Your roof is perhaps the most important part of your home, and it needs to be built to last. You have to make sure it will be able to resist any type of weather, and selecting the right materials to achieve this can be daunting. With Atlas Roofing Corporation, you’ll have experts on hand to cater to your every need, and make sure you get the best roof possible.

They’ve Been Around

Atlas Roofing Corporation was established in America in 1981, and started with one roof shingle factory. Since then it has expanded to include fifteen factories worldwide, and its distributors are found all over the globe. Atlas Roofing has spent nearly thirty years discovering just what makes a good roof, and they always stay up to date on the latest roofing technology and developments while staying true to their mandate of excellent customer service. Atlas Roofing now supplies all kinds of roofing products, including roll roofing, polystyrene sheathing, and insulation.  They’re experts in all types of roofs, whether it’s flat, slanted, for your home, deck, or business. Atlas knows what goes into a good roof: drainage, strength, insulation, and ventilation.

They’re Not Going Anywhere

The worldwide distributors of Atlas Roofing products supply roofing materials to many roofing contractors. The website is modern and easy to use. If you want the best materials for your roof, you can contact Atlas Roofing (via email or by phone) and they’ll let you know where your nearest supplier is. Unless you’re a professional roofer, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to install any Atlas products.

All Atlas products meet or exceed the standards of the Model Building Codes and National Evaluation Reports, and the company has firmly established itself as an industry leader in roof manufacture.

They’ve Gone Green

Another reason to love Atlas Roofing is that the company has made every effort to be as environmentally friendly as possible. They comply with EPA regulations, and use bio-degradable material in their green polyisocyanurate insulation, which is HCFC free. Atlas also cuts waste, reduces transportation, and cuts down on greenhouse gases as much as possible.  The company motto of “Roofing that lasts” is also applicable to their environmental policy. By building durable, bio-degradable, weather resistant roofs, they hope to reduce the amount of roofing material needed, cutting down on waste.

Roofing has come a long way since the days of the cavemen. In the 1800s, wooden shingles were widely used, although in the Wild West families often spent their first winter in a cave. When they could finally build homes, the houses of the first generation of homesteaders were commonly less than half as big as the barn.   These early homes represent the beginning of roofing technology in the west.

Nowadays, the roof is an integral part of a home. The house would not be complete without one. There are now many different materials and designs available to the homeowner and roofs last longer than ever, some up to fifty years or more.  The roof can be designed to fit in with the architectural look of the house. New roofing materials include asphalt shingles, recycled rubber, metal, and many more.

Roofing Contractors

In order to install the desired roof, a homeowner will need to find a roofing contractor. This process can take some time, but is worth it because the contractor is very important. The decision should never be rushed. Ask for referrals from friends and family, or visit warehouses and find out which contractors they employ. This is a good strategy as the large warehouses will be sure to use top quality contractors.

Once a short list of potential contractors has been made, the interviewing process begins. This can be time consuming, but it is still important. The lowest bidder is not necessarily the best choice. Ask for references from each contractor and find out the quality of these previous jobs. Once you have selected a contractor and negotiated a price, work can begin. A good contractor will be able to work largely unsupervised once the initial decisions about roofing material have been made.

UK roofing contractors are much the same as contractors in America. They have to follow laws and codes, and licenses are available. The UK has a trade group called The National Federation of Roofing Contractors which works to improve the roofing industry and resist legislators. For example, they demonstrate that their members operate more safely, with lower accident rates than people who attempt to roof themselves.

The Federation also lets members know about any law changes that will affect the roofing industry. One instance of this was the law which required contractors to inform Building Control when they are replacing more than 25% of a roof. Without the Federation, contractors may not have been aware of the law change.

The main difference between roofing contractors in America and the UK is how to locate one.  In the UK, you will need to search for a Trustmark Domestic Property contractor if you have residential work that needs doing. If you need a commercial contractor, you will need to search for a commercial or industrial roofing contractor.

More Information on Roofing Contractors in the UK

The NFRC only accepts the most qualified contractors as members. Trademark contractors are inspected every three years to make sure they are maintaining high standards, and previous work is also inspected.

Each contractor is thoroughly vetted. The process takes enough time for the contractor to demonstrate their competence, and includes an inspection or previous work, a check on health and safety practices, British and European codes of practice, and checking on compliance with NFRC code of practice. Ability must be demonstrated with different roofing materials and types.

UK roofing contractors are subject to codes and standards that can surpass the codes in America. A roofing contractor in the UK is guaranteed to be of the highest quality.

Many homes in the UK are historical, and they have complicated roofs which need a high level of maintenance to keep them true to their original appearance. Due to the vigilance of the NFRC, people can be assured that their contractors are of the highest quality.

When it comes to installing metal roofing, it is a good idea to take some time to research how to do this before you begin. This will help prevent you making mistakes during the installation and heaving to spend time and money fixing errors. Plan out the process of installation before you start, and make sure you have lots of help.

First Steps

First off, you need to work out just how much roofing material you will need. You’ll need to work out the area of your roof. However, if you want a slanted roof, you will need more material than the area of your roof. If you have less material than the size of your roof, you’ll run into problems. Add any slants of tilts into your calculations.

Next, you’ll need to purchase the necessary metal materials for your roof.  It’s a good idea to talk to your hardware store or supplier beforehand to make sure they’ll have the materials ready for you when you want to start installing your roof.

The next step in installing metal roofing is often overlooked, but is a very important part of the process. You should lay out your materials on the ground and inspect them for any cracks or holes. The smallest crack or hole can cause serious problems with your roof, so if there are any imperfections you need to get the material replaced.

Installation

Now it’s time to actually install the roof. It’s a very good idea to enlist help for this part of the process because you’ll need to ensure the roof is on straight and that you don’t make any mistakes, and that the roof is fastened on properly.

Despite common misconceptions, aluminium roofing is not made of foil. Aluminium is cost-effective, light, good for the environment, and retains heat well. Because aluminium is so readily available, manufacturing costs are low. It is also very versatile due to its flexibility, and last minute changes are easy to make. Because of its light weight and flexibility, aluminium is also far easier to install than other roofing, cutting down on installation cost and time. Aluminium roofing lasts for an average of fifty years, although the aluminium roof on the Chief Secretary’s Office in Sydney has lasted since 1880!

Going Green

With the current threat of global warming and dangers to the environment, going green has never been more urgent. Aluminium roofing is a great way to help out the environment because it is recyclable, and is often made from recycled metal. Aluminium doesn’t release harmful toxins into the air, and doesn’t pollute rain water.

Aluminium roofing can also be painted over, as well as coming in a range of colours.

Calming Roof Rage

Some roofs have to withstand more than others. In some places in the world, a roof must be able to withstand acid rain, salt water from the coast, or heavy rainfall. If a roof isn’t up to the task, it may corrode, grow mouldy, or become leaky. Aluminium roofing is well up to the challenge of withstanding harsh weather conditions. Aluminium is not only mould-resistant, but it also doesn’t rust nearly as fast as other roofing materials like asphalt.

Although steel and other metal roofing might cost less than aluminium, they aren’t as durable or strong as aluminium. Paying slightly more for a roof now will save you money on costly repairs in the future. You’ll need to hire a professional roofer to make any repairs, unless you are experienced in roof repair yourself. A roof made form the best material in the world is useless if it is installed incorrectly.  If you’re looking to hire a roofing contractor, you could look into getting a bank loan. Get a detailed estimate from the contractor to show the bank, and make sure you look into tax laws in case you qualify for a tax break.

Recently metal has become very popular a as roofing material. Many homeowners in the mountainous western U.S. choose metal for their roofs because it is attractive, long-lasting, and won’t be affected by embers from the bushfires that plague the area.

With so many options available, metal roofing is incredibly versatile. The only drawback is that you will most likely need a roofing contractor to install metal roofing, because few people are themselves familiar with the material. Although this will cost more, metal roofing is quicker to install than traditional roofing, so the price difference will not be large.

Metal roofing comes in a vast range of colours, and if a homeowner doesn’t like the standard colours, metal roofing can be made in custom colours. Some people even choose a theme for their roof e.g. painting the roof the colours of the American flag.

The potential of metal roofing is limitless, and the only limits are the homeowner’s imagination and budget. Coloured metal roofing will eventually fade, but this doesn’t mean it needs to be replaced. All that it means is that the colour will be a little flatter; it will still look good.

More About Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is also beneficial because it can add to the value of a property, and even reduce insurance costs in some states. A light coloured metal roof deflects heat from a building in summer, and holds heat in during winter, saving on heating and cooling costs.
And although some people believe that metal roofs attract lightening, this is only a myth. Even if the roof was hit by lightening, the metal would dissipate the electrical charge with no harm done. Because it is metal, it will not catch on fire, and so metal roofing is actually a bonus in area with lots of lightening.

Metal roofing is now made to fit almost any roof type, and can replace any design. Metal can even be made to replicate the appearance of other roofing materials such as asphalt shingle, cedar shake, or clay tile. Whatever roof you have, it can be replaced with a metal one.

The biggest difference between conventional roofs and metal roofs is that metal roofs will last two to three times longer, even outlasting the owner who installed it! Metal roofing is coated with zinc and so acts differently than traditional roofing. A traditional roof begins to deteriorate the moment it is laid, but a metal roof will not weaken no matter how long it is there for. A metal roof will pay for itself in the long run due to the added benefits it brings to the home, and the resilience of the material.

There are many different categories of roof, and many different variations within each category. Picking the best roof for your home can be difficult because the differences between them may not be obvious. So how do you know which one is the best option?

If you live in an area which gets a lot of rain, a good option might be corrugated roofing. Unlike tiles or shingles, corrugated roofing consists of a series of little waves, which is very good for drainage. This will stop water or snow accumulating on your roof, which can cause serious damage. Corrugated roofing is a light, durable option for a slanted roof. Roofing contractors often prefer corrugated roofing because it is easy to install, no matter what material it is made of. Corrugated roofing can also often be customized to add to the attractiveness of your home.

Types Of Corrugated Roofing

Corrugated can be made of many different materials: stainless steel, coated or painted steel, fibreglass, slate, ceramic, asphalt or aluminium. Which one is the right one for you? Each material has benefits and drawbacks, so you need to consider the needs of your specific location. Is there heavy rainfall or snow? Do you get high winds?

If you live in a very hot climate, fibreglass and metal are not good options. Fibreglass can melt, and metal will make your house unpleasantly hot. You can get a kind of false ceiling insulation to counter the effects of a metal roof, but it would only add to the cost of the roof. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, corrugated metal roofs are not a good idea because the noise of rain on the roof can be deafening. If there are a lot of trees growing near your roof, aluminium is not recommended because it dents easily.

Asbestos corrugated roofing is beneficial because it lasts for a long time and is cheaper than other materials. However, there are still health concerns surrounding asbestos, even though it much safer when used outside the home rather than inside it.

If you are struggling with the decision, there are many sources of advice you can consult. Books, websites, roofing specialists and hardware stores can all help you decide on the most suitable roofing material.

For people who are unfamiliar with construction vocabulary, standing seam roofing will probably not mean much. Most people do not care what kind of seams or roofs they have as long as it protects their home and the people in it from the elements.

However, if you want to be more involved in the maintenance of your building, it’s a good idea to start learning about different roofing systems. If you ever need to have your roof repaired, it will give you an advantage to be able to understand the jargon your roofing contractors will use when discussing the project.

Knowing The Basics

Standing seam roofing is usually made from preformed pans. These are normally around 18 to 24 inches wide. They run parallel to the slope of your roof, and are then linked to adjacent pans though a double locked system. You can ask someone to show you if you are unsure what they are.

You can ask someone to bring samples of standing seam roofing to save you the trouble of climbing up on your roof to look. Ask them to explain how standing seam pans work, and why you need to have them. The more understanding you have of standing seam roofs, the better you will be able to understand the work your contractor does on your roof.

You can use a range of materials for a standing seam roof, but if your existing roof is made of metal you will need to use metal for your standing seam roofing. Many companies and builders produce standing seam roofing materials.

Because standing seam roofs are mostly premade, you will need to ensure that you have accurate measurements of your roof so you get the right size materials. You can also order custom standing seam roofs made specifically for your building. Again, there are many companies which can do this for you.

Concern for the environment is becoming a major factor in determining what kind of product people use, whether for their car, their household, or for construction. People want materials that will do the least amount of damage to the environment.

But before environmentally friendly products will become available, there has to be a big enough demand. One industry in which there has been sufficient demand is roofing. Companies have arisen which use recycled rubber and plastic to make roofing materials. As well as being good for the environment, these recycled materials will also last much longer than many other materials.

Rubber slate is one such new, environmentally friendly roofing material. Rubber slates last for at least fifty years and they give your home excellent protection as well as being lightweight, weighing around one pound per slate. The plastic and rubber tiles give top quality protection from hail and heavy rain. Rubber slates can be either nailed in place with roofing nails (copper or stainless steel), and are quite easy to install because they will never break during installation!

More About Rubber Roofing

A special kind of rubber slate is made on the west coast of the US that is fire and seismic resistant. This means that the roof will not collapse during earthquakes, and will not catch fire like normal rubber would.

You can even buy rubber roofing that looks exactly like traditional cedar shakes. They look so good that most people can’t tell the difference between the rubber and cedar. These rubber shakes are made by manufacturing tiles of different lengths, just as wooden tiles would be. These rubber shakes have the benefit of being available in different colours, so you can customize your roof and fit it in with the design of the rest of the house.

The above examples of rubber roofing are just a small sample of what is now available. You can find out more about other rubber roofing products by visiting a large hardware store or home warehouses and asking the staff for information. You can also search the internet for information. If you need a new roof, or are building a new home, one way you can help the planet as well as choosing a top quality roof is to use rubber roofing. You’ll be sure to get a long lasting, reliable roof for your home.