With autumn in full swing many homeowners are looking up to the roof. The shingles may be a worn and thoughts may turn to impending leaks and damage to from heavy snows. Roofing contractors suggest a linear reduction from the applicable basic snow roof load, with full load at 30 degrees reducing to "zero" load at 70-degree slope.
For those of us who are not engineers this means the ratio where snow will not harm the roof.
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| This is because a heavy snowstorm followed by warm temperatures may cause buckling or a collapse of a part of an old roof so now is a good time to get an inspection by a qualified professional. They can check and see if the trusses are spaced properly and are the right thickness. As well, any rot or insect damage will be revealed during a thorough inspection. |
| Re-Roofing Tips |
| 1. Take a Look: Drive around and take a look at the different styles and colors. Take pictures and compare them with your home. |
| 2. Call at least four contractors |
| 3. Write down questions to ask |
| 4. Check out the contractors- licensing and insurance |
| 5. Ask for references from the contractors |
6. Compare:
- price
- advice
- material suggestions
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| 7. Get written estimate that includes all costs, description of work, clean-up and a completion date. |
| 8. Get a warranty agreement that guarantees the work for a specified period of time and includes an unconditional repair clause. |
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| Types of Roofs |
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| 1. Tile - May not be appropriate for New York winters and it is extremely heavy. However it is attractive and should last the life of the home. |
| 2. Fiber Cement - A constant in roofing for over 70 years it has only been in the past 20 years that cellulose fibers were substituted for asbestos. An imitation of tile this product is manufactured in corrugated panels comes in a wide range of colors. |
| 3. Metal - The draw for steel is that it weighs only 1.25 lb per square foot, almost one-tenth the weight of many clay tile. Many contractors claim that, because it is bolted down, it is safer than tiles in hurricanes withstanding up to 225 mph winds. Better yet, it is great for preventing stress loads from snow. |
| 4. Asphalt - The 3-tab asphalt shingle is still the old reliable in roofing and can still do the job if placed in the right way. It-s cheap and easy to put down, however, if you do not tar down the tabs wind gusts are able, in some cases, to strip a roof. |
| 5. Laminates - This type of shingle is generally more durable than 3-tabs. They also look great, like cedar shakes in some case. |
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| In Nassau County permits aren't required to replace an old roofing shingles with a new one as long as the new material is going onto the same place from where the old shingles - or other roofing - was taken. |
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| For further information on roofing in Nassau County: |
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The Economic Development Office and the Planning Commission regulate and administer zoning and planning in Nassau County.
Economic Development - (516) 571-0390
Planning Commission - (516) 571-5844
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