Roofing is the top covering of a building that protects against rain, snow, sunlight, extremes of temperature, and wind. It is part of the building envelope.
A roof can be made of a wide variety of materials. The most common are shingles and sheathing. The sheathing is the flat surface that rests on the rafters and supports the shingles and other components.
The roofing material you choose will affect your home’s look, value and energy efficiency. The first thing you must consider is your budget because some materials add a considerable amount to the cost of your roof. You also want to think about your regional climate because some materials are more suited to certain locations than others.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can still get the benefits of a new roof by opting for a low-cost rolled roofing system that’s available in a wide variety of colors and styles. However, this option isn’t as good for insulating your house and may not last as long as more durable alternatives.
Rolling roofing is the mainstay of sloped residential roofs and outbuildings like workshops. It comprises large rolls of asphalt-impregnated and mineral-surfaced material topped with granules. This type of roof is easy to install since it can be unrolled onto a sloped roof and nailed into place. Its lifespan is only about five to ten years.
For a more durable and visually appealing roof, you can opt for wood shingles or shakes. These are crafted from pine, red cedar or cypress and provide a classic and elegant look for your house. They can last up to 60 or more years under relatively dry conditions.
Clay tile is another option for homes that want to incorporate a Mediterranean style into their design. This roofing material is made from earthen clays that are molded into rolled or interlocking shapes and fired for hardness. It is not only durable but is also aesthetically pleasing, with a natural reddish-orange color. It is best suited for warm and dry climates, and is often found in Southern coastal areas or desert regions.
Metal shingles and shakes are made from stamped metal and coated with either a high-quality baked-on coating or mineral granules. They are highly versatile and can be made to resemble traditional asphalt shingles, wooden shakes or even slate and clay tiles. They are usually installed on low-pitch and flat roofs, and can last up to 50 or more years.
Installation
The roof is an important part of a building, protecting against rain, snow, sunlight, wind, and extremes of temperature. It can be constructed in a variety of forms, flat or pitched, vaulted or domed, and in combinations dictated by technical, economic, or aesthetic considerations. In addition to covering the structural elements, a roof serves to insulate and beautify a structure.
Installing a roof requires substantial skill and physical effort. It is best left to professionals unless you are comfortable on a ladder at a height of several feet above the ground, and are not afraid of hard work. Before hiring a contractor, check with the manufacturer of your roofing product for recommendations, or ask for local references. It is also a good idea to make sure that any contractor you hire has state and local business licenses, active certificates of insurance (including liability and workers’ compensation), and a Better Business Bureau rating.
When the underlayment is in place, the shingles are laid out in courses with close nails at the edge and more spread out towards the middle. The shingles are then nailed to the underlayment using special roofing nails, and nailing is continued up the slope of the roof until it reaches the ridge.
Maintenance
The roofing material used for a building protects it against rain, snow, sunlight, wind and extremes of temperature. Routine maintenance extends the life of a roof and lowers the overall cost of its construction. An untreated roof can deteriorate and place interior valuables at risk.
A good maintenance program includes inspections by trained roofing professionals on a regular basis, preferably on a biannual basis (once in the spring and once in the fall). This allows problems to be identified early and repaired before they become serious. A procedure should be established whereby all inspections are documented and recorded. Roofs should also be inspected after severe weather events and immediately repaired if damage is found.
The most basic maintenance tasks include sweeping the roof surface free of debris, cleaning out gutters and downspouts, and washing areas where moss or mildew is present. A thorough inspection should include examining the shingles for excessive wear and checking the condition of the caulking around chimneys, vent pipes and skylights. Areas that have been damaged by a pest should be looked at and treated right away to prevent the problem from spreading.
Other common maintenance tasks include scupper box cleaning, the removal of shingle debris and the flushing of sumps to remove water from the drains, the inspection and repair of all flashing (the material that is installed around chimneys, vents and skylights), the replacement of missing shingle granules and the scraping and painting of metal roofs to remove rust and restore their appearance. Lastly, the installation of a chimney cap on a wood burning fireplace can protect the interior of the chimney from the elements.
Other procedures that should be regularly performed on a commercial roof include the trimming of any trees that hang over the roof and the checking of all penetrations, including skylights, for proper sealant. This is usually a silicone caulk and should be inspected on an annual basis for cracking, openings, crazing or deterioration. If leaks are found, they should be repaired right away as these are the most expensive repair of all.
Repairs
Like painting a room or replacing cabinets, roof repair is a major home improvement project that has an impact on the overall value of the house. But it also has a direct effect on your family’s safety and comfort. There are a variety of different repair options, depending on the cause and extent of damage. Generally, these projects involve either covering up existing shingles with new ones or dismantling parts of the roof and replacing them with new materials.
The first step in any roofing repair is examining the damage. The best way to do this is to get up in the attic or crawlspace, and look at the interior of the roof. This will reveal any damp spots or water stains that need to be addressed.
If the damage is caused by a leaky vent, it’s important to find the source of the problem. This can be difficult since the vent may have been leaking for some time before you noticed it. You’ll want to examine the flashing around the vent, and look for signs of water damage on the plywood underlayment.
Leaks in the roof can be caused by old or worn shingles, damaged or cracked flashing, and holes or cracks in the roof deck. When repairing these problems, you’ll need a good set of hand tools, including a pry bar, a utility knife, a nail puller, and shears. You’ll also need a good quality hammer, pliers, and a caulking gun.
If the roof deck is in good shape, but you have a few missing shingles or damaged areas of flashing, a simple shingle overlay might be all that’s needed. However, this option doesn’t last as long as a roof replacement and doesn’t protect the structural elements underneath the roof. If the damage is extensive, you’ll need to remove all of the existing shingles, replace any that are worn or missing, and seal or tar the areas around the damaged vent boots.