Roofing protects the structure of a building from rain, snow, sunlight, and extremes of temperature. It can be flat, pitched, vaulted, or dome-shaped.
Roofs are often the least accessible parts of a house, yet they’re vulnerable to problems. A person that specializes in roof construction is called a roofer.
A roof is the part of a home or other structure that separates occupants from weather and other elements. It may seem straightforward enough, but a roof has many different parts, and each plays a key role in keeping the occupants and property inside safe. For instance, the part that holds the roof is called the decking. Then there are the rafters, a kind of skeleton for the roof. The shingles, the outer layer of protection, can be made from any number of materials. The ridge, located at the highest point of your roof, is the critical part that keeps the two sloping sections of the roof together. It also typically houses a roof vent. Since hot air rises, a vent at the peak of your house is important to keep it cool.
The sloped edges of your roof are called eaves and rakes. They are often covered with trim that protects them from rain and snow. For some types of roofing, a steep slope is necessary to allow for proper drainage and to protect against wind-driven rain. This is why many American homes have gable roofs, which are a common form.
Another common type of roof is a hip roof, which has multiple sloped sides that come together at the same point. This is usually found in European-style architecture, but it can also be seen on American homes. This type of roof is more aerodynamic and is more resistant to strong winds than a gable.
There are also flat roofs, which can have a slight slope. These can be a good choice in warm countries that experience little rainfall or snowfall, since the slope will allow heat to escape and cool air to flow in. Flat roofs can also accommodate a wide variety of solar and green roofing options, which can help to keep energy costs down.
There are also a variety of other features that can be built into a roof, such as vents and valleys. These are important for maintaining the health of your home and preventing leaking, especially during rainy seasons or when the plumbing is under pressure from a full house load. These include gable end and ridge vents as well as soffit vents.
Materials
The roof is one of the most visible parts of your home, and for that reason, it can add to or take away from its curb appeal. If you’re considering a roof replacement, there are many roofing materials to choose from that can increase the value of your home and complement its style. However, not all roofing materials are created equal. Some are more durable than others, and some require different framing techniques. Your choice of roofing material should also depend on your budget and aspirations for your home.
Wood shingles and shakes are traditional roofing materials that can give your house a rustic or country look. Shingles are thin, wedge-shaped slabs of wood produced by precise sawing; shakes are thicker, with a more rough texture. In relatively dry climates, wood shingles and shakes can last for 60 years or more.
Clay tiles are an extremely durable roofing material that dates back 5,000 years to glazed earthenware rooftops. These roofs can cost $10 to $18 per square foot and offer a variety of colors and styles. They’re suitable for hot climates, as well as humid and salt air environments.
Concrete shingles are an alternative to clay tile, with the advantage of being more affordable. They have the same longevity as clay, but they’re lighter in weight and easier to install.
Rolled roofing is the mainstay of low-slope residential roofs and outbuildings like sheds. It consists of long rolls of mineral-impregnated or asphalt-impregnated fabric that are topped with mineral granules. It is one of the cheapest types of roofing, but doesn’t have much aesthetic appeal.
Metal is another highly durable roofing material that comes in a variety of finishes. Galvanized steel is the most popular, but copper and zinc are also used. Some homeowners prefer the appearance of a metal roof, while others are concerned about it being noisy.
Insulation is an important component of any roof, and it can help your house stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. A professional roofing contractor can help you select the right insulation for your climate and home. They can also help you choose eco-friendly additions to your roof that will improve its energy efficiency.
Installation
The roof installation process is a meticulous process that requires attention to detail and expertise. Whether you do the work yourself or hire a professional, there are several steps to ensure that your roofing will protect your home for years to come.
A roofing professional will start by installing an underlayment of felt paper or another material. The underlayment provides a layer of protection between the wood sheathing and the shingles. It also creates a watertight seal and helps defend your roof against ice dams, wind-driven rain and other elements that can drive moisture up between the shingles. Some underlayments, like ArmourGard by IKO, are self-adhering and close around nails, further defending the roof against water penetration.
A roofing professional will install a row of shingles over the underlayment and secure them with a starter strip, which is an adhesive strip that lays across the entire width of the shingle. Then, the roofing professional will cover the rest of the roof, securing each shingle with a nail that is close to the edge of the shingle and spread out further towards the center.
Maintenance
Regular roof inspections should be performed on a schedule, with the results recorded in a maintenance log. This allows problem areas to be identified early, and often minor repairs can prevent large damage later on.
A thorough examination should be done of the shingles, looking for excessive wear and tear and checking for gaps or missing pieces. Also check the underlying felt, or underlayment, to ensure it meets local building codes and is in good condition. Look for algae growth, as well; black streaks and blotchy blue-green spots can have a corrosive effect on the shingles, and if left unchecked, can impact the overall lifespan of the roof.
For flat roofing, examine the drains and gutters on a regular basis to remove leaves, sticks, twigs, and other debris that can block them. This is especially important during storms and heavy rainfall, as blocked drains can lead to ponding water that may cause premature damage.
The flashing around chimneys and vent pipes should be inspected on a regular basis to ensure the caulking is intact, with no cracks or openings. The caulking can shrink and crack as it ages, leaving the area vulnerable to leaks from rain or melting snow. Also check the metal flashing around these penetrations to be sure it is properly secured.
Finally, any skylights or vent outlets should be inspected regularly to make sure the seals are intact and there is no evidence of water damage. Inspecting these items is an inexpensive way to prevent the escalation of small problems into costly roof repair bills. It is particularly important to inspect the roof after severe weather events, such as storms and hurricanes.