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 gray. They attract black mildew growth quickly, making them even darker, hotter and more uglier. The roof temperatures will usually measure about 160 degrees in the summer, which means that the home’s interior is often 8-12 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 8 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 trade winds. Unfortunately, they tend to fail at the worst possible time, like 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 further 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 comfortable. A/C costs are lowered, on average, by 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 handles all types of roofing and repairs, and will fit its solution to your budget.
LEAKMASTER ROOFING
CONTACT 591-1900
ADDRESS 1363 S. Beretania St.
WEB leakmaster.com
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