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The roof of a home protects it from moisture, heat and cold, making the material that’s used for a roof important to consider. There are many roofing materials to choose from, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. The choice is based on several factors including budget, aesthetic preference and climate.
Asphalt shingle roofs are the most popular choice for residential homes. They are easy to install, affordable and come in a variety of styles. They also provide good energy efficiency. However, they may not be as durable as other types of roofing and do not add much to the resale value of a home.
Metal roofing is another option that is becoming more common, particularly in warmer regions. Metal can be installed as a standing seam system or as shingles. It is a fire-resistant and durable option that can add significant value to a home.
Slate roofs are an aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting roofing material that is usually found on historical buildings or elegant homes. It can last up to 100 years and is considered the “forever roof” because it outlasts the homeowners. Slate is an expensive option but it is a great choice if you want a beautiful and durable roof that will add to the resale value of your home.
Concrete tile roofs are a more modern alternative to shingle roofing and can be made to look like slate, clay or wood shingles. They are more durable than shingle roofs and can withstand high wind speeds. However, they are heavy and can put stress on the structure of a house.
Another roofing option that is growing in popularity is a green roof. A green roof is a garden in the form of a roof that manages water runoff, insulates and puts clean oxygen back into the air. However, these roofs are not as affordable as other roofing options and require a lot of maintenance.
Rolled roofs are another type of roofing that is not as aesthetically appealing as shingle or shake roofs but is more affordable. They are also more flexible and can withstand higher temperatures than other roofing materials.
Installation
The roof is the outer covering of a building, shielding it from rain, snow, sunlight, wind, and extremes of temperature. It can be constructed in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, as dictated by technical, economic, and aesthetic considerations.
A new roof must meet local building codes and be built to the specifications of the home. The roof must also be properly ventilated to remove moisture and regulate the attic’s temperature, as well as insulated to control energy costs. Chimneys, skylights and vents must be properly flashed and sealed to prevent leaks. Roof ventilation systems, such as ridge vents, soffit vents and gable vents, are available to help keep the attic dry and reduce energy costs.
Before beginning the installation process, the roofing crew will prep the work site by finding an access point to your home’s roof and setting up protective measures on your property. Tarps are secured around your house to catch debris, and wooden boards are set up to cover landscaping or furniture that may get ruined by falling shingles. Vehicles are moved off your driveway and onto paved surfaces to ensure they don’t get damaged by debris and nails during the roof replacement.
Then, the roofing contractor will install underlayment to prevent moisture from damaging your roof sheathing. Depending on your roof’s structure, it can be made from asphalt felt paper or a synthetic waterproof barrier material. The underlayment is nailed to the roof deck in rows that overlap each other, with close nails along the edge and more spread out as they get closer to the center. A metal drip edge is nailed over the underlayment and sealed with roofing caulk at the chimney area and in the valleys where two roof planes meet.
Next, shingles are placed in layers over the entire roof surface, starting at the low areas and working their way up to the high points of your roof. The shingles are nailed in place with a nail gun and an air compressor system, or by hand with a hammer. A ridge cap shingle is then installed over the ridge of your roof to provide a finished look and additional protection from wind uplift. Once the roof is complete, a final inspection will be conducted to verify it meets all building codes and is aesthetically pleasing.
Maintenance
Whether commercial or residential, roofs require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure optimal performance. These procedures include cleaning and removing debris, resealing, replacing damaged shingles or flashing, and addressing any water leaks that occur. Inspecting the structure of a roof is also critical, particularly in geographic locations with distinct seasons and temperature extremes. A thorough inspection before the start of a season allows you to identify any issues that may be exacerbated by weather conditions and address them accordingly.
Aside from inspecting for leaking shingles, it’s important to look for other signs of damage such as rotted or rusted wood and mold, mildew and water staining on the interior walls. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check for structural damage to trusses and beams as well. A deteriorating roof can impact the structure of a building, causing it to become unsafe or unusable.
Maintaining a logbook or other document of all inspections and maintenance activities is a valuable record for future reference, especially when filing warranty claims. You should also look for tree limbs that overhang flat roofing materials, as these can scratch or puncture the surface of the roof and clog drains. Organic material like moss can also build up on the roof and cause damage; resealing, scraping or removal is necessary to prevent deterioration. Lastly, you should inspect stairs, crossovers and platforms to make sure they’re safe for use by maintenance personnel. Especially in areas with electrical, harmful chemicals or extremely hot equipment and pipes, unsafe access can lead to serious injuries.
Repairs
Before you start making any repairs, it’s crucial to examine the existing roof. You don’t want to cover up any damages or create more problems – that’s not the way to get your money’s worth out of your roofing project! So go in the attic or crawlspace and take high-resolution pictures. Look for damp stains, peeling paint, standing water spots and anything else that looks out of the ordinary. Then make a list of everything that needs to be repaired, so you’ll have a clear picture of what you’re dealing with when it comes time for the big work.
Note that re-roofing is less expensive than replacing the entire roof, but it doesn’t last as long, and removing old shingles can void or shorten the warranty on your new ones.
Materials
Homeowners today have a wide range of roofing materials to choose from with varying lifespans and prices. Choosing a durable material that adds value to your home while ensuring longevity and weather resistance is crucial.
The most popular type of roof is the asphalt shingle, which provides an attractive appearance and a great value. It also offers good durability, able to withstand most weather conditions and elements.
Another popular choice is the tile roof, made of earthen clays molded into interlocking shapes and fired for hardness. Its durability makes it an ideal choice for hot climates and areas where salt air is prevalent, and it adds a high level of luxury to a home’s exterior.
A more expensive but extremely long-lasting option is the slate roof, which is a natural roofing material that offers a unique and elegant look to any home. Slate is available in a variety of colors and hues, and it is known for its strength and fire resistance. It is also a sound investment, as it can last for more than 100 years with the right conditions and maintenance.
Those looking for a more affordable roof should consider membranes such as Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). These membranes are flexible, making them resistant to punctures and tears. They are also easy to install and can withstand most weather types and conditions. Moreover, they are heat-resistant, which can lower your energy costs.