5 Star Roofs - Our Roofing Related Blog

What are the Expected Lifespans of Roofs?

There are numerous aspects that can affect the lifespan of your roof, from the individual shingle materials to the weather that your area experiences. Prompt upkeep will assist your roof by increasing its life expectancy. To thoroughly comprehend exactly how long your roof should last before replacement, you are required to look into the material of your shingles.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the most common variations due to their ease to install and them being a very affordable material. They commonly are accompanied by a 25 year warranty, this means that the manufactures expect your roof to last around 25 years before replacement. Approximately, asphalt shingle roofs will have a lifespan of around 15-30 years.

However, the exact lifespan of each roof will very much depend on the level of upkeep that is done as well as the weather of the area. If the roof is subject to constant, harsh conditions, they will have a much shorter lifespan.

If you have opted to go with architectural asphalt shingles, they will last a small bit longer than their other variant. They generally cost more due to their 3 times increased thickness. Again, the warranty on these variants will depend on the manufacturer but it generally spans around 30 years.

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles find more popularity in certain areas, however, they are still a more expensive option when compared to other materials. This cost is justified, clay tiles generally last up to 50 years with most manufacturers offer a 30 year warranty with them

Clay tiles also do not need the same amount of upkeep as other materials due to their increased durability. Despite this, annual roof inspections are still a wise choice to inspect for any cracks. Furthermore, this should be completed after any harsh storm as clay tiles are subject to cracking when hit by debris.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles often see lifespans of around 30 years. However, if your roofing is to last this long yearly inspections are a necessary requirement alongside yearly upkeep. Still, wood shingles can greatly contribute to the aesthetic of your house and they are doubled with insect and rot-resistivity.

If a wood shingled roof is not properly maintained with regular upkeep, it will see a greatly decreased lifespan. As wood is a natural material, the shingles are subject to splitting and warping. If this occurs and they are not promptly replaced, they will result in damage to the roof.

Metal Roofs

The durability of metal roofs is contributing to their increasing popularity. The thickness or gauge of the metal directly impacts its lifespan. The thicker the material, the longer that the roof will survive.

Commonly, a thinner (26-29 gauge) will last an average of approximately 20-25 years whereas, higher quality roofs (22-24 gauge) will last around 50 years. Additionally, the manufacturers’ warranty will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but they generally last from 20 years to forever.

The lifespan of a roof depends entirely on both the weather of the area that it is located and the material that is used to make the shingles. Asphalt shingles are the most common with lifespans of around 25 years. Whereas, high-end metal roofs can see lifetimes of 50-70 years alongside proper maintenance.

Can Solar Panels Damage My Roof

Solar panels provide more benefits than they do disadvantages. Many have found that they have made their home more efficient and able to provide necessary energy. Solar panels have helped people save money as natural gas can be expensive. While the installation fee can be high, many have found it worth it to save on their bill every month. It’s a good idea to way all the pros and cons when it comes to solar panel installation.

Most homes have solar panels installed on their roof. This distracts from their presence. Many home owners do not wish for their solar panels to be extremely visible. The roof of a home is important. If it is compromised, vermin and moisture can enter the home. You should always be careful when it comes to installing anything on your roof. With that said, solar panels do not cause a significant amount of problems when they are installed on a roof that is in good condition. There are things to consider when it comes to installing solar panels on your roof:

Is Your Roof Healthy?

It’s easy to damage a roof more if it has already suffered from damage. Those who have maintenance issues should way the pros and cons of solar panel installation. Common problems that may get worse include missing or misplaced shingles, holes, and parts of the roof that are at risk for caving in.

It is important to have these problems fixed before going through with solar panel installation. These problems can get worse if pressure is applied on them. A responsible home owner should be looking after these problems. Remember, pressure is being applied to your roof if you get solar panel installation. Having a professional roof inspection by a company such as Roof Restoration Port Macquarie is a great idea prior to installation.

Take Care of Repairs

It’s beneficial to take care of all needed repairs before having solar panels installed. Having your roof looked at by a professional roofer before deciding to go through with installation can save you time and money. While hiring a roofer can costs money, fixing increased damage can cost more. Also, it’s very possible that you’ll have to remove the solar panels if damage occurs.

If the roofer identifies problem it can be fixed. Having these repairs done will fix future problems with your roof and solar panels. Remember, a damaged roof can result in more problems than just your roof needing repair. It can also cause mold problems and pests. This can result in a massive amount of damage to your home. All of which will need to be fixed by a professional roofer. When all factors are considered, you should be able to install a roof with no problem.

The Bottom Line

Keeping the integrity of your roof can mean avoiding more problems when it comes to installation. Roof damage is a lot more likely to occur if there is damage to your roof that has already been done. Consider whether getting solar panels installed is safe by asking your roofer and the solar panel installer about potential consequences. Having a maintenance check can ensure that this process will go smoothly.

Benefits of Tile Roofs

Even though tile roofs are usually more expensive to install than other roofing materials, they are durable. The fact that they last longer than other roofing materials can help you save money in the long run. There are many reasons why tile roofing is a good choice for your roof. Here are the major benefits of tile roofs:

Durable
Tile roofs can last longer mainly because they can withstand harsh weather conditions. In fact, a tile roof can last longer than the house they are put on. The materials used to make tile roofs are what makes them durable. Apart from their durability, tile roofs are fireproof and can prevent a fire from starting and prevent a fire from spreading to a neighboring home to your house. This is because concrete and clay are non-combustible and cannot burn. Tile roofs also cannot decay. These roofs are a good option for those who are looking for a strong roofing material.

Beautiful
Tile roofs are usually very beautiful and installing them can make your home look more beautiful and increase the home’s value. In addition, this roofing material can complement or accent the exterior finish or color of most homes out there. Remember that your roof is among the first things that people see when they look at your home. Therefore, having a beautiful roof is very important and you can achieve this by installing tile roofs.

A Tile Roof Is A Good Insulator
Tile roofs are good insulators and can keep your home cooler during the summer months and warmer in the winter months. This can help make your home comfortable and also reduces the heating costs in the winter months and the cooling costs in the winter months. What makes a tile roof a good insulator is the natural air ventilation under the tiles which creates a heat transfer barrier.

Easy to Maintain
Tile roofs are easy to maintain as they don’t need maintenance or repairs on a regular basis. The only time that tile roofs need maintenance or repair is when they break because of a heavy impact and when replacing the materials where the tile roofs are laid every 20 years.

Many Options to Choose From
There is a wide variety of tile roofs in the market. This makes it easy for you to find a tile roof that will meet your needs. You don’t have to limit yourself to a certain style or color of a tile roof as you can get a style and color that matches your aesthetic goal. You will find tile roofs in every shade, color, and style you can think of.

Tile Roofs Are Eco-Friendly
Tile roofs are eco-friendly because the materials use to make are not limited natural resources. Besides, there are no chemical preservatives used during the process of making tile roofs. Tile roofs can also be recycled.

As you can see, there are many benefits of tile roofs. If you are looking for a good roof material, it is good to consider tile roofs to enjoy the benefits mentioned in this article.

5 Pros of Epoxy Floors

Finding the right floor solution that stands the test of time is hard. A good floor is a stain, spills, and chemical resistant. Almost all types of floors have disadvantages. Epoxy floors have more benefits, but they have a few advantages. It is important to examine the pros of epoxy floors before installing it.

Epoxy floor

What is an epoxy? It is a material that seals concrete floors. It is used on floors for walkways, commercial buildings, homes, warehouses, food or beverage plants, pharmaceutical buildings, garages, and it can also be used on walls and ceilings.

Here are the pros of epoxy floors.

1. Durability

Epoxy coatings last longer because they can resist considerable wear. You will never have to worry about installing a new floor regularly. By the way, installing a new floor costs a lot of money. So, epoxy floors are not only durable, but they can also save you money.

2. Strength

Epoxy is converted into a solid polymer. A solid polymer prevents chemical breakdown and it is incredibly strong. That is why epoxy floors are very strong and they are chemical resistant. You can install epoxy floors in high traffic areas.

3. Saves Time

If you are busy, you may want to install a new floor quickly. Do not worry because installing epoxy flooring is easy and it is quick. If you are installing it in your office, the work takes a short time. You will never stop your normal activities because you can install it at night.

4. Easy to Clean

It is easy to clean an epoxy floor because it does not absorb water. Concrete is porous, so it absorbs a lot of water. That is why it is hard to clean a concrete floor. In short, it is much easier to maintain an epoxy flooring.

5. Safety

Epoxy floors are resistant to temperature, slippage, fire, and extreme impact. That is why it is safe for both your employees and building. If you want peace of mind and to avoid unnecessary accidents in your building, install epoxy flooring.

These are the pros of epoxy floors. Once you decide to install epoxy flooring in your building, hire a reputable contractor to install it. Do install it yourself, especially if you are not qualified for this job. You may not do a perfect job and you make costly mistakes. Let a professional install it if you want to save time and money.

How To Clean Your Roof Cheaply And Effectively

Have you started to notice spots or black streaks on your roof? It is time to do a little maintenance and cleaning before that dirt, algae, or fungus becomes a roof damaging issue. Here are the steps to easily clean your roof.

Cleaning roofs

Step 1 – Plan to do your cleaning a cool overcast and low wind day. Wind and heat will cause cleaning solutions to dry out too quickly.

Step 2 – Pre-cleaning – Make sure you do a little cleanup of your roof and gutters before you get started. You want runoff to go down your gutters where you can collect it more easily.

Step 3 – Damage Check – Make sure you don’t have any loose or damaged shingles on the roof. You may want to have them repaired before cleaning.

Step 4 – Mix Your Cleaning Solution – You can buy premade solutions at most home improvement stores, but you can mix an effective cleaner right at home. Use a mixture of 50% water and 50% standard laundry bleach. If your roof is badly stained, you can add in a cleaner based on trisodium phosphate, just make sure you stay away from ammonia-based cleaners.

Step 5 – Protect Your Yard – If you have nice grass or plants below your eaves, you may want to cover them before starting. The bleach mixture can be a little harsh on plants.

Step 6 – Soak the roof with your garden hose. Get all of the shingles damps before using the cleaning solution. The solution works best when it soaks into the fungus or algae to kill it.

Step 7 – Spray The Cleaning Solution – Put the cleaning solution into a lawn and garden sprayer. Spray every foot of your roof, making sure you don’t miss any spots. Let the cleaning solution soak on the roof for around 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 8 – Rinse With Water – It is time to head back on the roof with the garden hose. You may want to add a garden nozzle to the hose for this step. Spray the roof to remove the cleaning solution. Make sure you inspect the roof for remaining stains as you go. If you still have spots, repeat step 7. NOTE: Never use a pressure washer on your roof. The high pressure can knock off the gravel, lift shingles, and cause water leaks.)

It will take you several hours to clean your roof, but this simple process can make your home look better and extend the life of your shingles. Those nasty black spots and streaks will be gone, at least for now.

What To Do In An Plumbing Emergency Situation

If you own your own home, you are responsible for any plumbing issues that may occur. Likewise, if you are renting, there are going to be times when you are going to have an emergency plumbing situation. This could be a toilet that is overflowing, or a water main that has broken which needs to be turned off. If you do not know how to do this, you will have to call a plumber in order to receive help. However, there are a few things that the average person can do in order to resolve these situations, or at least make them better until professional help can arrive. Let’s take a look at some of the more common problems that can occur and what you can do to fix or improve the situation.

How To Resolve A Broken Water Main

The first thing that you need to do is find the turn off valve for the water that is coming into your home. This will originate typically from the street. There will be a pipe that leads to your home, leading to a valve. This valve is typically located very close to the front of your home. By opening up the cover, you will see the valve that needs to be turned. Some of them are easy, whereas others may require a special tool. If it is easy to turn, you can turn that valve off preventing any further water from flowing in your home. From that point forward, you can then contact a plumber to fix the immediate problem.

What You Should Do With An Overflowing Toilet

This can happen for many reasons. It is common for people that are hooked up to the city sewer pipes, or even those with a septic tank, to experience this problem once or twice. In most cases, it has to do with a blockage that is in the sewer pipe leading from your home to the main sewer line underneath the ground. If you have a blockage, you will need to turn off any water that is currently flowing into the sewer pipe. This means you should stop running any machinery that is currently sending water into this location. Once that is done, that will stop the water from backing up into your home, giving you time to contact a plumber to remove the blockage.

These are just a few of the more common problems that a person may encounter if they are having a plumbing emergency. The faster that you are able to resolve these situations, the less damage that will be done. If you can, spend a little bit of time evaluating plumbers in your area prior to these incidents occurring. By doing so, you will know that you will be calling a reputable plumbing company that can help you fix these problems for not only a low price, but will also do competent work each time that you need them.

For all of your emergency plumbing contact Plumbers Geelong.

The Advantages Of Roof Replacement

A roof replacement can be quite costly but it has its benefits that are more convincing to any homeowners in a dilemma about whether or not to replace their roofs. Here are some of the top advantages of a roof replacement and why you should consider replacing your roof today.

1. By installing a new roof, you will increase your property value. If you ever end up putting your home on the market, you will sell faster and get a good offer for it because of a new roof.

2. Whenever your roof is damaged, you can always choose repair or replacement. Although repairing it will patch up the damage for a while it might end up costing you a lot more in the long run. Therefore, if you choose to replace your roof, you can count on a higher return on investment. As such, roof replacement is considered to be the most profitable home improvement project for most homeowners.

3. With a new roof, you can factor in energy efficiency features that allow you to save a lot more money especially when paying your utility bills. Your old roof might be leaking air forcing your AC unit to work harder to compensate for the temperature. Give your HVAC system a rest by choosing a roof replacement that saves a lot of energy.

4. A roof replacement is a cost effective project considering that it’s just a one-time payment. Patching up the damaged areas of your roof with simple repairs might force you to pay more money when the patch work doesn’t work as it’s supposed to. Once you replace your roof, you will take a long time before you start paying for repairs.

5. A new roof improves your curb appeal instantly. Take an instance where you have placed your home in the market to sell. Home buyers will be looking for a home in a good condition. A new roof is the easiest way to tell them that everything else is working properly. With a good first impression you’re bound to get a lot of good offers on your home.

6. Did you know that a new roof also provides some health benefits to your family and pets? Note that, there is a reduced risk of mold and mildew from water leakages so there are no respiratory problems likely to develop in the long-run. Invest in a new roof to keep everyone and pets inside safe and healthy.

Finding the right Air Conditioning Unit

Top air con brands You have to be careful if you’re purchasing a new air conditioning unit. This is can be a major purchase, so you shouldn’t buy just any old device. You need to specifically search for something that you’ll be happy with and that suits your specific needs. We generally recommend keep to the top brands as they have tried and tested reputations. To find out the size of the air conditioning unit that is right for the space you require visit a local professional such as Air Conditioning Geelong. They will help you to identify the most appropriate sized unit and can give you a price for installation.

Why the top brands?

Whenever you buy from a well-known, highly-rated and reputable brand, you are significantly reducing the risk of getting a bad product and bad support. You’ll know precisely what you are getting. The best brands have a history of excellence. If you shop from their store you may also get incentives such as warranties and guarantees.

If you buy from a no-name brand, you could potentially end up with a low-quality air conditioning unit that will breakdown and may not be backed by a sound warranty. When you look at a number of the top brands out there, you’ll have the ability to side-step these issues.

Does it generally cost more?

A number of people avoid buying brand-name air conditioning units because they’re concerned about the price and may feel that can save money by going with a no named brand. It may be true that while you could have to pay for a bit more for any name-brand AC unit, you’ll also get more value from your unit that you choose. You need to consider such costs as repairs and running costs which quickly make up the price difference of purchasing the unit.

As pointed out above, the best brands release products that will be more durable and reliable. If you buy from their store, you’ll really get your money’s worth! Likewise, the most effective brands often offer excellent warranties. A guarantee could help you save a large amount of money in the long term and also give you peace of mind.

Choosing the right brand

If you don’t know a great deal about air conditioning manufacturers simply starting with Google is a great place to start. Have a look at the top brands that are available in your area and look up some reviews on the quality of the unit you are looking at.

Start reading reviews so that you can see which brands get a great deal of praise. Glance at the brands that experts recommend. Find businesses that have received a lot of awards or reviews as installation is also a main part of getting a new unit.

Start gathering specifics of the firms that will make AC units, and you’ll have the capacity to see which brands made a name for themselves!

Anybody that is looking for a new AC unit needs to be taking a look at several of the top air conditioning brands around. Should you take a good look on the biggest brands and whatever they will offer you, you’ll have the ability to get a new air conditioning unit which will meet as well as exceed your expectations.

Basic Energy Saving Tips

energy saving help With summer just around the corner, the likelihood of your energy bills going up the ceiling is very high. Taking the right measures to ensure your home is energy efficient can however help lower some of these bills significantly. Making your home/office energy efficient starts with the small things commonly taken for granted such as turning off appliances that aren’t in use, ensuring the house is adequately insulated, and weather-stripping your garage door. Outlined below are a few simple tips to help improve energy efficiency in your home.

1. Have the air conditioner serviced
Much of your energy bills are related to heating and ventilation. While investing in a newer, more energy-efficient HVAC system may help cut down heating and cooling bills significantly, having your current HVAC system serviced regularly and well maintained can make all the difference. One of the best ways to ensure the air conditioner is working in its optimal capacity (without using too much power) is by having a certified and experienced technician service them at least twice per year.

2. Invest in energy-star rated appliances
Electrical appliances use lots of electricity per day. This ranges from your refrigerator, TV sets, stereo systems, and HVAC systems among many others. Investing in the most energy efficient electrical appliances in your house can help lower energy bills significantly. Consider replacing that dishwasher/washing machine you’ve been using for the past decade with a newer energy-star rated one. The best energy-star rated appliances use 50% less energy as compared to conventional ones used more than ten years ago.

3. Keep your house well insulated
Proper insulation is needed to keep the heat out (during summer), or in (during winter). Unless your home is properly insulated, you’ll then have to deal with heat gain/loss, which could affect heating and ventilation significantly. Nevertheless, making sure every part of the house is properly insulated can help save energy in the process. Be sure to check the attic, basement, and the garage for proper and adequate insulation to lower the bills farther.

4. Use energy efficient light bulbs
Light bulbs too use up lots of energy. Switching from incandescent bulbs to either energy saving fluorescents or LEDs should help cut down energy bills by more than 40%. LED light fixtures are mostly recommended for they not only last longer, but also use very little energy to produce the same light intensity as incandescent.

These are just but a few ways to cut down on energy bills. Other ways to make your home more energy efficient include taking advantage of sunlight, buy opening windows in the morning, using ceiling fans, bathroom fans, and installing programmable thermostats. For the best use a professional service such as Electrician Geelong.

What Are The Advantages Of Slate Roofs?

Are you considering slate roofs for your new home? Thinking of remodelling don’t which roof works best for you? Slate roofs are most often overlooked because not too many people are familiar with what this type of roofing is. Not all customers are aware of its capabilities and value, but if you’re on the lookout for the right roofing project for you, here are some advantages of slate roofs to help you decide whether this is for you.

Slate roofing

Long Lifespan

Typically, slate roofs can last anywhere between 75 to 100 years. What makes slate roofs last long is the fact that a slate essentially is, a rock. However, you should take note that you shouldn’t add anything to your slate roof such as paint or sealant. Simply because these may cause your slate to prematurely age.

As compared with other types of roofs, particularly shingle roofing, you may find the need to replace shingles at least 2 – 3 times throughout your home’s lifespan, as slates do not need to be replaced.

Slate Roofs Are Generally More Heavy Duty Than Other Types Of Roofing

As mentioned earlier, it is safe to say that your roof may last anytime between 75 to 100 years, or even longer if cared for properly, which means that it’s more durable than any other type of roof. However, you should also bear in mind that slate roofs are heavier. Have a structural engineer check your roof if your current home structure can take an additional 500 pounds from your roof.

Wide Variety Of Color Options And Styles

If you’re a minimalist, you can opt for a single-color roof installation. On the other hand, if you’re a little bit playful and wanted to play around with some colors, one of the advantages of slate roofs is that you can choose from a wide range of color options and styles. You may choose from graduated, multicoloured or textured installations, depending on your home’s theme and preference in design. Wanted a rustic theme? Rough-looking roofs? You can achieve these designs with slates.

Increased Resale Value

Even if you’re not planning on selling your home at this point, having slate roofing will eventually increase your home’s resale value. Its elegant roofing material makes it an asset, not to mention its natural beauty and timeless durability. Your slate roof will look exactly the same over the years, with little to no maintenance needed, as opposed to other roof types,

Hopefully these 4 essential points have helped you answer some of your questions about slate roofing, and that these helped you decide whether this type of roofing suits your preferences.

Contact Slate roofing Sydney today for all your slate roof needs.