Archive for March, 2012
Shingling Over an Old Roof
Installing shingles over your current shingles can save you money, time and labor by not having to tear the old roof materials off. Some figures are approximately 25% savings over removing the old shingles.
If you live in a snowy climate, you might need to confirm that the added weight of the extra shingles will not cause roof damage. A very hot and humid climate may also not be conducive to the extra shingles as it may cause extra heat buildup.
Getting the Roof Ready
There is still preparation work to do before you can lay the new shingles. Check the roof decking for any signs of water or other damage and make any necessary roof repairs.
Replace any missing or loose shingles. Hammer down any protruding nails and clear off any debris from the roof. Some roofers suggest laying down new underlayment or felt in between the old and new shingles and adding new flashings.
Check building codes in your area to determine how many layers of shingles you can have on your roof. Most areas allow you to add 1 new layer of shingles over the old roof. The main reason for the concern is that it makes it difficult to inspect the roof deck and underlayment. Also make sure the materials warranty is covered if you put the new shingles on top of the old.
Specialized Shingle For Flat Roof Systems
Roofs face many challenges to maintain integrity and proper functioning, some more than others. Flat roofs have always had a tough go at repelling water and preventing subsequent damage.
As one of the main roof systems in certain countries like Nigeria, building owners with a flat roof have had to fight an uphill battle for centuries. However, a new roof material manufacturer has teamed up with natives to design a new roof material that can change the Nigerian roof market.
Flexible Finds
Messrs IKO is a global leader in the manufacturing and supply of asphalt and bituminous roof products. Focusing on waterproofing and water prevention systems, IKO went into collaboration with its Nigerian counterpart, Messrs Seven Stars Manufacturing, to develop a new product.
The new roof product, Amourshield, is a multicolored shingle that brings far more advantages than the average roof shingle used on Nigerian homes. Its ability to offer water resistance, along with flexibility in shape and design bring a unique feature for users and easy installation for roofers. The shingle offers an infinite combination of colors and design features that can fit any roof. Amourshield shingles are specifically designed to fit rooflines of any shape or size, even those with a shallow slope such as a flat roof. Even better is that these new shingles are ecologically friendly without any harmful chemical or additives.
