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Roof shingles aren’t something you probably think about often, but if you need roof repair or replacement, you’ll need to decide which type of shingle you want to use. There is a shingle type for every budget and priority. Are you trying to be more eco-friendly? Wooden shingles might be the best choice for you. Is price your priority, or do you want to compromise with something in between? Here are the most common shingle types, and their advantages and disadvantages.

Asphalt Shingles

The Good: You can’t beat their price. Asphalt shingles are easily the most common roofing material in the US because of its affordability and easy installation.

The Bad: Asphalt shingles don’t hold up to high winds and hail. They are thin, and easily blow away when windstorms pass through.

Laminated Shingles

The Good: These are a nice middle-of-the-road option. The shingles are backed by layers of padding to add to their weight and thickness. Therefore, they stay put in windy conditions.

The Bad: They’re not as affordable as asphalt shingles. They also contain petroleum products, which are not environmentally conscious.

Wooden Shingles

The Good: Wooden shingles come from sustainable wood sources, and their production does not use many fossil fuels. They are also attractive and very weather-resistant.

The Bad: These shingles are definitely the pricier option. They are also flammable, and require a good deal of maintenance to keep them from growing moldy or rotting.

If you need roofing services in Kansas City or surrounding areas, give us a call today!

When you purchase a home, you might not imagine the problems that will crop up later. You’ve probably heard the saying, “Expect the Best, but Prepare for the Worst“. That applies to roofing. When you know what to look for, you might be able to avoid costly repairs and other problems that homeowners hate.

Water Damage

Water damage doesn’t always manifest as a noticeable leak. If the damage gets that far, you need to call a roofing expert immediately to get the leak properly repaired. Water damage can also affect the layers of insulation and the wooden decking that your roof is attached to. If you have missing shingles, or shingles that are beginning to curl and warp, water damage could be the culprit. Also look for places on your roof where water ponds.

Wind Damage

The wind can be punishing to a roof, especially during storm season. The most visible effect of wind damage is missing tiles or shingles. However, the wind can also knock over trees or send debris flying into your roof. This type of damage almost always requires a professional to fix it. On the bright side, homeowner’s insurance could help defray some of the costs of repairs.

Fast Deterioration

Roofs are meant to last, so if yours seems to have frequent problems, there could be a workmanship issue at hand. Did you research the roofer who did your installation or repairs? Did you look for reviews of their skills? Improper installation of shingles, flashing, or the structures beneath the roof can cause it to deteriorate faster than normal.

Don’t keep shelling out money to repair your roof. Get a trusted roofer on site to inspect it, and get a quote for professional repairs.

Roofing shingles are a reliable, affordable material that are suitable for any type of roofing need. Hardy protection from the elements at unbeatable prices are part of what makes shingles such a popular material. Shingles are also available in a huge array of colors, styles, and designs, allowing you to create the exact look for your roof that you envision. To help you explore which shingle is best for your roof, we walk through the details of shingle roofing here.

When you picture a shingle roof, it is likely that you first imagine asphalt shingles. This is the most widely used material in the roofing industry, thanks to how affordable and durable asphalt shingles are. Asphalt shingles are available in two types: 3-tab and architectural. 3-tab shingles often last between 15-25 years and hold fast to your roof even in winds of 60 mph. Architectural shingles are a premium asphalt shingle that typically last between 20-35 years, and withstand 120 mph winds.

Shingles made of wood, metal, stone, and slate are also widely used. These shingles are made for the longhaul, often outlasting the homes they are installed on! They also offer exceptional protection from the elements and typically withstand winds of 100 mph. Shingle roofing is one of the most varied roofing materials, allowing for customization to every taste and every budget need. Call us today at (816) 741-1941 to start exploring shingle roof repair and maintenance today!

When clouds roll in and a storm is inevitable, what runs through your mind? While there are many dangerous elements of a storm, strong winds can be one of the most damaging. Wind is a common factor in all types of storms, so it is especially important to protect yourself and your property from this force of nature.

As wind whips across a surface, it does not do so evenly. The areas that are subject to the initial impacts of the wind experience higher wind pressure and are typically the first to sustain damage. These areas, namely the edges of a roof, are where roof damage is commonly found. The center of a usually roof experiences lower wind pressure and is more protected from the wind.

The Process of Wind Damage

Wind causes damage to a roof when it exerts enough pressure to slightly lift the roof material. This lift allows wind to gust in underneath and peel the material away. The recommended method of combating storm damage to your roof is through regular, professional inspections by a trusted roofing technician. To help you protect your roof and repair wind damage, the team at Ryan Roofing and Construction Systems is on call at 816-741-1941! 

A roof leak, no matter how small, is a big problem. If water is dripping from the ceiling, it means your roof material, its backing, the plywood, and your attic or ceiling have already been compromised by water. Repairing roof leaks as soon as possible is important to prevent water damage from spreading, and these few quick tips will help you get a start on locating the source of a roof leak.

Beginning the Repair Process

To start, inspect the area where the water is dripping from on the inside. This proves easier in homes with attics, but can be accomplished in homes without attics with a little work. Then move to the roof, starting directly above the location of the water inside, working your way uphill. Check for discoloration, rotting material, and mold, especially near chimneys and vents.

The process of repairing a roof leak should be undertaken only by a roofing professional so areas surrounding the leak are not compromised, and to ensure your roof won’t experience problems from the repair in the future. If you are ready to retire your brigade of buckets that catch rainwater from your leaky roof, call our team today at 816-741-1941! We are the top roofing and construction team in Kansas City.

Kansas City is no stranger to strong storms that arise at a moment’s notice. To weather these storms, it is crucial that your home and your roof are secure to protect your family and your assets. Here we offer information on a few durable roofing systems to help you decide how to protect your roof.

Tile roofing is touted as one of the strongest roof materials in the industry. While there are many kinds of tile roofing, such as concrete and clay tile, they are all known to weather storms without sustaining as much damage as traditional roofing systems would. Tile is hail resistant, designed to keep out torrential rain, and often withstands winds in excess of 140 mph. Slate roofing tile is also a strong roofing material, as it is a natural material. Tile roofing maintains its strength over time partly because of its resistance to freeze and thaw cycles. Many traditional roofing materials expand and contract during temperature changes, but tile is unaffected by this phenomenon, allowing it to preserve its strength over many years.

Metal roofing is also resistant to storm damage. Capable of withstanding hurricane force winds, and insulated against hail damage by wood or felt backing, metal is common in areas that experience strong storms that endure extreme weather conditions.

Storm Resistant Roofing

Part of what helps a roof resist hail and storm damage is proper installation. With the professionals at Ryan Roofing and Construction, you can be sure your roof is expertly installed and will live up to its fullest potential. Call our team today at 816-741-1941! 

Newbies and Novices, Welcome!

Are you looking to install a new roof or repair your current roof? If you’re trying to fix your roof, make it safer or more green, and you don’t know a shingle from a shake, then you’ve come to the right place! Look through a few of our roofing tips for novices and get off on the right foot!

Can I Save Money By Fixing My Roof Myself?

DIY jobs on roof repairs or replacements are never a good idea unless you are a licensed roofing contractor. Truly. You may think you are saving money by not paying a professional roofing team for labor, but when you take into account rookie mistakes which will make your current roofing project much harder as well as risk further damage to your entire roofing system and house interior later? It’s clear it’s much cheaper and easier just to pay a professional to get the job right the first time than mess with accidental leaks later resulting in a mold infestation, insects burrowing into your house’s structure, and weaknesses which can break during a storm – and suddenly you have a hole in your ceiling. And you need an entirely new sound system. 

Can I Save Time and Money By Buying Roofing Materials Myself?

Entirely possible. If you do some serious research to find out which manufacturers produce the most reliable lines of materials, and what their best lines are within your budget, you could certainly locate them yourself. However, it will be your licensed, experienced roofer who will know how much of which material will be needed and, in fact, where you can find them at the best price without compromising the integrity of the roofing products.

Most established roofers have suppliers they can order from directly. This can save you a lot of time and money alone. 

How Do I Hire a Professional, Quality Roofing Contractor?

Easily! But just because it’s easy, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have some caution when interviewing roofing companies. There are many faux-roofers out there who are looking to scam you, so know what to look for!

1. Ask to see the roofing company’s liable insurance. They should always carry a copy of it with them
2. Check their reputation. Ask for references of previous jobs so you can talk to their other clients and learn about the roofer’s ethics
3. Check their Better Business Bureau standing! Ratings on the BBB and Angie’s List can go a long way in setting apart the legitimate roofing businesses from the scammers
4. Ask about their license and credentials. If your roofer is a GAF Certified roofer, like Ryan Construction Systems, Inc., they will proudly give you all the proof you need! And you can find them in the GAF Certified Roofers online database!