By Bill Shimburski, Technical Service Manager
When considering a synthetic slate or shake roof tile system, it is important to look at the whole picture. Too often potential customers are so caught up in the selection of the roof tile color and profile that they are misled as to what the actual cost and final appearance will be. The most important aspect of the roof is that it effectively protects the home or building from the elements.
Words from Steve Clarke, EcoStar Director of Research & Development.
We are often asked about cool roofs. What are they? What is the benefit?
The term “cool roof” was coined to describe roofs that minimize heat build-up when exposed to solar radiation. The primary drivers for developing this technology are:
Heat islands pose a health risk for those unable to escape the heat, and stress the electrical grid supplying power to all those air conditioners.
Tips from Bill Shimburski, Technical Services Manager.
With the severe winter weather we’ve been experiencing on the East Coast, I wanted to outline our position on the installation of snow guards on EcoStar roof systems. EcoStar tiles have a much smoother surface than asphalt shingles and lend themselves to more frequent snow slides if snow guards are not properly installed. Although EcoStar recommends the use of snow guards in regions where snow accumulation is common, they are not required.
Tips from Bill Shimburski, EcoStar Technical Services Manager
I am often asked if EcoStar requires or recommends total Glacier Guard coverage on low slope roofs for Gold Star Warranty jobs. The short answer is, it’s up to the architect / contractor / building owner. Total coverage of Glacier Guard is acceptable but not required for Gold Star Warranty jobs. Let me explain how our products are tested.
Tips from Bill Shimburski, EcoStar Technical Services Manager
I’m often contacted by contractors or homeowners about hail damage to the valley metal on EcoStar roof assemblies. Although EcoStar tiles are resistant to hail damage, the valley metal can take a beating. The question then becomes, “Can I remove and reuse the EcoStar tiles to access and replace the valley metal?”. The answer…yes! EcoStar tiles can be carefully removed and reinstalled.
EcoStar is proud to announce that it has received Class A Fire Rating for Empire Niagara Slate. Niagara Slate is natural-looking, 5/8″ thick and produced in 12″ and/or 14″ widths.
An EcoStar Majestic Slate roof was installed on This Old House’s 2016 Idea House in Emerson Green, an innovative development in Devens, Massachusetts.
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