A roof is a protective covering over the top of a building that prevents rain, snow, sunlight and extremes of temperature from entering. It also supports chimneys, vents and skylights and may include walls and insulation.
Shingles are the most common type of roofing material. They come in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Materials
There are several different roofing materials that contractors can use on a roof to protect the structure from rain, snow and direct sunlight. These materials vary in durability and price, and they are designed to suit different climates and architectural styles. Choosing the right roofing material for a project requires careful consideration and expertise.
Residential roofs can be covered with shingles, clay tiles, metal or flat roofing systems such as EPDM, rubber or PVC. The choice depends on many factors including the shape and slope of the roof, its location and the climate. Shingles are most popular for homes because they are affordable and easy to install. They come in a variety of colors and designs to complement the architecture of any building.
Slate is one of the most durable roofing materials, but it’s also extremely expensive. It is a natural mineral that’s resistant to chemical, biological and physical damage and can last for over 50 years.
Wood roofing is a traditional and beautiful option that comes in shingle or shake form. Shingles are sawmilled into uniform length, width and thickness for a clean look, while shakes are roughly milled to create a rustic, textured appearance. Both are durable and fire-resistant but require frequent maintenance to prevent rot or moss growth. Other durable options include asphalt shingles, concrete tile and terra cotta.
Installation
The roof is the weather-proof covering of a building that shields its occupants from rain, snow, sunlight, and extremes of temperature. It may be flat or pitched, vaulted, domed or other shapes dictated by technical, economic or aesthetic considerations. Roofing materials include asphalt shingles, wood shakes, asbestos, slate and clay tile.
A good roofing job can add value to a home and protect against wind, rain, and fire. It also can help keep insulation and attic space dry, and it can regulate interior temperatures. However, a roof installation is not a project to tackle on your own. Get at least three quotes from credentialed contractors. Ask to see local references, and make sure the contractor carries general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. Many manufacturers offer credentialed contractors, and your homeowners insurance company may have a list as well.
The valleys where roof slopes meet are particularly vulnerable to water intrusion, so they must be well-waterproofed. This is accomplished with underlayment and felt paper installed much the same way as shingles, but in a pattern that allows the underlayment to completely cover the valley’s unique structure. The contractor will then nail the underlayment to the shingles, with close nails at the edge and more spread out towards the middle. Felt is also used under ridge vents and other penetrations, such as gable or soffit vents.
Maintenance
The old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies even more to the roofing on your home or commercial building. Regular inspections, especially after severe weather events, can prevent small, easily repairable problems from escalating into costly roof replacements.
The inspections should include sweeping the entire surface area of the roof, power washing areas that show signs of moss growth and a close examination of any flashing (the metal strips that seal gaps around chimneys and vent pipes) to ensure caulking is not lifting or deteriorating. Also note any areas where shingles appear to be loose or damaged, as well as any cracks or discoloration of the membrane.
Debris should be removed from all drains, scuppers and gutters on a regular basis. Allowing debris to accumulate restricts drainage and accelerates membrane deterioration. The removal of ice and snow from roof drains may be necessary on a weekly basis during the fall and winter, depending on weather patterns.
Tree branches should be trimmed regularly to keep them from rubbing against the roof or dropping debris onto it. A professional tree service should be used to perform these tasks, as they are skilled at preserving the health of trees and can avoid damaging a roof. In addition, the removal of tree limbs is important to reduce the possibility of damage during stormy weather.
Repairs
If your roof has minor damage like a few missing or worn shingles, you can make those repairs yourself. A professional might recommend other options, however, such as partial replacement or re-roofing. Re-roofing adds a second layer of shingles, blending them with the existing ones and merging the new ridge and valley flashing into the old one. Re-roofing is less expensive than a full replacement, but it doesn’t last as long and it may look patchy.
Before you start your roof repair, you’ll need a few things. A dumpster will help, as will tarps to cover foundation plantings and shrubbery. You’ll also need some sort of ladder to get on the roof and roofing tools – magnetic tools for picking up nails and metal debris, a pair of good gloves, and so on.
Once you’ve got all the supplies, you’ll need to examine your roof for problems. That means getting up into the attic or crawlspace (or whatever you have that’s closest to the roof) and looking around. The attic is the best place to see soft areas and any water spots, both of which are signs that you need to replace some rotted or damaged wood. You might also need to install underlayment, which is a thin layer of material that protects the underlying shingles from moisture.