The top accolade is designed to recognise and reward exceptional standards of workmanship amongst some of the best roofing companies and roofers in the country.

The NFRC is organising the honour and is who MyRedlandRoof work with to ensure all members meet specific criteria and provide consumer protection measures. It is the UK’s largest roofing trade association and it represents over 60% of the roofing industry by value.

The body is calling for roofing firms to enter before the 20th January 2012 and all companies shortlisted will be announced in March. The winners will be revealed by May.

People are encouraged to enter the awards if they have a special project, or an installed roof they are especially proud of.

Myredlandroof is particularly proud of its expert tips and advice to homeowners on the most common roofing projects. And the friendly specialists can assist in getting the problem fixed with their trusted, reliable Redland Select installers and roofing contractors.

MyRedlandRoof has been roofing Britain for over 90 years, so for all the information you need on roof replacement and specialist roofing, get in touch today.

Let the professionals answer your common roofing problems and be a winner in your opinion by helping with solar panels, extensions and self-builds.

In many regions across the country roof algae is a growing problem. The algae thrives in warm humid climates, usually first appearing on the north facing slopes of your roof where the right amount of shade and moisture are common. With the proper atmosphere the algae only needs one more element to survive and that’s food.

Roof algae feeds on the crushed limestone that is used in the manufacturing of asphalt shingles. When shingles were first produced manufacturers quickly realized they were to light and would not provide adequate protection, so they added crushed limestone to the asphalt to add weight and durability to the shingles.

Gloeocapsa Magma is an airborne algae so it can land on any roof with no rhyme or reason, though it does seem to be more prominent in areas holding a lot of trees. Once the roof algaee lands on the roof it will have to be killed and removed properly or it will continue to spread, it will never get better or just go away on its own. The algaee begins feeding on the nutrients in the shingles, as it rains it is spread down the roof causing black streaks. If not taken care of it will take over the entire roof in a few short years turning the whole roof black.

Besides looking very unsightly and diminishing any home’s curb appeal and value, what other damage can roof algaee do? When roof algaee are not taken care of they stop the shingles from reflecting heat from the sun’s UV rays. When this happens it can affect your home’s heating and cooling costs without you even realizing it. Also because the shingles cannot reflect heat they start to diminish prematurely. Signs of wear are curled corners, wavy or humped shingles, broke or loose shingles, and an excess of shingle granules appearing in your gutters just to name a few.

Most home owners become concerned when the first unsightly black streaks begin to appear long before permanent damage is done. It’s at this point that most home owners will call a roofing contractor and in my opinion it’s the point where home owners are steered in the wrong direction.

It has been my experience from talking with many troubled home owners that most and I express the word “most” roofing contractors are not going to tell the home owner that their roof only needs to be cleaned. Think about that for a moment, why would they? I have had many customers tell me that a roofing contractor told them that the black streaks were water marks or a sign of wear in either case a roof replacement was recommended.

Another scenario is that some roofing contractors have no idea themselves what roof algae is and that it can be cleaned. Some will also combat losing a potential roof replacement job by telling the home owner that you can’t clean shingles without damaging them, which is completely untrue. None the less many home owners are suckered into a costly, premature roof replacement of a roof that only needed cleaned. If you think about it, it is no different than replacing your vinyl siding because it has mold or mildew on it, no one would think of doing that.

The good news is that shingles can be cleaned properly without harming the shingles, and the major shingle manufacturers say so themselves. They even have suggestions and guidelines for cleaning roof algaee off of asphalt shingles without harming them. The proper methods include a low pressure chemical application followed by a light rinsing. NOTE: never use or allow a pressure washer to be used on your roof.

Inexperienced home owners and unethical contractors have damaged shingles by attempting to blast the algaee off the shingles using high water pressure. Doing this blows the shingle granules off which are there to protect the shingles, thus lessening the longevity of the roof.

In the past some have tried zinc strips on the peak of the roof which are suppose to release chemicals down the roof when it rains to help combat roof algaee. Most have reported poor results with the strips. Recently shingle manufacturers have produced algae resistant shingles but there have been plenty of cases of roof algae still invading such shingles. This is why they can only call them “algae resistant” and not algae proof.

If you are battling with roof algae or know of someone else whom is don’t lose hope and don’t replace that roof prematurely. First call a professional roof cleaning company in your area so they can access the situation for you. Be sure that they use the chemicals and the low pressure methods that are recommended by the major shingle manufacturers. A proper roof cleaning can definitely save you money.

Cedar shake roofs are incredibly beautiful.  In the right setting cedar shake tiles add an amazing bit of style to a house.  A cedar roof gives a home such a natural appearance that they should be a requirement for cabins built in the woods.

While they are beautiful and the wooden tiles are somewhat resistant to various weather elements a cedar roof does need to be properly maintained.  All roofs need maintenance but cedar roofs have special needs and need to be monitored more than the standard shingle roofs.  Fungus, algae, and moss are far bigger concerned on a cedar shake roof.  And clearing debris off the roof is vitally important because built up debris, especially the organic matter, will lay on the roof and begin decomposing.  The debris will keep moisture on the roof and water will eventually seep through the under layers of roofing material.

Cedar shakes are vulnerable to being cracked from tree branches falling on the roof so it is a very good idea to keep all trees trimmed back.  This will also allow the roof to have more sun exposure.  A wooden roof should not be shaded all the time as it will take longer for the roof to dry out between rain storms.

Shingles do not last forever.  Once your roof sees its 10th birthday you really need to start giving it an annual check up.  The warranties that come with the various different types and brands of shingles rarely are a true indicator of how long a roof will last.  On average asphalt shingles, by far the most popular roofing material in the United States, will only last 13 to 15 years before needing at least some repairs if not a complete redo.

A roofing contractor can assess your roof and determine what sort of condition it is in and it any repairs are needed at the moment.  An inspection can give you a heads up of problems that are beginning to appear, such as curled shingles, so that a homeowner can begin budgeting for a new roof and doing research on what type of material is now available.  Attending your local home show is a great way to gather information and make contacts.  Ask lots of questions and find out what hot new items are on the market.  You can then follow how well these products are actually performing so that you won’t be sold a bunch of hype at a time when you need to have work done immediately

You can hire a roofing firm to remove the moss and replace cedar shakes on your roof or you can do the job yourself for less than one hundred dollars and a few hours of your time.  Here are step-by-step instructions if you decide to do your own cedar roof repair.

Step 1 Gather The Necessary Tools and Supplies

The first thing you should do if you are going to do your own cedar roof repair is gather up the necessary tools and supplies for the job.  You will need tools for removing moss, roofing nails, a pry bar, hammer, wood block, caulk, copper or zinc stripping, fungicide and preservative, and a sprayer.

Step 2 Inspect Your Roof For Moss

Check to see if there is moss growing on your cedar roof.  Remove the moss with a trowel or other tool.  If your roof does not have treated shingles, nail a zinc or copper strip at the ridge cap.  This will help to control the buildup of moss on your roof.

Step 3 Replace Damaged Cedar Shakes

Pull up the damaged or curled cedar shake and the two that are directly above it.  Remove the nails and pull out the damaged cedar shake.  Next slide a new shake in.  To nail the new cedar shake down do not hammer directly onto the shake.  This will split the wood.  Instead use a wooden block to drive the nail through to the shingle to nail it down. Next seal any openings with caulk.

Step 4 Have The Roof Sprayed

The final step in cedar roofing repair is to spray your roof with a fungicide and preservative.  This well help maintain your roof and save you a lot of future repairs.  You can either do this yourself with a hand sprayer or hire a roofing contractor to do this for you.

Cedar roof repair on a regular basis will really help to extend the life of your roof and prevent damage and leaks from occurring.  If you decide to do your own roof repair just follow these step-by-step instructions to keep your cedar roof in good repair.

Step 1 Inspect Your Roof

Inspect your roof for damaged, loose or missing tiles.  You should inspect your roof at least a couple times a year and after any serious storms.  Count the number of missing or damaged tiles and take a sample of one of the tiles with you to the home improvement store or lumberyard so you can match it.

Step 2 Gather The Necessary Supplies

You will need an extension ladder, hammer, putty knife, roof cement, roofing nails, pry bar, caulk gun, and asphalt shingles.

Step 3 Replace the Asphalt Tiles

Make sure your extension ladder is secure before climbing up to the roof.  First bend back the shingles that are just above the damaged asphalt tile you want to replace.  Using the claw head of your hammer or a pry bar, remove the nails from the damaged asphalt tile.  Next use your utility knife to cut a new shingle to match the shape of the tile you are replacing.  Then slide your new asphalt shingle into place and nail it down with one inch roofing nails.

Once you have replaced the asphalt tile, glue the shingles you bent back with roofing cement.  Use a caulking gun or apply directly from the tube or with a putty knife.  Continue this process with each asphalt tile you want to repair or replace.

For torn or curling tiles that do not need to be replaced you can secure them by applying roofing cement on the back of the tiles with a putty knife.  Press the tile back down so that it adheres to the roof.  Tack down the edges with roofing nails.  Be sure to clear any old pieces of asphalt tile and debris from the roof and gutters before dismounting from the roof.

Inspecting your roof on a regular basis and repairing and replacing asphalt tiles can help to extend the life of your roof and help to prevent leaks and other roof damage.

There are two major decisions you must make when choosing a commercial roof for your business.  You need to decide on a roofing material for your roof and then decide which roofing contractor you will hire to do the job.  There are several factors that will effect your decision making process.  You need to take into account your budget for the cost of roofing materials and installation, life expectancy of the roof, how energy efficient the various roofing materials are, the geographical location and type of building and aesthetic considerations.

There are many different types, colors and styles of roofing materials to choose for your commercial roof.  These materials include asphalt tiles, metal roofs, adobe tile and slate tiles.  Each of these roofing materials will vary in terms of cost, life expectancy, energy efficiency, maintenance, and aesthetics.  You will need to calculate the square feet of your commercial roof to determine costs and carefully weigh the pros and cons of each type of roofing material to decide which one will best fit your overall business needs as well as the style and structure of your commercial building.

Once you have decided on the roofing material you would like to use, you need to find a commercial roofing contractor to install the roof for you.  Be sure to thoroughly investigate any roofing contractor you are considering.  It is vital that the roofing contractor you select have experience in the type of commercial roof you are having installed.  Make sure they are properly licensed, carry adequate liability and workers compensation insurance, provide detailed written estimates, offer warranties on their work and have references available from previous customers.  Remember, a poorly installed roof or the use of substandard or inappropriate roofing materials for your building can be very costly to your business.  Be sure to do the necessary research on roofing contractors before hiring one to install your commercial roof.

Option #1 Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan is a good option to consider for financing your home improvement project.  The equity in your house serves as the collateral for the loan.  You can either receive a cash payment or a line of credit.  The advantage to the home equity loan is that the interest rate tends to be lower than other types of home improvement loans and the interest is usually tax deductible.

Option #2 Personal Loan

A personal loan is an unsecured loan, which means there is no collateral to secure the loan.  Personal loans have a higher rate of interest than secured loans.  These are also available as either a cash payment or a line of credit.  The advantage is that you will not need any collateral to secure the loan.  However, you will need to have sufficient income and a good credit history to qualify for the loan.  The disadvantages are the higher interest rate and the interest is not tax deductible.

Option #3 Home Improvement Loan

Some lending intuitions offer loans that are specifically called home improvement loans.  They are usually unsecured loans but sometimes might be secured by your house.  They usually have higher interest rates than home equity loans.

Option #4 Refinance Your Home

Another option to consider for financing your home improvement project is to refinance your home mortgage along with your home improvement costs into a new mortgage.  The advantage is you will only have one loan payment to make.  You will need to check to see whether your existing mortgage has a prepayment penalty and compare the interest rate on your current mortgage versus what the interest rate would be if you refinanced.  You will need to have sufficient equity in your home to cover adding the cost of the home improvement expenses to your mortgage.  The interest will generally be tax deductible, just like most first and second mortgages are.

You have several options to consider when choosing a home improvement loan.  You will need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each home improvement loan type, along with your own personal situation such as the amount of equity you have in your home, your credit rating, and other considerations before you make your final decision on which home improvement loan is best for you.

Tip #1 Verify several commercial roofing contractors’ licenses and insurance

You can obtain referrals for commercial roofing contractors from other businesses, friends and family, trade and business organizations, or do a search through the yellow page listings or even online directories.  One of the first things you will want to check is to be sure the companies meet any state or local licensing requirements.  You can confirm this by checking with your state’s licensing board and verify their business license with the city or county clerk’s office.

You will also want to verify that the commercial roofing contractors carry adequate liability and workers compensation insurance.  If the roofing company that you select is not properly insured your business could be potentially liable for any damages or injuries that occurred during the roofing job, so it is vital that you ask to see their insurance certificate and confirm with their insurance company that the insurance policy is current.

Tip #2 Verify that the commercial roofing contractors you are considering have experience working with the type of roofing material you have selected.

It is extremely important that the commercial roofing contractor you select is experienced in handling the type of roofing material you have selected and any other structural requirements or challenges that your building may have.  Ask the commercial roofing contractors for references from previous business customers and details on past jobs that are similar in nature to your proposed roofing job.

Tip #3 Compare commercial roofing contractors written estimates and warranties

You should investigate and receive estimates from several commercial roofing contractors.  Compare their written estimates, not only for price but for the detail and additional services they provide.  A professional commercial roofing contractor will perform a thorough roof inspection and document their findings, including a discussion of any potential problems or challenges.  Also compare the warranties offered.  The average warranty is for one year.

Tip #4 Thoroughly review the contract for your roofing job before signing

Before signing any contract with a commercial roofing contractor, be sure to review, or have your attorney review, the contract terms.  The roofing contract should clearly spell out start and completion dates, what materials will be used, costs for material and labor, work hours and site cleanup, and payment schedule and terms.

It is imperative that you compare several commercial roofing contractors before making your final decision.  Remember your roof is vital for keeping your business running smoothly.  If you follow these tips you will find a qualified, reliable commercial roofing contractor in no time.