Gaithersburg Roofing: Article About Plastic Roofing Material
There are two types of plastic. The first is thermoplastic, and the second is thermosetting polymers. Some common polymers would include synthetic rubber, neoprene, nylon and silicone. Plastic polymers are becoming more widely used in construction.
FAQ from Gaithersburg roofing contractors: When is the best time of year to install a new roof?It is best to do any roofing project during good weather when snow, wind and rain are at their lowest intensity. Not only is this going to ensure the safety of the contractors doing the job, but it's going to ensure that the job is done well. Some roofing materials become very delicate when it is freezing cold, while others do not work well when it is extremely hot outside.
Gaithersburg Roofing contractors see many benefits in using plastic polymer roofing material. This material can be formed to look like slate or clay. However, it is a lot lighter than these other materials. They are virtually maintenance free and have a lifespan that is twice as long as that of clay or cedar shakes. Since plastic polymers are smooth, they have no granules that will fall off them and eventually clog gutters.
The majority of plastic polymer roofing products have received an A in fire ratings. They are usually offered with a 50 year or more warranty. They are available in multiple colors as well as many different sizes and combinations.
There are a few reasons why plastic roofing materials do not dominate the market currently. The primary reason is cost. They are about three times as expensive as asphalt shingles, making them too expensive for most customers. Many people appreciate the eco friendliness of this roofing material. Unfortunately, many people who can afford to purchase plastic polymer roofing shingles are more interested in aesthetics as opposed to saving the environment.
Plastic polymer shingles can be manufactured to simulate the appearance of natural materials, but they still have a shine to them that makes it apparent that they are not the material that they are designed to simulate.
Something that has turned many homeowners away from plastics is that it requires a lot of work to install them in a way that makes them look natural.
The roofing experts at Seneca Creek Home Improvement of Gaithersburg MD can assist you with any questions regarding roofing, gutters or windows.
Contractors will get multiple pallets of this roofing material, and they usually find that each pallet is a little bit different in color from the other ones. This is done intentionally by the manufacturer. The idea is that the contractor will mix and match the shingles on the roof in a way that will give it a natural appearance. However, many contractors in the past have not taken the time to install the shingles according to specifications. The result is that the finished product looks blotchy. There are huge patches of shingles of a single color next to another block of shingles of a slightly different color.
Little by little, plastic roofing material is increasing in popularity. Contractors are learning how to install them properly, and they have also seen the benefit of using high quality fasteners, underlayments and venting systems, as well as ice and water shields when installing plastic roofing material. The reason why this is so important is because the roofing material will last for at least half a century, and so the fasteners the flashings and the underlayment will need to last just as long.
