The Terminology Breakdown: In the roofing world, "standard" shingles are made of oxidized asphalt—which is essentially asphalt hardened until it’s stiff. The industry term you need to know is NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt. What it is: Malarkey rubberizes the asphalt core of the shingle.
Read MoreThe Terminology Breakdown: What is a Roof Hip?A hip is the external angle where two roof planes meet. Unlike a ridge (which is horizontal), a hip slopes downward from the ridge to the eaves. Think of it like the "outer corner" of a building's roof.What is a Roof Valley?
Read More
After an Illinois winter, your roof has likely taken a beating from the "freeze-thaw" cycle. Before the heavy spring rains and high winds arrive, taking 20 minutes to perform a "ground-level" audit can save you thousands in emergency repairs. 1.
Read More
To a homeowner, a row of icicles hanging from the gutters can look like a winter postcard. But to a roofer, those icicles are often a warning sign of a "Winter Saboteur" known as an ice dam.
Read More
When you think of a new roof, you probably picture the shingles. While shingles are the stars of the show, they aren’t actually the only thing keeping your home dry. Beneath those shingles lies a critical component called roof underlayment.
Read More
When you think of a roof, you probably picture shingles. But those shingles need a solid surface to nail into—and that surface is the Roof Decking (also called "sheathing"). Think of it as the "floor" of your roof that sits on top of your rafters. What is Roof Decking?
Read MoreIf you live in Chicagoland, you know that our winters are no joke. Between heavy snow and freezing cycles, your roof takes a beating. While shingles are your first line of defense, there is a "secret weapon" underneath them called Ice and Water Shield. What is an Ice and Water Shield?
Read MoreWhen you look at a professional roofing quote, you’ll likely see a line item for "Drip Edge." While it might sound like an optional accessory, this small strip of metal is actually a powerhouse of protection for your home’s structure. What is a Drip Edge?
Read More
When you look at your home from the street, you see the siding and the roof. But if you look right where those two meet, you’ll see the Soffit and Fascia. While they might look like simple trim, they are actually your home's first line of defense against Illinois moisture, pests, and rot. 1.
Read MoreIf shingles are the "skin" of your roof, then flashing is the armor. In the world of roofing, water is always looking for a shortcut. Shingles do a great job on flat surfaces, but they struggle at the "seams"—the places where your roof meets a wall, a chimney, or a vent.
Read MoreSubscribe to Stan's Roofing & Siding's Blog
