Roofing protects buildings from rain, snow, sunlight, and temperature extremes. It also helps seal off leaks around chimneys and at the joints where different roof planes meet.
Flat and sloped roofs can be constructed from a wide variety of materials. Wood roofs are attractive but can be short-lived in wet climates and require regular treatment for fire-retardant chemicals. Contact A. Parker Contracting for professional help.
There are a wide range of roofing materials available to homeowners, and choosing the right one will depend on several factors such as how long you plan to live in your home and what climate region you’re in along with your aesthetic preferences. You also need to consider the weight of the material and whether or not it can be installed on your roof’s structure.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material, and they come in a variety of colors and styles that can match any home’s design. They’re lightweight, fire-resistant and offer excellent protection from rain and hail. They’re also relatively inexpensive and can be installed on a variety of slopes.
Wooden shingles and shakes are another durable roofing option that offers a warm and rustic look for your home. They’re made from straight grained, knot-free bolts of wood and are usually crafted from cedar, cypress or redwood. Shakes are hand split and shaped into wedges while shingles are sawmilled to create a uniform length, width and thickness.
Metal roofing is another great option for those who want something different than traditional shingle roofs. They’re available in a variety of metals including steel, aluminum and copper. They can be used on a variety of roof types and can be installed in sheeting or tiles. Metal roofs are also energy efficient and can save you money on your heating bills in the winter.
Other roofing materials include terra cotta tiles which are made from clay and are a beautiful roofing option for your home. They’re also fire-resistant, water-resistant and extremely durable. They’re more expensive than other roofing materials but they add a unique touch to your home’s exterior.
Rolled roofing is a common choice for commercial and industrial buildings because it’s easy to install, durable and affordable. It’s made from a roll of fabric that’s impregnated with either asphalt or bitumen, and it’s covered in mineral granules.
Other roofing materials include clay tiles which are a beautiful roofing option for luxury homes. They’re fire-resistant and energy-efficient, and they can last up to 100 years.
Roofing Installation
Roofs are complex structures, designed to protect against rain, snow, sunlight, wind, and extreme temperatures. They can be flat or pitched, vaulted or domed, and made of a variety of materials.
Roofing installation is a meticulous process, and it takes time to ensure that the work is done correctly. It’s important to choose a contractor with experience, good references, and local credentials. A roofing manufacturer may offer a list of credentialed contractors in your area.
The first step is to apply an underlayment. This material protects against leaks and provides a solid foundation for the shingles. It’s also sometimes required by residential building codes.
Next, a layer of starter shingles is applied. These are narrower and shorter than regular shingles. They overlap the first row and are secured with a special nail that’s closer to the edge than most other nails. This helps prevent water from running between the seams of the first shingles and seeping into your home.
If your roof has penetrations, such as chimneys or vents, flashing is installed around them. This is a thin strip of metal that creates a strong seal. Finally, ridge vents are installed along the roof’s peak to allow air flow and prevent moisture buildup and ice dams in winter.
Roofing Repair
A licensed roofing contractor is the best choice for large repairs. Most roof repair jobs aren’t as complicated as reroofing, but they still require expertise and specialized tools. Look for contractors who are insured and bonded to ensure they’re properly trained in the roofing process. Whether they have experience with your specific roof or not, their work should meet or exceed industry standards.
If you are able to catch damage or deterioration early on, there are several ways to correct the issue without having to completely dismantle your roof. For example, surface problems like small holes or cracks can be caulked or tarred with little effort. Missing shingles can be replaced easily, and damaged or broken vent boots can be replaced with new ones.
More serious issues, such as rotting sheathing, are more difficult to detect. The sheathing can rot through the boards, leaving soft spots in the attic and letting water into your home. If you can’t see rot from the ground, head up to your attic with a flashlight and go around gently with a hammer to feel for soft spots in the wood.
In this scenario, you’ll likely need to replace the sheathing with new material, but if the damage is confined to one area of your roof, partial reroofing may be an option that saves you money. This is where it’s important to have a roofing professional with you, as they can guide your decision about how to proceed in order to minimize cost and time. Then, they can repair the affected areas of your roof using the right materials to match the existing shingles. They’ll also take care of any gutters and downspouts that need to be replaced.
Roofing Maintenance
Roofing maintenance is vital to the lifespan of your roof. It can help you identify issues early and avoid costly repairs. It should be conducted by a certified and trained roofing professional on a regular basis, ideally on a biannual schedule. A procedure should be established that includes a checklist tailored to each building’s roofing conditions.
If you have trees near your home that overhang the roof, trimming them on a regular basis can help protect it from damage. This is especially important during heavy storms and natural disasters where tree limbs can fall onto the roof. Also, cleaning drains and gutters is a must to ensure that debris like twigs, leaves, sticks and branches do not accumulate and block the flow of water from your roof.
Check for leaks around chimneys, skylights, exhaust vents and any other features that protrude from the roof. These areas are prone to leaking and require special attention. Also, inspect the flashings and seams. This is where a majority of leaks begin and can often be repaired before the problem escalates. Leaks around these areas are a sign of moisture that can eventually seep into the wood structure of your house. Catching these problems early can save you a lot of headache and money.