What Is a Roofing Square?

As it gets colder, you might wonder: does moss on a roof die in winter like other pesky plants? It's a common myth. However, while you might hope winter weather will eliminate the moss, this isn't the case. Even if the moss looks dried out when temperatures drop, it goes dormant and absorbs water like a sponge. Before long, it will continue growing and become more difficult to get rid of as it spreads across your roof, even after the winter season.Why You Should Remove Moss from Your RoofIf you don't remove moss from your roof, it can wreak havoc on shingles, eating away at their protective coating. Moss roots also grow in between shingles and underneath the structure. This can degrade the shingles and push them apart as temperatures drop, allowing water to penetrate and leak into your home.Moss growth can also prevent proper water drainage and result in bacteria or mold growth, rotten underlayment, and damaged framing. It compromises the roof's ultraviolet protection, too. Left to grow into a thick layer, moss can reduce your roof's lifespan.The Difference between Moss and AlgaeIt's also important to know the difference between moss and algae, and how to prevent or remove both to extend the life of your roof. Moss is a herbaceous plant that absorbs nutrients and water through its leaves, producing spores to reproduce. It spreads across your roof as it grows. Algae are flat, slimy, green aquatic plants that lack leaves, stems, or flowers. They tend to grow on moist areas of your roof, causing dark stains. Algae are usually found in areas where water drips overhead. If you suspect algae on your roof, consider installing algae-resistant shingles.How to Remove Moss from Your RoofSince the answer to 'does moss on a roof die in winter?', is no, now's a good time to hire a professional roofer to get rid of it. Moss is resilient, and you can't simply remove it by hand. They'll remove the moss using a chemical solution, and they can replace any damaged shingles to restore your roof's integrity.It's best to rely on a professional who can eliminate the moss while also inspecting your roof for damage. Don't try to use a pressure washer or any weed killers not designed for moss, as these can stain or damage your roof.How to Prevent Moss GrowthSince moss thrives in damp, shady spots, trimming trees to allow more sunlight onto your roof can help deter its growth. Also, regularly clear away leaves, twigs, and other debris, which helps moss grow, and clean your gutters frequently to prevent water buildup. In addition to these tasks, scheduling regular roof inspections can help you catch any issues early.You can also install a zinc strip, such as GAF Master Flow® Zinc Moss & Mildew Preventer, near the roof ridge to help protect your roof against moss, algae, and mildew growth. The metal strip oxidizes over time, and as water washes over the roof plane, it creates an undesirable environment for moss.By proactively removing moss and preventing its return, you'll protect your biggest investment: your home. Contact a GAF-certified roofing contractor* to ensure it's removed effectively.*Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the GAF Contractor Terms of Use.

If every day was sunny, mild, and a pleasant 75 degrees, there'd be little reason to wonder about the best time to replace a roof. Of course, not everyone lives in areas with ideal weather conditions, as climates vary greatly across the country.So if a client ever asks, "When is the best time to replace a roof?" your answer will likely vary based on where they live and what each season is like. However, you can share some general pointers in response. Here's what to consider for each season to help answer the question, "when is the best time to replace a roof?"SpringSpringtime is traditionally recognized as the kickoff of roofing season, as outside temperatures begin to warm and activity increases. Thanks to melting ice and snow, it's also the time of year that homeowners may want to have their roofs checked out for damage.While spring offers outdoor temperatures that are more friendly for workers, the season also typically comes with an increased chance of severe thunderstorms (and potentially tornados, depending on the region). Spring is usually a good time to schedule a roof replacement if you just monitor the weather forecast for major events to help reduce the chance of delays.SummerWith spring showers in the rearview, most areas of the country see longer stretches of nice weather during summertime, which lends itself well to working outside. Accordingly, summer tends to be the most ideal time for installing a new roof.But with potentially hot days, when is the best time to replace a roof in the summer? Workers will need to start as early in the day as possible because temperatures are usually cooler in the morning. Depending on the forecast temperatures, the job may need to be spread over a few days, so most of the work can be done in the morning hours before it gets too hot. It's also wise to remind customers that workers will need to have breaks in the shade and access to water to stay hydrated.FallThe autumn months can be an equally good time for a roof replacement as summer, as the hot and hazy days have passed, and severe weather isn't as common. The only exception to this is if you're working in an area prone to hurricanes. Hurricane season runs through the end of November and can cause project delays.In addition to the favorable weather, fall is a popular season for roof replacement because many property owners want to fortify their homes and buildings with a new roof before the winter months.WinterIn some areas of the country, it may be possible to continue roofing installations year-round, including during the winter. In southern regions, for example, roofing replacements can often be completed in the winter, as there's less chance of inclement weather. Temperatures may drop, but not as drastically as in areas that see ice and snow more regularly. Of course, it's still important to reference the relevant local forecast when scheduling upcoming work.Sustained stretches of very cold weather does not constitute suitable weather for the installation of asphalt shingles. All self-sealing shingles must be exposed to warm, sunny conditions for several days before they completely seal. Before sealing occurs, shingles are vulnerable to blow-offs and wind damage. Shingles installed in fall or winter may not seal until the following spring. Shingles that are not exposed to direct sunlight, adequate surface temperatures, or that are not fastened or installed properly may never seal. Failures to seal, blow-offs, and wind damage under these circumstances result from the nature of self-sealing shingles, and are not covered under most manufacturer's warranties. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation. While most provide guidance about cold weather installations, it will ultimately be up to you to exercise discretion about when to move forward with an installation vs. postponing the work until more favorable weather conditions are present.Other Factors That May Affect Project TimingWhile weather is likely the leading factor that can disrupt scheduled roofing work, if you want to best answer your client's question of "when is the best time to replace a roof?" you'll need to take other factors into account when setting timeline expectations for property owners. One such consideration is the lead time needed for materials. If your customer chooses an uncommon color or a specialty product, it may take longer for materials to arrive.Another factor to weigh is your own backlog. If your production calendar is booked weeks out, clearly communicate the timing to your customers with the knowledge that weather events could impact the schedule. Regularly communicating with customers and setting accurate expectations are key to a positive experience.Looking to learn more roofing best practices and further expand your knowledge base? Check out GAF's CARE Contractor Training Center to help build your skill set and receive valuable training.

Looking for the best roofing materials for your outdoor office, shed, or garage roof? It's not just about curb appeal—although looks are important.Learning about the materials to consider for your roof pitch can help you reduce the risk of roof leaks. You can also benefit by knowing when you need roof ventilation or drip edging, when to consider insulation, and how to calculate roof materials costs. Here are the key details to understand.The Importance of AestheticsVisual consistency is crucial when it comes to curb appeal. You want garage roof materials that flow with your home's architectural style, building materials, and color palette. For example, if you have an ornate Tudor-style home with wood-look architectural asphalt shingles, choosing a green metal roof for your garage could be visually jarring.When it comes to winning home aesthetics, consider:Your garage's architectural styleWhich materials will complement your home architecture and colorsHow the new garage roof will look from the street (a.k.a. its curb appeal)Accounting for Roof SlopeHow steep or flat is your roof? Knowing can save you time and money because different roof slopes call for different roofing materials. To calculate your garage roof slope, determine how many inches your roof rises vertically for every 12 inches it extends horizontally. For example, if your roof's vertical rise is 6 inches, your roof pitch is 6:12.Materials for High-Pitch RoofsGenerally, any roof pitch over 3:12 is considered a high-pitch or steep-slope roof. Steeper pitches tend to allow water, snow, and debris to slough off more easily than lower-slope roofs. Here are some materials the International Building Code (IBC) approves for high-pitch roofs:Metal Roof Panels or ShinglesTypically having high fire-resistance ratings and offered in a range of colors, metal roofs are sleek and simple. They can be made from galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, and stainless steel. This material is long-lasting but is high cost.Clay or Concrete TilesThese tiles are commonly associated with Mediterranean or Southwestern-style architecture. Tiles provide great wind, impact, and high fire resistance ratings but are a pricier option. You also need to verify your structure can support this material's weight.Wood ShinglesWood shingles are aesthetically pleasing—and often seen in New England-style and Shingle Style homes—but may have lower fire resistance ratings than other options. An alternative to wood shingles are asphalt shingles with a wood shake-look, like GAF Timberline® NS Shingles.Slate ShinglesOften seen on Northeastern homes and in high-end modern design, slate shingles can provide high fire resistance ratings, durability, and offer good insulation. But slate roofs are heavy and have a high cost.Asphalt ShinglesVersatile, affordable, and attractive, asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the US. Offered in a range of prices, styles, and roof shingle colors, asphalt shingles provide high fire resistance ratings and are reliable as well as low maintenance. It's important to note that the IBC has special underlayment requirements for roof pitches of 3:12 or less.Always read the material manufacturer's requirements and adhere to installation instructions. Additionally, always check local building codes before selecting your roof materials.Materials for Low-Slope and Flat RoofsFlat and low-slope roofs can range in pitch from ¼:12 to 3:12. Flat roofs aren't completely flat because some slope is required for water runoff. Roofs with lower slopes can be more prone to water and moisture pooling than steep-slope roofs, so adhere to installation requirements to help prevent leaks. IBC-approved materials for lower-slope roofs include:Self-Adhesive MembranesA streamlined and versatile option, these watertight roof covers help protect against the inevitable water pooling that occurs on lower-slope roofs. Options like the GAF LIBERTY™ SBS Self-Adhering Roofing System offer attractive and durable protection. For example, the granule-surfaced GAF LIBERTY™ System has a quick and clean installation process, and comes in seven colors that complement GAF shingle colors.Asphalt ShinglesThe IBC approves the use of asphalt shingles on roofs with a pitch under 2:12, but a special underlayment installation is required to meet the IBC code. Work with local building codes, manufacturer requirements, and professional guidance to ensure proper use and installation of shingles on lower-slope roofs.Roll RoofingA good option for smaller residential roof projects, quick-install products like GAF Mineral Guard Residential Roll Roofing (for pitches 2:12 or lesser) provide roof protection and convenience.How Roof Ventilation Helps Protect Your InvestmentProper roof ventilation can help protect your garage or shed interior by allowing damaging heat and moisture to escape. Check out the most common attic ventilation solutions by roof style.Use the handy GAF Attic Ventilation Calculator to get started.Why Climate Matters for Your Roofing MaterialsConsider your regional climate before selecting roofing materials. Keep in mind average temperatures, average rain and snowfall, average wind speeds throughout the year, amount of sunshine, and frequency and type of natural disasters like hurricanes.For example, in high-wind and storm regions, a durable asphalt shingle like Timberline HDZ® (eligible for a 15-year WindProven Limited Wind Warranty** with no maximum wind speed limitation when installed with required combination of four qualifying GAF accesssories—or up to 110 mph wind coverage without special installation) is a solid choice.The Role of Drip EdgeRoofing materials like drip edge and flashing help prolong the life of your building. Without drip edge, your garage roof is more prone to water damage, pest infestations, and ice dams. Roof flashing keeps water from sneaking into roof joints if you have a larger project. Remember these important elements when selecting your garage roof shingles.When to Install InsulationRoof insulation could save you money on energy bills* if you'll be heating or cooling your garage or shed. Plus, insulation helps keep internal temperatures comfortable, which is important if you're using the building as a workspace.The Cost of Roof Garage MaterialsRoof materials are typically priced by the square. In roofing, one square equals 10 by 10 feet, or 100 square feet. Learn how to measure a roofing square to help determine your project size and cost. Keep in mind that a roof for a smaller building roof will be less expensive than the average cost of a new roof for your whole home.Follow these steps to help estimate cost:Identify the best materials for your project based on the roof slope, aesthetics, etc.Determine the amount and different types of materials you'll need based on your roof size. Don't forget ventilation products if needed!Decide if you'll need professional help to safely and properly install your roof; if so, account for area labor costs.Ready to get started on your new garage or shed roof today? Get reliable help from a GAF-Certified Roofing Contractor.*Energy cost savings are not guaranteed.**15-year WindProven™ limited wind warranty covers GAF Shingles with LayerLock® Technology only and requires the use of GAF Starter Strips, Roof Deck Protection, Ridge Cap Shingles, and Leak Barrier or Attic Ventilation. See GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions. Visit gaf.com/LRS for qualifying GAF products. For installations not eligible for the WindProven Limited Wind Warranty, see GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.