Which Is Better For A Commercial Roof – Asphalt Shingles or Cedar Shakes?

Cedar roofing is preferred by many over asphalt roofs for its natural appearance and traditional character.

As well-loved as cedar shakes may be, they are definitely at the higher end of the price scale for shingle roofing, causing many to pass on them.

Price aside, is one better than the other?

Here is a quick comparison of the two to help decide if you want to have roofer services install asphalt or cedar on your home or building.

All About Cedar Shakes

Cedar shakes are a traditional wood type of shingle-type roofing adored by many for the classic look they give to any home or structure.

Having stood the test of time, they have been used as a roofing material for centuries if not longer due to the many qualities cedar possesses.

Cost seems to be the biggest deterrent for most people.

  • Durability and Longevity - Rough cut, with a thicker bottom than a standard shingle, cedar shakes will last around 30 years if well-maintained and periodically coated in a protective sealant to keep moisture out. They are durable against most weather conditions and undamaged by ice, snow, hail, and wind, though fire-resistance is a problem.
  • Ease of Installation - Because they must be nailed down individually, cedar shakes can take considerably longer for a roofer service to install.
  • Appearance - The classic, chestnut-colored look of new wood that matures to a soft silver patina over time is the main attraction for those who like cedar shake roofs. Cedar wood offers a timeless look like no asphalt shingle or other wood or material can match.
  • Maintenance Requirements - Like other wood roofing, cedar shakes must be cleaned every few years to keep algae and moss that eat away at the wood from growing on them. These roofs should also be periodically coated with a wood sealant to slow UV damage that can turn them brittle and rot from absorbing too much water.
  • Cost - Cedar shake roofing usually costs about one-third more than a comparable installation of premium architectural or dimensional asphalt shingles.

All About Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt roofs have advanced considerably over the years, with today’s products being much more attractive and long-lasting than the very first iteration of this roofing.

Available in many shapes and styles that mimic other materials, it has become the most popular type of shingle roofing mostly due to the price.

  • Durability and Longevity - Asphalt roofs come in many variations in size, look, style, and quality, so the longevity of each product will differ anywhere between 20 and 40 years. Premium asphalt roofing is fairly durable against most weather conditions and more fire-resistant than wood roofing, but can be blown off easily in strong winds and is easily damaged by hail and ice-damming.
  • Ease of Installation - Asphalt shingles are one of the easiest materials for roofer services to install, so the installations go fairly quickly.
  • Appearance - Though designer architectural and dimensional shingles can mimic other materials including wood shakes and shingles, they still do not compare in beauty to natural cedar shakes that go on bright and slowly age over time and give a traditional look to any structure.
  • Maintenance RequirementsAsphalt roofs are nearly maintenance-free except for a cleaning every so often if there is any algae or mold found growing on it due to moisture.
  • Cost - Premium, longer-lasting dimensional shingles usually cost one-fourth to one-third less than a roof made of cedar shakes.

Cedar Shakes or Asphalt Shingles - Which Is Better?

Taking the different categories into account, it is easy to see that cedar shakes surpass asphalt shingles in durability and preferred appearance, while the asphalt prevails in ease of installation, fewer maintenance requirements, and lower cost.

Premium lifelong products also last longer than cedar shakes.

Which Is Best For You?

Although it seems the answer to this question might be clear, it really depends on your personal preferences and the details that matter most to you.

Ultimately, both are superior options in shingle roofing that will perform well with care and look great on a house or building.

The main factor about cedar shakes is their classic look and the amount of character they add to a building.

If appearance is a prime element for you and you are fine with paying a little more for roofer services and replacing your roof a little sooner, cedar is a great choice.

When a great look at a lower cost is your goal, dimensional shingles including ones that look like cedar shakes are the next best option!

Interested in Premium Commercial Asphalt Roofs in Dallas TX?

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Looking at Commercial Roofing Material – Is Any Really Sustainable?

The earth’s environment is suffering more each year due to pollution, destruction of habitats, and many other practices that are changing the planet forever.

In response to this problem, many manufacturers of building supplies including those producing commercial roofing materials have begun designing products that are more environmentally friendly.

The question is, are those products sustainable, too?

If you’re looking for a truly environmentally sound commercial roof, pay attention to sustainability while choosing your materials.

What Is Sustainability?

Though they are related, sustainability is not the same thing as environmental friendliness to which it is commonly confused with and compared.

A sustainable natural material like on a commercial roof is one that’s sourced in ways that does not deplete a natural source or environment of that material.

It’s a method of harvesting what is essentially an unlimited material as long as the land is left undamaged so that material can continue to replenish itself.

Environmentally-Friendly Roofing Materials Vs. Sustainable Ones

Sustainable raw materials are environmentally-friendly, but not all environmentally-friendly materials are sustainable.

In terms of commercial roofing materials, it has the most to do with natural materials that have to be grown or harvested, how quickly they replenish, and what is being done throughout the world to keep those resources replenishing.

Environmentally-friendly materials used by commercial roofers include those that have a reduced carbon footprint.

Many are more thermo-effective, reducing the utility costs and the pollution made from creating energy while others are made of materials that can either be recycled and used again or buried to decompose naturally and become a part of the soil.

Durability and longer life expectancy, and cleaner production practices all contribute to environmental-friendliness; however, most of these products are still not sustainable.

What Sustainable Roofing Products Are Available Today?

While there are quite a few environmentally-friendly commercial roofing materials available today, the list of products that are truly sustainable is fairly small.

Materials that must be mined for or are made using petroleum products are not sustainable as those are non-replenishable resources.

Products made from cement are also not sustainable due to the pollution generated to produce it.

There is debate over whether shingles made from clay are sustainable and manufacturers claim that since it is a nearly unlimited material, it is as close to sustainable as anything can be.

What truly sustainable materials are available?

Wood shakes and shingles are the most sustainable commercial roof materials out there, since trees can be harvested and then regrown.

Of course, the degree of sustainability depends on the type of wood, where it’s harvested, and whether it’s being sustainably replanted; however, overall wood is considered sustainable.

Other materials that are considered as nearly sustainable due to their ability to be recycled and how they are produced include metals like steel, aluminum, copper, and as mentioned above clay tiles.

Green or living commercial roofs are also considered sustainable, especially when used to reduce utility bills and grow food and other vegetation.

Beyond these options, the higher the percentage of recycled content in a product, the more sustainable it is as it reduces the amount of new resources that must be sourced.

Sustainable Roofing Materials Scarce, But Available

There is more to environmental-friendliness and commercial roofs than just recyclability and biodegradability.

Sustainability is another issue to consider when shopping for the materials used by roofers.

Though truly sustainable materials are rare, sticking with eco-friendly products containing the highest amount of recycled materials is the best alternative for commercial roofing products!

Want a Sustainable Commercial Roof in Dallas Texas?

Contact the Roofing Experts at Comercial Roofers Dallas Now!

Call (469) 677-8677 for More Info!

The Abundant Benefits of Commercial Tile Roofs!

Commercial tile roofs are exceptionally beautiful, adding great character to any home where they are installed; however, they are also expensive, certainly more so than a simple asphalt shingle roof.

So why even consider tile roofing, other than the appearance?

There are actually quite a few reasons why it’s worth the added expense to have a tile roof installed on your home or small building!

1. Energy Efficiency

When properly installed by tile roofers, these tiles can make your commercial property more energy-efficient and reduce your heating and cooling bills because of their thermal properties.

They absorb UV rays and prevent them from passing into the building, releasing them at night after the sun goes down and also absorb interior heat in winter without releasing it into the atmosphere, keeping a home warmer overall.

2. Durable and Long-Lived

Tile roofs are very durable when expertly installed by commercial tile roofing companies and able to withstand storms, strong winds, and some hail without becoming damaged - plus, they are also fire-resistant.

The material is known to last upwards of a century or more, making the investment in commercial tile roofs a very efficient one over its lifetime.

3. Easy Installation and Maintenance

Although most commercial tile roofing companies must follow a specific process to correctly install these tiles, overall it’s a fairly straightforward process that goes reasonably quickly.

Once installed, tiles remain waterproof and require little to no maintenance other than to wash them periodically and check for cracked or chipped tiles and then replace them to maintain the integrity of the whole installation.

4. Environmentally Friendly

Another great thing about choosing a tile roof is that they are all made from natural materials and involve a more environmentally-friendly production process.

In addition, when they are removed by commercial tile roofers, the material can be either ground and recycled or simply disposed of where they will decompose and become a part of the earth once again.

5. Unaffected by Rot or Insects

Unlike most other materials installed by tile roofers that can be affected by mold, mildew, algae, and rot from moisture or damaged by insects or other pests, tile is not affected by any of that.

Made from earthen materials, tiles do not provide a surface on which any of these organisms or creatures can invade.

6. Many Materials and Varieties

Roofing tiles are made from a variety of organic materials including clay, cement, ceramic, and slate.

The first three materials are made using molds and available in various shapes and styles suitable for different architectural styles and can also be coated with glazes that offer a variety of colors.

7. Add Beauty and Character

Last and certainly not least, commercial tile roofs add so much beauty and character to a small building; they can greatly increase curb appeal, raise property value, and make a building really stand out in the neighborhood.

So Many Positive Benefits to Tile Roofs!

When the time comes to for a new roof on your small business location, there are countless materials options for you to choose from.

Because of the great benefits you can get from tiles, it’s definitely worth looking into them and be rewarded with a lifetime roof installation from a commercial tile roofing company that can transform the look of your building!

Want A Beautiful and Beneficial Tile Roof in Dallas Texas?

Talk to the Pros at Commercial Roofers Dallas!

Call (469) 677-8677 Today!

Looking at Roofing Material – Are Any Really Sustainable?

The earth’s environment is suffering more each year due to pollution, destruction of habitats, and many other practices that are changing the planet forever.

In response to this problem, many manufacturers of building supplies including those producing roofing materials have begun designing products that are more environmentally friendly.

The question is, are those products sustainable, too?

If you’re looking for a truly environmentally sound roof, pay attention to sustainability while choosing your materials.

What Is Sustainability?

Though they are related, sustainability is not the same thing as environmental friendliness to which it is commonly confused with and compared.

A sustainable natural material like on a commercial roof is one that’s sourced in ways that does not deplete a natural source or environment of that material.

It’s a method of harvesting what is essentially an unlimited material as long as the land is left undamaged so that material can continue to replenish itself.

Environmentally-Friendly Roofing Materials Vs. Sustainable Ones

Sustainable raw materials are environmentally-friendly, but not all environmentally-friendly materials are sustainable.

In terms of commercial roofing materials, it has the most to do with natural materials that have to be grown or harvested, how quickly they replenish, and what is being done throughout the world to keep those resources replenishing.

Environmentally-friendly materials used by commercial roofers include those that have a reduced carbon footprint.

Many are more thermo-effective, reducing the utility costs and the pollution made from creating energy while others are made of materials that can either be recycled and used again or buried to decompose naturally and become a part of the soil.

Durability and longer life expectancy, and cleaner production practices all contribute to environmental-friendliness; however, most of these products are still not sustainable.

What Sustainable Roofing Products Are Available Today?

While there are quite a few environmentally-friendly commercial roofing materials available today, the list of products that are truly sustainable is fairly small.

Materials that must be mined for or are made using petroleum products are not sustainable as those are non-replenishable resources.

Products made from cement are also not sustainable due to the pollution generated to produce it.

There is debate over whether shingles made from clay are sustainable and manufacturers claim that since it is a nearly unlimited material, it is as close to sustainable as anything can be.

What truly sustainable materials are available?

Wood shakes and shingles are the most sustainable roof materials out there, since trees can be harvested and then regrown.

Of course, the degree of sustainability depends on the type of wood, where it’s harvested, and whether it’s being sustainably replanted; however, overall wood is considered sustainable.

Other materials that are considered as nearly sustainable due to their ability to be recycled and how they are produced include metals like steel, aluminum, copper, and as mentioned above clay tiles.

Green or living roofs are also considered sustainable, especially when used to reduce utility bills and grow food and other vegetation.

Beyond these options, the higher the percentage of recycled content in a product, the more sustainable it is as it reduces the amount of new resources that must be sourced.

Sustainable Roofing Materials Scarce, But Available

There is more to environmental-friendliness and commercial roofs than just recyclability and biodegradability.

Sustainability is another issue to consider when shopping for the materials used by commercial roofers.

Though truly sustainable materials are rare, sticking with eco-friendly products containing the highest amount of recycled materials is the best alternative for commercial roofing products!

Want a Sustainable Commercial Roof in Dallas Texas?

Contact the Pros at Commercial Roofers Dallas Now!

Call (469) 677-8886 for More Info!

Don’t Make These Mistakes When It’s Roof Replacement Time!

Any residential or commercial roof replacement is a large and expensive investment in your home or building.

Naturally, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend more than necessary on a roof or end up with one that has problems over time or does not last as long as it should.

How can you avoid these problems when a commercial roof replacement is needed?

Be certain to get long-lasting, quality work from a commercial roofing service by being sure to avoid these common roofing mistakes!

1. Putting It Off or Never Get Round To It

If you already know you need to replace your commercial roof due to signs of aging or other problems, delaying the inevitable is probably not going to save any money and instead might actually cost you more.

As your commercial roof condition worsens, it increases the likelihood that there will be undiscovered leaks or other problems that cause additional damage requiring additional commercial roofing services.

You could go from needing a new roof to needing structural work done as well!

2. Hiring the Wrong Commercial Roofer

Being a roofer is an exacting job that requires skill, training, and attention to detail.

It’s essential to thoroughly research and interview commercial roofers before hiring to be sure you choose a reputable service that:

  • Has competent, well-trained employees.
  • Is honest.
  • Offers a good warranty.
  • Provides a great new roof at a reasonable price.

The commercial roofer you hire should be:

  • Licensed and have proof of insurance.
  • Trained and approved to install the products they use.
  • Willing to perform a thorough and honest inspection.
  • Able to provide a detailed estimate.
  • Ready to stand behind their quality workmanship.

3. Installing New Materials Over Old

Though it may seem like a money saver to install new materials over the old to avoid removal and disposal costs, it’s a huge mistake.

That will not provide a proper surface to install new commercial roofing materials, make getting accurate inspections harder, and cause any future problems to cost twice as much.

In addition, since it is very unlikely that an experienced commercial roofer will do that, so consider it a red flag if a contractor suggests doing that as a way to cut costs.

4. Skimping On Material Cost

There is a huge selection of materials out there to use to install a new roof with a wide range of prices.

You may not be able to afford the highest costing materials; however, don’t settle for the least expensive either.

In terms of roof materials, you definitely get what you pay for.

Installing a roof using cheaper materials with a short life expectancy is a waste of money when compared to the added cost of better materials that will last exponentially longer if well maintained.

5. Not Looking At the Fine Print

Roofing estimates and warranties from commercial roofing services can be complicated, so it’s essential to read them over carefully and understand what you are and are not getting.

Have estimates provided by potential commercial roofers spelled out in detail to include materials and labor, cleanup and disposal costs, as well as any other warranted fees you may be charged.

A warranty should be written in plain language and include details about manufacturer’s warranties, contractor warranties, how they apply, and who pays for what under which conditions.

Know ahead of time your recourse if there is a problem with the roof materials or workmanship, what it will take to resolve it, and what you might do to void the warranty.

Avoid Common Mistakes To Get A Quality Roof

Replacing your commercial roof requires a lot of forethought and research to choose a roofing service that will do a superior job on your roof.

Before you call any commercial roofing service, consider how to avoid these critical mistakes to be certain of getting your money’s worth and a long-lasting, trouble-free roof!

Need A Commercial Roof Replacement?

Talk to the Expert Roofers at Commercial Roofers Dallas Today!

Call (469) 677-8677 for More Info!

Wind Damage – What Can Wind Do To A Commercial Roof?

When the storm winds blow, will your commercial roofing be able to withstand it?

Depending on its condition, it may not.

While some strong winds can’t be stopped no matter how perfect your commercial roof may appear, there are factors that can contribute to wind damage and make it more likely that you’ll need wind damage commercial roof repair once the winds calm again.

Before the storms come, professional wind damage commercial roofers recommend learning about some of the causes of wind damage and what high winds can do to your roof.

First Get A Roofing Inspection

If you notice any of these conditions or just want to make sure your commercial roof is in good condition for weathering any windstorm, call a reliable wind damage roofing service and schedule a thorough commercial roofing inspection.

Then take care of whatever maintenance or repairs are needed to ensure yours will make it through.

How Does Wind Damage A Commercial Roof?

Wind damages a commercial roof by getting under the surface and loosening the roofing material.

In doing so, it leaves the surface unsealed against the elements and effects of more wind that can come at another time.

Depending on the direction and strength of the wind, different parts of commercial roofing may be more susceptible than others in needing wind damage commercial roofers.

Some of these areas include:

  • Roof corners.
  • Places where roofing materials end around protrusions.
  • Roof edges.
  • Any areas that blowing winds can force their way under and inside roofing material.

Old or damaged shingles that are brittle, have curled edges, are bowed, or are already lifting can be susceptible to additional damage caused and require wind damage commercial roof repair.

What Are Some Signs of Wind Damage?

Damage caused by wind can be very obvious to spot at times yet at other times require the trained eye of a professional wind damage commercial roofer to detect.

The more commonly noticed signs of obvious wind damage to a commercial roof include:

  • Torn, bent, or missing shingles or panels.
  • Torn or peeled flat roofing materials.
  • Visible spaces under the roofing material where it’s been lifted up.
  • Missing or damaged flashing around protrusions and in valleys.
  • Leaks visible from the underside as viewed from inside the attic.
  • Physical damage to the surface caused by debris hitting or penetrating the roof.

What Should You Do About Wind Damage?

When you notice obvious damage after a windstorm, it’s recommended that you call a wind damage roofer to perform needed wind damage roof repairs as soon as possible.

The longer that damage remains, the greater the possibility of suffering additional damage as the days pass.

Since not all wind damage is immediately detectable, the other recommendation is to arrange for wind damage commercial roofers to come out and do an inspection if you suspect that your commercial roofing sustained damage.

Regular inspections every one or two years will also detect unknown wind damage before there is a chance for added damage caused by leaks to occur.

Keep Your Roof Safe When the Winds Blow

A roof in good condition is less likely to suffer damage and need wind damage roofing services than one that is in need of roofing repair; however, even the best commercial roofs can be damaged by strong winds.

Keep yours maintained and regularly inspected by wind damage commercial roofers so when the winds blow, you'll more easily recognize new damage so repairs can be made right away.

It will cost less in the long run and reduce any cumulative damage that could happen over time!

Think You Have A Wind-Damaged Commercial Roof? 

Contact Commercial Roofers Dallas About Wind Damage Roof Repairs!

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