A Simple Guide on How to Build a Roof

The roof is one of the most important parts of any building structure, particularly for purposes of protecting someone or something from the harmful impacts of the heat, cold, and other outside factors. It refers to the top-most coverings of buildings, houses, and other structures, usually made out of wood, bricks, or even galvanized steel. In case of building new homes or making some important renovations to this vital part of the house, be sure to follow this simple guide in order to learn the different aspects of building a good and solid roof.

Before working on this task, ensure that all the necessary materials and tools are at hand to facilitate and keep the process smooth flowing all throughout. In terms of materials, be sure to have clips, fasteners for holding metals, and nails specifically designed for roofs. Rafter ties, tarpaper, and asphalt shingles also play special parts in the roof-making process. Be sure to bring in metal flashing, scaffolding, exterior plywood, drip edge, and pre-fabricated roof trusses.

Meanwhile, bringing these following tools can facilitate the roof-making process. A framing square, canvas nail belts, a framing hammer, a tape measure, and a claw hammer all play a big part in making roofs. Be sure to bring in some very helpful tools such as screwdrivers, carpentry level, nail puller, wrenches, and combination square. Felt-tipped pens or pencils, chalk line, ladders, hacksaw and drills are very important tools as well. Finish hammer, plumb bob, handsaw, string, and saw horses can make things much easier when creating a strong and solid roof. Additionally, never forget to bring in rest of the necessary tools such as the blueprints, insurance, nail set, tin nip, caulking gun, chisel, nail gun, staple gun, and clam.

After all the necessary materials and tools are set, start creating that beautiful roof by following these simple easy-to-use instructions:

1. The first step in the roof-making process is to align the rafters, ensuring that the both ends are in a position to reflect almost perfect straight lines. Lay out the construction map alongside with all the necessary tools and then start organizing the process.

2. After all the tools and materials are set up in their proper places, move on to the next step that is the application of sheets. From the roof ridge, apply the sheets starting from the lowest part upwards. Cut the sheets to meet the desired measurements of the roof. Arrange the rafters and sheathing line in a perpendicular position one from the other.

3. When all the sheets are set, the nailing process follows. To keep things organized, be sure to use codes to help remember where to put every nail.

4. Remember not to nail the rafters at the edges of the roof not unless the adjoining sheets are in their proper places.

5. Stabilize the roof by staggering the joints of the sheathing all throughout. To add better stability, put some extra metal clips into the splices.

6. Regularly check the alignment to maintain the strength and consistency of the roof. Now, that everything is in place, enjoy the cozy and comfortable feel within the privacy of your homes.

Quick Guide to Retractable Awnings

Awning manufacturers have a shorthand jargon that succinctly describes their awnings' characteristics, quality, function, even style. Knowledge is the key to having an efficient (and enjoyable) online shopping experience for retractable awnings. These simplified common terms can help you know in advance what you're looking at, so you know how to find what you want.

Terms: Parts

A lateral arm retractable awning is an awning which can be rolled up and closed; unlike fixed awnings and canopies, a retractable awning has no support posts. A retractable awning has an intrinsically simple design:

• Frame - the skeleton of the awning; the frame is comprised of the mounting bar, arms, and roller tube.
• Mounting bar - the base of the retractable awning which is mounted in place; when the awning is retracted, the awning fabric rolls around the roller tube attached to the mounting bar.
• Arms - the part of the frame which folds closed at the elbow when the awning is retracted (rolls in) and opens when the awning is extended (rolls out).
• Shoulder - the joints on the retractable awning arms where arms attach to the mounting bar.
• Front bar - the extrusion at the very front of the awning frame.
• Hood - a cover which fits over the retractable awning frame and fabric; when the awning is fully retracted, the hood protects the exposed fabric, frame, and motor from the elements.
• Valance - a strip of fabric, usually a few inches high, which hangs from the front bar of the retractable awning.
• Rib - the cross bars of the frame which support the awning fabric. Not every awning style has ribs, since ribs are often used to create a shape to the awning frame; for example, lateral arm retractable awnings don't have any ribs.
• Canopy - an elongated, dome, or waterfall style retractable awning

There are dozens of styles of retractable awnings, determined mainly by the frame shape:

• Lateral arm awning - the most common, and oldest, retractable awning style, consisting simply of two or more arms, the front bar, mounting bar and the fabric. This is the most popular style for homes and commercial buildings; this is also the most scalable style, extending (projecting) as far as 17 feet without external supports.
• Dome - an awning with curved ribs, which forms a rounded shape when fully extended; these tend to have a significantly shorter extension (projection) than lateral arm awnings, extending only about five feet out maximum from the mount point. An elongated dome can have a longer projection than a standard dome style, almost double. Dome awnings are common for commercial properties and for window and door awnings.
• Drop screen - a kind of retractable awning which is mounted vertically so it extends downward. This style of awning has the mounting bar and fabric, but no arms since it simply "drops" down. This is mainly used to screen patios, gazebos, and other outdoor areas from glare, heat, rain, UV rays, direct sun, mosquitoes, and pollen.

There are also dozens of different accessories for retractable awnings which make them easier to operate. A couple of common ones:

• Anemometer - a device which monitors wind speed; this is used with wind sensors.
• Sensors - devices which monitor different atmospheric conditions and trigger the motor to retract or extend the awning accordingly; there are four major kinds of sensors, including sun (light) sensors, wind sensors, rain sensors, and motion sensors (which monitor movements, such as wind gusts)
• Motor - a device which automatically moves the awning; motors are enclosed in the roller tube.

Terms: Materials

The retractable awning materials are the true indicator of quality - because the kind of materials used translates into quality, not the expense of the materials. For the fabric, there are two major categories of fabrics:

• Canvas - a natural fiber (cotton) woven fabric; canvas awnings are prone to fade, mildew, and rot.
• Solution-dyed acrylic - a man-made fiber which is woven into a lightweight, breathable fabric; because it is a chemical polymer, the fabric cannot rot. Solution-dyed means that the pigments are included in the fiber solution, which makes the fabric highly fade resistant.

For the frame, the important materials are the body and joints:

• Electrostatically powder-coated aluminum - a metal frame which is lightweight, durable, and rust-resistant; powder-coating is a method of applying pigment to aluminum frames which is extremely difficult to flake off or damage, unlike enamel or paint.
• PVC - a hard polymer also used to make plumbing pipes; this tends to be brittle.
• Kevlar® - the polymer used to make bulletproof vests; Kevlar® straps in the arms instead of cables are extremely strong and durable and can't rust.
• Cables - braided metal strands which are used in the arms; these are usually steel, which rusts, leading the cables to discolor the fabric and eventually break. Cables cannot be replaced because they are internal to the arm and inaccessible.

Terms: Installation

Understanding a few terms about the positioning and installation of the awning can help determine the appropriate size and installation location for your awning:

• Mount - what way or location the awning is affixed to the home or building, such as a wall mount, eave mount, soffit, or roof mount.
• Pitch - the angle that the awning comes down from the mount point to the front bar. Some lateral arm retractable awnings have an adjustable pitch.
• Projection - how far out from the wall the awning can extend.
• Load - the stress put on the awning, from wind, snow, even the weight of the awning itself (dead load). Good quality retractable awnings can sustain wind speeds up to approximately 35mph
• Pooling - water buildup on the canopy which can cause the fabric to sag and stretch.

DIY Standing Seam Roof - Save Money and the Environment

A fundamental feature of every building is its roofing. This is the building feature that will insulate you from the elements while keeping the home environment in. You need to do plenty of research prior to making a decision on what sort of roof you want on your house, because there are an abundance of materials and styles to select from. The "DIY standing seam roof" stands out as one of the most in-demand styles currently.

While there are several reasons why standing seam roofing is popular, many people like it because you can install it on your own. However, you need to learn how to install a metal roof before you start because there are different kinds of residential metal roofing applications.

DIY standing seam roofing adds both beauty and durability to your home. This tough roofing material can take a beating from even the worst kinds of weather, including high winds. An added benefit is that it helps you "go green" by increasing the energy efficiency of your home.

Most of the roofing materials found in any DIY standing seam roof project are made from recycled materials. If you are concerned about our environment, then this would be one of the best choices for you. You can find out which companies offer the highest percentage of recyclable materials by looking online.

There are lots of articles you can find online relating to metal roofing. Articles online help in choosing a roof and also a company which best meets your needs. Ask questions and request a price quote from companies which you feel meet your needs. That's the best way to get started on this project.

You can have great looks along with functionality if you choose a DIY standing seam roof for your home. This type of roofing comes with so many options to choose from that it can meet all of your needs. It is the best selection you can make for your house, regardless of whether you just want to change your roofing, or you need to desperately need to replace an existing roof.

Roofs and Gutters 101

A solid roof and sturdy gutter are perhaps the top two features of any home, business or type of building. Without a roof, the rest of the structure would be right in the middle of the elements. Since a sturdy roof is what protects you from the outside, keeping the rain, sleet, snow and sun off of you and your possession, when you are choosing the roof and gutter for your building, you need to take your time and make sure you get them strong enough to stand up to what Mother Nature dishes out.

You need to make sure they will be water proof as well as fire resistant. They need to be strong and durable to handle harsh elements such as sleet, hail, as well as the sun's bright light and intense heat. As most roofs that are installed today are dark in color, which makes them get hotter with the suns light then say a light concrete sidewalk. Heat can play a major role in breaking down the materials that hold a roof together.

There are many different materials and styles of gutters and roofs that you can choose from. Materials such as: slate, asphalt, metal or even concrete tiles can be used for your roof. You can also add optional items such as a chimney to help take the heat from the inside out. Gutters have become a standard part of roofing as they help to protect the roof from water damage from water or snow that can collect and sit on top of the roof.

One of the top choices in roofing material you may see is slate. Slate is both attractive and it is very long lasting. This is also one of the best fire resistant choices on the market today. If you choose a slate roof, be prepared to pay a higher price as they are harder to install.

If you opt for a concrete roof, then you will have the option to have the roof molded to what ever size or shape you need it to be. The downfall of a concrete roof is that it can be damaged by hail and snow. Hence these types of roofs are best used in areas that are not likely to have hail.

So if you are planning on installing a roof and gutter to your home or business, then make sure you do a bit of homework. You want to make sure you get the roof that is right for your needs as well as one that is within your personal budget.

Beautiful Thatch Roof Substitutes

Traditional thatch roofing is arguably the most beautiful and natural looking roofing material available. You might well be surprised by the availability of alternative similar products that can be very innovatively used to create a specific look or be used at locations where this material might not be as readily available.

• MUKUTI LEAVES AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR THATCH

Makuti is a perfectly natural & ecological product. It is consists of coco palm leaves , knitted on the stem of the plant, which tastefully combine with the natural environment, due to their earthly color and their discreet natural perfume.

Makuti leaves come from Africa and they are used in constructions with techniques that have been used for centuries in many countries for ordinary thatching.

These leaves, as a raw material, is not considered to be a construction material although it has been tested for a long time against all weather conditions, presenting a great resistance towards rain, snow, strong winds and other weather phenomena. Except for the above qualities, as with ordinary thatching, makuti leaf constructions offer excellent insulation and sound absorbance.

When applied especially in rural environments, makuti leaves creates a unique result with constructions such as ecological roofs, umbrellas, pergolas, kiosks etc.

Unfortunately these leaves most of the time only has a 10 year life duration opposed to ordinary thatching which can easily last for 25 years, but the main reason for application would be its' incomparable aesthetics in rustic or other specific environments where it can be very innovatively incorporated with the natural surroundings.

• STRAWBALE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR THATCH

In the past few years architects & designers have become much more environmentally aware, and lately words like 'sustainability' 'green architecture' & 'strawbale construction' is used very often. It is not very common to have straw bale blocks as a roofing material but can be very innovatively used as can be seen in the pictures above (see below for website details).

Like wood, straw is produced by photosynthesis, a natural, non-polluting process which is fuelled by solar energy. Unlike wood, straw is annually renewable. Being a non-nutritious by-product of cereal grain farming, straw is often laid to waste and sometimes burnt, causing air pollution.

Straw bale construction is much faster and less labour intensive than conventional thatching. The battens are spaced further apart and thus less roof timber is used as well. Unlike conventional thatching, straw bale roof construction techniques are uncomplicated and easy to learn by unskilled people and do not require expensive tools.

Straw bales also do not pose a fire hazard as, having been compressed, they lack sufficient oxygen to support combustion.

Straw bale roof construction might well be an innovative substitute to ordinary thatching, in some places where aesthetics is not of that much importance and where a cheaper, faster and perhaps temporary solution is needed.

Half Round Gutters Can Be Worthy of Consideration

The drainage system plays a vital role in the maintenance of a building. There are various types of gutter systems, of which the half round gutter system is steadily gaining popularity among installers as this variety has certain advantages. The aluminum half round gutter product is available in different colors. They are also very cheap. It is now possible to make a mid range house look like an upscale one.

The advantage of half round gutters is that they are suitable for all kinds of buildings, whether old fangled or modern. Along with the gutters the accessories are very attractive too. This is why the sale of the half round gutter is going up and forms a considerable portion of the total national market.

The various manufacturers are busy with their production as the cash box is ringing steadily. Each part of the half round gutter system is decorative. The hangers, heads of conductors, brackets, outlets, caps and even the half round gutter drain is well crafted and sturdy. Business is brisk nowadays because the age old designs are still a favorite with the people.

The half round gutter system is the oldest type of drainage system existing .This is why some of the designs are over a hundred years old. The most common drainage was the half round one before 1950. It was in the sixties that the K style came into existence. For the houses built on the lines of ranches, these were befitting. The half round again became popular, when people realized that they had less seams and even lesser leakage. The durability of the half round gutters gained the confidence of the customers.

Experts feel that the ideal size of a half round gutter should be six inches. Copper being costly, making a round gutter is a waste of money. Instead, with the same amount of copper, two half round gutters can be made, thus saving precious bucks. The half round gutters have a convex trough that carries the water to the bottom easily and quickly. One does not have to depend on the pitch.

Market study says that the growth in sales of the half round gutter will increase as people are spending money on their custom made houses. These are also in demand for the drainage system of old churches and such other traditional constructions. The heritage buildings opt for this type of guttering. The easy half round gutter installation makes it a better choice apart from the fact that, options like hidden hangers and seamless guttering are not so simply done in the other systems. The original drainage system is back for good.

Roof Repair And Replacement - What Every Bid Should Include

When replacing your roof you don't want to hire a company that will not stand behind their work or even worse yet, disappear once the job is done. If the roofing company can't answer your questions or provide you information needed to fairly evaluate them, then they are probably the wrong roofing company for you. The following is a list of questions you need the roofer to answer when giving you a bid. Make sure that the roofer gives you a written bid and all your concerns are addressed.

1. Determine if your roof only needs repaired or the entire roof should be replaced. You might receive different opinions from different roofers.

2. Ask the roofer how they will protect your windows, siding, shrubs, gutters, attic, lawn, etc. from damage. Find out how often they will remove the debris if they are taking off the old roof. Are they prepared for inclement weather? Will they put up temporary weather protection when they leave for the day?

3. If you are putting on a new roof, ask if removal of the old roof is necessary? Once again you may receive differing opinions, challenge the roofer to explain the difference of opinion.

4. Does the roofer need to replace only part of the existing sheathing or is all new sheathing required. If so, inquire about the type and thickness. You need to ask about the felt underlayment; what type and weight?

5. Make sure the roofer includes new flashing for the chimney, vent collar and valleys. What type will be used, will it be copper or aluminum and what gauge?

6. What shingles will be used (specific brand, grade, design, color)? Will the shingles be nailed or stapled?

7. Does the roofer guarantee his work? The guarantee should include the workmanship by the roofer and materials by the manufacturer. Since faulty application can invalidate the materials guarantee, sign a bid only if it has a workmanship guarantee.

8. Does the roofer have a certificate of insurance? Ask to see it. The contractor should have Workmen's Compensation as well as liability.

9. Does the price include the permit and taxes? Does non-contracted work require your inspection and written approval? What is the payment schedule?

10. Request start and completion dates (including penalties); be sure this is made part of the contract.

11. Ask for references: Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of four roofing jobs. They should be at least two or three years old (to see how the job held up). Call the references and ask them if they were satisfied with the work and if they had any problems. Ask them if they would hire this company again. Drive by and look at the jobs, do they look good, is the flashing neatly applied?

Ultimately when the bids are in you should choose a contractor on the basis of price, quality of work, reputation, and work completed on schedule and your general impressions of the company and its people.

Solar Power Roof Shingles, Tiles and Panels - Harness Solar Energy For Your Roofing

Solar Roofing Shingles/Tiles are wonderful approach to harness the endless power of the sun, and is environmentally friendly for producing free electricity. They are like regular asphalt shingles which have a special photovoltaic substance in a thin film on the the top, and which can transform solar light directly into electricity we can use at home, or anywhere else. Like other roofing tiles, they blend with the roof in the best possible way, and they will not ruin the value of your house or building. You can build your house with them already in your design, or you can install them afterward.

The Power of the Sun (Solar Energy)

Sun is everywhere, but we simply can not imagine the sheer power of the sun because we are not used to deal with such a large quantities in our regular life. We should be aware that every single hour, our planet receives enough solar power from our Sun in heat-radiation form, that we can address all of our energy needs, that is if we all want to.

We have not encountered any other source of energy which is constant in its nature, distributed all over the planet in quantities, and which are large enough to satisfy all of our power needs.

Lower or Cut your Electricity bill for your home for good

The size of any regular roof surface is large enough to cover all the electricity needs for your home, and this solar panels, shingles, tiles, which are known as photovoltaic devices are capable of producing renewable power for years to come. They are long term devices to harness solar power, so they could produce electricity for 20, 40, 50, or even more years. You build, do it yourself, or let professionals install them, and you can forget about them. They produce power/energy and lower your monthly energy bill.

10% Price Premium added to your Solar Powered House

Having a house that already has a solar power system installed will have a substantial price premium to the value of your property. Lots of people are getting more concerned about the environment, because we can now feel the effects of global warming and climate changes are happening fast. Tsunamis, floods, typhoons, hurricanes are occurring more often than in the past.

Houses and buildings which use renewable energy sources have much more competitive and stronger position on the resale housing market. Property markets worldwide are in a quite bad situation, considering that house prices are in a constant decline now after many years of high growth.

10% will be added to the value of your house if it implements solar roofing tiles/shingles/panels. That is a very good price premium and additional advantage of saving more because of producing your own electricity. And you will have total power independence of your household.

Buy or DIY(do it yourself) once, then harvest endless Solar Energy for a long time

Solar power shingles/tiles/panels is a single investment, which means you have to deal with the making, or installation cost once, and you are going to produce free electricity for the whole life span of your roof.

It will be like an investment of your money in government bonds earning interests. But energy prices are constantly rising, while government bonds interest rates are constantly falling, so you know where you can invest your money for higher returns. Having a homemade solar power system with the shingles, tiles and panels will save you money in the long term.

Own Electricity Freedom

We cannot imagine a modern life today without a constant power at home, there's the tv set, internet, computers, ipods, mobile phones, lighting, fridge, home appliances and many more that need electricity, and being totally self-sustainable and independent gives us a great peace of mind. Considering electricity supply, it is a very smart decision to be totally independent.

Using Solar Power Batteries in your Homemade Solar Power

Do you know that there are many private solar power installations that are connected to the national power grid, and they sell sufficient electricity to the power supplier? Then they buy electricity back at the same price when they need it later. Having your own solar power batteries with sufficient capacity to power your needs will make you totally power independent. There are a number of these batteries on the market, but choose those which demand no maintenance.

How about the cost of having a homemade solar power system?

Is putting up your own solar power system expensive? No.

Installing a solar power system with the roof shingles, roofing tiles, and solar panels could add about 4% or less to your overall cost of your house, however, it will immediately give you the price premium of 10%. You will make your home energy efficient, and increase the value of your property. So it is a very good return of your investment, that is about 6% gain in the very start.

You will also be lowering your monthly electricity bill significantly, and this will last many years.

Do You Need a New Roof?

Your home's roof is critically important because it ensures the integrity of its structure and protects it from the elements. When it comes to repairs and replacements you want to choose the type of roof and a roofing contractor carefully. Think of your roof as an investment-the cheapest option is not always the best. Although there are several types of durable roofing, for most homeowners shingle roofs are the most economical and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Shingle roofing materials are composed of a reinforced fiberglass mat and asphalt; however, modern shingle products can mimic the look of slate and wood cedar shake for far less money. Roofing materials have warranties ranging from 30 to 40 and even 50 years. Ideally, a homeowner will only have to replace a roof once or twice in a lifetime.

Steel is another very attractive option and it is becoming increasing popular. It has long been popular in industrial settings, but better styling and its amazing durability have drawn the attention of homeowners. The cost is greater but the roof will last more than twice as long and it improves property values. Most metal roofing manufacturers offer a transferable warranty. Steel or metal roofing also provides better energy efficiency and holds up better against severe weather such as hurricanes, heavy snows, hail and even fires. Some insurance companies even give discounts to homeowners who have metal roofs installed.

Regardless of the type of roof you choose ventilation plays a significant role in the life of your roof. On shingle roofs the heat build-up in the hot summer months combined with cold winter weather will take a toll if not properly installed. Inadequate ventilation can cause problems such as ice damming and condensation may accumulate from frost and humidity. Proper air circulation prevents buckling, blistering, curling, and ultimately rotting, and dramatically reduces the odds of leaks and repairs. Improperly installed shingles and ventilation may void the manufacturer's warranty.

Ventilation aside, normal weathering of asphalt roofing shingles will not cause leaking, but problems such as ageing or damaged flashings or wind damage may. It is important to repair damage quickly to prevent more serious problems such as rot. The best way to prevent serious problems is regular maintenance in the form of semi-annual or annual inspections. These inspections can catch problems such as collected debris (which has a tendency to store water), algae, loose shingles and problems with flashings. It is also a good idea to keep overhanging limbs trimmed back. Algae causes discoloration and it plagues homes all across the United States. Algae resistant shingles are one option, but for a roof that isn't ready to be replaced a thorough cleaning with bleach and chlorine will remove it but it puts surrounding vegetation at risk and it is not the most environmentally friendly process. Zinc strips are another good option. When rain washes over the strips the zinc is released and it washes the algae off the roof over time.

Half Round Gutters Can Be Worthy of Consideration

The drainage system plays a vital role in the maintenance of a building. There are various types of gutter systems, of which the half round gutter system is steadily gaining popularity among installers as this variety has certain advantages. The aluminum half round gutter product is available in different colors. They are also very cheap. It is now possible to make a mid range house look like an upscale one.

The advantage of half round gutters is that they are suitable for all kinds of buildings, whether old fangled or modern. Along with the gutters the accessories are very attractive too. This is why the sale of the half round gutter is going up and forms a considerable portion of the total national market.

The various manufacturers are busy with their production as the cash box is ringing steadily. Each part of the half round gutter system is decorative. The hangers, heads of conductors, brackets, outlets, caps and even the half round gutter drain is well crafted and sturdy. Business is brisk nowadays because the age old designs are still a favorite with the people.

The half round gutter system is the oldest type of drainage system existing .This is why some of the designs are over a hundred years old. The most common drainage was the half round one before 1950. It was in the sixties that the K style came into existence. For the houses built on the lines of ranches, these were befitting. The half round again became popular, when people realized that they had less seams and even lesser leakage. The durability of the half round gutters gained the confidence of the customers.

Experts feel that the ideal size of a half round gutter should be six inches. Copper being costly, making a round gutter is a waste of money. Instead, with the same amount of copper, two half round gutters can be made, thus saving precious bucks. The half round gutters have a convex trough that carries the water to the bottom easily and quickly. One does not have to depend on the pitch.

Market study says that the growth in sales of the half round gutter will increase as people are spending money on their custom made houses. These are also in demand for the drainage system of old churches and such other traditional constructions. The heritage buildings opt for this type of guttering. The easy half round gutter installation makes it a better choice apart from the fact that, options like hidden hangers and seamless guttering are not so simply done in the other systems. The original drainage system is back for good.

Corrugated Metal Roofing Can Give Protection

Corrugated metal roofing is rippled metal sheets used for roofing applications. It is commonly used in commercial, agricultural and industrial purposes though nowadays it is recognized as an excellent form of residential roofing. Corrugated metal roofing has been in use since the 1840s. Through technological developments, it is rust free and has other attributes that has enhanced its qualities.

The galvanizing of corrugated roofing protects it against corrosion in air and water. This has resulted in this roofing system to become one of the most durable roofing materials in the market. It has an expectant life span of over fifty years, is weather proof, non combustible, fire resistant and is the safest roofing option for lightning prone areas. It is completely recyclable and is environment friendly. As it is a good reflector of heat, it reduces energy charges. Being lightweight it puts less stress on the underlining walls and materials and does not require much frame work and allied support. This makes installing corrugated metal roofing simple and inexpensive.

Corrugated metal roofing insulation conserves energy as the insulation materials inhibit the flow of energy which influences heat loss or gain of the structure. The five main insulation materials are poly methane foam, blankets, rigid fibers or plastic foam boards and fiber pellets. Roof insulation should always be installed according to industry standards, safety requirements and optimal functional conditions. Professional services provide installation, repair, replacement, cleaning and maintenance. For this there are corrugated metal roofing contractors to ensure that roofing installation and restoration brings long lasting comfort of the highest quality within budget.

For metal roofing restoration, an acrylic binder is incorporated as a roof refurbishment application. Other roof restoration materials include specially formulated primers, sealers and top coats. At times, most technologically advanced roof coatings including Tileflex 2000, enhanced with Teflon, increases the longevity of the valued roof. The corrugated roofing repairs include locating sources of leakage and preventing further spread of water. The acrylic roof coating provides complete water proof protection to the roof.

Metal roofing and metal siding systems are the choice of building owners and architects since they offer a wide array of corrugated metal roofing design options. Metal roofing that is easy to work with and economical are available, both in standard and custom specification modules. For industrial roofing, the Type B Wide Rib is the preferred choice. The Wide Rib allows for a narrow top opening which is desirable when rigid insulation is to be used on top. The roofing contractors provide corrugated metal roofing instructions and corrugated metal roofing guide to the home owners. This ensures that optimization of performance of the roofing system can be adhered to depending on the location of the residence.

Advanced corrugated metal roofing shingles are specially designed to prevent hail damage and high wind uplift. Such design flexibility is inherent in this novel roofing shingle concept allowing the material properties to be used to its fullest capacity.

Thatch Roofing - The Construction Procedure

MATERIALS
Thatching makes use of materials that are naturally available - grass or reed.
The stalks of thatching grass are normally hollow and about 3 mm thick. Dekriet stalks, however, are solid and about 3-4 mm thick. The quality of the material improves with cultivation and regular cutting. Some thatchers consider that the quality of material that is cut by hand is superior to that of material cut by mechanical means. Hand cutting will produce about 50 to 100 bundles a day. A mechanical cutter and binder will process about 6000 bundles a day.

PREPARATION
After cutting and loosely bundling, each bundle is shaken briskly to dis¬lodge all loose material. The bundles are then cleaned by passing a sickle through them. This removes the remaining leaf growth from the lower two thirds of the stalks.

The grass is then remade into bundles. These bundles are each tied with a thong of twisted grass or with twine and packed in heaps about 2m high and 3 m in diameter at the base.
When the thatch is to be used for the area immediately above the thatching battens, where the underside will often be exposed within a room, the material should be combed to ensure that the stalks are perfectly clean. A comb is made by driving a number of round wire nails into a approximately 300 mm length of horizontal pole.

THATCHERS TOOLS
The thatcher in general thatch construction normally uses five tools:

Sickle - This is used for hand cutting as well as for cleaning the cut bundles.
The thatching spade - This is usually a home-made implement consisting of a board with a handle on one flat side, rather like a plasterers float. Several metal blades are secured to the other flat side. This tool is used to dress and shape the thatch in position.

A straight needle - When it is possible to have an assistant work¬ing on the underside of the thatch, a straight needle, about 300 mm long, is used to 'stitch' the thatch to the roof battens.

A curved needle - It is used to 'stitch' the thatch to the roof battens when it is not possible to have an assistant working under the roof surface.

A climbing hook - S-shaped climbing hooks are used to give the thatcher a foot rest when working on the roof slope.

WORKMANSHIP
A typical small thatching team consists of four men; one to pass material from ground to roof level, two thatchers working on the external roof surface and one working under the roof to assist those working on the outside. Such a team can be expected to lay about 10 m2 of thatch in a day. Before each bundle is passed to the thatcher on the roof it is butted against a butting board, or on level ground, to ensure that the butt end is even and that any sharp ends are blunted. The bundles are normally thrown up to the thatcher. The grass is used in bundles as cut and laid on the roof with the butt end lowest. As each bundle is laid on the roof the thatcher cuts through the twisted grass or twine that secures it. He lays the first bundle on the corner, at an angle of at least 45°, thus exposing the butt end at the eaves and at the verge. Each bundle in the first course at eaves level is secured to the second batten with tarred sisal cord ¬thatching twine at 75 mm inter¬vals.

In this process of stitching the straight needle is used, where one man can work under the roof. If it is not possible to work under the roof the curved needle is used. Subsequent courses are secured, either with a poplar stick or with a length of 4 mm diameter gal¬vanized steel wire. The thatch is laid, two bundles thick, to a total minimum thickness of 150mm. Each successive layer con¬ceals the poplar stick or wire that secures the previous layer. As thatching proceeds a layer of selected stems is spread evenly on the roof battens to a thickness of about 12mm. This gives a neat appearance inside the roof. On top of this layer a laminated foil of aluminum and building paper reinforced with fiberglass is laid as a protection against fire. Thatching then proceeds, course by course, to the ridge level until complete.

RAINWATER DISPOSAL
Thatched roofs are generally constructed with dripping eaves; rain¬water gutters and downpipes are not normally provided. Eaves overhangs should be at least 600mm and some provision should be made at ground level, around the building, to prevent erosion due to water dripping from the eaves. This can either be in the form of a concrete apron or paved surround.

DURABILITY
A thatched roof will normally last for about 25-30 years if properly laid. Aesthetic advantage of using a thatched ridge has been mentioned previously. A disadvantage of using such a ridge is that it will require renewal every 4-6 years. As maintenance of a thatched roof invariably results in dust and pieces of straw being dislodged from the roof, the provision of a reinforced cement ridge, suitably waterproofed and colored, may be preferred.

Beautiful Thatch Roof Substitutes

Traditional thatch roofing is arguably the most beautiful and natural looking roofing material available. You might well be surprised by the availability of alternative similar products that can be very innovatively used to create a specific look or be used at locations where this material might not be as readily available.

• MUKUTI LEAVES AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR THATCH

Makuti is a perfectly natural & ecological product. It is consists of coco palm leaves , knitted on the stem of the plant, which tastefully combine with the natural environment, due to their earthly color and their discreet natural perfume.

Makuti leaves come from Africa and they are used in constructions with techniques that have been used for centuries in many countries for ordinary thatching.

These leaves, as a raw material, is not considered to be a construction material although it has been tested for a long time against all weather conditions, presenting a great resistance towards rain, snow, strong winds and other weather phenomena. Except for the above qualities, as with ordinary thatching, makuti leaf constructions offer excellent insulation and sound absorbance.

When applied especially in rural environments, makuti leaves creates a unique result with constructions such as ecological roofs, umbrellas, pergolas, kiosks etc.

Unfortunately these leaves most of the time only has a 10 year life duration opposed to ordinary thatching which can easily last for 25 years, but the main reason for application would be its' incomparable aesthetics in rustic or other specific environments where it can be very innovatively incorporated with the natural surroundings.

• STRAWBALE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR THATCH

In the past few years architects & designers have become much more environmentally aware, and lately words like 'sustainability' 'green architecture' & 'strawbale construction' is used very often. It is not very common to have straw bale blocks as a roofing material but can be very innovatively used as can be seen in the pictures above (see below for website details).

Like wood, straw is produced by photosynthesis, a natural, non-polluting process which is fuelled by solar energy. Unlike wood, straw is annually renewable. Being a non-nutritious by-product of cereal grain farming, straw is often laid to waste and sometimes burnt, causing air pollution.

Straw bale construction is much faster and less labour intensive than conventional thatching. The battens are spaced further apart and thus less roof timber is used as well. Unlike conventional thatching, straw bale roof construction techniques are uncomplicated and easy to learn by unskilled people and do not require expensive tools.

Straw bales also do not pose a fire hazard as, having been compressed, they lack sufficient oxygen to support combustion.

Straw bale roof construction might well be an innovative substitute to ordinary thatching, in some places where aesthetics is not of that much importance and where a cheaper, faster and perhaps temporary solution is needed.

Untreated Wood Roofing Shingle Fire Risks

Sooner or later, you are going to have the opportunity to pick a roof for your home. There are many choices. In the opinion of many, myself included, wood roof shingles look the best. There is, however, one serious downside to using them, particularly untreated shingles.

It seems to happen every three years or so. Parts of Southern California burn every fall. The news shows provide running feeds of fires racing across areas and apparently torching everything. When the fires end, however, the same conclusion is always reached. Homes with untreated wood shingles burn far more than other homes.

Why is this? Yes, they are wood, but does it really matter that much given the fact the walls of the home are exposed as well? Yes, it does. To understand why, you have to understand how fires typically spread.

A fire starts at point A and then spread out from there, right? The direction will be influenced by wind and such, but it will burn across the ground in an outward direction from the origination point, correct? Actually, this logical explanation is wrong.

The fires you see on television wiping out much of California do not spread across the ground. They spread through the air. When a big fire burns, it creates firebrands. These firebrands are embers. The massive amount of heat being created in the fire creates a vertical wind column that sucks the embers up. As they climb though the air, they are picked up by horizontal winds and can be carried as far as a mile or more. The real problems start when they come down.

A home presents one real surface to the embers path - the roof. If the embers land on a tile roof, they will scar it a bit but they will not create a fire. The same is not true for wood shingle roofs.

How do you light a fire when you are camping? Well, you create a small pile of wood, a bit of heat and blow on it to provide oxygen. That is exactly what happens when firebrands land on your wood shingle roof. They have wood, plenty of heat and usually there is some wind. The result is what we see on the news.

If you are considering a new roof, avoid untreated wood shingle roofs like the plague. Fire retardant treated shingles are an alternative, but avoiding wood all together might be your best move. This is definitely true in an area that gets fires regularly such as Southern California or wooded areas.

Cleaning Gutters - Why It Is So Important To Prevent Clogged Rain Gutters?

With fall fast approaching it is time for the leaves to begin turning with all of their vibrant colors and beauty. But one thing isn't so beautiful and that is a clogged gutter system caused by falling leaves. Not only is it a pain to clean out, but the long term damage a clogged rain gutter can create is substantial. So, why is gutter cleaning so important and just what is the damage it can cause if neglected? Here is a quick look.

The main reason for cleaning gutters and making sure they allow rainwater to flow smoothly to the ground and away from your foundation is due to the damage that can occur to your home over time. This damage can include:

• Foundation problems - Continued water leakage down the side of your home into your foundation will create cracks in the walls and leaks as well. In climates where the ground freezes and then expands constantly the problem can be even worse.
• Mold problems - Mold is a huge issue today and this is yet another problem that clogged gutters can pose.
• Siding problems - Water can cause wood siding to bow or become moldy over time.

In addition, excessive water can damage sidewalks, driveways, interior floors and in extreme cases it could even destroy the home.

What is causing water to overflow your rain gutter?

If you notice water spilling over the back of your rain gutter then it can be from debris in the gutter, or it could be due to the gutter hanging brackets sagging on the fascia boards. You may even notice that the brackets have fallen off which is causing the water to overflow.

If you see water coming over the front of the gutter then it is usually due to clogging from leaves, sticks, pine needles, roofing materials, etc.

As you can see, cleaning gutters is vitally important to the long term health of your home. Most home experts agree that you should clean your gutters in the Spring and late fall in most parts of the country. Depending on the number of trees that surround your home it may be even 3-4 times per year. Be sure you don't neglect this important aspect and you'll eliminate future problems before they can start.

5 Simple Gutter And Downspout Maintenance Tips To Keep Your Gutters Flowing

Regardless of how well you maintain your home's rain gutters and downspouts, problems will always arise at times. The good news is that most all gutter issues can be easily fixed and don't require professional skills. Here is a look at the 5 most common gutter and downspout problems along with tips to fix them.

1. Leaky Rain Gutters

This is perhaps the most common guttering problem that homeowners face each year. What happens is that rain water sits in the gutter channel and seeps through a joint between two sections.

If you do find the cause to be from sagging guttering or standing water you can adjust your gutter and add a couple of extra gutter hangers to fix the problem.

To repair the leak you will need to dry out the two sections and clean the area with a brush or towel.

Next, get a good tube of silicone caulk and caulk the seams on both the inside and outside of the gutter.

If the cause of the leaking is from a hole in your gutter, then you can use a simple patch to repair it.

First, apply some roofing cement to the area where the hole is located. Next, take a sheet metal patch and place over the hole. Then, put roofing cement over the top of the patch.

2. Sagging Gutters

Over the course of time it is easy for some gutters to begin to sag. Check for sagging by inspecting for standing rain water or water marks inside the channel.

If you notice a problem you will need to take a 3-foot level and check your slope angle. Generally, you should have a 1/4 inch slope for every 10 feet of guttering.

If you need to make adjustments you can simply add or adjust your gutter hangers.

3. Loose Downspouts

Another common maintenance issue is with downspouts that break loose or get disconnected from the gutter itself.

This is an easy fix that takes very little time. You need a drill and a couple of sheet metal screws. Push the downspout back together and drill a couple of small holes in the two pieces. Next, screw the sheet metal screws through the pieces.

One important point to remember though; don't use long screws or they will cause debris inside the downspout to clog it up over time.

4. Overflowing Rain Gutters

This problem is caused by a clogged gutter or downspout in most all cases. To fix the problem, you simply need to clean out the area where the clogging is occurring.

In some cases this could be caused by having too small of gutters to handle the rain water. In this case you would need to install rain gutters that are larger.

5. Pooling Water Near Downspouts

To prevent water from pooling around your home and downspout, be sure to make it runoff well into your yard or driveway.

You can use a downspout extension or other flexible tubing to get the job accomplished.

These simple tips should help fix any problems that arise with your rain gutters over the years.