Author Archives: Burell Built Exteriors

What is a slate roof?

Slate roof tiles have been used for centuries, and are often referred to as the 100-year roof. This long lasting natural product is made with durable materials that are fireproof and waterproof. Slate roof tiles are made from metamorphic rocks that come from volcanic ash and clay that create sedimentary rock. 

There are no two identical pieces on a slate roof because there are no two identical pieces of slate itself. For example, a hematite mineral produces purple tones while a chlorite mineral produces green. This mixed with carbon tones of black and gray, and the presence of iron compounds in primarily fine-grained pyrite, gives us the “weathering” appeal that makes a slate roof a piece of unique beauty and art. Along with the various tones of brown and buff, a slate roof is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. 

Why is slate used for roofing?

Slate roof benefits are what make a slate roof the gold standard in roofing. This all-natural product is created naturally from volcanic ash and clay, which is what makes metamorphosed sedimentary rock a reliable material. Homebuyers who have done their homework, will pay top dollar for the home with a slate roof. So what makes a slate roof so appealing and attractive to a homeowner? Read on ….. 

1. The Century Mark and Beyond

A slate roof will last almost into infinity, especially with expert slate roof contractors providing professional installation, routine maintenance, and meticulous upkeep, upwards of 150 years or longer.  With a roofing material cut from extracted natural stone that has been a part of the earth for millions of years, you’ll have a roof that is virtually indestructible.  Without worry of constant roof repairs that an asphalt or flat roof may have, the only repairs will be due to heavy objects falling on the roof, like a tree limb during a storm. 

2. Stunningly Attractive Beauty

Three words describe a pristine slate roof: Stunning. Attractive. Beautiful. Those are the hallmarks of a slate roof. Classy, stylish, opulent, and unique are other words that describe slate roofing. In an exclusive suburb, slate roofing is common on most homes, but because there are no two slate stones just alike, each home will have a unique color, style, and texture in various sizes. The experienced  roofing contractor that knows slate roofing will use their penchant for design to install a slate roof that is impressive. Working with the various color selections of black, gray, green, purple, and red, with mixtures of brown and buff, along with a few mottled tiles. The experienced slate roof contractor is an artist in a class all their own. 

3. Withstands the Elements

Slate roofs are fire-resistant and naturally mold-resistant with a low capacity of water absorption. A heavy roofing material that can’t be easily blown off in high winds like other roofing materials. Slate roofs are a money and trouble saving feature for both homeowners and insurance companies. 

4. Eco-friendly

Other roofing materials, like asphalt shingles and flat roofs, will need replacing after several years as they wear out. After that, the old roofing is torn off and those non-biodegradable materials are taken to a landfill and dumped. These roofing materials are known to harm the environment, but a slate roof is all-natural stone that will last a century or longer with no worries of it filling the landfills with harmful and negative by-products. It came from the earth naturally and can be returned to the earth without harming the environment. 

5. Boosted Value

A slate roof isn’t for every style of house. For instance, you wouldn’t pay thousands of dollars to roof a home that is in a moderate neighborhood – there wouldn’t be any ROI. However, in an above moderate, exclusive neighborhood, a slate roof will attract the attention of more potential homebuyers. It is the attention-grabbing you want when trying to get top dollar, not only for the beauty, but it confirms this house is structurally sound. 

How many years does a slate roof last?

At a minimum, you can expect a professionally installed, well-maintained slate roof to last 100 years.  A hard slate can have a lifespan up to 200 years or longer. A homeowner today that has a slate roof installed will most likely never need to replace it in their lifetime. 

Does a slate roof need replacing?

Because a slate roof is designed to last at least 100 years, and even longer, with regular inspection and maintenance, the only replacement that you may ever need is a shingle that has broken or cracked from the elements. 

Are slate roofs better than single ply?

When considering slate roof vs flat roofing, or any other type of roofing, yes, slate roofing is the better choice. Slate  is a durable, all-natural material, excellent for roofing. It typically comes with a 50-year limited warranty with a wind resistant warranty for up to 130mph.  

As inflation continues, a new asphalt shingle roof will cost a little over $9,100 to install and in 15 years, a new roof with tear off the old one will cost  over $13,000. A metal roof could last you 50 years or longer! Chances are you’ll never need to re-roof your home again going with a metal roof. 

What are the pros and cons of a metal roof?

Other than the cost factor we just reviewed, there are several other pros to having a metal roof installed. Take a look: 

• Control The Maintenance Costs of Your Home: A metal roofs won’t degrade the way asphalt shingles do. No more out-of-pocket or make-the-time for maintenance chores and repairs. 
• Wind Resistant: A metal roof comes in panels that are interlocked, making it wind resistant. Other roofing materials are simply overlapped and depend on gravity to hold it in place. 
• Light Weight: Metal roofing is lightweight, and when the structure moves, as they will, metal roofs won’t damage as other roofing materials do. A metal roof is the lowest weight available for residential roofing. It even be installed on top of the existing shingles if building codes allow which eliminates adding to the landfills.
• Energy Efficient: With reflective coatings applied and integrated thermal breaks, a metal roof can reduce your cooling expense in the summer by up to 20% or more.
• Fire Resistant: A metal roof is resistant to the wind and that makes is resistant to flying embers and sparks from a fire. 
• Adaptable: Metal roofing can be adapted to any architectural design, and made to look alike slate, tile, or wood shakes. Low or steep roof pitches, a metal roof is a well-suited material for arched or rounded roofs.
• Problem Solving: With matching metal flashing, a metal roof will surpass other roofing materials on eliminating failures. Flashing will last longer than any adhesive or sealant used on other roofing materials. 
• Beauty that Is Recyclable: A metal roof will provide a lasting beauty with distinction and when it comes to replacing it years later, it can be recycled.  Most metal roofs installed are from recycled metal, but the beauty it gives a home will never show it. 

Does a metal roof need to be vented?

Yes, a metal roof should have adequate venting just like asphalt or any other type of roofing materials. Proper ventilation ensures the energy efficiency that a metal roof can provide and when effectively ventilated, you have less energy waste. 

Does a metal roof affect insurance?

Yes, because of the fire-resistance and wind-resistance that a metal roof provides, insurance companies love them.  Every homeowner’s insurance policy will differ, but on the average, they have been known to reduce the cost of a policy as little as 5% and as much as 35%. 

A green roof will be more expensive with initial install than a traditional black membrane roof. By using plants that are natural to the region for your green roof, that will help keep costs down considerably. The Environment Protection Agency estimates the cost of a green roof installation will be approximately $10 per square or he extensive style and $25 per square foot for the intensive style. The annual maintenance cost for extensive or intensive green roof can be as much as $1.50 per square foot. 

Do green roofs provide insulation?

A green roof provides extra layers that serve as insulation that decreases the heat that passes into the building. This reduces the cooling load, which lightens the electricity use, lowering your bill. There are several other  green roofing benefits to be enjoyed as well: 

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduced

By reducing the cooling load, this reduces the greenhouse gas emissions associated with HVAC equipment and the fossil fuel used to create the electricity. The photosynthesis is increased with each plant or tree that is planted on a green roof which reduces the carbon dioxide that surrounding industries, mechanical systems, and vehicles produces.  The overall oxygen production is increased. 

Roof Life Extended 

A green roof will increase the original roof’s life expectancy with extra layer of protection of the UV rays and extreme temperatures common in the Tennessee area during the summers. With this extra protection, less maintenance is needed, another money saving feature of a green roof. With proper green roof maintenance you can expect to double the life of the roof.

Urban Amenities Provided

With a green roof, urban green space is increased, providing a space of  comfort and enjoyment for the employees and visitors in the building. An aesthetic, pleasing view and environment where you can hold meetings or simply a relaxing atmosphere. A green roof also provides birds and insects a refuge when their natural habitat was destroyed by urban development. 

Why are green roofs eco friendly?

Green roofing solutions contribute to the sustainability efforts by conserving energy with building insulation and mitigating the gain of thermal heat. This reduces the need for cooling and heating.  

How long does a green roof last?

With proper maintenance and upkeep of a green roof, you can expect a 40 year lifespan. Over that over years, you will save as much as $200,000 with roof repairs and energy costs. The design of the green roof and the geographic location and surrounding will have an effect on those economic benefits and can vary from building to building. 

Start your green roof organization by creating a maintenance plan and familiarize each member of the green roof team with the plan. The plan should include: 

• A site map
• Green roof type
• Planting schedule
• Irrigation controls
• Routine inspections of the plant health, the moisture level, and the drainage

Keep a logbook of each time the green roof is fertilized, watered, and weeded. Keep records of the harvest acquired that includes what was harvested, how much, the date/time/temperature. 

A green roof is more than just being a part of the “green” lifestyle. It can also be great benefit to the building owner and occupants too, especially when everyone works together to make it happen. Call 865-238-2628 today for your green roof installation in Louisville and Chattanooga, TN.

What thickness should roof insulation be?        

For keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, the higher the R-Value, the better the insulation performance. Remember, you’re not only insulating the attic for temperature purposes, but you also need your roof insulation to stop condensation too. 

If you think that your home may be one of the 90% of under-insulated homes in the United States, then a simple inspection can confirm that for you. Go to the attic and inspect the current roof insulation’s condition then calculate the level in place now. 

Depending on where you are in the country will determine the proper amount of roof insulation and for Tennessee, the ideal recommendation is 3 to 4 inches of R-38 to R-60. The older the home, the more insulation is needed to meet the recommendations set by the U.S. Department of Energy. Yes, the thicker the insulation, the more it will cost, but the more it will save you too. 

Can you insulate against a roof?

You should insulate the ceiling first for a few reasons: 

• Keeping the living space temperature regulated.
• Preventing loss of cooled or heated air saves money.
• Preventing moisture damage.
• Insulating the ceiling easier, the insulating roof makes the job faster.

However, if the attic is a living space in your home, spare bedroom, or home office, then you’d want roof insulation first. This means you will insulate above and below the rafters along the roof slope.  

Which will provide you the most energy-saving though: Ceiling insulation or roof insulation? A home with a finished attic or roof insulation is better for energy savings. There is less chance of air duct leaks or moisture from ice dams and frost. 

Yet, another viewpoint when it comes to insulating the ceiling, one advantage is this can be a weekend DIY job, saving money on professional labor. You can choose a loose-fill type of insulation or roll batts, even insulation boards, and even the highest R-Value is an energy saver. 

Do you need an air gap for insulation?

Yes, an air gap for insulation is a must in order to get the benefits of emitting heat, or a reflectivity quality, meaning the air gap provides radiant heat. Without an air gap, radiant heat will not exist, because it has been eliminated by closing off the gap. 

The typical recommended air gap is between half-inch and three-fourth inch, although a bigger gap will work well by promoting ventilation on the foil, keeping the air dry, and the temps lower in the air. 

Okay, any logically minded person, especially a skeptic, knows that a free lunch, or anything touted as “free” really isn’t going to be free, and that includes free solar roofing installation. That free solar roofing is going to cost you in the way of the electricity that solar roofing produces. 

How’s that again? You see, you will actually be leasing that solar roofing for the next twenty to twenty-five years under a PPA (power purchase agreement) and paying for the energy they produce too!  Basically, the solar roofing company will have a small power plant on your rooftop, and you’re paying them to have that power plant. 

However, you don’t have to do the PPA route for solar roofing. You can purchase solar roofing and actually own it.  The PPA way will get you the benefits of being a solar-powered house without paying anything upfront. What you aren’t going to get is some of the other benefits like EnergyStar tax credits. Why? Because whoever owns the solar part of the roof gets those credits. 

The other option you have is to buy your solar roofing outright or finance the solar roof cost of installation.  When you buy them outright, you will get that 26% tax credit, and with some banks, they’ll apply that credit to the loan balance instead of waiting to claim it on your taxes. 

What are the 2 main advantages to solar energy?

After reading the PPA or purchase solar roofing outright, you may be asking yourself, “Is solar viable?”, and we’re going to tell you yes!  So, what are two of the biggest advantages of solar energy? Well, there is way more than two advantages, and they’re all significant, but two of the biggest ones that solar roofing offers in our opinion are: 

1. Pollution free way of generating power that doesn’t cause greenhouse gas.
2. The dependence of fossil fuel and foreign oil is reduced. 

What are some other advantages that you can expect to get from solar roofing? 

• Every day, even a cloudy day, you’ll have renewable clean power 
• Lower utility bills will give you a ROI
• Solar roofing is virtually maintenance-free 
• You can sell your excess power back to the power company
• Solar roofing gets you closer to living off the grid
• You can store power for nights and dark days by using batteries
• You can heat your home and water
• Safer than traditional electricity 
• Tax credits, rebates, grants, and more are available for solar roofing
• Solar roofing is creating jobs 

Then, with solar roofing shingles, there is the factor of solar roof flashing. Like any other type of roofing material, without flashing, you’ll have leaking around the vent pipes and additionally, the solar roof brackets and mounts. When you start getting quotes for solar roofing, make sure the flashing is included and ask about what material is used for the flashing.

The solar roofing contractor you choose to work with can explain the following options in solar roofing flashing: 

• Aluminum flashing
• Galvanized flashing
• Rubber/EPDM flashing
• Elevated flashing 
• Microflashing

If you choose to go with solar panels, the first thing you may notice is your electric bill increased. What the heck is that all about!  Call your solar panel contractor and ask the to explain to you, “Why is my electric bill so high with solar panels?” Some common issues with solar panels and higher electric bills are: 

• Your solar panels aren’t working properly which could be from faulty insulation or faulty materials. Either way, it is worth having the solar power contractor you use inspect the system. 
• Salesperson over-hyped the expectation of solar panels. Or there was a misunderstanding what you should expect when you with the solar panel installation. 
• A solar panel installation is not going to be your knight in energy saving armor!  The savings predicated for your future energy usage will depend on rate increases, power use increases you by, the appliances in your home, etc.  Some homeowners have felt if they were on solar power, they could be more frivolous with their electric use and increased their power consumption. 

Regardless of what the reason could be, if your electric bill isn’t what you expected, you need to have the matter looked into.  Whether you agreed to a PPA or purchased your solar power system outright, you did this with the expectations of saving natural resources and your money. Call 865-238-2628 today for solar panel roofs in Louisville and Chattanooga, TN.

How Do Roof Insurance Claims Work?

The first thing that you should do when you want to pursue a roof insurance claim is to check out the terms of your homeowner’s insurance policy. It’s essential to remember that not every kind of damage will be covered by your policy. However, any parts of the roof where the damage is clearly covered by the terms of your homeowner’s insurance should be pursued. Next, the damage should be documented by a professional roofing company with a good reputation in your area. Your local roofer will have the tools, capability, and experience to back up any roofing claim assertions. Moreover, they can help you when it comes to your insurance company.

What Roof Damage is Covered by Insurance?

There are specific types of roof damage that is covered by insurance. In general, it is important to recognize that roof damages caused by wear and tear are not covered by insurance at this time. Please review the following list to discover more.

• Fire damage.
• Vandalism.
• Wind.
• Rain.
• Hail.
• Hurricanes.
• Tornadoes.

Once again, it is important to reiterate that the terms of your policy will dictate what will be covered. A professional roofing company is the best ally you can have in such circumstances.

How Do I Get Insurance to Pay for a New Roof?

After you have read the terms of your homeowner’s insurance policy specifically regarding roof damages, you will be armed with the knowledge to move forward. The next step is to have a reputable project manager from a roofing company to arrive at your property and document the damage. After the documentation has been compiled and recorded, you can submit a claim to your insurance company. Your insurance company will likely call in an adjuster, who will counter the claim. At this point, you will need to use your roofing company representative to counter their claim. Hopefully, all turns out well and you are able to receive a check for your roof damages.

How Can I Pay for My Roof with No Money?

If you do not have a lot of capital, it can be difficult to know where to turn with regard to your options. However, you do have some choices to choose from. Your home insurance policy is your first resource. If you exhaust that option, you can seek out a payment plan. You can also get financing through your local professional roofing company. Other opportunities include paying with a credit card, cash-out refinancing, and a home equity loan.

Can I Cancel a Roof Insurance Claim

Are you considering canceling a roof insurance claim? Whatever the prevailing circumstances of your situation, once you file a roof insurance claim, you cannot cancel it. Generally speaking, after an adjuster is assigned to your case, you cannot cancel it. Even if the adjuster doesn’t show up or the insurer doesn’t payout, the claim isn’t canceled. 

Insurance Claim for Roof Leak

Do you have a roof leak? If so, you will be happy to find that homeowners insurance may cover a roof leak if it is caused by a covered peril. Unless your homeowner’s insurance policy includes exclusions for wind or hail, you could have your roof repaired affordably. However, it is important to remember that wear and tear damage is not covered.

Insurance Claim for Roof Repair

How old is your roof? The age of your roof will be an important consideration for your insurance company. Generally speaking, the older your roof is, the higher the amount depreciated. For RCV, your insurance company will pay for the replacement cost value of your roof at the time of the covered loss. This translates to meaning the replacement cost value minus your deductible.

For the best roof insurance claim in Louisville and Chattanooga, TN, call the experts. You can reach us at 865-238-2628 today.

Should you put a metal roof over shingles?

Metal roofing is lightweight, so installing it over shingles shouldn’t pose a structure to weight ratio problem, meaning, you can install metal roofing over asphalt shingles. However, this doesn’t take into consideration the different local building codes. Metal roofing contractors will check local building codes to see if there is such restriction and quote you accordingly. 

Additionally, the metal roofing contractor you choose to work with will inspect the current roof, including the decking and rafters. If they feel they won’t support two roofs, they will advise you if they believe this could create a problem. Why would installing metal roofing over asphalt roofing be an issue? A single residential structure may not be engineered to hold the weight of two roofs, which is what this would end up being. 

Another factor that can determine if the current asphalt shingle roofing should be removed first would be having metal roofing with insulation installed. The insulation is going to add weight to the metal roofing panels and the roof structure. To have a roof that is durable, strong, and the insulation to provide the best performance, a contractor will likely recommend that the old roof come off first. 

Does metal roof need plywood?

Yes, every roof, including metal roofing, should have an underlayment, and in some municipalities, it is required for building code purposes. Homes that have been built with roof joists and sheathing, then underlayment should be installed first. 

One exception: Metal roofing installed over asphalt shingles does not require a plywood decking. However, contraction and expansion of the asphalt shingles can damage the metal over time. This is why some roofing metal roofing contractors and metal roofing manufacturers  require plywood and underlayment. While it does make metal roofing more expensive, it also will provide a long life span for the metal roofing. 

How do you stop condensation on a metal roof?

Traditionally, condensation on metal roofing is managed by having it insulated. Vinyl-backed fiberglass insulation will keep the metal roofing from reaching the dew point that creates condensation by preventing humid air contacting the cooler metal roof. 

Do you need a ridge vent with a metal roof?

If you are going to have metal roofing installed correctly, then, yes, it needs to have proper ventilation installed, aka, a ridge vent. A permeable material is used in manufacturing a ridge vent and when installed in metal roofing, it allows damp, stale, warm air to flow from the attic year round. This minimizes the moisture in the attic and balances the temperature. When correctly installed, a ridge vent lowers energy costs while increasing energy efficiency.

Whether you go with asphalt shingle roofing or metal roofing will depend on your budget first, then your home’s architecture style. If you’re plans are to stay in you house for 20 years, you’ll recoup your  metal roofing expense. If you’re planning on 10 years or less, asphalt roofing would be the better option. Call 865-238-2628 today for your roofing needs in Louisville and Chattanooga, TN.

What is the difference between Roof insulation vs attic insulation? It can be confusing to know  the differences between attic insulation and roof insulation if you’re not in the business of insulation. Both keep your home insulated against that cold Tennessee weather while reducing your heating costs. So, what is the difference, don’t they do the same thing?  The main difference between the two is where they are installed. 

• Attic insulation= the ceiling plane
• Roof insulation = the roof slope, above and below the ceiling rafters 

The installation of attic insulation is the biggest money save initially because it is the first layer of defense between the temperature in your home and the outdoor temperature. So, should I insulate between roof rafters?  To clarify the difference of the boards running through your attic: The boards on the attic floor are “joists” and the boards on the underside of the roof are “rafters”. 

The object of having your home insulated is to make it as comfortable as possible all year long and save on energy cost as much as possible, right? So, you need protect as much volume of your home as you can, meaning the part you want heated. So, the smaller the volume, the less energy is used and the warmer the area. 

• If you aren’t planning on using the attic for anything more than the storage of holiday decorations and baby books, then there isn’t any need to keep it heated, and only the attic floor, the “joists” need to be insulated.  
• If you are going to make a useable room out of your attic, then insulate the attic roof, the “rafters” on the pitched roof.
• The best solution is insulating both the joists and rafters. This will keep heat from escaping the rooms below but keep the attic room comfortable too. 

Should a roof be insulated? 

Insulating the roof space in the attic helps to retain energy inside your home and save you money. It can prevent long term moisture damage and ice damming because of warm air escaping through the apex and heating up the snow. Roof insulation also provides sound proofing on the uppermost area of your home. 

Is it better to insulate ceiling or roof?

Nobody will argue that insulation is needed to keep a home comfortable and utilities down, but if you can only afford to insulate the attic floor or attic roof, which one is the better option? The ceiling is the best choice for the following reasons:

• Keeping temperature regulated in living space 
• Prevent heat lost, saves on energy bills
• Moisture prevention in attic
• Easier to install, especially in older homes

What thickness should roof insulation be?

Roof insulation options depend on the roof type: Dormer, Flat, or Pitched. For blanket insulation, 250mm to 270mm is recommended. If there is already insulation but looks older, check the depth and add accordingly. 

The batt roll insulation, radiant barrier, or rigid board insulation are fairly easy as a DIY job. You can find videos online on how to install roof insulation with those products.  The loose-fill or spray foam insulation is better left to professionals. Need professional roof insulation help in Louisville and Chattanooga, TN? Call 865-238-2628 today.

What is the coolest roofing material?

When considering the commercial and industrial sectors, no two buildings are exactly the same, therefore, there are different types of cool roofs. Each type of building will have a different cool roof designed to suit the design and structure, using different techniques for a flat or low-slope roof than what a pitched or steep-slope roof would have.

A flat or low-sloped roof will have an extremely flat roof line  with a thin incline for draining purposes.  These types of roofs are typically on commercial, industrial, and institutional structure and with their large flat area, makes them the perfect set up for cool roofs and eco friendly roofing application.  

Since a rooftop is the main source for absorbing heat that  enters the building, in warmer climates, a cool roof or eco friendly roofing can significantly lower the heat gain and energy expenses.  For low-sloped roofs, cool, eco friendly roofing techniques on these types of structures, the following  generally fit the requirements for eco friendly roofing options: 

• Coated Roofing is a paint-like finish that brushed or rolled on a roof that enhances the roof’s adhesion and durability, extending its lifespan and reducing bacterial growth.  This type of cool coatings is ideal for existing structures with low-sloped roofs and can be added to a surface with an asphalt cap, gravel, metal, and  any single-ply material.  Available in other colors and is ENERGY STAR-rated.
• Foam Roofing is as the name suggest, a foam type material sprayed on top of an existing roof for insulation. This has been on the market for more than 40 years and has a reputation for being affordable, dependable, and long-lasting cool roofing technique.  Because the foam attaches seamlessly with little to no waste, it is one of the most eco-friendly eco friendly roofing materials. 
• Built-Up Roofing System is a multiple layer roof with various materials and minerals that stop solar heating when put together. The layers included is the base sheet, fabric reinforcement, and a protective surface layer.  Cooling strategies will vary from building to building with a built-up roof.  One method has a reflective material embedded into an asphalt coating that reflect the UV rays. Or the built-up roof is topped with mineral-surfaced sheets that consist of reflective mineral granules.
• Modified Bitumen is an asphalt-based roofing system that is designed for cold or warm weather and has more elasticity.  
• Single-Ply Membranes is eco friendly roofing for low-sloped roofs that typically need more maintenance and repairs.  Made from prefabricated sheets individually applied to the roofing surface.

What color roof reflects the most heat?

As we mentioned above, lighter colors are cooler for roofs just it is for clothing. Think of the roof coating being a hat on the building. Keep a light color hat will keep the building cooler, a plus in warm areas of the country. By choosing a color that reflects heat in hotter areas of the country and absorbs heat in cooler areas, this is a form of eco friendly roofing. 

How can I make my roof more energy efficient?

As the world is going to a greener way of living, here are some tips to having the best eco friendly for your commercial structure: 

Materials That Are Energy Efficient 

When it is time to replace your commercial structure’s roofing, choose a material that is energy efficient. Like eco friendly metal roofing. These come with fantastic insulation and will keep your business cool inside by reflecting the sun and the heat that comes with those UV rays. Any type of roofing you choose, make sure to get a light color for reflectiveness. 

• Roof Coatings 
  • The best cost effective eco friendly roofing is having a cool roofing coating installed. A roof can reach 150 degrees in the summer and most of that heat radiates into your building. A professional installed cool roof coating will keep your roof from overheating and reflect the hot sun.
• Roof Vents
  • Have the roof checked for proper ventilation. Improper roof ventilation can cause problems, starting with  moisture build-up. Proper ventilation will prolong the roof’s lifespan and keep cool air in when needed, cold air out when needed. Proper ventilation will also ease the workload on your HVAC system, which will help your energy costs. 
• Sustainability 
  • Sustainable roofing materials ensure a long life for your roof, save you money on your energy bills, and help the environment too. This is truly the best eco friendly roofing you can have – a sustainable roof – choosing materials that are made from recycled materials or can be recycled after they have served their roofing purpose. The best materials for this are concrete, metal, or tile. 
• Install Skylights
  • Skylights are just for residential structures They can reduce energy in a nonconventional way for a commercial structure by promoting energy efficiency because less electric lighting is needed. 

Are Slate Roofs Good?

There are many reasons why slate roofs are considered to have a wealth of benefits. One of these reasons is due to the fact that slate tiles are completely fireproof. In an environment where wildfires are common, slate roofs possess a unique advantage. Slate roofs also display great weather resistance, which means they perform well in the wake of high-speed winds and heavy rain. Slate roofs can also perform well under the weight of heavy snow. For these reasons and more, homeowners and property developers alike choose slate roofs for their roofing purposes.

Is it Safe to Walk on a Slate Roof?

Even though slate roofs exhibit lasting durability, it is important to exercise caution when it comes to walking on a slate roof. Over time, slate roofs have the propensity to deteriorate. In such instances, slate roofs become crumbly. When slate roofs are in such a condition, it is important to refrain from walking on them. In all circumstances, it is best to contact a reputable and insured roofing company to provide a thorough inspection. A professional roofing contractor will possess insurance that will cover any potential accidents that come from walking on the roof.

Do Slate Roofs Leak?

Though, as mentioned previously, slate roofs exhibit admirable durability and roof longevity, when roof leaks occur, it is due to missing tiles or flashing that is improperly sealed or that has deteriorated. That is why it is urgent for homeowners with slate roofs to schedule annual roof inspections. Replacing flashing is part of a good roofing contractor’s job, and it is less expensive than replacing part of a roof. If there are multiple roof failures, a roofing contractor may suggest a total roof replacement. In such circumstances, it is wise to ask for additional documentation and to get the insurance company involved.

Does Slate Break Easily?

It’s important to consider where slate comes from and what it’s composition is, which it comes to the question of whether slate breaks easily. From the quarry, slate can be broken into roughly the size that is desired. As a roofing material, it’s very strong and impenetrable, but for the manufacturers, it is pliant and workable roofing material. Though individual slate roofing materials sometimes crack, an entire roof that is made from slate won’t need to be replaced for fifty years or more.

Why Slate Roof

Are you vacillating between an asphalt shingle roof and a slate roof? While the price difference is substantial, if there is money in the budget, a slate roof is certainly worth consideration. Slate roofs have the ability to be naturally fire and mold resistant. This is a huge boon to homeowners if weather circumstances are either humid or prone to fire. This makes slate roofs quite versatile in addition to durable.

Which Roof Slate

Are you wondering which type of slate to purchase for your roof replacement? There are two main types of slate. These types are hard slate and soft slate. Hard slate roofs are more durable than soft slate roofs. Hard slate roofs are considered among the most durable roofing material available to property owners.

How Slate Roof Tiles are Made

Are you wondering how slate roof tiles are made? If so, you are in luck. Please feel free to review the following bullet-pointed list to discover more about this interesting variety of roofing material.

• The slate is split or sawn.
• The slate is gauged. This means that the slate is shaped into an even thickness.
• The slate is honed. This means that the slate tiles are honed to various finishes and sometimes even flamed.
• When slate is “flamed”, the slate is torched with a gas flame and then bombarded with freezing water. The result is a stylish, slightly textured finish that removes all traces of saw blades and irregularities.

If you need a recommendation for your slate roof in Louisville and Chattanooga, TN, we are here to help. Please give our professional roofing company a call at 865-238-2628.