological upgrade. The Complete Solar Roof from solarcentury generates electricity and hot water through its photovoltaic roof tiles.The tiles arrive pre-assembled and...
Fake Shake
Cedar shingles have enjoyed a long run as top dog of the roofing world. They’re attractive, durable, and have a charm that suburbanites just can’t resist. Unfortunately, fireproof they ain’t, and that’s a big concern when you live in dry territory. Past attempts at...
Dam It
Here in New England it’s been a crazy winter—50’s one day, minus 80 the next. This freeze-and-thaw scenario is what ice dams love best, trapping water on your roof where it will inevitably find a way into the rafters and beyond. My fix has been the typical series of...