Serving Chicago, IL and surrounding areas
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10 Biggest Dos And Don’ts of Your Residential Roof Maintenance

A two-story light gray house with white trim, a covered front porch, and manicured landscaping sits on a green lawn with trees in the background. Recently updated by a top-notch roofing company, its exquisite roof installation adds to its charm. A small mailbox is visible in the front yard.

Your roof is a vital feature that protects your entire family while keeping your home safe from all kinds of severe weather, falling debris, and critters. So it goes without saying that maintaining it regularly is a must if you want it to keep doing its job.

Luckily, roofs tend to last very long, provided that they are properly taken care of. Since your trusted Arlington Heights IL roofers care about your family’s well-being, we’re here to give you a few pointers that will help you maintain a highly-functioning roof over your head for many years to come!

Pay attention to these important dos & don’ts of preventative residential roof maintenance.

 

DO

 

  1. Clean your gutters. Not only will this keep your gutter system perfectly functioning, but it will also prolong the lifespan of your roof.
  2. Schedule regular roof inspections. Don’t attempt to do it yourself. Some jobs are simply best left to the professionals who are thoroughly familiar with the ins and outs of every type of roof.
  3. Trim large tree branches around your property. Sure, they might provide you with a much-needed shade over the summer, but come winter, they can be a serious threat by constantly slamming into your roof.
  4. Perform a visual inspection of your roof. Safely from the ground, inspect for missing or loose shingles, and check for any signs of deterioration. By doing regular visual check-ups, you are likely to spot minor issues on time and prevent them from becoming a more severe problem down the road.
  5. Make sure to keep your roof clean of debris, leaves, and tree limbs. Not only will this make your roof look more aesthetically pleasing, but it also ensures a longer lifespan for your roofing system.

 

DON’T

 

  1. Forget to remove moss. While moss might seem relatively harmless to some homeowners, it can actually cause serious damage to your roofing system as it absorbs moisture.
  2. Leave your attic unattended. Your attic is a fantastic indicator of the state of your roof. If you are able to see daylight through the boards or if there are highly visible water stains, it’s time to call your experts at Revived Exteriors ASAP.
  3. Neglect to check your roof after a storm or any type of severe weather. Your roof’s primary purpose is sheltering you from storms. So, in their aftermath, don’t neglect to check if it’s still fully-functioning or in need of repairs.
  4. Forget to check your roof’s ventilation. It’s important that your roof is properly ventilated and able to breathe. That way, it can successfully prevent ice dams from forming and causing unnecessary moisture.
  5. Put off roof maintenance until you notice a problem. By the time it catches your eye, it might already be too late. The longer you put it off, the more dangerous it can become. Your roof is the first line of defense against the outside elements, and as such it deserves to move up your priority list.

 

What Can We Help You With?

Revived Exteriors is a licensed and insured Arlington Heights IL residential roofing company, and when working with us, you are working with the leading industry experts. We are highly professional and dedicated, so your property is always safe and protected when we are on site.

We will take care of your residential roofing system from top to bottom. We are just a phone call away, so feel free to contact us with any questions or to schedule your free inspection!

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Shingles for Roofing

Aerial view of a suburban house with a grey residential roofing, surrounded by well-maintained landscaping, green lawns, and mature trees. A driveway leads to the garage at the front of the house.

Shingles for roofing

Are you looking to decorate your rooftop facade, but unsure what options are out there?  Don’t worry any further as you are in the right place. Utilizing Shingles for residential roofing Arlington Heights IL is the most common roofing material choice in America.

Shingles are the outer covering for your roof to provide protection and aesthetics of your home sweet home. These are usually flat, rectangular-shaped tiles like panels that are installed horizontally from bottom to top in an overlapping fashion. There is a variety of materials available on the market that you can choose from depending on your budget, requirement and other circumstantial needs, such as climate, etc.

Varieties of Shingles for roofing

Asphalt Shingles

Utilizing asphalt shingles for roofing has been around for over a century now. Organic and fiberglass are two base materials used in making asphalt shingles. There inexpensive up-front cost and simple installation make them the most commonly used roofing option in North America.

Fiberglass

These are made with fiberglass mat used as the base. They are very practical and popular for residential houses. They were initially introduced to replace asbestos, which is a banned material, but later on, began to replace its organic counterpart as well when it was realized they don’t last as long as intended. These shingles come in two popular styles.

  • 3-tab shingles for roofing are simply 3 separate tabs in one shingle with a small space between each tab. When these shingles for roofing are installed, the entire roof is blanketed with what appears to be tiled. 3 tab shingles are often installed wrong and relatively difficult to install since they take more time for preparation.
  • Architectural shingles for roofing are intended to look like a cedar shake roof. Many advancements have been made by manufacturers to improve these shingles. Including lifetime warranties on the material as well as offering enhanced warranties for labor, material, and workmanship. Huge nailing lines help ensure proper installation. Common bonds have better adhesion to ensure they don’t blow off while new enhancements found on the rear of the shingle include the industry’s only mechanical fastening bond. GAF recently released a video where they introduced the roofing industry’s first limitless lifetime wind warranty. Another video demonstrated that these shingles (although not recommended or considered proper install) can withstand category 3 winds with no nails. Additional videos show hot ambers being shot at their own roof to demonstrate its power to withstand fires. GAF pours thousands of gallons of water displaying its resistance to penetration of extream wet weather.   This type of shingle is the most installed shingle type in the US. There are many different palates of color designated for each region based on popularity.

Organic

These shingles use cellulose, waste paper, and wood fiber, and other variety of material as a base material. Asphalt adds the waterproof characteristic of the shingles. These shingles are known to be defective and typically demonstrate cupping or curling of the edges when exposed to the sun. Most are now discontinued due to poor performance. In fact there have been class action lawsuits for this poor performance with 

Wood

If you are looking at bold, decorative shingles for roofing on your home, then the wood shingle is one of the most economical options. Wood shingle is usually made of white oak, black locust, honey locust, redwood, and cedar. The most widely used in the Midwest happens to be cedar. There are two types of wood shingles, which are shingles and shakes. Shakes are thick rectangular wooden tiles; they are typically longer than shingles. Shingles are thinner as they are tapered on all sides. Make sure that you opt for treated wood shingles, as untreated wood can be a fire hazard, especially if you live in hot climates.

Stone Shingles

These are also more commonly known as slate tiles. They are expensive but provide a high quality aesthetic and premium looks to your roof. The high-end costs also offer a whopping 80 to 400 years of durability to your home. They are recyclable, which means you can reuse them in another building. They are highly sensitive and expensive to maintain, as they are prone to cracks and hard to install and can be easily broken during placements. They offer a good variety of decorative designs and come in attractive color options. Flagstone shingles for roofing are the most common and traditional ones seen across the country. A regular check for maintenance can help your stone shingles last a lifetime and more.

Metal Shingles

If your priority is durability, resistance to external factors such as mold, mildew, high winds, and fire hazards, then metal shingles for the roof are an ideal solution for your roofing. They are costly to install but may provide returns on investment as they are reusable, which means you can move them to a new home or roof. Plus, they rarely require any maintenance, and their resistance to other threats such as fire may help you get lower premiums on your home insurance. So if you are living in an area with high temperatures, then using metal shingles will provide you peace of mind; they are installed with an airspace between the metal and roof deck. This airspace prevents the transfer of heat absorbed by the metal to your attic.  

Synthetic Shingles

This is the most popular alternative to slate tiles shingles and cedar shake shingles. Quality synthetic shingle or shake style products utilize pure virgin resins with advanced UV blockers safeguarding your home for a longer period when installed properly.

Another fantastic benefit of newer and more advanced synthetic roofs means you don’t have to spend massive amounts every few years to maintain the quality of the roofing structure like you would with real cedar. Synthetic shingles for roofing are now proven to withstand our harsh changes in climate and are often seen on higher-end homes. Big advancements have improved fire ratings (Class A Fire) while also topping durability ratings (class 4 hail impact resistance) to withstand large hail.

As synthetic shingles are lightweight, they save you money by rectifying the need to install any additional structural support to your home for what would be a ton of extra weight. It would also save you on the costs of hiring a structural engineer to ensure your home can carry the heavyweight of slate. It is also a good preventive barrier against extreme weather, such as strong winds, larger hailstones, and rain. They are also resistant to mold, mildew, fungus, rotting, and infestations. They usually come with a 50-year warranty.

Fiber Cement Shingles

Fiber cement shingles for roofing are produced by a combination of wood fiber, cement, sand as their main components. They can be shaped and designed to produce the premium look wood or masonry. Once installed, they look like horizontal boards overlapping each other and imitate the look of wood shingles. Fiber cement shingles are popular to be durable and can last for up to 50 years. You may need maintenance every few years, like fresh paint, to rejuvenate the appearance of your façade. Their industrial name is ‘Eternit’ or ‘transite’

Ceramic Shingles for Roof

Ceramic is an ideal installation for areas with raining weather. These shingles are laid in an overlying pattern, which helps create a water channel with a very appealing aesthetic design. They are also known as roof tiles outside of the United States and are most popularly in Europe. They are highly expensive in comparison most shingles for roofing options. You will notice terracotta clay roofing commonly used historical properties and homes. They are also popular because they are energy efficient and provide a durability timeline of anything between 50 to 100 years.

Maintenance in all cases

Shingles are the best way to uplift the appearance of your home, but choosing the material is not the only thing to consider when it comes to choosing shingles for roofing. No matter which material you use, it will require a professional like Revived Exteriors to inspect and maintain the longevity of your roof. After you have installed the shingles on your roof, inspect now and then if there is any sealant required due to cracks. Inspect for rust if you have used metal as the base, or metal shingles. Clean the gutters so the water does not accumulate on your roof; this will damage your shingles as well as cause leakage through your roof. The bottom line is routine roof maintenance will be vital to ensure that your roof stays in perfect shape and appearance.

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Roof Leak: Top 5 Reasons Your Roof Leak May Occur This Winter!

Illustration showing how an ice dam on a roof causes water leakage into the house, wall and ceiling damage, and trapped water, with heat escaping through the attic. Reach out to a roofing company for roof replacement to prevent these issues.

1) Lack of Insulation

Snow begins to melt due to the heat escaping through the attic from a lack of insulation. This causes moisture to build up in the attic space when it heat and cold mix. The moisture is usually evident if you look at the nails. Nails will typically show water gathering on the tip and many times this drips down and although it’s not a roof leak, it may feel like it is when you see a stain on your ceiling.

2) Insulation Covering Intake Vents

It’s important to keep the heat in your home to reduce energy costs and ensure a comfortable temperature in the bitterly cold winter. However, covering the intake is a common mistake.  Energy Star agrees and states on their website the following: “The most common mistake homeowners make when installing insulation is to block the flow of air at the eaves. NEVER COVER ATTIC SOFFIT VENTS WITH INSULATION — use rafter vents and soffit vents to maintain airflow.” The goal is to have your attic space as close to the same temperature as the outdoors. The roof needs to breathe in that air from the outside. It’s the equivalent of covering your mouth and nose while trying to breathe in. Just like a lack of insulation, it may appear there is a roof leak but it is not.

3) No Baffles or a limited amount of baffles

Baffles are typically made from plastic or Styrofoam and shaped in a manner to allow air to flow over the insulation at the eaves of your home

If you have insulation pushed into the eaves and don’t have baffles, use a rake to pull it away at a minimum.

Again, a roof leak won’t be the root cause of your water-stained ceiling, but it will appear to be at first glance.

4) Lack of Exhaust Vents

Just like intake, the exhaust is equally important. Using the same analogy when breathing, you have to release the air that you breathe in. Since warmer air rises, the cold air comes in through the intake and then rises when warm which naturally forces it to leave through the exhaust vent. This reduces the likelihood of a roof leak caused by ice dams while also increasing the lifespan of your residential roofing system.

The ideal conditions for an attic space is to have a balanced airflow.  This can be done by having 50% of air coming in from the eaves through intake vents and 50% through exhaust vents. More on this topic and additional reasons for a roof leak can be found in our post “Roof Leaks With No Rain Or Snow”

5) Uninsulated Furnace Vents

This causes heat in the winter to buildup in the attic which leads to an increase in condensation. This causes ice or moisture to build up on the inside of the plywood sheathing and mimics a roof leak across the entire span of the roof. This may lead to many leaks showing up in your home.

What About Ice Dams?

Ice dams are where any of the 5 conditions listed above cause snow to melt and it ends up freezing at the end of your roof near the gutters. This builds up over time and pushes its way under the shingles. When it starts to thaw, water penetrates the inside and is, in fact, a roof leak.

What can be done to prevent an ice dam roof leak

A simple tool can be used called a telescoping roof rake. These are sold at most big box remodeling stores. They cost roughly 50-$60 and help keep you safe by doing this from the ground.

Make sure you are not standing directly under the area you are removing snow from since it can be heavy and possibly bring ice down with it.

This is a preventative measure that doesn’t correct the root of the problem. Having a roofing or insulation contractor inspect your attic space will provide you with a better understanding of the cause of your ice dam problem and ideally provide you with a solution on how to reduce the likelihood of it happening again.

Installing a leak barrier (commonly referred to as Ice and Water Barrier) like GAF’s WeatherWatch® can help prevent the water from penetrating through your plywood sheathing beneath the shingles. In Chicago and most the midwest, it’s required a minimum of 24 inches past the warm wall of your home. The easiest way to see where your leak barrier should be installed up your roof is to have one person measure 24 inches from your interior wall (at the eave side of your home) and another person to watch through a window and mark this on the exterior of your home. Another common way is to measure from the home’s exterior corner and add about 6-9 inches for your wall. Going above 24 inches is a safer bet to ensure you don’t get a roof leak.

What can be done to remedy an ice dam roof leak

There are many companies that also offer ice dam steaming. This would be a great option if preventative measures weren’t done or, there is an excessive amount of ice already built upon the eave which caused immediate leaks.

However, if you have a leak from an ice dam and you steam it, brace yourself for an excessively larger amount of water to breach at a rapid pace. Drill a small hole where you see the current leak coming through and have a large bucket ready to catch most of it. It would also be a good idea to have dry towels handy at this point.

Additional reasons why your roof may leak can be found in this video

Call Revived Exteriors today!

 

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I’ve found damage to my roofing shingles, now what?

A man reads a newspaper at a kitchen table while water pours from the ceiling. In the background, another person holds an umbrella, hinting at a need for roof replacement. A coffee cup sits on the table.

I’ve found damage to my roofing shingles, now what?

Have your roof shingles become worn, aged or damaged? A roof replacement project protects your home from the elements as well as increases the value of your property. You’ll need to do your research on local roofing contractors Arlington Heights IL and choose the best quality roofing shingles your budget allows. Considering the typical costs of roof replacement projects, a little bit of hard work ahead of time is well worth it.

How to Hire the Best Roofing Company

Many contractors install roofing, and choosing the best contractor can be a daunting task. You may find that roofing project prices are fairly competitive, making it even more difficult to make your choice. Keep these three key characteristics in mind when researching roofing companies:

  • Experience – Invest in a contractor who is well established in the area, and has several job sites you can visit to have a look at their work. It’s a good idea to check local Better Business Bureau listings to get an idea of how long the company has been in business.
  • Insurance – Qualified professional roofing companies have full insurance coverage, protecting you in case of an accident. Professional roofers will gladly confirm their insurance coverage – just be sure to ask them.
  • Warranty – Although most roofing replacements are straightforward, problems can occur, especially on installations occurring in colder months. Hire a roofing company that offers a decent warranty on their labor, and can provide information about the warranty.

HOW TO PICK THE BEST SHINGLES FOR YOUR ROOF REPLACEMENT.

BESIDES HIRING AN EXPERIENCED, FULLY INSURED ROOFING COMPANY THAT OFFERS SOLID WARRANTY COVERAGE, YOU’LL ALSO NEED TO SPEND SOME TIME CHOOSING THE BEST SHINGLES FOR YOUR HOME.

Asphalt shingles are the industry standard, but innovations have expanded the list of available asphalt shingles over the last few years. Instead of the standard three-tab style, you can also opt for architectural shingles made from fiberglass and designed to last longer than the standard brand. Asphalt shingles are often referred to as the best shingles by quality contractors due to their relatively easy installation and since they meet most homeowner’s budgets.

Cedarwood shingles or shakes are the best shingles if you are looking for a rustic and rich look on your home. These shingles provide excellent protection and a classic appearance on properties of any size. Other types of roofing materials include metal roofing, rubber, concrete, slate and clay tiles. These products tend to be more expensive than asphalt shingles and may require more support due to added weight.

When considering the best roofing shingles for your roof, start with your initial budget when choosing roofing materials, and keep in mind how long you are planning to stay in the house. Investing in more durable shingles, or even metal roofing makes sense if you will be living there for twenty-five years or more. If, on the other hand, you have plans to sell the home in five to ten years, a good quality asphalt shingle will provide the appearance and value you need.

Have a look at shingle samples against the exterior finish of your home, to gauge the overall appearance. Pay attention to color, and consider whether or not the shingles will fade over time.

CHOOSING THE BEST ROOFING SHINGLES AND AN EXPERIENCED CONTRACTOR ENSURES YOUR ROOFING REPLACEMENT PROJECT IS A SUCCESS.

Take the time to make good decisions with your home improvement investment.

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INSTALL FIBERGLASS SHINGLES OR UPGRADE TO METAL ROOFING?

The image shows the upper portion of a house with two gabled dormer windows set into a newly installed roof covered with gray tiles, against a partly cloudy sky.

SHOULD I INSTALL FIBERGLASS SHINGLES OR UPGRADE TO METAL ROOFING?

Roof replacement projects in Arlington Heights, IL, can be stressful for Midwest homeowners, especially if those same homeowners are confused about what type of roofing material suits them best. Oftentimes homeowners are left comparing metal roofing over the more common fiberglass shingles.

 

Will the premium price of metal roofing or rubber roofing products be worth it in the end?

And how long can you expect a typical fiberglass roof to last?

 

You are wise to ask these questions and find out all of your options, resulting in the very best roof for your home and family.

 

Check out the below pros and cons of high quality fiberglass shingles and consider the added expense of metal roofing before making your final decision, and, as always, give Revived Exteriors a shout if you’re stuck on what to do next — we’re here to help!

 

Fiberglass Shingles: The Pros and Cons

 

If you are having your roof replaced in the warmer months of spring, summer, and autumn, the benefits of fiberglass asphalt shingles have a chance to shine.

 

Manufacturers used to make asphalt shingles from organic materials such as waste paper and fibers. This allowed for greater flexibility during the cold winter months but resulted in a shorter product lifespan and more problems with roof leaks. Today, most roofing jobs are completed using fiberglass asphalt shingles, made from inorganic materials that can easily withstand Father Time and the rougher elements with ease.

 

Fiberglass Shingles Colors

 

Fiberglass shingles come in a wide range of colors and profiles, with many mimicking the classic looks of clay tile or slate. Plenty of homebuilders use fiberglass shingles because of the affordable costs and attractive appearance, as well as the relatively quick installation and ease of roof repairs.

 

However, fiberglass roofing shingles will rot or fall apart over time, whereas a metal roof provides a lifetime of dependability in any climate, eliminating the need to replace your roof after ten or fifteen years.

 

If you are planning on remaining in your home for at least a few decades, you should plan on replacing your asphalt shingles at least twice, or possibly more, especially if heavy storms persist. Some fiberglass shingle manufacturers partner with expert roofing contractors and allow them to pass along better shingle and installation warranties. This option does cost a bit more but will pay off in the long run when the product is not pro-rated at a lesser amount each year. Meaning if your shingles fail before the warranty expires, they can be replaced at a full dollar amount versus a lesser amount due to depreciation.

 

Fiberglass Shingles Brands

 

Selecting the right shingles can exponentially increase the value and curb appeal of your home, so it’s not something you want to decide on a whim. Thankfully, there are plenty of options out there to choose from when it comes to high-quality, first-rate brands in the fiberglass shingle market. 

 

GAF, Atlas, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed are just a few of the names that offer superior materials for your everyday roofing needs. As a leading roofing manufacturer in North America, GAF in particular offers unparalleled products and services to the average consumer and is one of the top-tier organic asphalt and fiberglass shingle manufacturers out there.

 

As a GAF-certified contractor, Revived Exteriors would be more than happy to help you on your next roofing journey. Sourcing our materials only from the best, our team will make sure your roof stands the test of time – and looks good doing so. Contact us today to find out more!

 

Metal Roofing: The Pros and Cons

 

While metal roofing certainly has its own advantages, it still falls short of what fiberglass shingles can provide. 

 

Metal roofing does cost a significant amount more than fiberglass shingles. Material prices are higher, and this product requires special installation procedures and fasteners, pushing the cost even higher. This typically requires more oversight during the installation of the metal roofing product by a quality control specialist.

 

Depending on the age of your home and the size and pitch of your roof, some metal roofing may demand additional support. Most modern products are designed to be lightweight and efficient, but it is wise to have a professional roofer assess the project before investing in metal roofing materials.

 

The premium price of metal roofing improves the value of your home, although not enough to offset the initial investment. You need to value the product performance and plan to live with the assurance of metal’s dependability for years in order to fully appreciate the return on investment.

 

Metal Roofing Colors

 

Like fiberglass shingles, metal roofing comes in its own range of colors as well. They can run the gamut from polar white, forest green, cocoa brown, barn red, all the way to the pitch dark of midnight black. You’ll most likely see them on commercial buildings, but they have become more and more popular in gracing residential properties in recent years. Due to this, their options for colors have thus expanded, letting both business owners and homeowners design their roofs according to their aesthetics.

 

While you may be more familiar with corrugated and standing seam metal roofs – if not their name then certainly their paneled appearance – you may be surprised to learn that the shingles you’ve noticed in your neighborhood may be metal instead of traditional organic asphalt! With plenty of customization options, metal shingles can finely blur the line when it comes to the appearance of classic shingles, though their durability and longevity are unmatched compared to contemporary organic asphalt shingles. 

 

Fiberglass Shingle Availability

 

Q: Do they still make fiberglass shingles?

 

A: Because most asphalt shingles manufactured today have a fiberglass mat, they are indeed still in production and can be found throughout the nation’s neighborhoods on all types of properties. They are a popular choice for many homeowners, young and old alike, thanks to their durability, flexibility in color and design, and cost-effectiveness.

 

Life Expectancy of Fiberglass Shingles

 

Q: How long do fiberglass shingles last?

 

A: They have a longer lifespan than some of their more basic counterparts, usually lasting up to 30 years with proper care and management. With premium quality materials and installation, some can even last up to 50 years. 

 

Shingle Quality

 

Q: Are fiberglass shingles any good?

 

A: Very much so! These shingles can be found on homes in a variety of different climates, and can handle the highs and lows of extreme temperatures without becoming brittle or compromised like regular asphalt shingles. 

 

Fiberglass vs Asphalt Shingles

 

Q: Are fiberglass shingles more expensive than asphalt shingles?

 

A: While both asphalt shingles and fiberglass shingles are manufactured using asphalt, they vary in their durability, design (architectural vs. 3-tab), resistance to fire and weather, and – most notably – their cost. While the final installation cost may differ state-to-state and from contractor to contractor, basic asphalt shingles will typically cost you between $3 and $6 per square foot, while basic fiberglass shingles can start at $3 per square foot and can go up to $9 per square foot if you’re looking for something more high-class.

 

Metal Roof Availability

 

Q: Do they still make metal shingles?

 

A: Metal shingles go as far back as the 19th century when shingles made out of tin were installed to protect a home’s denizens. Even now, they’re in wide circulation and can be seen in most average American neighborhoods. Though pricier than the average roofing material, they more than make up for it when it comes to how durable and resistant they are. They look great and sleek, too!

 

Life Expectancy of Metal Shingles

 

Q: How long do metal shingles last?

 

A: Metal can last 40 to 70 years, depending on the material (steel, aluminum, copper, etc.) used, the level of care put in during the installation process, and how well it is maintained throughout the years. 

 

Shingle Quality

 

Q: Are metal shingles any good?

 

A: Metal shingles are some of the more high-quality, premium materials available on the market. Not all are created equal, though – for example, steel is appropriate for most climates, but aluminum or copper will be better choices for environments along the coast, due to their resistant nature against corrosive elements such as saltwater. Always discuss your options with a trusted roofing company to find the best solution for your property’s climate!

 

Metal vs Asphalt Shingles

 

Q: Are metal shingles more expensive than asphalt shingles?

 

A: Yes. Due to its many advantages over its asphalted neighbor, metal roofing, in particular, can be expensive. Most metal roof materials can cost between $1 to $25 per square foot, and, on average, a metal roof can set you back around $13,200. All of these are dependent on the size of your home, the quality of materials used, and the level of professionalism and experience of the hired roofing contractor who will be working with it.

 

Trust Arlington Heights’ Leading Experts in Fiberglass Shingles Today

 

Many homeowners are leaning toward the benefits of metal roofing, but the popularity of fiberglass shingles continues to hold out. Affordable, reliable, and easy to repair after storms or damage, fiberglass shingles remain a top choice for Midwest roofing projects. 

 

If you’re ready to make the call on your next project, contact Revived Exteriors to learn more. With decades of experience under our belt, our contractors are ready to drive out to your area for a free consultation and get started on your dream roof today. 

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HOW DOES ATTIC INSULATION AFFECT MY INTERIOR LIVING SPACE?

An animated pink panther is using a hose to spray insulation material in a wooden attic with a large circular window, showcasing the expertise of a professional roofing company.

Attic insulation provides a vital layer of protection between your residential home and the elements, working in conjunction with your roofing materials to create a comfortable living space. Inadequate attic insulation will drastically increase your heating and cooling bills, while too much insulation affects air flow.

What about the different types of attic insulation—is one better than the others? Should homeowners invest in fiberglass batting insulation or stick with blown in products? Each type has advantages and disadvantages, and the design of your home comes into play.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTIC INSULATION ALL YEAR ROUND

Insulation provides a barrier against the passage of heat in and out of your home. In the winter insulation works to keep heated air inside your home. An un-insulated or under-insulated attic space can result in the loss of up to 25% of your home energy. But having a well insulated attic is just as important in the summer months.

Roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles and metal roofing, attract heat from the sun, increasing interior attic temperatures to dangerous levels. That heat seeps into your house, straining the cooling system and decreasing your comfort. This condition presents a major problem when air conditioning duct work runs through the attic, warming up that cooled air before it even reaches your living space.

ATTIC INSULATION AND STORAGE

Many people use their attic for storage, keeping unused or seasonal items out of the way. Inadequate insulation may result in damaged boxes, mold growth and rotten items. Organics, such as paper, wood and clothing, are highly susceptible to damage in the hot, moist environment that results from poor attic insulation.

THE BEST TYPE OF ATTIC INSULATION

Choose between batting insulation, available in wide strips that fit between the ceiling joists to provide good coverage, or blown in products, made from fiberglass or cellulose materials and literally blown in to the space. Depending on your situation, one product may be better than the other.

Batting insulation can be easily installed and allows for a clean space, ideal for storage. The strips can be cut to fit and squeeze into tight space fairly well. Use batting to boost the existing insulation by laying the strips perpendicular to each other. This type is also easy to remove and replace, should your roof leak in the future.

Blown In Owens Corning Attic Insulation

Blown in insulation products offer excellent coverage, fitting into even the smallest gaps and spaces. The installation process is fast and efficient, although you may not be able to store items in the attic due to the loose nature of this product. Blown in products are a wise choice when adding attic insulation.

Find out how much attic insulation is needed by using the Department of Energy’s Zip Code Insulation Program (link – http://www.ornl.gov/~roofs/Zip/ZipHome.html), an online form that takes climate and other factors into account when calculating the ideal amount of insulation.

Keep your living space comfortable and cozy throughout each season with quality attic insulation. This product boosts energy efficiency and may help to protect items stored in the attic area. Talk to your local contractor about adding or replacing your attic insulation to enhance home comfort and efficiency.

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