Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most popular in Hawaii. They are moderately priced and generally last between 15 and 30 years before they need to be replaced. Leakmaster Roofing has installed many of these reliable systems for more than 25 years, and continues to do so. However, there are some notable downsides to these shingles that prompt many Hawaii homeowners to seek alternatives.
Shingles can be deadly hot in the summertime. They also are generally darker colors, like brown or grey, which limits creativity. Shingles attract black mildew growth quickly, making them even darker, hotter and unattractive then when they were new. Roof temperatures will usually measure about 160 degrees in the summer, which means that the homes interior is often up to 12 degrees hotter than if the roof had a cool-roof coating.
After
Moreover, high winds will start to blow off the shingles, especially after they have aged over eight years or so and have become brittle. This happens because the sun’s UV rays have dried out the essential oils in the shingles, making them vulnerable to Hawaii’s tradewinds. Unfortunately, shingles tend to fail at the worst possible times, usually during big storms, also causing expensive interior damage. In other cases, the ceilings and walls have to be torn out due to black mold growth on the drywall.
The attraction of coated cool roofs is that all the shingle tabs are glued in place by the thick, waterproof elastomeric coatings. There isn’t an opportunity for wind to lift up a shingle and blow it off. As soon as the roof is coated, 100 percent of the sun’s UV rays, both UVA and UVB, are blocked from the shingles. Also, no further degradation from the sun can occur due to thermal shock. Your roof temperature is lowered 60 to 70 degrees, making living beneath it cool and comfortable. A/C costs also are lowered, on average about 22 percent. Over time, it pays for itself. You never have to pay to tear off your old roof and haul it to the dump, as you simply re-coat when needed with just a fraction of the original coating.
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Adding a cool-roof coating is the most economical solution available. Whether you opt for a simple Reflectivity Coat or the full-blown waterproof, windproof system, you will be saving money.
The top coat can either be a silicone-based coating, with material warranties up to 50 years, or an acrylic-based coating, such as NXT Cool Coat, which comes in 36 designer colors, including Brilliant White. The NXT system has special UV-reflective tints that keep the home cooler, even when using dark colors.
Leakmaster Roofing will be happy to examine your home free of charge and make a recommendation for you. The company works with all types of roofs and repairs and will always work according to your budget.
LEAKMASTER ROOFING
contact // 591-1900
address // 575 Cooke St.
web // www.leakmaster.com
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