Ladder Safety 101 One of the most important aspects of roofing safety is ladder precaution. Indeed, some of the most devastating injuries that occur while roofer result from improper ladder precautions. Although not everyone’s a roofer, many people use ladders ever year to reach difficult places, dust fans, and hang Christmas decorations. So, in order to encourage safety, as ever good roofer is wont to do, we have compiled some essentials of ladder safety. Three Feet above the Deck OSHA requires that every ladder should hang three feet above to optimize ladder safety. What’s more Pythagoras, the ancient Greek philosopher who taught us everything we know about triangles, discovered that for every four feet of height, an additional one foot of distance should be added to optimize stability. We roofers get a bad rep: we like to drink, gamble, and generally have too much fun. Although some of these labels are undeniably true, they fail [...]

A Word to the Wise from the Professionals - Avoid Doing It Yourself I hear the following statement from amateurs more times than I would like to admit: “roofing seems pretty straightforward.” True, roofing is not rocket science, but like most things in life, there’s more than meets the eye. Everyone thinks they can act, everyone thinks they can write, and everyone thinks they can roof. O Contraire! Roofing can be very dangerous, and one mistake could be your last. Despite the humorous tone, the previous statement is far from a joke. Every year professional roofers are severely injured or killed on the job. Falls, lacerations from protruding metals, electric shocks, and punctured eyes from projectiles are just a few assailants that the modern day roofer faces on the job. Doing this every day for your entire working life leads to inevitable injuries. But as a do it yourselfer you will not be prepared to [...]

Brilliant Solar Ball The latest advancement in solar technology solves the aesthetic problem with solar panels. Indeed, the brilliant solar ball, created by German engineer Andre Broessel, looks like a magical device only found in Dumbledore’s office or Gandalf’s lair. Roofers everywhere are thrilled with the innovation, for they have long been wary of unsightly solar panels. To glimpse a pictures of this miraculous invention click here. Unlike typical solar panels found on roofs today, the Solar Ball has the ability to rotate with the sun in order to maximize energy absorption. This technology however is millions of years old. The sun flower, one of nature’s most beautiful creations, actually functions similarly. Id est it grows towards the sun, and changes directions depending on the suns position and the seasons. This sunflowerish technology reduces the size of your solar panel system while finally solving the problem of aesthetic appeal. The only issue one can foresee [...]

Ubiquity of Asphalt Shingles Although less common in Phoenix, AZ, asphalt shingles can be found everywhere. Indeed, they have become the sparrow of roofing shingles, and account for a majority of roof coverings across the nation. Why? One might ask. Well like most things in the world, it all comes down to cost. Asphalt shingles are inexpensive for roofers and consumers, durable, and easy to install. Asphalt Shingles Comprised of: Like most inexpensive, durable and reliable things, asphalt shingles are a composition of many elements—it is a mutt! But asphalt shingles can be split into two categories: organic and fiber glass. The former is an amalgamation of cotton, wool, jute, and manila. The latter is similar except it is involves a base layer of glass fiber bonded with resin. The advantage of this base layer is it offers protection against fire damage. Indeed, the old recipe for asphalt shingles left them prone to ignition. It [...]

Roofing Masterpieces Continued Olympiapark Qualifying the covering of Olympiapark as a roof is not without difficultly. The building itself could easily be misinterpreted as a tent. And yet, the permanence of the structure, the innovative drainage system of the structure, and its ability to protect the inhabitants from the elements assure the covering of Olympiapark is indeed a roof. It was constructed in 1972 for the Summer Olympic Games in Munch—as the name suggests. The design was aligned with Germany’s effort for a “green Olympic Games,” which was chosen to associate Germany with democracy and optimism for the future. The design is a testament to German engineering. The roof itself is not actually solid, but instead a lightweight malleable material that is impervious to weather conditions. Moreover, you can actually walk to the top of Olympic Stadium and zip line to the bottom. St. Peter’s Basilica Located in Vatican City, St. Peter’s Basilica stands tall [...]

Roofing Masterpieces At Gryphon Roofing, we enjoy the beauty and ingenuity of roofs all around the world. The old adage, “shoes are the most important part of the outfit has its counterpart in architecture—roofs are the most important aspect of the building. Indeed, great artificers through the ages have constructed brilliant roofing designs as a testament to the ingenuity of the human mind. Hospices: Beaune, Burgundy France This remarkable roofing design was ordered by Nicolas Rolin (chancellor of Burgundy) in the 1400’s as a hospital for the poor. It now serves as a museum, exemplifying the genius of fifteenth century architecture. Most noteworthy about this hospices is the intricate patterns employed by Flemish Architect Jaques Wiscere. In the world of architecture, many consider the hospices the finest achievement in roofing. Sydney Opera House In the ranks of the great roofs, the Sydney Opera House is accredited as being the most recent and modern. The curvaceous [...]

Majestic Metal Roofing Metal roofing is the rarest form of roofing, comprising only 10% of the overall residential roofing market. This is mainly due to the fact that metal roofing can be very, very expensive. But one look at the Cauterets in France, or journey back in time to the Roman Pantheon, will surely justify the cost. Metal roofing is beautiful, and it radiates the impressions of power, and opulence. Indeed, if your house has a copper roof, then there is a high probability your guest will be mesmerized, astounded, and slightly afraid of you—in a good way. History Hammered Out with Metal Roofs Some of the greatest works of architecture employed metal roofs to exude brilliance and attest to the marvel of human ingenuity and craft. The most famous example is the roman Pantheon, which is fabled to be so incredibly beautiful that the gods themselves were unable to look upon it without weeping. [...]

Window Replacement Projects Although our company’s name is “Gryphon Roofing,” we also offer home renovation and repair solutions. Windows generally have a high life expectancy, but occasionally dust, grime, and deleterious UV rays from the sun necessitate the replacement of windows. Replacing windows may at first seem a triviality, a ripple in the water. But smart homeowners know that installing a new energy efficient window can make all the difference aesthetically and financially, by conserving energy for a sustainable environment. Energy Efficient Window Panes As the population begins to rise steadily, due to advances in medicine and improving nutrition, people are becoming increasing aware that the environment is in jeopardy. Natural resources are depleting rapidly, and according to a recent article in The New Yorker, human kind is scheduled to deplete its resources by 2050. Although we are somewhat skeptical of this claim at Gryphon Roofing, we find that assisting with the preservation of the [...]

Clay Tile Shingles, the Magnus Opus of Arizona Roofing In Arizona, the accessibility of clay, and the scorching sun, make clay tiling the standard material for roofing shingles. Indeed these brownish maroon Spanish tiles are ubiquitous, and it is not uncommon for visitors to laude their architectural beauty. The process of hanging Spanish tiles is similar to other shingle processes, following the principle of working from the bottom up. However, a major difference is that nails are affixed to the roof, on which shingles are hung in parallel rows. The advantage of Spanish clay tiles is of course aesthetic virtues and resistance to the desert climate; the only shortcoming is that they shatter easily. The History of Spanish Tiles The earliest known use of clay tiles dates back to the Greeks of the third millennium BC. An excavation in Lerna, Greece uncovered thousands of terracotta tiles that were clearly utilized for roofing. Also, an excavation [...]