Know the lingo: terms used by roofing contractors

It helps to understand what roofing contractors are talking about

The roofing industry has its own jargon, just like many other industries.  If you are new to working with roofing contractors, this jargon can be very confusing.  In Charlotte and Concord NC, Advanced Roofing and Exterior, one of Charlotte’s best roofing company can help you understand these terms. 

Next time you need to meet with roofing contractors, use the glossary below to help make sense of the conversation.   

Terms commonly used by roofing contractors

Building paper – roofing contractors use this heavy paper in roofs or walls to make them damp proof. 

Cornice – Located at the top of a wall or under the overhang, this is a projection off the roof. 

Eaves – this is an extension on the roof which projects beyond the walls of the house.

Flashing – these are of pieces of metal used by roofing contractors on the angles and junctions of a roof.  

Gambrel roof – this is a roof with two different pitches.  It is designed to increase the space on the upper floors of the house. 

Gutter – a gutter is a channel located within the eaves which conveys rain water away from the roof.

Pitch – this is the slope or the angle of the roof.

Roof sheathing – these are sheets, typically from plywood which are nailed to the top edges of the rafters or trusses.

Shakes – these are wood shingles which are cut by hand.

Shingles – these are a type of roofing material consisting of asbestos, wood or some other material.

Soffit – this is the underside of parts of the roof which is visible.  This can include the beams, cornice or the roof eave.

Valley – this is the depression located where the two roof slopes meet.

Even if you are not a new homeowner, it can be difficult to understand certain terms used by roofing contractors. Advanced Roofing and Exteriors, one of the best roofing contractors in Charlotte can help you understand these terms and make the right choice for your new roof. 

What criteria you should use when hiring roofing companies

What you can hire roofing companies to do

When you need roof repairs or your roof replaced, you may find yourself considering roofing companies to do the work.  The company’s certified roof technicians possess the necessary skills to evaluate any damage to your roof and provide an accurate estimate for repairs or replacement.

Roofing contractors in the Charlotte and Concord NC area typically work all year, even during winter.  Depending upon the company, they may specialize in roof repair, replacement, or other types of roof work, including metal roofs.  If you live in the Charlotte or Concord NC area, you have a number of excellent roofing companies to choose from.

When you should hire a roofing company

If your home is damaged in a natural disaster or fire, you may need one of Charlotte’s best roofing companies to get the repairs done correctly.   Advanced Roofing and Exteriors is one of the best roofing companies located in the Charlotte and Concord NC region.  They will be happy to send out one of their expert technicians to take a look at your roof.  

It is important that any roofing company providing an estimate for repairs or replacement on a roof, should visit your home.  While there, they should carefully inspect the roof and surrounding areas for damage and then provide you an estimate of repair or replacement costs.  Be sure and always get the estimate and a projected project time line for completion in writing.  You should also ask about the company’s warranty and get a copy of that in writing as well.

If you want an honest and accurate roof repair estimate, call Advanced Roofing and Exteriors, one of Charlotte’s best roofing contractors.  Their certified roof technicians are professional and trained in providing the quickest and best repairs in the area.   

Choosing between roof shingles, metal and tile roofing materials

The right choice of roofing materials

Before deciding upon a new roof, it is good to know the difference between the most popular types of roofing materials, shingles, metal and tile.  When you are making your decision, there are several important considerations.

The differences between roof shingles, tile and metal

The most expensive roofing material is usually tile.  It is very durable, lasting up to 50 years if well-installed and routinely maintained.  Metal is more expensive than roof shingles and can last up to 30 years as long as you provide regular care and maintenance.  Roof shingles are the least expensive of the roofing material options and with good care and maintenance, can last up to twenty years. 

If you live in an area which gets a lot of high winds or bad storms, such as Charlotte or Concord NC, tile or metal may be a better choice since they can withstand this type of weather more readily than shingles.  Wind can loosen or completely tear off shingles causing extensive damage.  Tiles are heavier than shingles which makes it harder for wind to break them loose. 

Depending upon the grade of material you choose, the better, more durable roof you will have.  Advanced Roofing and Exterior, one of Charlotte’s best roofing contractors can help you select the roofing material which meets your needs and your budget.

The weight of the roofing material is another consideration.  If a roof becomes too heavy, a home may not be able to take the weight. Tile roofs can be very heavy, especially if the roof is large or has structural weaknesses.  Metal is not as heavy as tile, but weight should still be a consideration when choosing a metal roof.  Roof shingles weigh the least and can be used on just about any home.

Advanced Roofing and Exterior and their expert staff can help you choose the best material for you roof.  Give them a call today to schedule an appointment to discuss your new roof. 

Metal roofing is a good choice for your new roof

Extreme weather is nothing to metal roofing

If you live where there is often severe weather, you may want to consider metal roofing for your new roof.  Metal roofing can withstand just about anything nature can provide.  It is hail and fire resistance and takes on hurricanes easily.  When you live in Charlotte or Concord NC, having a roof which will withstand extreme weather is important. 

Metal roofing is becoming more and more popular as manufacturers are introducing more options and styles to work with more home designs.  Today, metal roofing is available in more than just the traditional standing seam.  Advanced Roofing and Exteriors, one of Charlotte’s best roofing contractors can show you designs that look just like wood shingles.

Metal roofing benefits

Metal roofing is very popular in the Charlotte and Concord NC region, in fact the Southeast uses the most metal roofing in the country.  Even though metal roofing is initially more expensive than asphalt shingles, it lasts almost twice as long.

Upgrading your home with metal roofing

Metal roofing looks great on almost every type of home.  This is especially true with the new styles and colors of metal roofing available today.  Advanced Roofing and Exteriors, one of Charlotte’s best roofing companies can show you all of your options and help you make the right choice for your home.

One of Charlotte’s best roofing contractors is Advanced Roofing and Exteriors.  Their staff of roofing experts stand ready to help you select the metal roofing style for your home.  Give them a call today to set up an appointment to discuss metal roofing.

Roof Replacement

When to get a complete roof replacement

Normally when we think about the repairs we need to make to our home, we do not list a roof replacement in the top ten.  In fact, many of us do not think about replacing our roof at all until there is water pouring through the ceiling.  Replacing your entire roof is not only a good way to prevent damage, but it is an investment which will also increase your home’s curb appeal and value.  Other good reasons for a complete roof replacement:

1.       It is a new protective layer over your home or business.  Homes in the Charlotte and Concord NC area can really get battered by the weather.  A new roof will help maintain the structural integrity of your home and save on utilities.

2.       It not only protects your home and belongings, but can also update the appearance of your home.  One of Charlotte’s best roofing companies, Advanced Roofing and Exteriors has a large selection of roofing materials, so you are sure to find exactly the right color and style for your home. 

3.       Replacing your roof adds value to your home.  It assures potential buyers that the home is well-protected and that they will not have to worry about their roof for years to come.  

4.       If the damage to your roof was caused by the weather or another natural disaster, your insurance company will pay for your roof replacement.   The experts at Advanced Roofing and Exteriors in either Charlotte or Concord NC can prepare an estimate for your insurance company.

One of Charlotte’s best roofing contractors is ready to do your complete roof replacement

One of the best roofing companies in Charlotte, Advanced Roofing and Exteriors will be happy to come to your home and evaluate it for a complete roof replacement.  Give them a call today to set up an appointment for your roof replacement.

Roof repairs or replacement: how to tell

When to complete roof repairs

If your home is older, there will come a time when you will need roof repairs.  Weather in the Charlotte and Concord NC area can do a great deal of damage to your roof.  One of Charlotte’s best roofing companies, Advanced Roofing and Exteriors is the company to make your roof repairs.  When you have damage to your roof, consider these factors to determine if you need a roof replacement or just roof repairs.

How old is your roof?  The older your roof, the more likely damage will result in an entire roof replacement instead of roof repairs. 

The type of roof.  Some roof types seem to require more roof repairs than others.  Shingle roofs may need to be repaired more often than a metal or tile roof.

Exactly what type of wear or damage your roof has.  If the damage to your roof is minor, you may be able to perform roof repairs.  If there are big holes or extensive damage, roof repairs may not be adequate and you should consider a complete roof replacement.  The experts at Advanced Roofing and Exteriors in Charlotte and Concord NC can help you make this determination. 

Are you keeping the house or selling it?  If you plan on remaining in your home for several more years, it may pay to invest in a roof replacement.   However, if you are planning on selling, roof repairs may be a better idea. 

Select one of Charlotte’s best roofing companies for your roof repairs

Whether you need roof repairs or replacement, Advanced Roofing and Exteriors will be happy to help.  Give them a call to set up an appointment for your roof repairs. 

Add beauty to your home with metal roofing for your porch

Invest in metal roofing for your porch

Consider metal roofing when you need to replace or upgrade your porch’s roof.   Metal roofing can add both beauty and value and significantly reduce your maintenance costs. 

Deciding what look you want

With the wide variety of metal roofing options available, one of the first considerations is just what type of look you want for your porch.  From standing seam metal roofing to metal shingles designed to look like traditional shingles and tile, you can achieve just about any look you desire.  Not only will you get a beautiful new porch, but your maintenance costs will go down.

Steel and aluminum are two of the most popular choicesfor metal roofing.  Both come in a wide variety of colors and are coated to prevent rust and corrosion.  Copper is another very popular metal roofing choice.  It does not rust and is resistant to peeling or scratching.  It does develop a natural patina over time, so be sure you will be happy with this eventual look.

Types of metal roofing systems

There are two primary types of metal roofing systems: standing seam and metal shingles.  These are both quite durable and available in many colors, styles, and textures.   Advanced Roofing and Exteriors, one of Charlotte’s best roofing companies can install both of these metal roofing systems. 

One of the best ways to upgrade your home’s value and curb appeal is by adding metal roofing to your porch.  There is no company in the Charlotte and Concord NC area which does metal roofing better than Advanced Roofing and Exteriors, Charlotte’s premier roofing company.  Give them a call to install your porch metal roofing. 

How to maintain a wood shingle roof

Charlotte’s best roofer talks about maintaining a wood shingle roof

If you want your beautiful wood shingle or shake roof to last, then you must keep it maintained.  There are a few maintenance tasks which are recommended by the experts at Charlotte’s premier roofing company.  These include regularly clearing gutters of debris and trimming or removing branches hanging close to the roof.  It is also a good idea to regularly clean molds, lichen and moss from wood shingles using a solution of chlorine bleach and water or another commercial roof cleaning solvent.  

Wood roofs come in two types: shingle and shake.  Both are durable and resistance to insect, but both also require treatment to last for 30 years or more.  If not protected, a wood roof can begin to decay or deteriorate. If you build and install a new roof or completely replace your roof with wood shingles, ensure you keep a bundle of the shingles for future repairs.  The best roofer in the Charlotte and Concord NC area, Advanced Roofing and Exteriors can recommend several treatments options.

Making wood shingle roof repairs

I is best to repair small cracks before they get too bad and cause so much damage the entire shingle must be replaced.  Charlotte’s best roofer recommends performing regular and comprehensive roof inspections annually to help locate these small cracks before they ruin the entire shingle.  Advanced Roofing and Exteriors, one of Charlotte’s best roofingcompanies, can do a full, comprehensive inspection on your roof and make recommendations on any maintenance required. 

To keep your wood roof in the best repair, ensure it is inspected every year.  In the Charlotte and Concord NC area there is no better roofer than Advanced Roofing and Exteriors.  Call them today to set up an appointment for a best roofer to inspect your roof.