Posts Tagged Asphalt Shingles

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Posted by outside_voices on Thursday, 22 April, 2010

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Log Home Restoration is generally thought of as repairing or improving the interior and exterior logs and other woodwork of a log home. This can be as simple as cleaning the home and applying a fresh coat of stain or can be as complicated as performing major rot repair and log replacement. However, another aspect of log home restoration that is often overlooked or thought to be beyond restoration is the roof. Specifically asphalt shingled roofs.

Question: How can I save money in my remodeling project?

Answer: The chances are, if you’re looking to save money in your remodeling project, you’re looking to be involved yourself in some way. Personal labor is great, but I advise that you start with the idea of good management.

Now, this doesn’t mean that you have to know all about building and remodeling. What it does mean, however, is that you’re willing to learn and you’re willing to get the help of certain professionals who can advise you and work for you.

This algae is known as Gloeocapsa Magma which is identified by the brownish black stains. Usually it is noticed on the north side of the house first (where there is the least sun and the most moisture) and then spreads to other areas over time. In such a warm and moist climate, the only thing the algae needs is a food source to grow and spread. One food source is readily available in the form of limestone. Limestone is used as filler in the shingles.
 
With the ever increasing cost of petroleum used to manufacture asphalt shingles, companies needed to find a more economic way to produce the shingle so they introduced fiberglass. This reduced the asphalt, and made the shingle much stronger, but it also made the shingle much lighter in weight. Therefore shingle manufactures started adding a relatively cheap crushed limestone mixture to the asphalt shingle mainly as a filler. However, this created an entirely new problem. A food source for Gloeocapsa Magma.
 
So, is this algae a problem or just an eyesore? In the early stages, Goleocapsa Magma is more of an eyesore, but as it grows, it can become a significant problem.
 
Gloeocapsa Magma in some cases left untreated can become a health issue to some people with chronic breathing and allergy problems.

Why is it necessary to tackle lead and asbestos during renovation?

The primary purpose of lead and asbestos abatement is for the safety and health of the occupants in the house. Every home owner must consider this first because of the historical background of the harmful effects of these chemicals in the body. Renovation of older homes will never be complete without going through this vital process.

There are a few different ways to remove the algae, but according to ARMA, (American Roofing Manufactures Association) a chlorine solution applied lightly, (meaning no pressure washing) and properly rinsed is the recommended and proper way. The other most commonly used methods are pressure washing and using Sodium Hydroxide. Pressure washing can easily remove the granules from the shingles as well as actually cut into the shingle. Sodium Hydroxde is a caustic degreaser often found in dish washing detergent and oven cleaner. Applied to an asphalt shingle, it can dilute the asphalt pigment resulting in loose granules and thin spots or holes in the shingles. I would not recommend Sodium Hydroxide.
 
Removing Goleocapsa Magma from your log home is a good idea, but only if it is done properly. The homeowner should have a reputable log home restoration contractor inspect the roof to determine if it is this particular algae and if the shingles are in good enough condition to be cleaned. Older shingles may actually need to be replaced. A reputable contractor should tell you if that is the case. Be careful who you call. It is very easy to have someone with their own interest in making a dollar tell you what they want you to know so to benefit themselves more than to benefit you

Powering Up: Metal Roofing Solar Power

Posted by outside_voices on Tuesday, 27 October, 2009

When it comes to preserving the Earth’s environment and the limited resources, there are a number of things that individual can do. Some of the commitments that an individual can accomplish are to use less gasoline, purchase a hypid or electrical car or ride a bicycle. In addition, there are some individuals who will be totally committed to recycling.

Another excellent way of conserving the Earth’s resources is by conserving energy. One of the powerful ways that a business or homeowner can accomplish this is through a two fold process. That twofold process is by installing metal roofing and placing metal roofing solar panels on the roof.

Therefore, it is important to know about metal roofing and the advantages of metal roofing solar panels.

Metal Roofing

Typically, when a home owner has had to replace a roof that has just simply worn out, they have replaced that roof with asphalt shingles or cement tile. However, the reality is that the replacement of a roof can be a costly upkeep for the home. Additionally, with the rising cost of energy and the desire of individuals to do more for the environment, there has been a significant push to address both of these issues.

Therefore, there are options available for the consumer. One of those options is to install a metal roof. The advantages of replacing a standard roof with a metal roof is that the product and installation is cheaper, saves the consumer on their energy bill, the roof has a longer life expectancy and is virtually roof repair free.

In addition, to maximize the placement of a metal roof, one may wish to install sheet metal roofing solar panels as well. Metal roofing solar panels are photovoltaic cells that are linked together and are designed to capture the energy of the sun. This energy is then converted into electricity to help meet the electrical needs of the homeowner.

Advantages

There are many advantages to installing metal roofing solar panels on to sheet metal roofing panels. Some of those reasons are financial in nature while other agreements can cite the preserving of the limited resources of the planet.

Financially speaking, if an individual installs metal roofing solar panels on their sheet metal roof they will pay less for their energy consumption. This is because the panels will capture the Sun’s rays and through photovoltaic technology will convert the Sun’s rays into usable electricity.

In addition, the technology of today provides metal roofing solar panels that are not cumbersome or are constructed of glass type panels mounted on a huge frame. The metal roofing solar panels of today are thin in nature and can actually be rolled out on to the sheet metal roofing panels. This process also adds to the financial savings of the individual.