Posts made in June 2022

Commerical Flat Roof Materials

If you are a commercial business owner, it may be time to replace or repair the flat roofing system of your commercial building. With many flat roof material options to choose from, it is important that you have all the information needed at your fingertips to make the best-informed decision for your business. The type of materials you choose will have an impact on the cost of your commercial roofing project, the lifespan of the new commercial roof, along with the safety and security of your employees and customers.

The Difference Between Flat Roofing and Sloped Roofing

While sloped roofing is most often chosen for residential housing for their performance and aesthetics, commercial businesses find flat roofing to be a better option for their greater accessibility, space, efficiency, and maintenance requirements.

Flat roofs are most often seen on apartment buildings, big box stores, grocery stores, warehouses, and other large commercial buildings. While they may look flat, these low slope roofs have a slight roof pitch of ¼ inch to ½ inch per foot, which allows for proper water drainage and runoff. Since they require fewer materials to build compared to steep slope roofs, flat roofs tend to be more affordable for businesses and are designed for greater longevity and little maintenance.

Why Choose a Flat Roof for Your Commercial Building?

While low slope roofs tend to require slightly more maintenance compared to other commercial roofing systems, commercial flat roofs are made of high-quality, fire-rated materials that can be designed to save you money. Flat roofs made with reflective and eco-friendly roofing materials will help protect your commercial roof from UV and weather exposure, while improving your facility’s energy performance and delivering annual cost savings on electricity.

The life expectancy of a commercial flat roof ranges from 15 year to more than 30 years. As with any residential or commercial roof, the roof’s lifespan will vary depending on the type of flat roof, materials used to build it, the quality of the installation, and regular maintenance efforts.

5 Most Common Commercial Flat Roofing Materials

Modified Bitumen Roof

If you are a business or property owner that is building a new facility, modified bitumen is an ideal choice that can be employed any time of the year and could last for up to 20 years. Made with a combination of chemical polymer and asphalt, modified bitumen is applied with adhesive sheet rolls that are sealed with a torch and either hot melted, mopped, or cold-applied asphalt. The result is a seamless appearance that has a water-tight seal and is highly effective against damage caused by heavy storms, hail, strong winds, and fire.

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

Designed with one layer of sturdy material, single-ply roofing is preferred by building owners for its resistance to peeling and weathering with its flexible, watertight seal on low-slope roofs. Single-ply membrane roofing is made from highly robust and UV resistant thermoset (synthetic rubber polymer) or thermoplastics (polymer or fiberglass reinforced plastic-based materials). These materials are used to create three primary types of single-ply roofing, including TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), and PVC (polyvinyl chloride). The expected lifespan is at least 30 years with proper maintenance.

Built-up Roof (BUR)

Known as a traditional material for building flat roofs, built-up roofing uses multiple layers of materials that are designed to create a lasting, seamless appearance. Starting with an insulation board that is made with a fiberglass reinforced core foam, the contractor will then alternate asphalt or tar on top of the insulation, followed by a layer of gravel to seal the various layers. The unique composition and method allow for an extremely durable roof that can withstand heavy weather, reflect heat, and requires little maintenance with a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs for commercial purposes are preferred by building owners for their appearance, durability, and impressively long lifespan of 40 to 70 years. Common metal commercial roofing materials for flat roofs can include aluminum, copper, tile sheets, coated or stainless steel, corrugated galvanized steel, or an aluminum, zinc, and tin composition. The result is a sleek and sustainable finish that includes protective surface layers that can withstand damage from environmental factors, such as weather exposure, moisture, and pollution.

Green Roofs

If you are a commercial business that is looking to have a sustainable, eco-friendly flat roofing option, you might consider a green roofing system that can last 30 to 50 years. While they are not right for every business or location, they are designed using a strong, waterproof membrane that is covered by green plants. Green roofs are known for their natural energy-saving insulation that absorbs excessive stormwater, improves air quality, and provides a unique and relaxing space for employees and customers to enjoy. While business owners will need to account for ongoing maintenance and care, this option may include utility and local/state government green building incentives.

Selecting the Right Flat Roof Materials for the Job

As with any commercial roofing system, the installation method and overall cost will vary depending on the chosen materials, labor hours, and level of project difficulty. To begin the process of determining what materials are needed for your commercial project, the roofing contractor will need to conduct a full commercial roofing inspection to identify any problem areas that may need repaired or replaced.

Along with considering the allocated project budget, consider the quality of materials in relation to the commercial roof’s potential lifespan. If you expect to move to a new facility as your company expands, you may consider more affordable materials and expect to keep up with proper maintenance to extend the life of the commercial roof. Meanwhile, already established businesses that envision staying in the same location for decades may choose to select higher-quality materials that require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan.

Also keep in mind that the federal government now incentivizes businesses to purchase a new roof when roof damages first appear, rather than business owners focusing on constant repairs and performance issues. Not only are you able to write off the business expense within a year of purchasing a new roof, as per Section 179 of the IRS tax code, but it will also save your business money by replacing the roof at the end of its lifespan.

 

At Shelby Roofing and Exteriors, our expert roofers offer quality commercial roofing services and always work hard to meet the needs of our customers. Our team has over 40 years of experience installing and maintaining all types of commercial flat roofing systems. No matter if you are looking for a simple commercial roof inspection, maintenance, or repair – or have a larger commercial project to tackle, we are here to help. 

If you want to know more about our commercial or residential roofing services, give us a call at 1 (800) 646-1663. You can also request a free consultation by filling out our online form. We are here when you need us.

If you need a practical and economic roofing option that will last for decades, then TPO roofing may be the best choice for your commercial facility or residential home. Made from relatively inexpensive recycled rubber, it is sold in various sized rolls that are held together at the seams with a heated adhesive. 

If you are thinking about using TPO or another form of rubber roofing on your home or business facility, this roofing material is best used on flat roofs and low-slope roofs. As a cost-effective and eco-friendly option, TPO roofing is a great go-to choice that is easy to maintain and will lower your energy costs, particularly during the summer months.

Here, we will discuss what TPO roofing is, why TPO roofing may be exactly what you need, and the typical TPO roofing costs in the United States.

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) roofing is a form of single-ply membrane roofing that is the most popular roofing material used for commercial facilities today, but can also be found in residential roofing. Unlike EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) roofing, a black rubber single-ply membrane material, TPO roofing is usually bright white in color and provides a natural, UV reflective surface. It is made of single-layer sheets of rubber and other synthetic materials that are connected to the roof’s insulation for a greater layer of protection. 

Why You Need to Choose TPO Roofing

If you have a commercial building, TPO is ideal for its ability to protect the building from excessive heat and UV-ray exposure. Not only does it improve air ventilation, but it will also significantly reduce energy bills compared to PVC or EPDM commercial roofing systems.

Likewise, if you live in a residential home or building, TPO is a lightweight, versatile option that will consistently be able to stand-up to the effects of weather, such as corrosion, mildew, or dirt build-up.

Consider the Type of Roof

TPO roofing is best used on flat roofs and low-slope roofs that are less than 3 inches vertically for every horizontal foot. These types of roofs use TPO and other single-ply membrane coverings to resist the collection of standing water. Compared to traditional tar and gravel roofing options, TPO roofing provides flat and low pitch roofs with greater performance and value.

Color Options

Like other roofing options, TPO roofing materials are available in a wide variety of standard and customized colors and style options. White colored TPO roofing is the most eco-friendly for its ability to reflect heat and UV-rays, while gray and tan color options are also quite energy efficient. 

For a more stylish look that will not go unnoticed, TPO color palettes may also be available in a wide variety of colors. Commercial companies can attract customers with a decorative, colored roof or display a logo using colors ranging from browns, reds, blues, greens, and more.

Weight

The thickness of TPO roofing materials can vary depending on the manufacturer. Generally, TPO sheets tend to be wider and light weight, making the material easier to install and results in fewer seams seen upon completion.

When thinking about what TPO material is best for your roofing project, speak with one of our associates about what options will be long-lasting and come with a good warranty.

Maintenance

As a low-maintenance option, TPO roofing does not require pressure washing to withstand mold growth, rips, and perforations. However, it is important to keep your TPO roof clean to extend its life. To prevent the risk of personal injury or accidental damage to your roof and any equipment, it is often best to hire a professional roofing contractor every few months. 

To prepare for a TPO roof cleaning, be sure to cover any foliage near the building to protect it from any water and cleaning solution runoff. It is also important to have your roof inspected each year as part of your building’s annual maintenance routine. Catching potential maintenance problems early on can help you avoid significant, costly repairs in the future and help expand the roof’s lifespan.

Lifespan

Along with being resistant to certain weather damage, corrosion, breakdown, and algae growth, TPO roofing also has a Class A fire resistance rating and surpasses Energy Star ratings. Both of which play a significant role in the roof’s performance and speak to its high tensile strength that lasts decades.

These characteristics are what make TPO roofing a valuable option when considering the lifespan of your new roof. TPO commercial and residential roofing systems have a lifespan between 20 and 30 years when professionally installed and properly maintained. This is compared to other options, including PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and EPDM, which last no longer than 20 years on average. 

Cost of TPO Roofing

As noted, TPO is an exceptional option if you are looking for a reasonable price to replace your residential or commercial roofing system. In comparison to other rubber roofing systems, TPO is one of the most affordable materials on the market.

The cost of your roofing project will be dependent on several common factors. This includes the size of the roof, the condition of your current roof, the roof’s accessibility, roof penetrations (locations of AC units, chimneys, skylights, and air, combustion or plumbing vents), and the warranty that comes with the chosen materials.

According to Forbes in 2022, the average national cost of completing a commercial roof, including materials and labor, can cost anywhere between $3.50 and $14.00 per square foot, or an average of $12,000. This in part depends on the cost of rubber roofing insulation, which includes thickness and materials, along with flashing to prevent water leaks and the type of attachment system (attached, fastened, or ballasted).

If you are looking for an inexpensive, long-lasting option for replacing the roof of your commercial roof, TPO roofing may be the perfect option for your company. With 40 years of experience working with commercial customers, Shelby Roofing and Exteriors provides excellent service, quality installation, and long-term satisfaction. Connect with us today to discuss your commercial roofing project and receive a free estimate.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Residential Roof?

If you are like most homeowners, you have finally come to one of the most dreaded home renovation projects there is – replacing the roof of your home.

Not only do homeowners today have to worry about general roofing costs, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to drive an unprecedented labor shortage and material delays. Making an already demanding process more inconvenient and stressful.

There is a lot to worry about when it comes to replacing the roof of your house, but rest assured we are here to walk you through this vital project and provide some tips for making it more affordable.

What is the Average Cost in Missouri to Replace a Residential Roof?

Since 2021, the demand for residential roof repairs and new installation projects has hit the roof, but many homeowners are faced with associated supply chain shortages, delivery delays, and not enough skilled workers – all of which result in inflated project costs.

According to Forbes, the national average last year for roof replacement costs was between $5,500 and $11,000; depending on the square footage, type of home, and chosen materials. Meanwhile, Home Blue reported that roof replacement in the Saint Louis, Missouri area has ranged from $3,200 to $18,900. Asphalt Shingle Roof repairs and installations continue to be the most affordable with a 1,500-square-foot home in Missouri costing $7,300 as per Angi (formally Angie’s List).

To help reduce the potential cost of your residential roofing project and avoid timeline setbacks, get on the books with a local roofing contractor to ensure you will not need to pay for additional damages caused by mold, water leakages, or insect infestations.

Choosing the Best Roofing Materials for your Home

If you are installing a new roof, the type of roofing material you choose can make a significant difference in the overall cost, including labor time to complete your project. Common replacement materials for residential roofs include water-resistant or waterproof underlayment, shingles, soffits to reduce moisture and improve home ventilation, and drip edge or flashing to redirect water from the roof and gutters. The type and quality of roofing materials will also impact the lifespan of the newly replaced roof, ranging from 30 to 100 years, and it can make a huge difference in the sale value if you decide to sell your home.

A great place to start when selecting roofing materials is to consider the environmental factors your new roof will need to withstand. Roofing material options usually include asphalt shingles, wood shingles, metal, clay shingles, or slate shingles.

Hot climates call for materials that will not curl in the excessive heat (such as terracotta tiles or cement tiles) or additional support materials if choosing generally heat-sensitive roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles. Meanwhile, colder climates require slate tiles or a metal roof (for a more affordable option) to withstand high winds, ice, and snow. 

Since Missouri is blessed with everything from rain, heat, wind, tornados, and snow it is best to get recommendations from your contractor to determine the best materials for your specific area in the state. Choosing the right materials will not only impact the life of your new roof, but it will also ensure your electric bills stay affordable and that the job is done correctly.

Considering the Best Roofing Contractor for the Job

As supply chain shortages and other issues are likely to continue, it is important that you begin looking at roofing contractors as soon as possible to ensure your roof will be repaired and safe.

But how do you choose the best roofing contractor for your residential roofing project?

You want a contractor that will ensure you get the best roof possible for your home and that will responsibly manage the project to meet deadlines and quickly address any potential problems along the way. Both the contractor and construction crew should have strong experience in the field, a solid reputation in your community, be transparent, and have a strategic plan for executing the building process from start to finish. 

Most importantly, the professional roofers should ensure and maintain proper safety guidelines every step of the way and should have validated proof of bonding, licensing, and insurance before any agreement or payment is made.

How to Save on Your Roof Replacement Project

Even as roof replacement and installation expenses remain high, there are a few options for saving money on your roof replacement project:

Do Your Research: The first step to saving money on any major project is to be diligent and thorough in your research. You want to consider the extent of the project, the type of materials, labor costs, and compare reviews of roofing companies. This will help you decide if you should hire a professional and/or commit to a DIY roofing project to save up to 60% in labor costs.

The Price-Adjustment Clause: Along with shopping around for project estimates with at least three local roofing contractors to find the best deal on materials and labor, be sure to ask about including a price-adjustment clause in the project contract. This will ensure that even if the price of your chosen roofing materials rise, you can stipulate that the cost of services may be adjusted if there are any cost changes between signing the project agreement and when the contracting project begins.

Get Offseason Discounts in the Winter or Spring: Roofers are always the busiest in the late summer and fall seasons, so, if possible, schedule your roof replacement in early or late spring or winter for offered off-season discounts or lower prices on materials and labor.

File an Insurance Claim: Look at your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if the cost to replace your roof is covered by insurance. Then speak with both your roofing contractor and insurance agent to further discuss the possibility of a claim and initiate the process, if possible. Most insurance policies will not cover roof damage caused by homeowner neglect, but damage caused by a hailstorm, tornado, or excessive winds may be partially or completely covered.

Telltale signs that it is time to speak with a local roofing professional, includes the loss of shingles, cracked or curling shingles, water leaks or pooling water, and emergency storm damage. If you notice any of these signs that you need a new roof, contact Shelby Roofing & Exteriors for a free estimate or give us a call at (800) 646-1663.

As summer approaches, you may be like many homeowners looking to repair or replace the residential roof of your home. When severe weather hits or your roof is simply coming of age, deciding on what type of new roof to add to your home is an important decision that will last decades.

It is our number one priority at Shelby Roofing & Exteriors to ensure you have a safe, well-sealed home with a leak-proof, durable, and structurally sound roof type that will not break your budget. This means considering not only the quality of materials used and the home itself, but also the advantages each roof has in terms of price, maintenance, lifespan, and curb appeal.

To help you get started on what type of residential roof is the ideal choice for your Missouri home, check out the most popular roofs chosen by homeowners in St. Louis and surrounding areas below.

 

Best  Types of residential roofs in Missouri

The most common types of residential roofs in Missouri are asphalt roofing, metal, clay tiles, and slate tiles, with architectural shingles and cedar shingles also having honorable mentions. Each roof type has its own beneficial features to consider when selecting a new roof for your home.

 

1-Asphalt Composite or Fiberglass Shingles for residential roofs

Houses throughout Missouri depend on the low-cost durability of asphalt composite or fiberglass shingle roofing. Asphalt shingles are the most selected type of residential roofing, both in the Show Me State and across the United States, due to their affordable pricing, high quality, and toughness when it comes to Missouri weather. 

Small and uniform in appearance, traditional asphalt shingle has a top layer of asphalt that is ingrained into the layers of felt and adhesive that make them naturally fire and water resistant. More modern versions replace the felt based with fiberglass sheets or cellulose for a more economical, safer, and environmentally friendly option.

Asphalt Fiberglass Shingles provide additional protection with their ability to fight algae growth and strengthened resistance to major winds and hail damage. This modern option also incorporates cool roof color technology that more effectively reflects the sun’s rays to keep your home cooler during the hot summer months. As a result, homeowners can expect to not only reduce air conditioning costs, but also see reductions in annual home insurance costs.

As a low-maintenance option, today’s selections of asphalt shingles are a great choice for any home, being both easy to install and easy to repair, and for their ability to adjust to the roof’s natural movements as the weather fluctuates. Traditional asphalt roofs can last at least 15 to 25 years, while fiberglass shingles can last up to 50 years.

 

2-Metal Roofing for residential roofs

Often a popular option in warmer climates, metal roofing is a durable and low-maintenance roofing option that comes in a range of colors and styles, from shingle to shake and slate to tile. 

Many homeowners consider metal roofing a valuable option with its practical, large panel design that reflects the sun’s heat more efficiently than other available residential options. Once again, saving you significantly on monthly heating and cooling bills for years to come and that can last for 40 to 70 years. Homeowners can also choose the use of hidden fasteners and stone coated metal shingles that will guarantee even greater protection and cost-savings.

Due to the smart design, homeowners can also save on labor costs by repairing holes or rusted areas themselves using a waterproof sealant. Beyond minor maintenance needs, metal roofing systems have a high level of durability that prevents them from cracking, breaking, burning, or splitting with fade-, rust-, and weather-proof materials that are also UV resistant. They are also made with environmentally friendly, recyclable materials that help reduce waste in local landfills.

 

3-Clay Tiles for residential roofs

Another cost-effective roofing option is clay tiles that have long been recognized for their exceptional wind resistance and ability to withstand moisture damage. Similar in cost and durability is concrete tiles that have been used as a modern substitute for what has been used globally for centuries.

This Spanish style option comes in a variety of colors but is often recognized for its natural terra-cotta color that keeps the interior of your home cool and resists the impacts of rain, ice, snow, and high winds up to 150 mph. Maintenance is minimal, and the lifespan of clay roofs averages up to 100 years. If original clay tiles are in good condition, they may be reused during regular maintenance to save on the initial investment of clay tiles themselves.

 

4-Slate Tiles for residential roofs

Slate tiles are perhaps the most durable and long-lasting preference for homeowners that want to invest in a roof that can last over 100 years with the proper maintenance. The tiles are fashioned out of shale -a fine-grained sedimentary rock formed from clay, quartz and calcite mineral flakes – that appears neutral and dark in color. The heavy, earth-mined material is hand-cut to fit the size and style of any home, providing an aesthetically pleasing look. The material is also insect-proof, fireproof, and has a low water absorption rate.

 

5-Architectural Shingles for residential roofs

If you are looking for a new roof that will provide a unique depth and dimension to the appearance of your roof and home, then architectural shingles may be a great option. As a modern replacement for 3-tab (or strip) shingles, these laminated or dimensional shingles have a high-quality composition and durability but are similar in price to strip shingles.

The strength of architectural shingles is demonstrated in their exceptional resistance to wind, heat, rain, and snow; with an average lifespan of 18 to 20 years. Thicker luxury shingle options can extend the roof’s lifespan to 30 years and both options usually include extended warranties.

 

6-Cedar Shingles

As with other roofing types, cedar roofing is offered in a range of formats, including shingle, hip, ridge, and shake. Cedar shingle roofing is made from red cedar wood that offers rustic tones of reds, browns and golds to your home. The type of cedar shingles you choose will impact the placement of the materials and the overall appearance of your roof, whether choosing shakes that are irregularly cut and shaped for a natural look or cedar shingles that are laid in flat rows for a more uniform appearance.

Cedar roofing is an eco-friendly option that is known for its resistance to insect damage, mold, algae, and weather decay. It is also an excellent fire-retardant and natural insulator that both enhances the structural strength of the roof and saves on energy-costs. Homeowners can choose from a range of oil, stain, pain, or solid coating finishes that will help protect the natural aging that turns silvery gray over its 40 year lifetime.

 

When it comes to repairing or replacing the roof of your home, you want roofing professionals that you can trust to provide expert guidance and that will help you make an informed decision on the best type of roof for your residential home. Shelby Roofing & Exteriors has 40 years of experience providing a full variety of repair and replacement services that help you maintain the integrity of your home’s roof any time of the year. Contact us today to learn more and to schedule a free online estimate for your roofing in St. Louis, MO.