Roofing Basics: Roofing Choices and Heat Build-Up

What are your Roofing options?

As the price of oil has risen over the years, so has the cost of asphalt – causing a decrease in the amount used in the maufacture of asphalt shingles.

Of all the types of roofing materials that are available, most homeowners will choose either Asphalt or Metal. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material used across the country because they are readily available, inexpensive and offer a nice, traditional look. However, upon closer inspection you will find that the quality of asphalt roofing has actually gone down over the last 30 years even while the price has gone up. This is due to the ever increasing cost of the main ingredient – asphalt – which is related to the petroleum/gas industry. As the cost of gas to fill up your car has gone up, so has the cost for asphalt! For this reason, less and less asphalt actually makes it into the shingles. These shingles simply are not able to hold up over time the way they did previously. This problem has led more and more homeowners to choose metal for their next roof.

Why do Roofs fail?

Understanding proper “intake” and “exhaust” ventilation is a key element to any roofing system.

Part of the challenge is that asphalt or fiberglass roofs have a tough time in areas like Michigan due to extremes in temperature. The shingles tend to crack during the coldest winter months and curl during the heat of the summer. In fact, the life expectancy of the average asphalt roof in Michigan is now less than 12 years – not good! However the reason most asphalt shingles fail so prematurely is due to improper or unbalanced ventilation. Just like people, a roof needs to “breathe”. It is common for a roof to have the proper “exhaust” ventilation, but not have the proper “intake” ventilation. The problem is that a natural vacuum is created when ventilation is working properly and one cannot work without the other. This means that many roofs may look like they are working to the homeowner when in fact there is absolutely no air flow inside the attic. This leads to severe heat build-up in the summer and this “super-heated” air can quickly reach temperatures of 150 degrees or more. Therefore, many roofs suffer from “cooked shingles” and fail from the inside out.

Super-heated air inside the attic can reach temps of 150 or more and cause the shingles to “cook” from inside out.

Heat build-up in the attic due to improper ventilation as well as reduced levels of “asphalt” in the shingles leads to premature failure for many asphalt roofs.

When a home lacks the proper ventilation to “wick” trapped moisture out of the attic, it may lead to mold growth effecting the home’s air quality.

By installing “intake” soffit ventilation and attic baffles or proper vents, you can allow much needed air to enter your home’s attic space.

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**With minimum purchase made at initial appointment and approved credit. Atlas Home Improvement is neither a broker nor a lender. Financing is provided by third-party lenders unaffiliated with Atlas Home Improvement, under terms and conditions arranged directly between the customer and such lender, all subject to credit requirements and satisfactory completion of finance documents. Interest is billed during the promotional period but is waived if paid in full within the promotional period". 0% APR with 12 equal payments

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Customer Reviews

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"WOW! Our gutters look great! Josh And Kamrin arrived right on time and got quickly to work. They were very friendly and didn't mind our 6 year old grandson asking questions. I would recommend Atlas to our friends."

– Kathy S.

"I have been impressed with Atlas home improvement they do things the way I would. Kelly was our installer and was unbelievably hard-working very conscientious and even went the extra mile and called in a grizzly Veteran plumber when presented with a problem. We have used Atlas before and will again soon!"

– Tony M.

"Just a quick note to thank Atlas Home Improvement for the new Gutter Helmet install we received today . From the sales representative Hunter who answered all our question about the product and the company itself to the office personnel that scheduled and kept us informed about the date and times the install crew would arrive (Brook). Kevin and Rick did a great job installing and cleaning up afterwards . Thank you Rick for calling us the morning of install just to verify that indeed you would be arriving shortly . Undoubtably one of the best companies I have dealt with . Atlas made it so very easy to keep myself Safe and my home secure from gutter water damage ."

– Harold B.

"This was our second experience with Atlas. The shower in our last home was truly a primary selling feature. We returned to Atlas because of the quality of the job and the professionalism of the install. We were happy to see the same installers we had at our other house three years ago arrive here today. Chad and Bill did an excellent job. We received the same professionalism and quality we expected. They arrived with all the materials they would need, no hidden surprises, quality materials. They truly live up to everything they promise!"

– Rob R.

"Chris and Brandon did a great job on my Kitchen, I love how it looks! Chris had to come back to fix some things and he fixed all of it."

– Linda B.

"Recently, Atlas Home Improvement finished the second phase of my bathroom remodel. Matt and Chad were here every morning on time, stated in their morning phone call. They were friendly, efficient, knew their job and the job site was always in order and clean. They even went out of their way to make sure I was aware of all aspects of the job. They were GREAT!!! This is a great company!!! Very clean and considerate while putting in my new shower. Time the sales consultant was wonderful and really listened to what I want and was never pushy or tried to sell me something I didn't want. David did a wonderful job installing my shower. Great product they sell. I recommend this company highly!"

– Donna P.

"Dave put in a stair lift for me and I was very, very pleased with the whole experience. He assessed the situation with an eye on my safety and recommended changing the side of the staircase the lift was to be installed on. He did the installation quietly and quickly and without creating any mess. And he made sure I understood how the equipment worked and watched me test ride it. I could not have been more satisfied with the whole process. I would highly recommend Atlas to any senior looking to modify their home so that they can age in place."

– Dorrie R.

"We were experiencing temperature problems with our brand new walk-in tub, in that the temperature would not get very hot. After a call to Atlas we were scheduled by the office staff for an appointment within 2 days, which we very much appreciated. Dave arrived on time and immediately diagnosed the problem - and he quickly fixed it. Dave was very professional, pleasant, friendly, and knowledgeable. Our problem has now been fixed! Thank you Atlas for having such a great installation, office, and repair staff."

– Norv S.

"We had our shower completely re-done by Dave. It was a custom job that involved replacing a sub floor and some plumbing issues. They were friendly, hard workers, our shower turned out perfect! I strongly recommend Atlas Home Improvement they stand by their work!"

– Sherry G.

"Our dealings with Atlas Home Improvement have been nothing but a delight. We had booked them through Home Depot Home Services which had a salesman come out and was easy to deal with and took his time to explain all of the steps to the process. Atlas delivered the exact way they had promised we were in the loop knowing when our materials were ordered when they came in and to finally setting up the appointment. The workmanship was 5 star excellent and we could not have been happier with our new shower enclosure it really made a difference!"

– Sharron R.

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Roofing Basics: Roofing Choices and Heat Build-Up

What are your Roofing options?

Why do Roofs fail?

Special Offer

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September Financing Offer

Financing

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18 months no interest on select services!

Customer Reviews

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