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A Durable Choice in Roofing

In the Maryland and Delaware area, homes with a slate tile roof are fairly common, especially historic homes. For many of those, it is the original slate tile roof, and repairs have been made, but the originals still exist. This speaks loudly for a slate roof’s durability over the years, doesn’t it? You can expect a long lifespan with this roofing material, even though slate tile roof repairs may still be needed from time to time.

How long will a slate roof last?
Slate comes in two forms: hard and soft. When we consider that we are in the year 2022 and then look at how many homes have slate tile roofing, the answer is almost written in stone. Why? Because the majority of slate tile roofs here in the Northeast were installed in the first part of the 1900s.

Hard slate has been known to last up to 200 years; however, soft slate has an average lifespan of up to 125 years. So, is it worth repairing a slate roof? For a home with a hard slate tile roof, the repair is rarely needed, but when it does need it, it is well worth the expense. But for a home with a soft slate tile roof, repairs may not be worth the expense.

Does a slate roof add value?
Definitely! A home with a slate tile roof, repairs, and maintenance kept up will hold a higher value than a home with a common asphalt shingle roof. Why? Well, they are beautiful when they have been maintained and repairs made as needed. And because they are in older homes of historic nature still today, the long lifespan speaks volumes about their durability.

A potential buyer is always interested in a home that has quality features like an upgraded HVAC system, recently a re-piped house, and a beautiful, well-maintained slate tile roof because they know re-roofing won’t be anything they need to worry about too soon, if ever.

What are the benefits of a slate roof?
Next to the durability and long lifespan, what are the benefits of having a slate tile roof? Slate roofing has increased in popularity for custom-built homes because of the following reasons:

Aesthetics
A big draw to slate tile roofing is its natural beauty. This gorgeous all-natural material is held in high regard by architects and designers. It has a classic look with clean lines, and with the various colors of gray, green, and red, it can fit any architectural design. The variety of thicknesses and widths can give a home a unique look all its own.

Durability
Okay, you already know it is a durable material because of its long lifespan. This means that it holds up to every type of weather event that Mother Nature can toss its way. Slate tile roof repair is rarely needed after a hailstorm, hard rains, high temperatures, or high winds. In fact, it can take a 4” hailstone without chipping or cracking. Slate roofs are also fireproof!

Long-lasting
A home with the typical asphalt shingle roof will need a new roof within 20 years or sooner. A soft slate roof will have a lifespan of up to 125 years if maintenance and upkeep are done as recommended. Choose a hard slate roof; repairs and maintenance are done as needed, and you’ll get up to 200 years. Yes, slate roofing could be all your beautiful forever home will need.

Low-maintenance
Slate roof tiles have superior durability and longevity, we’ve mentioned that already. Slate roof tiles have very low maintenance because of their durability. They aren’t susceptible to any of the damaging effects that make asphalt shingles need replacing. Slate roof tiles repairs are never needed because of moisture damage, either. Slate is a dense natural material that won’t absorb much water and is impervious to mildew and mold.

Increased Value
What if this isn’t your forever home is the durability, long lifespan, and virtually no slate tile roof repair anything of value in the housing market? Absolutely! A potential buyer will fall in love with the beauty of a slate roof, while the durability, long lifespan, and minimal maintenance will make them want it at a higher market value.

What is TPO roofing material?
In the Maryland and Delaware area, the winters are known to get pretty cold and wet. The winds coming in off the Atlantic can be hard on a roof too, which is why the most large structures for commercial, industrial, and manufacturing go with a TPO roofing material.

TPO roofing is an abbreviation for Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roofing, a single-ply roofing membrane, a popular and still fastest-growing roofing system for commercial, industrial, and manufacturing structures. It is made with a layer of synthetics and reinforcing scrim and is ideal for large structures with flat roofs. TPO roofing membrane is manufactured in sheets of 10, 12, or 20 feet wide and then rolled up for delivery to the job site.

Is TPO roofing good?
Yes, in many applications, it is the many TPO roofing benefits that make this a popular choice for large structures in the Maryland and Delaware area. Those benefits include

The Cost: TPO roofing has become a viable option for commercial and residential structures in this area because of the low cost. The average cost of having TPO roofing installed averages between $5.00 per square foot up to $7.50 per square foot.

Durability: TPO roofing is algae, bacteria, debris, and dirt resistant, making maintenance a minimal concern. It is resistant to chemicals and ultraviolet exposure, and when concerned with TPO roofing and hail, this flexible membrane is impact, puncture, and tear-resistant.

Easy Install: Because TPO roofing is flexible and lightweight, installation is easy and fast, has fewer seams, and requires less labor, which reflects the lower cost of installation.

Energy Efficient: TPO roofing is energy-efficient, part of why it has become attractive for residential property owners. The energy efficiency helps lower the cost to cool and heat the structure, which is better for the environment. The white reflective surface meets and exceeds the requirement for EPA’s energy star rating. The gray, tan, and white color choices are indexed with the Cool Roof Rating Council and keep the structure cooler in the summer.

Does TPO shrink?
No, this is one of the benefits it offers over PVC roofing, which will shrink over time and create problems with leaking. However, TPO roofing does stretch if exposed to high temperatures, though this is more of a problem for structures in the southern portions of the country, and not as much an issue in Maryland and Delaware. The mixture of the two types of rubbers that TPO roofing is made from, ethylene-propylene and polypropylene, when heated up will stretch. That can lead to membrane cracking and leaks if the cracks are not addressed and repaired.

How do you maintain a TPO roof?
There are some factors that can affect the frequency of cleaning TPO roofing:

Dirt and Dust Accumulation
Roof Slope
Rainfall Frequency
TPO Roofing Drainage
When cleaning TPO roofing, protect the low curbs or areas where water may enter. Make sure all exterior facing surfaces, plants, and shrubs are protected and use only a low-pressure washer with a soft-bristled brush.

Use a mild household detergent with water to wash off the surface, then follow up with clear water to rinse. During and after the cleaning, inspect for any damages that need to be repaired.

What is the life expectancy of a TPO roof?
Just as with the cleaning and maintenance of a TPO roofing, life expectancy is affected by several factors.

Dirt and Dust Accumulation
Roof Slope
Climate and weather
Maintenance and Upkeep
TPO roofing membrane has a typical life span between 15 years and 20 years. Another important factor in the lifespan of TPO roofing is the quality of the installation. An experienced roofing crew can make a big difference in how well the roof does under the conditions listed above and how long it will last.

To Top It All Off – What is the difference between PVC and TPO roofing?
Looking at the differences and similarities between TPO roofing vs PVC, there are some considerations that can determine the best option for a commercial, industrial, or manufacturing structure. Those considerations include:

The Cost: TPO roofing is cheaper than PVC roofing per square foot, with the installation labor about the same.

The Labor: PVC roofing is easier to install because it is more flexible. TPO roofing installation often requires additional work if glued instead of welded.
The Industry Standards: ASTM has regular updates for TPO roofing standards that some manufacturers may overlook. Choosing a reputable roofing contractor is important so that these standards are followed to give you a longer lifespan.

The Quality: Regardless of the roofing project at hand, either TPO roofing or PVC roofing should have a quality material to match the quality installation to get the most lifespan possible.

Energy Efficiency: Both TPO roofing, and PVC roofing membranes provide reflective surfaces for UV ray reduction, which facilitates greater energy efficiency.

What is the purpose of a soffit on a house?
Are you considering new siding for your home? You’ve probably realized that there are several different factors to be considered with this project, including replacing the fascia and soffit. Both are essential to your home’s well-being, yet, because they aren’t easily seen or not aware of what their purpose is for a home.

Fascia and soffit are typically replaced when new siding is installed, they are a trio that shouldn’t be separated so that all three match. Having the fascia and soffit installed at the same time as the siding will ensure that they are doing their job in providing insulation for your home.

The soffits are more than the finishing touch to the roofing and siding of your home. Their purpose is to ventilate the attic to keep the rafters from rotting and prevent moisture damage to the attic and roof. The addition of the fascia boards is as important as the soffit, as they protect the rafters and trusses ends by becoming a barrier against the elements.

Is soffit part of the roof?
Yes, and is typically matched with the siding. The soffit is located on the underside of the eaves, sometimes referred to as the roof overhang. Without the soffit, the eaves or overhang would be exposed to the elements, and the aesthetics wouldn’t be as consistent with the siding.

Do soffits lead to the attic?
We know that attic ventilation is essential to a roof for several reasons:

Keeps the attic cooler in the summer, lessening the strain on the air conditioner.
Reduces moisture in the attic from heat building up in the winter.
Eliminates water condensation under the roof, preventing mildew, mold, and rot.
There are soffit vents that go with the rest of the soffit to provide the eaves ventilation. The eaves direct the fresh air from the soffit vents to the attic to do the things we just listed.

For the soffit vents to work their best, they need other ventilation in the roof to pull that fresh air through. Some homes have roof vents on the roof’s peak, either as individual roof vents, gable vents, or hip roof ventilation.