Posts made in December 2023

25 Interesting Facts About Roofs That You Never Knew Before

Installing and maintaining a roof can seem like a daunting process. However, it’s fairly easy when you know what you’re up against. Many new property owners might not know the first thing about roofs, roofing maintenance, who to contact, and other facts about their roof. Fortunately, here is a list of 25 interesting facts about roofs you might not know to help get you started! These facts are not only interesting, but can also help you learn about the history of roofing, popular materials, and even brighten up your day and teach you a bit of knowledge about roofs.

25 Facts About Roofs

  1. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The average lifespan of a roof is between 20-25 years depending on the materials used and proper maintenance.
  2. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The oldest known roof was made using the skin of a woolly mammoth and was found in Siberia, dating back 42,000 years ago.
  3. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The most popular roofing material in the United States is asphalt shingles, accounting for nearly 80% of all roofs.
  4. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>In ancient Rome, rooftops were used as living spaces and gardens due to limited space on the ground.
  5. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The average cost to replace a roof is over $9,000.
  6. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Professional roofers recommend inspecting your roof at least twice a year, usually in the spring and fall.
  7. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The first asphalt shingles were created in 1901 by Henry Reynolds.
  8. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The word “roof” comes from the Old English word “hrof” which means “roof or covering”.
  9. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>A green roof, also known as a living roof, is a rooftop covered in plants and vegetation.
  10. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability and energy efficiency.
  11. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The world’s largest green roof is located at The Expo 2023 Doha building covering 4,031 square meters!
  12. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>One of the most expensive roofing material is slate, which can cost up to $30 or more per square foot.
  13. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Over 5 million roofs are installed every year in the United States.
  14. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Almost a third of roofs are replaced due to leaking.
  15. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>While there are many roofing installations, roof replacements on existing homes make up 85% of the roofing market.
  16. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>A roof’s pitch is measured in inches per foot, with a 4/12 pitch being a moderate slope.
  17. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Wind can cause significant damage to roofs, with gusts over 60 mph being able to lift shingles.
  18. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Plastic composite tiles are now common and can last 50 years.
  19. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Professional roofers earn a median salary of over $40,000 per year.
  20. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>The roofing industry is expected to grow in the coming years due to increased construction and renovations.
  21. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>It’s important to properly maintain your roof to extend its lifespan and prevent costly repairs. This includes regularly cleaning gutters, trimming trees that could damage the roof, and inspecting for any potential issues such as missing shingles or cracks.
  22. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>In addition to its functional purpose, roofs also play a significant role in the aesthetics of a building. Different roofing materials and styles can greatly impact the overall look and feel of a structure.
  23. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Roofing technology has advanced greatly in recent years, with options such as solar panels, cool roofs, and energy-efficient materials becoming more popular.
  24. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Roofing renovations are one of the only home remodeling projects with a 100% return on investment, making it a smart financial decision for homeowners.
  25. ol]:!pt-0 [&>ol]:!pb-0 [&>ul]:!pt-0 [&>ul]:!pb-0″>Proper ventilation is crucial for a healthy roof, as it helps prevent moisture build-up and reduces the risk of mold or mildew growth.

Get Help for All Your Roofing Needs Now

At Shelby Roofing, we’re passionate about roofs, installation, maintenance, commercial, and residential projects! We’re provide trusted commercial and residential roofing in St. Louis, MO, and are excited to provide our customers with quality roofing services. We can help you choose the right roofing materials and style for your home or business, as well as provide regular maintenance and repairs to ensure your roof is always in top condition. Call us today, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for help with roofing, gutters, siding, soffit and fascia, and more!

What Are the Telltale Signs of Roof Damage?

The state of your roof should be cause for concern at the best of times. Even if your roof is brand new and in the best of health, you may still worry if it will stand up to a violent storm. If your home is an older one, your roof may not have been checked in years. Now is the perfect time to hire a local roof restoration service to give it a good looking over. Spotting potential signs of trouble can save you time, energy, and money. 

Cracked, Broken, or Missing Tiles

If you should notice that tiles are broken, cracked, or missing altogether, you need to take action. This is the exact sort of issue that can lead to wind, rain, snow, and ice getting into your home and causing damage. 

Mold or Algae Growth

Mold and algae can crop out between tears or breaks in your roof tiles. If left unchecked, this kind of growth can do a great deal of harm to your roof. This is the kind of issue that will usually require the aid of a professional roofing service to completely neutralize. 

Sags or Tears in Your Roof 

The most tell-tale sign of all will be sags, tears, or other kinds of breaks in your roof. If you spot any of these, the time to call a local roofing service is now. Shelby Roofing & Exteriors can come to your home to diagnose the issue and get it fixed in a timely and cost-effective fashion. Call us today for further details.

Different Brands of Roofing Shingles and Which Ones Are Built to Last

A roofing project is a significant investment in your home. With so many shingles options in the market today, it is crucial to look keenly at the choices and settle on a reliable brand. You want to be sure that the roofing shingles you choose will withstand harsh weather and enhance your home’s appeal long after installation. Understanding the features and craftsmanship of different roofing shingles brands may help you make an informed decision.

CertainTeed: Presidential Shake Shingles

The presidential shake shingles are a premium roofing option with a multi-layer design. It has a fiberglass base and a protective outer layer for durability. They can endure the impact of hail or large debris and withstand winds up to 110mph. These shingles have a Class A fire resistance rating and are certified to resist intense fires. Besides their durability, these shingles have a unique locking system and self-sealing adhesive strips that make them easy to install.

GAF: Timberline AS II Shingles

GAF is a leading manufacturer of roofing materials. Timberline Shingles is one of their flagship product lines. The company designs them for quality, durability and aesthetic styles. They have advanced protection shingle technology. Timberline shingles can withstand severe weather conditions such as heavy winds, rain and hail storms. They have a stain guard protection that helps resist the growth of blue-green algae.

Atlas Roofing Corporation: StormMaster Shake Shingles

Atlas offers more roofing shingles styles and colors than other manufacturers. The StormMaster shingles have a variety of colors that are resistant to algae streaks. They are also designed with a polymer blend for high resilience against damage by hail. They can resist cracks and splits. Whether the weather is hot or cold, these shingles do not warp or shrink.

Owens Corning: Duration FLEX Shingles

Besides producing roofing products, Owens Corning manufactures building insulation materials. The company designs Duration FLEX shingles with an SBS polymer-modified asphalt. This makes them flexible, tough and durable, especially under harsh storms.

Choosing the right brand of roofing shingles goes beyond beauty. It is about investing in a long-lasting roofing option. The brands mentioned above have proved their commitment to quality. They manufacture roofing shingles that stand the test of time. Whether you prioritize aesthetics, algae resistance or the ability to withstand harsh climates, these brands have options that suit your needs. Make an informed decision to ensure the safety of your home.