Roofing is one of the most important aspects of building construction. It provides a first line of defense against natural elements and influences the aesthetic of the entire structure.
The roof is made up of a variety of materials. The most common is wood shingles and shakes, which add a rustic charm to homes and buildings while also being fire, insect, mildew, and water resistant. Contact Erie Roofing now!
The roof is the outermost layer of the structure that shelters a home or other building from weather elements. It is typically self-supporting but sometimes supported by an underlying structure. Roofing materials vary in appearance and durability and depend on the type of climate where a house is located. Roofing materials also vary in cost. Some are natural products, while others are synthetic. Regardless of the roofing material, all of them require a waterproof underlayment.
Asphalt shingles are a popular roofing option that provides good protection in most climates. They are affordable and come in a variety of colors and styles. They are prone to damage from hail storms, however, so you will want to choose impact rated shingles.
Metal roofing is available in a wide range of sizes and thicknesses. Typical metal roofing is galvanized steel or galvalume aluminum, though copper and zinc are used as well. It can be installed with exposed fasteners or hidden clips, and comes in various coatings to resist corrosion.
Tile roofs offer a distinctive look to a structure. They are durable and can last a long time if properly maintained. Some of the common tile types are ceramic, terra cotta, and slate. Slate is a beautiful roofing material often seen on luxury homes. It is heavy, however, and requires a reinforced roof structure to withstand high winds.
Synthetic shingles are an alternative to traditional tiles and can be made from a variety of materials including polypropylene and polyethylene. They are molded to mimic the appearance of other roofing materials like clay or concrete tiles, but are less expensive and easier to install. They are also resistant to fire and rotting, and can reduce cooling costs.
Rubber shingle roofs are an alternative to asphalt shingles and are made from recycled tire-derived rubber with binders, UV (ultraviolet light) inhibitors, and color. They provide good water resistance and energy efficiency, and can withstand most climates.
Wood shingles and shakes can provide a rustic or natural look to your home. They are durable but can be damaged by rain or wind, and must be regularly treated to prevent rot. They also provide some natural insulation. Depending on where you live, it may be necessary to add ice and water shield to the underside of your roof to protect against snow buildup.
Installation
Before the roofing crew starts putting down new materials, they must prepare the site. This involves covering landscaping, pools, and anything else near your roof with tarps and wooden boards to prevent it from being damaged by falling debris during the construction process. The crew also moves things off of your deck or patio and makes sure all vehicles stay on paved surfaces.
Once the prep work is complete, the roofing team begins to strip off your old roof. This can be noisy and messy, but it’s necessary to ensure that your roof is installed correctly. Once the old shingles and underlayment are removed, the contractor will install new underlayment and felt paper. Then they will waterproof the valleys, which are the areas where your roof slopes meet. This is done by overlapping the first row of underlayment with the second row and nailing them down tightly, then spreading out the nails as they move up towards the ridge.
Maintenance
The roof of a building is a very important structural component because it protects the space’s inhabitants from weather and keeps the structure safe for occupancy. In order to keep a roofing system functioning optimally, maintenance procedures should be carried out regularly. These can include surface maintenance, cleaning, and repair. Typically, these procedures are relatively simple and inexpensive but can prevent more significant damage from occurring later on in the life of the roofing materials.
Regular inspections will catch problems before they escalate into major issues, such as leaks or holes. Look for things like curled shingles or worn-out seals around vent pipes. Also check for water stains inside the house and signs of moisture damage on joists and beams. Inspecting shingles on a seasonal basis is recommended, since each season brings unique problems like sun damage or the potential for hurricane damage in hot and humid climates. Check for dents or holes in the shingles, as well as any caulk that needs to be replaced. Check for moss, which can cause material decay underneath shingles.
It is also a good idea to regularly inspect any skylights. In addition to looking for any visible damage to the glass or surrounding structures, it is important to make sure that the skylights are properly sealed in order to avoid leaks and allow sunlight to enter the home. Finally, it is important to trim any trees that are growing near the roof. This will help to prevent them from being blown around by storms or falling onto the roof membrane.
Repairs
Regardless of how long your roof lasts, you will need to make repairs or replace it at some point. Replacing a roof can be a major undertaking that costs several thousand dollars or more, and requires the help of a professional. Depending on the extent of damage, it may be more cost-effective to repair your roof instead of replacing it altogether.
Roofers are able to repair a variety of roofing materials and structures, including shingles, tar paper, flashing and vents. They can also address sagging areas or leaky spots, which can save you from more costly structural problems down the road. Timely roof repairs can even extend the lifespan of your roof and avoid premature replacement, which can save you money in the long run.
Dan is a home improvement and remodeling expert who has written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles over the years. He is a lifelong New Yorker and a one-time roofer who lives in a Brooklyn brownstone with his wife and children.
Roof repairs can enhance the energy efficiency of your home by reducing air leaks and infiltration. Leaky or damaged areas allow conditioned air to escape and external air to infiltrate, forcing your heating and cooling system to work harder. By sealing these areas and repairing insulation, you can significantly reduce your energy bills and enjoy a more comfortable living environment.
Steel Roof
Steel roofing is popular for commercial spaces and is making its way into residential homes. Both galvanized and Galvalume metal roofs offer superior protection from the elements. They are durable enough to resist damage from wind, hail and snow. In addition, they are energy efficient by reflecting sunlight and lowering cooling costs in summer. This added benefit can offset the initial investment needed to install a metal roof.
Metal roofing is manufactured in giant rolls at a mill and comes coated with a protective layer to guard against rusting. The two most common coatings used are galvanized and Galvalume. Galvanized steel offers a pure zinc barrier to protect the iron and reduce corrosion over time, while Galvalume uses a combination of aluminum and zinc to outlast the elements.
Galvanized metal is a great choice for both barns and storage buildings as well as residential homes. It is available in a variety of styles and can be painted to fit the design and aesthetic of a space. The paint used on a metal roof is also protective and will last for decades with minimal maintenance.
The thickness of a metal roof is determined by its gauge and affects its durability and cost. Higher gauge thicknesses provide better strength, but lower thicknesses may dent more easily due to falling branches or debris. The most commonly used thicknesses are 26 and 24 gauge steel.
When selecting a metal roof, consider where your home is located and the type of weather it can experience. Steel roofs are ideal for coastal areas because they can withstand extreme heat, high winds and heavy rains. Metal roofs can also be painted in a variety of colors to match the look and feel of a building.
The noise from rain, hail and snow is minimal for both steel and aluminum roofs. This is because the sheathing and underlayment that are underneath the roof and over the roofing materials blunt the sounds of nature. Adding insulation will further mitigate sound levels.
