Dec05

Difference Between Three-Tab and Laminated Asphalt Shingles

by Chuck 708-574-8052 on December 5th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Posted In: Shingle Roof Repair and Products

Difference Between Three-Tab and Laminated Asphalt Shingles

Three-Tab Shingles – The most commonly used type of shingles are the traditional three-tab asphalt shingles. These are the least expensive option of asphalt shingles. 3 tab shingles appear as three separate shingles because of strips with notches that makes up the three tabs. This leave what is know as a water line going up the roof where the notched our areas should be in alignment making a sort of channel. These shingles can also be installed using what is know as a 5 on five patter that staggers the water lines. This works fantastic on hip roofs.

Laminated Shingles – Laminated shingles are heavier, more expensive, and more durable than traditional 3-tab shingle designs. laminated or architectural, uses two distinct layers which are bonded together with asphalt sealant. Instead of a 3-tab strip they have what are called a dragon tooth cut out and a strip applied to the back, hence laminate. This gives the shingle a raised visual effect to the roof surface.

This video from Certainteed, your trusted source for quality shingles, explains the importance of and the how-to of selecting the right style shingle for your new roof.

Difference Between Three-Tab and Laminated Asphalt Shingles

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Nov22

Q & A: What Are “Organic” Shingles?

by Chuck 708-574-8052 on November 22nd, 2011 at 8:49 am
Posted In: Q & A

What Are “organic” Shingles?

I received a question concerning organic shingles. Ray from Cincinnati asked, “are organic shingles truly organic?” Here’s my answer:

All shingles are constructed using asphalt as the surface waterproofing material, so, no roofing shingles are not actually organic. The term “Organic” refers to the reinforcement backing. There are three general types of shingles: polyester, fiber glass, and organic. The term “organic shingles” has to do with the backing material of the shingle; the material that the granules are affixed to.

Almost all shingles with a granule surface use asphalt as the waterproofing material. While the surface may be made of asphalt, there are different kinds of materials use for reinforcement. The first types of backing is a felt reinforcement called “organic” because it is made from paper or wood chip products.

The second type of backing is called inorganic, or, more commonly known as “fiber glass shingles”. In the norther ares of the United States organic shingles are the most popular, while south of the snow belt you will find that fiber glass shingles are the most popular. In truth, both organic and fiber glass types of shingles will hold up just as well in either climate.

What to replace your shake roof? This video provides an overview of the entire installation process and gives you, the homeowner, a look at CertainTeed’s shake shingles.

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Nov15

Repairing PVC Membrane Flat Roofing Systems

by Chuck 708-574-8052 on November 15th, 2011 at 8:54 pm
Posted In: Flat Roof Repair and Products

Repairing PVC Membrane Flat Roofing Systems
Many flat roofs use a PVC membrane that is composed of only one layer of material, polyvinyl chloride. PVC roofs are specially designed to withstand ponding water, the cause of many flat roof leaks. PVC membrane is welded together with hot air (no open flame) to eliminate all seams so moisture can not pass through. PVC roofing systems also reflect nearly 90% of the heat of the sun, thus lowering energy costs substantially, especially in high-heat areas such as the southwestern United States.

Here’s a demonstration video on how to repair the membrane. Falling tree branches can poke holes is the PVC, so performing regular roof maintenance is especially important when it comes to flat roofing:

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Nov05

Angie’s List Tip: Ask customers for feedback

by Chuck 708-574-8052 on November 5th, 2011 at 2:33 pm
Posted In: Angie’s List

Angie’s List Advice: Ask customers for feedback

Angie’s List not only helps consumers find reliable services in their local area, but it can also help the small business owner find more customers.

Getting feedback from you customers is a fantastic way to improve your ratings on Angie’s List. When I was still offering roofing services here in the Chicago area I received a good part of my business from Angie’s List referrals.

Most customers don’t mind writing a short review, so don’t hesitate to ask them if they would do so. Here’s Angie Hicks, Angie’s List founder, talking about asking your customers for feedback either face to face or online to help improve your business. Find local reviews on the services you need at Angie’s List – from electricians to physicians – Take the Tour!

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Oct25

Repairing a Shingle Roof

by Chuck 708-574-8052 on October 25th, 2011 at 4:08 am
Posted In: Roof Leak Repair Tips

Here’s a good how-to video that goes over the basics of repairing a shingle roof. How to fix a leaky roof on a house by removing all shingles and felt and replacing it all with an ice and storm shield membrane and new shingles.

This roof has some water damage and will need some decking replacement as well.

Watch Tool Dude Tony in this instructional episode of How to Fix Sh#t 101 in HD and don’t miss the outtakes at the end.

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