Your roof protects your home from the elements and keeps water out that would otherwise damage its structure during rainy weather. This extensive guide to roofing will teach you everything you need to know about this important building component.
Shingles are cost-effective, suitable for various climates, and easy to install. However, they may be prone to algae and mold growth and have a shorter lifespan than other roofing materials.
The type of roofing material you choose will affect your home’s style, durability and value. It’s important to consider the longevity of a particular roof material and how well it holds up to local weather conditions before making a final decision.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular residential roofing material in the United States. They come in a wide range of colors and styles to match any home. They’re relatively inexpensive to install and can be reinforced with organic or recycled materials without changing their appearance. Asphalt shingles are also durable and can last 30 to 50 years.
Metal roofs are extremely long-lasting and can withstand a variety of temperatures. They’re usually made from aluminum or steel and come in a variety of widths and lengths to suit different roofing needs. They’re available in several finishes to compliment a home’s décor and can be fabricated to look like traditional asphalt shingles, wood shakes or slate. Metal roofs can also be designed with raised seams to create a unique and distinctive appearance.
Wood shingle or shake roofing pairs nicely with classic and historic-style homes, such as charming Cape Cod cottages or cozy Craftsman-style houses. They’re available in a variety of species, such as cedar, redwood and pine, and can be stained any color. Basic wood shingles are sawmilled for uniformity, while shakes are split into wedge-shaped pieces to produce a more natural and rugged look. Wood shingles can last up to 60 years in dry climates, while shakes tend to wear down more quickly in wet conditions.
Concrete or clay tile is another beautiful option that’s popular in Spanish and Italian-style homes. They can be left unglazed for a rustic, Mediterranean look or factory-fired for a smooth finish. These roofs are a good choice for harsh climates as they’re resistant to UV rays, high winds and hail damage. They are also quite heavy and require a sturdy framing system to support them.
If you’re looking for a more affordable, eco-friendly roofing option, you may want to consider rubber or recycled plastic. These materials can be molded to fit the shape of a roof and are often found on flat or low-sloped roof areas.
Roofing Systems
Roofing systems are designed to protect the structural integrity of buildings from rain, snow and wind while also enhancing energy efficiency. There are many different types of roofing systems, materials and designs to choose from. The type of roofing you need depends on the slope and complexity of your roof, the style of your home and other factors. The roof system you select will affect how long it will last and the overall appearance of your building.
Steep slope roofs can be covered with asphalt shingles or a tile roof. Metal roofs are popular for commercial roofs. Flat roofs can be treated with a variety of membranes including TPO, EPDM or PVC. Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is another great option for flat or low-slope roofs.
Single-ply membranes are made of thermoplastic or thermoset polymers. They are often a good choice for flat or low-sloped roofs and come in a wide range of colors. Some are very reflective and can help to lower a building’s cooling costs. These systems are a bit more costly than other roofing systems but can offer long-term durability and longevity.
Built-up roofing (BUR) is a layered system that has been around for over 100 years and is an excellent choice for flat or low-sloped buildings in climates with high temperatures or extreme cold. These systems are field-assembled with 3-5 alternate layers of roofing felt and hot or cold asphalt and can be topped with a mineral surface or a tar layer.
Modified bitumen is a mixture of asphalt and a unique chemical polymer for flexibility and temperature resistance. It is available in a variety of forms, including self-adhesive sheets, hot asphalt, torch applied or cold-applied adhesives and can be used in a wide range of weather conditions.
Roofing Installation
The roof is an integral part of any structure, protecting the interior from rain, snow, sunlight and other weather elements. It also provides insulation and structural support. Roofing is the process of installing and maintaining the roof. It includes removing the existing covering, applying underlayment and the actual roofing material. During the installation, special attention is given to ventilation and water-proofing. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes for a safe and high-quality roof installation.
Depending on the type of roofing, underlayment may be applied to the roof deck before the application of shingles. The underlayment acts as a barrier against moisture and ensures that the shingles are properly installed. The roofing materials are then nailed to the underlayment with a nail gun. A top-tier roofer will take care to install the shingles correctly. They will be staggered and overlapping, creating a watertight seal. In addition, flashing is installed around chimneys, vents, joints and other spots where leaks can occur.
A good roofer will inspect the finished work to make sure that it is up to code and meets all manufacturer requirements. This step is essential to ensure that the roof will perform well and remain leak-free for a long time. It is also a good idea to cover any landscaping and shrubs with tarps during the roofing process, to prevent damage from falling debris. After the roofing job is done, the contractor will clean up all trash and debris, and restore your property to its pre-roofing state.
Roofing Repair
Unlike painting a room or staining your cabinets, roofing projects can take much more time and effort. Whether it’s repairing leaks or replacing worn components, roof repair involves carefully inspecting the damage, clearing the work area, and meticulously installing replacement materials.
Generally speaking, the best way to avoid leaks is by keeping your roof in good shape. You can do this by assessing the condition of your roof and making any minor repairs that are obvious.
For example, check for’shiners’, which are nails that poke through the underside of the roof decking. Moisture that escapes into the cold attic from rooms below condenses on these exposed nails during the night and dribbles down when the attic warms up during the day. You can fix this by nailing the shiners flush with the decking.
Leaks can also occur at the joints between different roof sections. To prevent this, slip a strip of adhesive ice-and-water barrier (available where roofing products are sold) under the soffit/main roof joint, then lay metal step flashing over it and along the edge of the main roof section, overlapping it by at least two inches.
Another common problem is leaking plumbing vent boots. Check for cracked housings on plastic roof vents and broken seams on metal ones. You can usually get away with throwing caulk at this one, but it’s a better idea to replace the vent boot altogether.