A roof is one of the most functional and important aspects of your home. Its purpose is to protect you, your family, and all of your possessions from the outside elements, more specifically, water. Water is your roof’s worst enemy, which is why roofs are carefully constructed to keep water out, at all costs. Read on to learn more about what makes up your roof and why each component is necessary.

Shingles

Shingles, while extremely functional, are also a great way to incorporate design and style into your home. Shingles are made of asphalt or fiberglass and they come in a plethora of designs, colors, thicknesses, and textures. You can accomplish any layout with shingles. Whether it is cottage style, Italian rustic, or modern, shingles can do it all.

Shingles add more than just a beautiful touch, they are the first line of defense against the outside elements. Water and debris are the culprits to almost all roofing issues, so shingles are absolutely crucial in protecting the structure of your roof.

Decking

Decking is usually made from ½-inch plywood and is yet another protection factor for your roof’s structure. The decking reinforces the roof’s integrity and is also used as a nail bed for shingles. The decking is a second layer of reassurance against the wind, water, and debris.

Underlay Membrane

The underlay membrane is a coating made of felt, either saturated with asphalt or a synthetic fabric. The membrane protects the shingles against resin produced by the wood decking while simultaneously protecting the decking material.

Eaves Membrane

The eaves membrane, located directly under the shingles, prevents water infiltration. When exposed to direct water and sunlight, like our Florida roofs, proper roof inspection of the eaves membrane is crucial in preventing water damage.

Attic Ventilation

Attic ventilation is mostly used for keeping excess heat and moisture out of your attic, ultimately protecting the integrity of your roof’s structure. The ventilation also plays a significant role in keeping the inside of your home cool and comfortable. Without proper ventilation in a place like West Palm Beach, your electric bill would be through the roof. Attic ventilation helps maintain proper temperatures for a longer amount of time.

Flashing

Flashing is a material made of galvanized steel, aluminum or plastic and can either be flexible or stiff. This water-resistant molding, once again, prevents water from entering the roof’s structure. Like every element in a roof’s structure, flashing is designed to keep water infiltration from occurring.

Every component of your roof’s structure is created to keep water out. Water and the outside elements will destroy the integrity of your roof and each roofing element is important and necessary to the health of your roof, which is why proper roof maintenance and inspection is absolutely crucial. Our family has over 30 years of experience, and we deliver high-quality results. Give us a call today for any and all of your roofing needs at (561) 409-3280

Do you ever look over the West Palm Beach skyline? How about the most beautiful skyline of them all, New York City? There’s something about tall skyscrapers in the midst of the hustle and bustle that is truly fascinating. So why is it that the majority of commercial buildings have flat roofs?

Read more on commercial roofing plans:

Sloped vs. Flat

Residential homes typically have sloped or pitched roofs. Depending on the home’s design, a pitch can be dramatic or gradual. Either way, a sloped roof is the most effective way to keep water off of your roof and draining properly. Pitched roofs happen to be more challenging to take care of, simply because of their steep slopes. The roof is more dangerous and difficult for a homeowner to maintain, which is why most people will hire a roofing professional for maintenance and repairs.

A flat roof, also known as a slow-slope roof, is mostly found on commercial buildings. Although it’s commonly known as a flat roof, it’s not completely flat. The roof has a low-slope, creating a way for water to escape. Flat roofs must have a slight slope either in the middle or towards the edges to allow proper water drainage. A low-slope roof requires more maintenance but is ideal for commercial properties because it’s an ideal spot for storing air conditioning units and saves on energy costs.

Flat Roofs Are Cost Effective

Installing a sloped roof on a residential home is much easier than on a large commercial building. It’s dangerous, impractical, and expensive. Flat roofs are cost-efficient for many reasons. A popular place to store an A/C unit is on a flat roof, creating more space in the building and in the parking lot. They are also more affordable to build and reduce the size of the building, which also saves the business owner money on the energy bill.

Maintaining a Flat Roof

A flat roof requires frequent and thorough inspections and maintenance. Without proper maintenance, a flat roof can develop low spots. These spots result in ponding, which can stay stagnant for days, even weeks, if not taken care of. This causes mold and mildew growth and allows water to slip through cracks, damaging the roof’s structure. If a flat roof is not taken care of on a regular basis, minor issues can lead to major, costly, damages.

Aesthetics

Designing and constructing commercial roofs is substantially different than residential construction. The building size, usually much greater than residential, means that a pitched roof would be unrealistic and unpleasant to the eye. Additionally, cities with strict building codes regulate the height of structures. This means that a pitched roof would take up space that could otherwise be useful in offices or storage.

Slope and flat roofs require specific maintenance and care. Whether you have a residential or commercial property, you can trust the Aastro Roofing family with all of your roofing needs. Drop us a line and we’ll provide you with a free estimate at 561-409-3280.

Walls are one of the most important parts of a home’s structure. They keep you and your family safe, give you privacy, and can be decorated to bring aesthetic to the home, making it more pleasing to the eye. A well-protected and well-decorated wall will definitely have its perks.

One great way of protecting your walls, while giving them a very sleek and beautiful finish, would be by siding installations. Sidings are attachments that can be added to the walls of your home. There are many choices of materials for siding. Depending on what look and design you are going for, you can accomplish anything.

If you want to transform your home into a safer and more beautiful space, then start by installing sidings to your walls. Here are 4 transformations your home can have if you choose to install sidings

Weather-Resistant Siding

If you live in an area that receives a lot of rain every year, then this type of siding material is for you. These sidings will help keep your walls well-protected against the elements and will definitely keep them safe from weather damage.

Weather-resistant sidings are very diverse. It’s usually the material of the siding that keeps it weather resistant, but sometimes the design or the make of the siding will help do the job. An example would be some types of water-resistant sidings. These are usually constructed with materials that repel water. It could also be designed to allow water to slide harmlessly downwards (like having overlapping boards, with the upper ones going over the bottom boards) and pose a very low risk of water damage to your walls.

Fire-Resistant Siding

Fire-resistant sidings are especially useful in hot areas that receive very little rain, and in homes that have wooden walls. Who wouldn’t want a building with walls that can withstand fire?

These sidings are made of materials that do not catch fire easily – made with cement-like finishes or fire retarding chemicals that can be coated on your home’s walls to prevent a fire from catching. There are a number of options for fire-resistant siding. It would be best to consult with a roofing expert to learn more about what the best match would be for your specific home’s walls.

Well-Insulated Home

Your walls are designed to help keep your home warm. This is where insulated sidings shine. These sidings can help insulate heat inside your home which can help you save on heater use. While still needing to have heaters on, homes in cold areas with insulated sidings will definitely not need the heaters on 24/7.

Beautiful Home

Sidings deliver the best of both worlds – beauty and functionality. There are many types of sidings that are beautifully crafted while still being weather or fire-resistant. Do you like the look of wooden walls but scared that it might catch fire? There are types of sidings with a beautiful wooden finish but constructed with fire-resistant materials.

If you’re looking into having sidings installed, drop us a line! We provide siding, roofing materials, and installation. We only use the best materials, and our family’s service is top-notch. Call us today at (561) 409-3820 and we will help you keep your home protected!

Palm Beach County is exactly what you’d imagine Florida to be – a sunny picturesque dream. The Palm Beaches have a plethora of family activities, miles and miles of dreamy sand beaches, and plenty of nightlife. From the eclectic downtown scene of Delray Beach to the ritzy streets of Boca Raton, Palm Beach County has an array of activities for everyone. Headed to Palm County this summer or looking for something fresh to do in your hometown? Here are 5 of the best things to do in Palm Beach County.

Rapids Water Park

Palm Beach County’s Rapids Water Park offers an ample amount of rides, pools, and cabanas for the whole family. Looking for a serious adrenaline rush? This is the park to play at! Featuring 42 thrill, family, and kid-friendly rides, Rapids Water Park is always a day well-spent. The infamous park also offers money-saving passes for thrill seekers who desire to visit the park all year long!

Summer Shopping

This might seem like the obvious choice, but summer shopping in The Palm Beaches is comparable to shopping in paradise. Harbourside Place is the premier destination for downtown shopping, delicious dining, live music, and boating. If you’re looking for the true coastal experience Palm Beach is famous for, this is the spot for you.

Worth Avenue, critically acclaimed by USA Today as one of America’s most iconic streets, is the haven of luxurious shopping and high-end dining. From Chanel to Jimmy Choo, this over-the-top West Palm Beach destination is a must. If you haven’t been to Worth Ave, you haven’t been to Palm Beach County. Plus, Worth Ave is hosting Worth The Drive, a 2018 summer promotion that includes special discounts!

4th on Flagler

Celebrate this Independence Day in true patriotic fashion at the West Palm Beach Waterfront on Flagler Street. This free celebratory event takes place from 5 to 10 pm on the Fourth of July. In honor of our military, the Palm Beach County community gathers together to celebrate America’s independence and freedom! During this year’s 30th anniversary of the 4th on Flagler, the event will include surprises, games, live music, and an incredible 18-minute firework show.

Stunning Beaches

You can’t visit Palm Beach County without visiting its colorful beaches. With 47 miles of sandy shores and Instagram-worthy beaches, the coast of Palm Beach County should be at the top of your list. Every beach, from Jupiter to Boca Raton, has its own unique atmosphere and something fresh to offer. For all you animal lovers, visit this popular destination for manatee spotting and the sea turtle conservation center at Loggerhead Park in Juno. Become one with nature in the rich and secluded beaches of Atlantic Dunes Park located in the universal town of Delray Beach.

Exclusive Events

Stay up to date with events happening in Palm County and you’ll always have a bustling weekend. During the second Friday of every month, enjoy a free movie along the moonlit Waterfront. Upcoming movies include “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Greatest Showman” and “The Last Jedi”.

Purchase tickets to this summer’s Pairings: Food and Wine Event and indulge in the local flavors of Palm Beach restaurants and wine tastings. The event will take place on May 31st and includes free samplings of food, drinks, live music, and interactive art stations.

That wraps up our 5 favorite things to do in Palm Beach County! Make the most out of your Floridian summer and take a plunge at the beautiful beaches of Palm Beach County, explore the countless restaurants and stores, and spend the nights in the glorious downtown areas. In the midst of the summer sun it can be challenging to maintain your roof, so prepare your roof for summer before it begins. The Aastro Roofing family is here for any and all of your roofing needs. Give us a call! (561) 409-3280.