Protect Your Roof and Home With Great Shingles

Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements in Massachusetts, but its effectiveness in this regard is contingent upon the shingles you choose. There are many options for roofing shingles, so you need to know about them before choosing the right ones. The types of shingles commonly installed on residential roof structures across Massachusetts are asphalt and slate, followed by synthetic slate. When choosing the best shingles for your roofing project, you need to think about their materials, the climate and environmental factors affecting their lifespan, and the design possibilities that can elevate your home’s curb appeal.

When you plan to replace the roof for home improvement or a new construction project, you should consider the following:

Asphalt Roof Shingles

These are the most popular shingles in the Bay State. Asphalt shingles are more affordable than slate and synthetic slate; plus, they are widely available and uncomplicated to install. They perform well in the Massachusetts climate, offering good protection against rain, snow, and other weather conditions from moderate to extreme. In terms of design, you have architectural, premium, and three-tabbed form factors; plus, you have a wider range of colors compared to slate and synthetic slate shingles.

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Slate Roof Shingles

These are the most traditional shingles in Massachusetts and across the New England region. Slate shingles are cut from natural stone quarries, thus providing classic elegance and great durability. With a lifespan that can easily exceed 100 years, slate shingles can be found on the roofs of various Harvard University buildings and the Old West Church in Boston,  both dating back to colonial times. This construction material is fire-resistant, insect-proof, and highly resistant to weather damage, making slates a truly timeless option for roofing. You will pay more for slate shingles than for their asphalt counterparts, and the roof structure will be different because the weight of the shingles has to be supported. 

Synthetic Slate Roof Shingles

With synthetic slate shingles, you get a reasonable alternative to traditional slate that delivers a balance between aesthetics and practicality. Instead of natural stone, these shingles are made with composite materials such as recycled plastic, rubber, and advanced polymers; they are then crafted to look like slate in terms of textures and color. One important aspect of synthetic slate to consider is that they are lightweight, so your roof structure does not have to be as complex as with natural slate shingles, thus keeping installation costs lower. 

To learn more about the types of shingles that are right for your roofing projects, contact our office for more information and to get an estimate.

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What Makes Gutters So Important?

Gutters play a vital role in keeping your home dry during
and after a storm. Their main purpose is to collect rainwater or snow melt from
your roof and divert it away from the house and the foundation. Without gutters
at your roof perimeter, water can cause damage to the exterior face of the house
or building and eventually damage the foundation. This is especially true in
New England where we experience both rain and snowstorms.

How Gutters and Downspouts Work

While some building codes don’t require gutters at the
pitched roof eave line, they are advisable in our northeast climate. A sloped
roof is designed to shed water. Gutters are channels or troughs installed along
the perimeter of the roof edge to collect rain water and melted snow. The
gutters are then pitched toward downspouts intended to carry the water away
from the house or building.

Downspouts are basically vertical tubes. They can be
round or square. Downspouts can dispense the collected water in two ways. They allow
the water to flow away from the structure through an angled section and a
splash block that diverts the water to the surrounding landscape. Alternately,
downspouts can be connected to an inground drainpipe network that carries the
water away from the foundation to an outlet or well.

Benefits of Gutters and Downspouts

The most important benefit of gutters and downspouts is that
they keep moisture away from your walls and foundation. Moisture that drips or
splashes onto the exterior walls can potentially find its way inside your home
and can result in leaks and mold growth. The exterior walls themselves can also
grow mildew and moss on the surface.

Uncontrolled rainwater can negatively impact the soil
around the perimeter of your building by causing erosion and flooding of the gardens
adjacent to the structure. The excess water can also seep down into the soil
that abuts your foundation and apply hydrostatic pressure against the walls.
This can eventually cause cracking, shifting, and leaks.

Gutters are available in a variety of materials, profiles,
and sizes. You can choose from metal, vinyl, and even wood. They can be semi-round
or ogee style. Choosing the right gutter can enhance both the curb appeal and
value of your home.

Allow the Experts to Help You With Your Roof Drainage
Needs

Gutters are an essential component of your building
exterior. They provide a great deal of protection from moisture damage. When
considering new or replacement gutters for your home or commercial building,
reach out to the professionals at FRG Contractor Corporation. We have been
providing quality services in the industry for over 20 years.

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