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Comparing Longevity of Roofing Materials

Metal RoofingYour roof is one of the biggest investments you can make on your home’s exterior. It functions are your home’s primary line of defense against the weather, provides curb appeal and resale value, and makes your home more energy efficient. However, different roofing materials offer advantages and disadvantages, and considering that your roof is such a major investment, one of the most important factors for many homeowners is the lifespan of the material. To help you make an informed decision about choosing the right material for your home, our team has put together a list of the longest lasting roofing materials! Keep reading below to learn more!

Rubber Roofing

To begin, let’s start with a material that has a lifespan on the shorter side; rubber roofing. While it comes in a few different varieties, perhaps the most well-known style is EPMD, which is most commonly used in commercial settings. While this material is quite inexpensive to install, it’s not know for lasting for decades on end. With proper preventive maintenance, you can generally expect to get between 20 & 30 years of out a typical rubber roof, although it’s possible under the right conditions that the roof will last longer. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to roofing materials. Let’s move on to a far more common roofing material!

Asphalt Shingles

When you mention roofing in North America, the word has become synonymous for most homeowners with asphalt shingles. The most popular roofing material in the country, asphalt shingles are preferred by many homeowners for their aesthetic & curb appeal, their economical price point, and of course, their durability & longevity. But how long do asphalt shingles generally last? Well, the answer ultimately depends on what kind of asphalt shingles you choose to install. The most economical asphalt shingle, 3-tabs, have the shortest lifespan. Generally, you shouldn’t expect to get more then 20-30 years out of a 3-tab roof. However, once you get into the higher end shingles, such as architectural shingles, your roof can easily last between 30-50 years with proper maintenance, making it a fantastic choice. However, there are some materials that are even more durable.

Metal Roofing

The most durable option that our team offers, metal roofing is a fantastic choice for homeowners who value longevity from their roof above all else. While you may sacrifice a bit of curb appeal in some homeowners eyes, you gain a tremendous amount of longevity. As you can imagine, metal roofing is incredibly resistant to all kinds of weather, and a well-maintained metal roof will generally last well over 50 years, sometimes approaching a century. Coupled with the fact that it’s an environmentally friendly option that can be recycled at the end of its lifespan, and metal roofing is a wonderful option for any home!

Contact Us Today

Interested in learning more about our team’s roof installation services? Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! If you’re ready to get started on your roof replacement, reach out to our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roofing needs!

Comparing Asphalt Shingles & Metal Roofing

New Roof with VentYour home’s roof is perhaps the single most important piece of it’s exterior shell. It offers vital protection against the elements, functioning as your home’s umbrella, and also offering a number of other benefits including curb appeal & insulation. Considering how important your roof is to the health & function of your home, it is important to ensure that the system is kept in good repair! If you need to replace your roof, you may be wondering about which material is best for your needs! Check out our blog to learn about the benefits and differences between asphalt shingles & metal roofing.

Durability

To begin, let’s discuss one of the greatest assets of both materials; durability. Asphalt shingles are known to last for 2 or 3 decades at minimum, possibly far longer under the right circumstances. In comparison, metal roofing is more than capable of lasting a half century or longer, giving it a slight edge. Further, since it is installed in long sheets, rather than individual shingles, there are less areas where water can seep into the system, helping to keep your home protected from any moisture damage.

Aesthetics

When it comes to which roofing material looks better, the answer is truly subjective. Asphalt shingles have long been the standard of the roofing industry, which makes them the more popular choice among homeowners, but metal roofing is available in an enormous array of color & style options, making it a great choice if you have a particular goal in mind for the color scheme of your home’s exterior. Both options have their advantages, which makes this question far more subjective.

Cost

If choosing the more economical option is a factor, asphalt shingles have the lower cost of installation. They are manufactured by a wide array of companies, and their widespread availability makes them the cheaper option to install. However, keep in mind that metal roofing lasts longer, so if you plan on living in your house for decades to come, installing an asphalt shingle that may need to be replaced in 20 or 30 years could be less cost effective than a metal roof that could last for 50 or more!

Environmental Impact

If you’re interested in reducing your home’s carbon footprint, metal roofing is the better choice. While asphalt shingles require the use of fossil fuels to manufacture, metal roofing is less damaging to manufacture, and also is fully recyclable at the end of it’s lifespan, making it a fantastic choice for homeowners looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Contact Us Today

If you’re ready to install a new roof on your home this year, our team at Doing It Right is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to assisting you!

Should I Consider Replacing My Siding?

Old Vinyl SidingWhen it comes to your home’s exterior, one of the most important aspects of your property is your siding. Much like your roof, your sidings primary purpose is as a line of defense against the elements. However, it provides so much more for your home, including insulation, and functioning as the single largest focal point of your home’s exterior. Considering how important your siding is to the health of your home, it is important to keep the system in good repair! Interested in learning a bit about why you might want to consider replacing your siding this year? Keep reading below for more information!

Do I Need New Siding?

The first question homeowners should ask themselves is whether they truly need a siding replacement, or if it can be repaired. It ultimately depends on a number of factors. First, you should ask yourself how old your home’s siding is. If it’s been on your home for twenty or thirty years and is relatively weather-worn, what looks like a minor repair could have allowed a great deal of moisture into your home, necessitating more extensive work. However, if your siding is new, or hasn’t been damaged for a great deal of time, you can likely consider repairs instead of replacements. Ultimately, it is best to enlist the help of a contractor, who can advise you on one option or the other.

Are There Any Visible Signs Of Damage?

Next, you should assess the siding for signs of damage. This could reveal itself in a variety of ways, including through visibly broken siding. However, oftentimes, the damage is much less obvious. In addition to blunt damage from falling branches or other objects, homeowners should keep an eye out for signs like mold & mildew growing at the edges of the siding, as well as warping, which can indicate that water has found it’s way into the home.

Do You Have Other Goals For Your Home’s Exterior

Finally, you may consider replacing your home’s siding simply because it feels like the right time. Maybe you’re considering a move in the coming years and want to improve your home’s value. Perhaps it’s simply time to update the look of your home. Regardless of your motivation, sometimes it’s simply time to consider a replacement, and that’s as good a reason as any!

Contact Us Today

If you’re ready to replace your home’s siding this winter, our team at Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your siding installation needs!

Reasons You Should Have Your Roof Inspected

Roofing InspectionWhen it comes to maintaining their roof, many homeowners neglect to keep up with maintenance until problems begin to arise. However, being proactive and aware of the potential causes of damage can help keep your home protected long before the damage has occurred. If you’re wondering how you can tell whether your roof needs to be inspected, check out our blog to learn about a few reasons you should consider an inspection for your home!

A Major Storm Rolled Through

The first reason you may want to consider having your roof inspected is if a significant storm just hit your home. Depending on what the storm was, your roofing concerns will be different. If it was just a wind storm for example, you’ll likely be looking for missing shingles, or potentially shingle damage from broken tree limbs and other debris.

However, if it was a thunderstorm, you’re inspector will likely be searching for signs of moisture damage both on the roof and inside the attic. No matter what kind of storm impacted your home, having an inspection can help prevent future damage from occurring by catching damage early on!

You Don’t Know How Old The Roof Is

Another reason you should have your roof inspected is if you have no idea how old the system actually is! Many homeowners purchase a home not knowing when the roof was installed. Typically you should be inspecting an asphalt shingle roof every three years at minimum, but for older roofs, it is a good idea to do it more inspected more frequently, as wear and tear will deteriorate the system over time.

The Roof Looks Weathered

If your shingles are beginning to look weathered and worn, it is a good idea to have the system examined by a professional. Typically, when your shingles begin to look damaged or weathered, there can be small leaks or damage to the system, and they may not be visible to the naked eye. If your shingles are curling, warping, buckling, growing algae & mold, or showing signs of physical damage, having the system inspected by a professional is the best way to ensure that your home stays protected!

Contact Us Today

If you need to replace the roof on your home this winter, our team at Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! You can contact our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roofing needs!

Winter Roof Maintenance

Winter RoofWinter is the most difficult time of the year for home maintenance. It can be a hassle to keep up with the necessary maintenance all winter long, but it is important for the health of your home to ensure that you’re aware of what needs to be done on your roof in order to keep you and your family safe. Interested in learning a bit about what kinds of maintenance you should be performing on your roof this winter? Keep reading our blog for more information!

Have Your Roof Inspected

First of all, before the snowfall begins, it is a good idea to have your roofing system inspected. By inspecting your roof early in the season, you can keep your home protected from moisture damage throughout the colder months. Your roofing inspector will examine your shingles for damage, ensure your flashing is in good repair, and warn you of any problem areas that may need to be addressed. This will help ensure that when the snow does begin to fall, your roof will be able to handle the snow without any leaks!

Ventilate Your Attic

Particularly for homeowners who struggle with ice dams, ensuring your attic is properly ventilated will go a long way towards protecting your home. Ice dams are formed with the air within your attic is warmer than the air outside, causing the snow on your shingles to melt and run down your roof to your gutter system. By ensuring your attic is ventilated properly, you can maintain an equilibrium between the outside area and your attic, which will prevent the snow from melting!

Clean Your Roof of Snow & Debris

Speaking of snow, it is a good idea to clear off as much snow from your roof as you can! Leaving snow to accumulate on your roof all winter can often cause damage to the system, particularly if there is already underlying damage to the roof deck that you’re unaware of. Cleaning off snow from your roof limits the weight the system needs to carry, helping to keep your home protected!

Additionally, before the snow begins to fall, it is a good idea to clear debris off of your roof before the snow freezes it to the system. Debris can rot from the moisture that accumulates on your roof during the winter, which will only contribute to the damage that the snow causes. Cleaning of debris is best for the health of the system!

Contact Us Today

If you’re interested in replacing your home’s roof this winter, our team at Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roofing needs!

Signs Your Gutter System Needs To Be Replaced

Broken GuttersYour gutter system is one of the most important parts of your home’s exterior, providing your home with invaluable protection against water. Without your gutter system, water would run down the sides of your home, causing damage to your siding, and foundation. Considering how important your gutters are for the health of your home, it is important to ensure that the system is kept in good repair! If you’re unsure whether your gutter system is working properly, check out these signs that your gutter system needs to be replaced!

Your Gutters Are Sagging

The first sign that you need to replace your gutter system is when it’s visibly sagging. Your gutter system will begin to sag when it is either overflowing with debris, or it’s fasteners are beginning to fail. This could be due to rot damage that has occurred to your fascia or soffit boards. If you notice that the gutters are sagging away from your home, take a look at the system and determine whether you need to clean the gutters, or replace the rotted fastenings and reinstall the system.

Water Damage Below The System

Another sign that your gutter system needs to be replaced is when you begin to find damage below the system around your foundation. If you see mildew or water spots, this means that the system is leaking water, rather than routing it away from the home successfully. If this is the case, you will need to replace the system in order to stop the damage and keep your home protected.

Your Siding Is Peeling

Sometimes, your gutter system may be leaking and you’re unaware that anything is wrong. If you’re not standing outside during a rainstorm, you may not have any idea where your gutter system is failing and leaking from.

One clear sign that you have a localized gutter leak is when your siding is peeling in specific spots around your home. This is most likely due to water leaking through the system and falling down the sides of your home. If you notice that your siding is peeling, check the seals of the gutters around the area. You will likely find that the seals have failed and water is able to seep out of the system.

Contact Us Today

If you need assistance with your roof replacement this fall, our team at Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to assisting with your roofing needs!

Advice for Improving Your Roof’s Lifespan

Old Roof with failing shinge systemYour home’s roof is the most arguably the most important piece of your home’s exterior, serving as it’s primary line of defense against the elements. Since it is constantly exposed to inclement weather, your home takes a beating over time, and eventually, the integrity of the system will be worn away, necessitating a replacement. However, your roof is also an expensive piece of engineering that many homeowners want to avoid replacing for as long as possible. If you’re one of those homeowners who is looking for a way to improve the lifespan of your roof, you’ve come to the right place! Take a look below to learn a few tips & tricks for improving the lifespan of your roof!

Have a Water Barrier Installed Below Your Shingles

One of the most things you can do to improve the lifespan of your roof is ensure that you have a water barrier installed below your shingles themselves. Your roof deck is what your shingles are laid down on, and generally, it’s simply built out of plywood. This means that it is susceptible to rot, which is where a water & ice barrier comes in. If any moisture is able to seep into your shingle system, a water & ice barrier will help ensure that the moisture isn’t able to rot out your roof deck, keeping the system protected from water damage!

Trim Back Foilage

Another important tip for protecting your home’s roof is ensuring that you cut back any branches that may be scratching away at your shingle system. Branches from nearby trees have the potential to damage your roof by either breaking and falling onto the shingles, or by scratching the granules off of your shingles themselves, which will shorten their lifespan.

Clean Up Mold & Mildew

While you can get away with leaving it alone, if you’re trying to maximize the lifespan of your roof, it is best practice to address any mold or mildew growth on the shingle system. One of the easiest ways to limit mold growth is to install zinc strips on your roof, but you can always retroactively deal with the issue with a bit of cleaning solution & a hose. Just don’t let mildew sit on your roof for too long, as it can cause moisture damage or wear away at your granules!

Contact Us Today

Interested in replacing your Pittsburgh, PA area home’s roof this fall? Our team at Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roof installation needs!

Roofing FAQs

New Asphalt Shingle RoofYour home’s roof is one of the most important aspects of your home’s exterior, offering a number of benefits, from protection from the elements and pests, to curb appeal & resale value, to insulation! Considering how important your roof is to your home’s exterior, it is essential to ensure that the system is kept in good repair! However, it is also a complex piece of engineering, and it can oftentimes be difficult to assess whether your roof is still in good condition, or what needs to be done to repair it! If you’re interested in having answers to a few of these questions, keep reading below for our Roofing FAQ!

To Repair or Replace

One of the most common questions homeowners typically have when it comes to roof replacements is should I repair my roof, or do I need to replace the entire system, and the answer is entirely dependent on the condition of your roof, and how it’s been damaged.

Roof’s become damaged in a variety of ways, from blunt damage due to falling branches, to granule loss, to water damage. The possibilities are wide-ranging, and whether or not you need to replace the roof depends on the extent of the damage. If you suspect your roof has accrued significant amounts of damage, you will want to have it inspected by a professional to determine the best line of action!

How Long Does A Roof Last

This is another answer that will vary from roof to roof, but the most common roofing material in North America is asphalt shingles, so let’s examine those;

There are a wide array of manufacturers producing asphalt shingles of varying degrees of quality. Our main manufacturer, Owens Corning, has lines of architectural shingles, as well as more economical options. Typically, a well-installed and properly maintained asphalt shingle roof will last somewhere between 20 and 30 years.

How Often Should I Inspect My Roof

The correct answer to this question is twice a year, in the spring and fall to keep your home protected from the extremes of each season, but most homeowners won’t have their home inspected that often. Having at least one inspection a year is highly recommend, as it is incredibly difficult to spot a leak from the ground, and one season with a damaged roof can cause irreparable damage to your roof deck, necessitating a full replacement. If you want to keep your home protected from the elements, having your roof inspected on at least an annual basis is highly recommended!

Contact Us Today

If you need assistance with your roof replacement this summer, our team at Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roof replacement needs!

Most Common Roofing Issues

Loose Roof GranulesYour home’s roof is one of the most important pieces of your home’s exterior shell, offering a multitude of benefits for your home including protection from the elements and pests, improved curb appeal and resale value, and insulation. Considering how much there is to gain from having well-installed and maintained roofing, it is essential to ensure that yours is kept in good repair! If you’re interested in learning more about the most common roofing issues that homeowners generally face, keep reading below for more information!

Missing Granules

A common roofing issue that homeowners tend to see on older roofs is loose or missing granules. As your shingles age, they lose their granules, which are important for helping to reflect UV light away from the shingles, Without granules, the shingles will decay faster, and generally, when your shingles begin to lose granules, it is a sign that the roof will need to be replaced soon!

Leaks

Perhaps the most damaging roofing issue of all is a roof leak. This is both because of the amount of damage a roof leak is capable of causing, as well as the fact that it can be extremely difficult to locate a roof leak. They often form quietly, and unless you are seeing water actively drip from your ceiling, you might not even notice anything is wrong until a significant amount of damage has occurred. You can look for a few signs to help assess the integrity of the roof. First, check on the interior of your home for signs of a leak. Water damage will likely begin to appear in your attic, but if the damage is significant enough, or in the right location, you may end up seeing it in your ceiling. You can also safely assume that your roof is leaking at least partially when you begin to lose shingles.

Damaged Flashing

Another common roofing issue that often affects roofs is damaged flashing. This one can be damaging because many homeowners don’t even understand what their flashing is and how it protects their roof. Installed in potential problem areas such as around vents, in valleys, and on your chimney, your flashing helps to protect your home’s roof from water damage by keeping it away from areas where it could potentially seep in. You’ll want to have a roofing professional come at least once a year to assess the integrity of your home’s flashing.

Contact Us Today

Interested in learning more about our team’s roof replacement services? Our team at Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with all of your roof replacement needs!

Comparing Vinyl & Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber Cement from James HardieWhen it comes to replacing your home’s siding, there are so many options it can often become overwhelming. How can you possibly know which material is right for your home when there are so many on the market? While there are plenty of options out there, they’re not all made equal, and it’s important to do your research and find the option that is right for your home’s exterior. To help you get started, our team has put together a guide comparing two of the most popular siding materials in North America, and our companies two most installed options, vinyl siding, and fiber cement. If you’re interested in learning more about the differences and advantages of both options, keep reading below for more information!

Aesthetics

When it comes to aesthetics, both options are fantastic in their own right. James Hardie boosts a truly enormous selection of color options, ensuring that no matter what your home’s exterior color scheme is, you’ll be able to find the perfect option for your home.

However, while fiber cement is available in a wide array of options, vinyl siding is North America’s most widely manufactured siding material, which means it is available in an unmatched amount of color & style options. At the end of the day, whichever siding option you choose will be available in a wide variety of color and style choices, meaning you really can’t go wrong with either option.

Pricing

If you’re looking to replace your home’s siding on a budget, vinyl siding is going to be the best material for the job. One of the major benefits of vinyl siding’s long-run as North America’s most popular siding material is that it is now widely-manufactured, helping to lower the cost of production. Vinyl siding is considerably cheaper to install than fiber cement. However, it is important to note that if you intend to live in your home from decades to come, fiber cement is often the better option, despite it’s higher installation cost. Vinyl siding is inexpensive to install, but it wears down faster, and if you want a siding option that stands the test of time, fiber cement tends to be the better choice, which can make it the cheaper option in the long run.

Durability

Another important factor to consider when comparing siding options is which material offers more durability. Here, the comparison is relatively close. While fiber cement’s major drawback is that it is known to absorb water if not sealed properly, vinyl siding is completely impervious to absorbing water. It can still mildew, and it is important to keep clean, but it doesn’t deteriorate from water damage in the same way that fiber cement does. Fiber cement in general is a durable option that is capable of withstanding nearly anything Mother Nature has to throw its way.

Vinyl siding is immune to rot damage, but that doesn’t mean it is the most durable option on the market. It can be damaged from blunt force, which means if you have any kids in the yard playing baseball, you may want to consider another option. Overall, both options are quite durable, and you can’t go wrong with either.

Contact Us Today

If you’re interested in learning more about our team’s siding replacement options, our team at Doing It Right is ready to assist! We have a wide selection of both vinyl & fiber cement replacement options to choose from, ensuring that we can find the perfect option for your home’s exterior. You can reach out to our team today by giving us a call at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your siding replacement needs!