Solar Roof Vents - by David Evermon

In today’s society, homeowners are struggling to make ends meet. With electric rates always on the increase, homeowners are hesitant to use any more electricity that is needed. They turn off air conditioners, and even their roof vents. Experts advise that by doing this, they are at risk for even costlier repair.

Solar power is an option that more and more homeowners are tuning to. It has come a long way in recent decades. New technology has brought forth new developments in the industry of solar power. One of these developments is solar roof vents.

A solar roof vent is very simply an attic fan that is runs on solar energy instead of electricity. A solar roof vent has a fan that is powered by the sun to remove heat and moisture from attics.

A solar roof vent can save the homeowner money in a number of different ways. First, more solar energy is stored than the solar roof vent uses because the roof is always in direct sunlight. Special collectors are placed on the roof on either side of the solar roof vent.

A solar roof vent is more efficient than an electric vent because it is working continuously. With electric, the temperature has to reach a certain degree before it starts. Over time, this can damage your home resulting in possibly thousands of dollars in repairs.

There is a charge for electricity every time it starts. It can add up to $30 a month on your electric bill. When you look at your yearly usage rate, you will find that your energy consumption is higher than what it should be.

Over time, using this an electric roof vent could damage the shingles on your roof. Whereas a solar roof vent works continuously to keep your attic cool and there are no charges at all.

Because it is continuously removing moisture from the attic, mold and mildew do not have a chance to grow. This creates fewer allergens in your home, thereby making it healthier.

Solar roof vents can be found in any hardware store or home improvement store.
They can also be found on the Internet by doing a Google search.
Although the prices vary from state to state, they are relatively inexpensive, averaging around $600 dollars.

A trained professional can install them in less than half an hour. Using a licensed contractor is recommended because there are a lot of things to take into consideration such as electrical lines inside the walls. It is not a do-it-yourself task. They are also insured if any mishaps occur.

With a solar roof vent, you are not only doing something to help yourself save money, you are also helping to keep the environment cleaner and safe.

More and more homeowners are recognizing the benefits of solar power. They want to save as much money as they can and are making the decision to install solar roof vents as part of an overall plan to save money.

David Evermon has been involved in many environment related projects, writing on many subjects related to the environment and project management his hobbies and knowledge of construction, David writes articles about Solar Roof Vents

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Snow Roof Rakes and the Benefits They Bring - by Andrew Caxton

Snow can be great fun for the kids when it comes to throwing snowballs and making snowmen. It can also be fun for all of the family when it comes to sledging or even skiing, but unfortunately it can also be a nuisance and it can restrict the way that people live their lives.

Snow can block everything and it can even be dangerous as it collects on roofs as it can fall on top of people and it could even turn to ice too which is extremely slippery. Fortunately there are things which can help and one of those things is designed for the snow on house roofs and it is known as a snow roof rake.

Using a Snow Roof Rake is Hard Work

It can be a very hard task indeed using a snow roof rake to get rid of the snow on the house or building roof. It is different than using it on the garden and it generally needs a lot more effort put into it. So, it is best to know exactly what you are letting yourself in for when it comes to buying a snow roof rake. If you have never done it before and you are not sure how to do it, try looking at someone else doing it first in order to get an idea of how it should be done.

Using the Snow Roof Rake Safely

When it comes to using the snow roof rake, it is important to use it safely and follow certain guidelines. It can be dangerous removing the snow off the roof and one thing that you should not do is climb onto the actual roof. The reason behind this is that it may be extremely slippery and this could lead to a fatal accident or at the very least broken bones. So, always make sure that you have a safe ladder to use and get someone to hold the bottom whilst you rake the roof. Also, make sure that no one is standing underneath the roof or standing anywhere where the snow can hit them.

What Are Snow Roof Rakes Made From?

Getting a good and reliable snow roof rake is very important when it comes to removing the snow from the roof. A good snow roof rake is one that is made from aluminium or a hard plastic and they are generally the best for this type of job.

So, it is a great idea to purchase a snow roof rake for those hazardous and snowy conditions to remove the snow off the roof. Just remember the safety pointers mentioned however as it can really be a dangerous task if you don’t know what you are doing.

Andrew Caxton enjoys writing about snow removal for http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com. A focused website that offers the best articles on snow roof rakes and snow removal.

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Snow Removal Equipment: Using Roof Rakes - by A.Caxton

Removing snow from your roof is not the same as the removing snow from your garden. Where there is a possibility of snow, the roofs are made inclined and this is a major reason why the mechanical tools cannot be used by the house-owner. Either he has to use manual tools or he has to call for an expert in roof raking. Fortunately, the gravity works for the house-owner and if the snowfall is not continuous and long lasting, the nature itself would melt the snow and a minor effort on part of house-owner will ensure that no ice collects on the roof.

Roof Rakes Are Made Of Aluminum Or Hard Plastic

For roof raking aluminum ladder and roof rakes are required. The roof rakes are attached at the end of a tube. They are made of aluminum or hard plastic. Aluminum is preferred over plastic as they are not as tough as the aluminum ones. Aluminum ladder is necessary, as roof is slippery, inclined and thus not safe for access. Whatever portions can be reached with the help of the tube extensions, are cleared of collected snow and the other portions left out in as is condition. Chemical deicers if available in market can be used.

Safety In Roof Raking

Do not do the following when clearing the snow from roof

1. Never ever, climb on the roof to clear the snow. All the ingredients for an accident are present the roof. A slippery surface and slope are sufficient for hurtling you downwards.
2. Do not work on the snow by mechanical means, that means no pounding or chopping
3. Aluminum ladder should have a firm footing, and it should be anchored firmly. It should not topple down.

Roof Raking Alternatives

To reduce the manual effort required in roof raking and removing snow from roof, roof and gutter de-icing cable can be installed on the roof. This has to be installed on the roof in a zigzag pattern and parallel to the gutter. A controller situated in your house will ensure that the temperature of the area under the cable does not get hot.

Andrew Caxton is the webmaster of http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com . A guide on lawn mowers and garden tractors and how to choose the right type for your garden;including snow removal tools for the winter season such as snow blowers and roof rakes http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com/snow-removal-equipment/roof-rake.html

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Snow Metal Roofing: Where Is It needed? - by Wade Robin

If you live in extreme cold climate and face a lot of snow in winter then ordinary metal roof is not the right choice for u. You need to think of something better than just a metal roof which is definitely the snow metal roofing. It is better to use snow metal roof because if you don’t you would most likely have to repair your roof in the middle of the winter which is if not impossible, a very difficult job to be done at that time.

Why Snow Metal Roof?

Contrary to the common misconception that the metal roofing is just the metal roofing, there are many kinds of the metal roofing which suit different climates and lifestyles. The snow metal roof is a thing that is to be used in the high-snowing areas.

Advantages of the Snow Metal Roofing

There are three main benefits which can be gained by installing the snow metal roof. The first one is that when it snow heavily, the snow starts piling up on the roof, and if it snows for a long time this can end up in a disastrous collapse of the roof. The snow metal roofing is constructed in such a manner that it can withstand the extreme weight of snow on the roof thus it prevents any accident that can occur otherwise.

The second advantage of the snow metal roof is that it bears such a shape that most of the snow slides down the roof before it can pile up and cause any damage. The material used in the manufacturing of the roof is a bit tougher than ordinary metal roofs.

The third advantage of the snow metal roofing is that it keeps the inside of the building warm in extreme cold conditions. Having this advantage, you can build roofs for yourself as well as for the animals if you have any. In the ordinary metal roof it is not possible to maintain the inner temperature of the building.
These advantages give a big edge to the snow metal roofing over the conventional metal roofing.

The snow metal roofs also have all the other benefits of the metal roofing and yet they hold the extra capability to survive in the extreme winter and snow. If you live in such an extreme weather, don’t take the risk of installing ordinary metal roof. Always choose snow metal roof and feel safe in the snow.

You can also find more info on metal roofing system and good metal roof . Homeroofinghelp.com is a comprehensive resource to known about metal roofing.

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Snow Can Hurt Your Roof. Get a Roof Rake - by Andrew Caxton

Houses built in areas which typically get a lot of snow have roofs designed at a slope so that that snow will just slide right off. But if a storm piles a lot of snow on the roof, there’s more than one reason why it needs to be removed with a roof rake.

If you live in an area where you get a lot of snow, you probably give a great deal of thought to getting rid of the snow that accumulates on your sidewalks and in your driveway. But that’s a relatively easy task - get out the old shovel or snow blower and have at it.

But a simple task as shoveling one’s sidewalk is not always as easy as its cracked up to be. Snow is very heavy, and if you go at the process of its removal too enthusiastically with a shovel you can get a back-ache or blisters on your hands. And at least a handful of people a year lose a finger to a snow blower blade because they reach in with their hand to clear a jam, rather than using a long-handled broom handle.

Sidewalks are flat - there’s no way to get around shoveling them after a heavy snowfall. But what about your roof? Most houses in areas that get a lot of snow have inclined roofs so that the snow just slides off. However, there are occasions when snow accumulate on your roof, and because snow is so heavy it simply must be removed before it does serious damage to that roof. Even if you know that your roof was built to withstand all that weight - there’s another reason why it should be removed. Melting snow can cause icedams in your gutters…so that as more snow melts the water has nowhere to go except into your ceilings.

Don’t Climb On Your Roof
Even if you’re able to get out onto your roof during the middle of winter - it would be best if you didn’t do it. Climbing around a dry roof is hard enough - trying to walk up and down a sloping roof covered with snow - which might be obscuring the ice below it - is the height of folly…and falling.

The solution is a roof rake, which you operate from the ground.

Safety first
Whatever roof rake you use - do not use it near power lines. Let me repeat that - do not use it anywhere near power lines. Even if you’re a dozen feet away from a power line, if you lose control of the rake for any reason, it’s length is such that it could quite easily tilt over those dozen feet, hit the power line, and give the operator quite an unpleasant shock, to say the least.

Various Models
There are quite a few snow rakes on the market. The Minnesnowta Roof Razor is one design that is built and sold out of the state of Minnesota - and what native Minnesotans don’t know about protecting their homes from snow isn’t worth knowing.

The RoofRake enables the operator to reach up over 26 feet, which should be more than enough to get most of the snow off one’s roof.

Like the other designs, the Philips Snowcutter cuts through ice and snow, but protects the roof shingles by not allowing the rake to actually touch the roof itself. Philips claims that their snowcutter can clear a roof in half the time it takes a roof rake.

So check out the web, check out your local stores, and then get yourself a tool well-suited to ensuring that your roof and house suffer no damage during the next winter storm.

Andrew Caxton is the author of many resources on lawn care related topics published at http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com . A website with tips on snow roof rakes, amongst many related topics.

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Simple Flat Roof Leak - by Steven Briesemeister

A flat roof is more prone to leaks due to the fact that the roof has no pitch for snow and other debris to slide off, so it remains on the roof until we remove it. This can cause an array of damage, including snow and ice damage, holes from debris, heavy weight causing structure damage and more. Flat roofs should be inspected several times each year in order to detect any damage or possible problems even before they arise.
Roof Safety.
When doing any work, or inspections on the roof, use a strong ladder that is properly secured. Avoid walking on the roof, which can be very dangerous. This is especially true if it is raining or if the roof is already wet from a previous storm. Use binoculars to help spot the leak if you need them.
Detecting A Simple Flat Roof Leak.
Because of their design, flat roofs are generally difficult to inspect when it comes to leaks. But, there are several distinct signs to look for, which can help you to locate the problem as quickly as possible. When searching for a leak, check the area around the flashing, the chimney or other vents. When checking the flashing, look for cracks and check overlaps. Also be on the lookout for any exposed nail heads or other signs of damage. Watch for dark spots or water puddles on the roof, which may indicate sagging and water weight. If you can locate the seams of your roofing material, check for holes or cracks.
Repairing A Simple Flat Roof Leak.
If you find an exposed nail head, that’s easily fixed with a hammer. Drive the nail into the roof’s structure, but not too far or it may become overdrawn. You want the nail head to be even with the top of the roof. If you find a problem that can be repaired with roofing cement, use it. Even if this is just a temporary solution to fixing the leak, it will buy you some time until you can hire a professional roofing contractor.
When To Seek A Professional.
Minor repairs may be handled by the homeowner in some cases. Normally, however, it is recommended that you call a professional roofing contractor even if it’s just a simple flat roof leak. If you do not know exactly what to look for, or where to find it, further damage could be incurred during repeated attempts to locate the leak. A professional roofing contractor is skilled in the art of repair and will be able to fix your roof properly.

Steven Briesemeister who is the owner of http://www.roofer911.com has 33 years experience in all types of roof repair problems and new roof installation for residential and commercial accounts. As a Long Island and Northern Virgina roofing contractor, we believe, “Quality Doesn’t Cost…It Pays! For more roof related articles, kindly visit: http://www.roofer911.com/roofing_articles.htm

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Roofing Faq: Basic Roof Problems - by Rae Fakner

* What are some of the typical causes of roof problems?

There are different types of roof problems, and it is best to be aware of them so you can avoid shortening the life span of the roof. Some typical roof problems are:

Not enough maintenance done. Failing to fix minor roof problems can lead to a bigger problems later on. Structural damage caused by any physical contact can also lead to more problems later on.

Climate and Weather. Extreme weather (hail, ice, snow, scorching heat) can expedite the deterioration of a roof. Strong winds can, of course, damage the roof as well.

Industrially polluted or salty air (as near the sea) and other atmospheric contaminants are also contributing factors.

Wrong design. A faulty design can lead to early problems. A weak or improperly attached roof can also collapse from weight.

Flashing problems. Flashings are used to make the roof watertight. Improper installation and weak flashing can make the roof leak and by the time it is discovered, water damage maybe extensive.

* How do I know if I need a new roof if I don’t see any leaks?

Leaks are not the only reason for replacing a roof. Furthermore, if you wait until you begin seeing leaks, you may end up with more damage and a bigger problem than you had hoped. So, check your roof regularly for the following:

- Age of roof - Depending on the kind of roofing, a roof can last up to 20 years. If your roof is 15 years old, you should be watching for signs of needing repair.

- Missing or torn shingles - Damaged shingles expose the roof to water damage and rot. They also make it so that other shingles may be blown away in the wind. Old shingles may curl, split and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. These weakened shingles are more likely to be blown away by wind gusts.

- Rusted or missing flashing - Flashing is the metal that surrounds chimneys, skylights and vent pipes. It is also often found in the valleys of the roof where the roof sections meet. If it is rusted, damaged or missing, it could cause leaks.

- Gutters - Check gutters, downspouts and splash pans for damage or decay. Look for broken pieces of paint and scraps of roofing. This may be a sign that your roof needs some attention.

- Inside Walls - Watch for discolored plasterboard or cracked paint and peeling wallpaper indoors. This could be a sign of a leaky roof.

* What kind of preventive maintenance should I do for my roof?

Since roofs are constantly exposed to the elements, most roof damage results from weather and pollutants in the atmosphere. To save yourself big repair costs or even having to replace your roof before its time, you should perform a general inspection on your roof at least twice a year, checking for mildew, mold, rust, trapped water, and possible damage, and make minor repairs if necessary. That is the best preventive maintenance you can do.

Also, be sure to keep your roof clean. Remove any debris that may accumulate on it and clean out the roof gutters regularly. Also, repair any weather damage as soon as it occurs.

Rae Fakner is editor of Roofing FAQ, the online guide to Roofing. He also writes Roofing FAQ’s for PrettyGreatAnswers.com.

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Roof-A-Cide™ Makes Algae-Stained Roofs and Premature Replacement a Thing of the Past in Southern New Jersey - by John Browne

Roof-A-Cide, the manufacturer of environmentally safe roof cleaning solutions and algae preventatives is making their products available throughout Southern New Jersey through a recently established Authorized Roof-A-Cide™ Applicator – Sierra Construction Group (856/596-3003). Marlton, NJ (PRWEB) October 9, 2005 — Roof-A-Cide™ is an EPA approved algaecide / fungicide specifically designed and approved for use on roof surfaces. Roof-A-Cide™ is safe to work with, safe for the roof, and safe for landscaping. Roof-A-Cide™ has been used successfully on over 70,000 properties to date throughout the Southeast. Roof-A-Cide has Authorized Applicators in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia and now New Jersey. Roof-A-Cide™ has been approved for use by GAF Materials, the largest shingle manufacturer in the United States and will inhibit the growth of dark algae stains for years with each treatment. Preventative treatments generally take 30 minutes or less and a roof treated with Roof-A-Cide™ every few years will remain free and clear of unsightly algae and fungus growth for the life of the roof. Sierra Construction Group can be reached at 856/596-3003 for a fast, free estimate on cleaning and stain prevention, as well as all phases of roof installation and maintenance. For additional information about Roof-A-Cide products or Applicator Opportunities, contact us at our Palm City office: 800/806-6727, or on the internet by typing: www.Roof-A-Cide.com.

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Roof Weather Vanes - How To Install Them - by Jesse Akre

<p>
Here are three ways to install roof weather vanes.<p>
1. Copulas - If you want the full look of copulas and roof weather vanes you will need to first decide on the copula you want on top of your home. Many copulas can either be mounted to the top of your roof (to one of the joists) or attached to a board just above the roof. The important thing is to make sure this part is well mounted as it will be the piece responsible for holding everything in place.<p>
2. Roof Mount - If you don’t want the expense or work involved in adding a copula to your house, you may want to try this form of attaching roof weather vanes to your home. A roof mount will use a ‘V’ shaped bracket that will sit on your roof and be screwed into an anchor point. It’s important to make sure this is installed right, so your weather vane will operate properly. Before you fasten it down, put the weather vane in it and check to see if it’s level. Off-level roof weather vanes don’t work properly. A lot of people like to eyeball this, but it’s much smarter to use a real level to make sure. Better to do it once than have to keep climbing back up on the roof to make readjustments.<p>
3. Side Mount - Don’t want to play on the roof too much. This attachment will let you set up roof weather vanes while just on a ladder along the side of the house. A side mount attaches to the end caps of your house where the eaves meet. An L-shaped tube comes from a plate that is fastened to the house and you can install the roof weather vanes inside that bracket. Instead of being able to put the roof weather vanes in the middle of your roof, they will be relegated to the side of the house, but that also can make them more visible from the ground. This is especially true if you have a two-story or taller house where it’s harder to see what’s on the roof.<p>
One final consideration in selecting roof weather vanes is to select one that matches your house and the roof in size. If you have a large home or a very tall house, you are going to need to look at larger roof weather vanes to avoid them looking too dinky on the top of the house. It may look great up close, but you need to think of how far away you will be when you’re seeing it. Measure the size of the weather vane and stand at least 20-30 feet away to get an idea how it will look when you have it installed.

Jesse Akre offers insight when purchasing lovely garden finials, nice weathervanes, and lavish weathervane cupola.

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Roof System Components - by Charlie McCurry

Roof System Components

All steep-slope roof systems (i.e., roofs with slopes of 25 percent or more) have five basic components:

1. Roof covering: shingles, tile, slate or metal and underlayment that protect the sheathing from weather.

2. Sheathing: boards or sheet material that are fastened to roof rafters to cover a house or building.

3. Roof structure: rafters and trusses constructed to support the sheathing.

4. Flashing: sheet metal or other material installed into a roof system’s various joints and valleys to prevent water seepage.

5. Drainage: a roof system’s design features, such as shape, slope and layout that affect its ability to shed water.

Source: National Roofing Contractors Association (NCRA)

S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows is Maryland’s leading company in roofing and maintenance-free home exteriors. Family-owned and operated since 1980, S&K Roofing, Siding and Windows provides high-quality exterior home workmanship and customer service that is among the best in the industry. We offer maintenance-free home exteriors including roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutt

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