The roof is an integral part of a home that protects the structure and its contents from rain, snow, and wind. It also plays a major role in the overall appearance of a home.
Roofing encompasses various materials and styles to suit any taste and budget. From shingles to corrugated sheeting, here’s what you need to know about this important component of your home. Contact Roofing Companies Erie PA for professional help.
Re-roofing is a great opportunity to completely revamp the look of your home and add to its resale value. The types of roofing materials you choose will determine the outcome of your project. Shingle roofs are common for homeowners and come in a variety of colors and styles to match your house’s exterior aesthetics. Metal roofs can also be a great option, especially for older houses that need to maintain their historic appearance, and copper is a particularly attractive material that quickly develops a beautiful patina.
Clay tile roofs are another natural roofing option, made from earthen clay that is molded and fired for durability. They are commonly used in warmer climates as they offer natural insulation and don’t retain moisture like other roofing materials.
The foundation of any roof is a framing system, either rafters or prefabricated trusses. Rafters are typically cut on site from framing lumber, while trusses are manufactured in a factory and craned into place. On top of the frame is sheathing, usually plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), but older houses may have narrow 1-by-4 skip sheathing boards of sawn lumber. Various roofing systems are then installed over the sheathing, including asphalt shingles, metal roofs, clay tiles, and flat roofs covered in rubberized membranes.
Materials
The type of material used to cover a roof is important because it can influence how well the roof resists the elements and how long the roof lasts. There are many different roofing materials available, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. The deciding factors in choosing the right material often include cost, durability and aesthetic appeal. A professional roofer can help you decide what is best for your home or business.
Asphalt shingles are a popular choice because they’re affordable and durable. They also come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. However, they’re not as attractive as other roofing options, and can be susceptible to moss and mildew. Wood shingles are another good option. They add a classic, natural look to the roof and may even raise its value. However, they’re not as durable as other roofing materials, and they require more maintenance to avoid problems like rot and insect infestation.
Concrete and clay tiles are excellent choices for homes in areas with extreme weather. They’re fire-resistant and withstand high winds. However, they can be expensive and require special framing to install. Tiles are also prone to cracking from sunlight and can break easily if someone walks on the roof.
Roll roofing is a cheap and simple option for sloped roofs. It consists of large rolls of mineral-impregnated and asphalt-impregnated material that are topped with mineral granules. This type of roof is ideal for flat or low-sloped residential roofs and outbuildings like sheds and garages, where appearance isn’t a factor.
There are also other types of roofing materials that have been designed for specific purposes or climates. For example, there are reflective roofs that help cut down on energy costs. There are also green roofs that use plants to absorb rainwater and prevent runoff.
There are also single-membrane systems for flat or low-sloped roofs that are made of rubber, thermo-polyolefin (TPO) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These types of roofs are water-resistant, puncture-resistant and resistant to chemical stains and bacterial growth. They are also lightweight and affordable. However, they may start to curl or crack after a few years of exposure to the sun.
Installation
When it comes to a new roof, there is a lot that can go into the installation process. This is a job that requires specialized equipment and knowledge. The first step is to inspect the existing roof thoroughly. This will determine if the structure is in good shape and capable of supporting the new roofing materials. If not, the old roof will need to be removed. This can be a messy job and may create a significant amount of debris that needs to be hauled away and disposed of properly.
Once the site is prepared, the crew will start by covering any landscaping or shrubbery near your home with tarps to protect them from any debris that may fall. Any open drains will also be covered to prevent small pieces of debris from clogging them. The underlayment will then be installed starting at the edge of your roof and working towards the ridge. This will be secured with a pattern of close nails along the edges and then spreading out further into the middle. The valleys will be sealed with underlayment and felt paper in a similar manner.
Maintenance
There are a variety of maintenance procedures that should be performed by professional roofing contractors on a regular basis to help keep a roof in good condition. These include inspections of the shingles to make sure that they are not missing, broken or cracked and that there are no holes or dents. This is particularly important in summer when storms can cause damage to the shingles.
The roofing contractor should also check for any caulking that may have deteriorated, and replace it as needed. This is especially important around the chimney and where the roofing planes meet. It will prevent water leaks into the building that can be costly to repair. It is also a good idea to check the flashing around the vent pipes and make sure that it is in good shape as well.
Keeping the roof free of debris, such as leaves and twigs, is also a critical maintenance activity. Debris can block the flow of water to the roof drains and cause localized ponding that can damage a roof system. Also, it can clog gutters and downspouts. The debris can also block sunlight to areas of the roof that might otherwise become damaged by the sun’s heat.
Lastly, it is a good idea to periodically trim any tree branches that are close to the roof. This will help to protect it from any damage caused by falling limbs during heavy rainstorms or natural disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes. The frequency of this type of maintenance will vary depending on the environment and the type of roof. Typically, it will need to be done at least once per year, and possibly more often in extreme climates or those that are shaded or under trees.