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Showing posts from March, 2023

Lifetime Shingle Roofs

Malarkey Roofing has been changing the asphalt shingle industry.  When other companies are making shingles thinner and cheaper to be able to gain corporate profits, Malarkey has modified their shingles by adding recycled tires and plastic grocery bags.  This helps the shingles stay pliable and not dry out like oxidized asphalt shingles.  Asphalt shingles seem to only last 8 to 18 years, regardless of what their warranty may be.  Malarkey's pliability and shingle thickness has forged the way for it to achieve Class 3 and Class 4 ratings.  Class 3 rating is based on damaging the shingle with a 1.75" diameter steel ball dropped on the shingle from 20 feet high.  Shingles with Class 4 ratings must withstand a 2" diameter steel ball dropped form 20 feet high.  Class 3 and Class 4 shingles should qualify homeowners for a 10-15% discount on their homeowner insurance.   Is the shingle performance enough?  Of course, but wait.  There's more.  Malarkey adds 3M granules onto the

Updates in Epoxy Floors

There seems to be another new garage floor epoxy contractor every time we turn around.  It's hard to tell the new ones from the old ones.  Who does what prep work?  Do they grind it?  What about shot blasting it?   What material do they use?  Will it last?  Will the company still be in business 5 or 10 years from now?  How good is their warranty and do they actually stand behind it?    I think the first bit of advise is to make sure the contractor will use a large planetary orbital grinder.  The larger machine will keep the grinding path level across the floor.  A smaller machine would allow the operator to sit in one place easier and making the floor unlevel.   The next step is the shot blast the floor.  Most concrete coatings contractors will grind, but that is where the stop.  If they talk about using a chemical etching process, you should dismiss them immediately.  Some will only shot blast.  We like to use the grinder first to help level the floor as much as possible, followe