Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most popular roofs 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.
First of all, they can be deadly hot in the summertime. Asphalt shingle roofs are generally darker colors, like brown or grey. They attract black mildew growth quickly, making them even darker, hotter and more ugly than when they were new. The roof temperatures will usually measure about 160 degrees in the summer, which means that the home’s interior is often 8 degrees to 12 degrees hotter than if the roof had a cool roof coating.
Secondly, high winds will start to blow off the shingles, especially after they have aged more than eight years or so and have gotten brittle. This happens because the sun’s UV rays have dried out the essential oils in the shingles and make them vulnerable to our tradewinds. Unfortunately, they tend to fail at the worst possible time, during a big storm, causing expensive interior damage. Often, 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 is no place 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 shingle. No fur ther degradation from the sun can occur due to “thermal shock” as well. Your roof temperature is lowered 60 to 70 degrees, making living below it cool and comfor table. A/C costs 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, you simply re-coat when needed with just a fraction of the original coating.
It 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, as well as 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 to you, even if it is simply to repair a leak or to install a traditional nail up shingle roof. The company does all types of roofs and repairs and will fit their solution to your budget.
LEAKMASTER ROOFING
contact // 591-1900
address // 575 Cooke St., Ste. G
web // leakmaster.com
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