The best time to get a new roof is always up to the customer, we make professional recommendations once a roofing assessment is completed. We always consider the age of your roofing system, the condition, and expected lifetime of your existing roofing system in our assessments. Once the decision is made to replace your roofing system we here at Pyramid Enterprise walk you through the following:
Roofing Materials Types & Colors
Choosing the right materials to be used is the first step to roof replacement. Replacing existing materials with more of the same is not necessarily the best choice, particularly if the exterior of your home has changed. Roofing material color is also often one of the most important decisions to a client when deciding on the right roof for their home.
Below are the roofing material types we specialize in installing which all have different benefits:
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles (also known as dimensional, laminated or composite shingles) are constructed with a heavier base mat which multiple layers of material are adhered to. This gives the “dimensional” shingles a layered or three dimensional look. By using the layered construction of the dimensional shingle it appears to have texture similar to cedar shakes. Laminated shingles do a much better job hiding imperfections in the roofing structure as well. Additional benefits are:
- Aesthetics. Architectural shingles can be made to resemble premium roofing materials like cedar and slate and are better able to hide imperfections on the roof surface.
- Durability. Architectural shingles are nearly twice as thick as three-tab shingles and are therefore more durable and less vulnerable to curling.
- Weight and wind resistance. Three-tab shingles usually weigh 240 lbs per square and are rated for wind speeds up to 60 mph; architectural shingles weigh 340-440 lbs per square and are rated for wind speeds up to 80-120 mph.
- Manufacturer’s warranties. 25 years for three-tab, 40 to 50 years for architectural.
3-TAB Asphalt Shingles
The classic three tab shingles have been around for a long time. A 3 Tab shingle is usually the most economical choice for homeowners or property managers to roof a home. A great deal of homeowners in today’s market is replacing their aging three tab shingles.Three tab shingles have many advantages, however the primary reason they are chosen is price. They are certainly the value leader in the residential market. The most common 3-Tab shingles come in 15 to 30 manufacturer’s warranties.
Single ply
Single ply roofing material is a very clean process without flaming torches, smoking kettles and strong odors. The advantages of using this system are:
- PVC and TPO membranes reinforced with polyester scrim are used more often because of their “Cool Roof” properties and superior seam strength
- EDPM rubber is also used as a long term solution with unmatched durability
- Low maintenance costs
- Excellent resistance to environmental stresses including ozone and UV exposure, extreme weather conditions, chemicals and fire
- Reflective surface color reduces energy costs
Roofing System Components
Not every new roof needs every available roofing component to create a water-proof roofing system. Once you’ve chosen your shingle type, shingle color, and a company you trust to install your roof, we can discuss your options on what it will take to create a brilliant roofing system for your home.
Roof Deck
Asphalt shingles are to be applied over continuous or closely spaced wood plank decking or wood decking. The most common materials used for roof decks are plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). When plywood is used, NRCA recommends the use of a minimum 15/32 thick or 1/2 inch nominal exterior-grade plywood for 16-inch rafter spacing and 5/8 inch nominal thickness for 24-inch rafter spacing.
For existing roofing system we identify damaged areas that need to be address and install deck board where required.
Underlayment
Underlayment (or “felt paper” as it is frequently called) is installed over the roof deck before the application of asphalt shingles. An underlayment performs two primary functions: it provides temporary weather protection until the asphalt shingles are installed, and it provides a secondary weatherproofing barrier if moisture infiltrates the asphalt shingles.
Due to the advanced quality of workmanship and products we use we will recommend that you either use 15 lb. felt paper, 30 lb. felt paper
Ice & Water Protectors
Due to it is common that old roofs fail at the rakes and eves, we typically install water and ice protection membranes on all rakes and eves to provide extra protection for the more vulnerable areas of your roofing system. Ice and water protectors are used for waterproofing under shingled roofs preventing water penetration due to ice dams or wind-driven rain. We also use it as underlayment around chimneys, dormers, vent stacks, skylights and other roof-top structures to ensure water stays out.
Drip Edge
The lower edge of a roof should extend beyond the fascia board by about 3/4 inch so that runoff drains into the gutters. If this slight overhang is too short, water will drip behind the gutters, leading to rotted roof sheathing and fascia.
Most often, one thing that is often ignored is drip edge. However, drip edge is vital for several reasons. Its main function is to add waterproofing to a structure. Drip edges improve the efficiency of water shedding at the edges. It pushes water away from the building and also adds protection to the underlying wood. Secondly, drip edge guards against the movement between the deck and the fascia boards. Finally, drip edge adds an attractive, finished touch to an asphalt shingled roof.
Ridge Vents
A ridge vent runs the entire length of the roof peak, blending into the roofline for a more attractive home. Years of research prove that a ridge vent with external baffles and an internal weather filter, combined with undereave venting, is the most efficient system you can install.
Roof Analysis
At Pyramid Enterprise our trained and experienced roof specialist will include a survey of your roof and its condition. This includes a survey of its age, dimensions, shingle type and pitch. In addition, your roof’s structural and weather resistance condition will be evaluated in detail. Using these, we prepare a customized report on the current condition of your roof and its expected durability. We simply want to provide you with all the information you need to care for your roof in the hope that should you ever have a roofing problem, you’ll think of Pyramid Enterprise first.
Call us today whether you need inspection, routine maintenance or a whole new roofing system installed.