A roof protects a building from rain, snow, sunlight, and extreme temperatures. Roofing is an exciting and challenging form of construction that requires a skilled team.
Communicating regularly with clients throughout their roofing project helps them feel informed and confident in your expertise. Whether clarifying details, communicating delays, or offering reassurance, timely communication promotes transparency and builds trust.
There are many roofing materials available to homeowners. The best choice will depend on several factors including cost, style and durability. The material should also be suited to the climate in which the roof will be installed.
Asphalt shingles are popular due to their low price and good performance in most conditions. They are the most common roofing material and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Other options include wood shingles and shakes, clay tiles, metal, solar roofing and slate.
Slate is a natural roofing material with an elegant, layered look that adds to the beauty of classic and historic homes. It is also durable, fire-resistant and highly resistant to rot and insects. It can last up to 60 years, depending on the environment. Slate is heavy and requires a special framing system. It is also expensive and a specialist must install it.
Clay tile roofing is another natural option that combines beauty and durability. It is made of molded and fired clay that can be shaped into flat or wavy shingles. This type of roofing can last up to one century and adds a beautiful aesthetic to certain home designs. It is also fire-resistant and durable against extreme weather, including high winds, salty air and hail damage.
Flat roofs are difficult to waterproof, so it is important to choose the right roofing material. Many homeowners choose a single-membrane roof treatment such as EPDM, rubber or PVC. This is a more durable roofing material that holds up against foot traffic, provides excellent UV protection and has good fire ratings. It can be a more economical choice than other types of roofing, but it may not provide as much curb appeal or enhance the resale value of a home.
For those looking for a durable, low-cost alternative to shingle roofs, metal roofing is a good option. It is available in a variety of colors and styles, including standing seam and corrugated metal. It is ideal for flat or low-slope roofs and is available in a variety of thicknesses. It is also fire-resistant and can withstand extreme weather, including high winds and freezing temperatures.
Roofing Installation
A roof is a structure that covers the top of a building and protects against rain, snow, sunlight, wind, and extreme temperatures. A roof can be constructed from a variety of materials and may have a flat or pitched surface. Some common roofing materials include asphalt shingles, metal panels, and slate tiles. The process of installing or repairing a roof includes the following steps:
Before beginning any work on your roof, the crew will set up protective measures on your property. Tarps will be placed over anything that cannot be protected, such as your deck or pool, and wooden boards will cover the ground near the house to prevent shingle debris from falling onto and damaging your landscaping. The crew will also cover your attic and move any furniture or other items out of the way.
Your roof sheathing is covered with a layer of underlayment, which acts as a waterproof barrier between the sheathing and your new roofing material. The contractor will nail the underlayment into place, with rows of overlapping material being secured in a pattern that ascends from the bottom edge of your roof to the ridge. A drip edge is then installed, which is a strip of metal that directs water away from the edges of your roof.
Depending on your roofing type, the next layer will be your chosen roofing material. The roofers will start at the eaves and work their way up, carefully laying each shingle into place. They will overlap each row by at least six inches and secure them with nails that are close together along the edge of the shingle and spread out farther apart as they move to the center. The shingle rows will be sealed with roofing caulk, and the edges of your roof will be covered with a flashing to prevent moisture from seeping into your home.
Roofing Repair
In addition to fixing leaks and repairing or replacing shingles, roofers often repair or replace flashing (metal that’s bent to fit the application) around chimneys, wood stove pipes, roof valleys, along hip roof lines, and in certain other leak-prone areas. To do so, the roofer will typically remove the old flashing and use it as a template to cut and bend a new piece of flashing to fit the damaged area. Then, they’ll either nail it in place or, if nails aren’t appropriate, use roofing cement to encase the flashing. Depending on the damage, other tools that may be used include shears for cutting shingles and a pry bar for removing or leveraging sheathing, shingle edges, and flashing.
After all repairs are made, the roofer will complete a walk-through with you to show you the results and ensure that there are no loose nails or metal pieces left behind.
Roofing Maintenance
A roof should be inspected on a regular basis to address minor problems before they become major issues. A checklist is a useful tool for roofing professionals to use during inspections and document the condition of a roof.
It’s important to inspect the flashings on a roof, as a majority of leaks originate there. Detailed inspections should be conducted at skylights, perimeters, walls, penetrations, equipment curbs, and drains.
Down spouts should be cleared of debris so that water can flow properly off the roof and away from the home. Keeping downspouts clear is essential during heavy rains to prevent leaking and flooding.
Check for accumulated dirt, leaves, and other debris that can clog drains, damage roof surfaces, and cause structural elements to deteriorate prematurely. Fallen tree limbs can also damage roof membranes and elements. It’s a good idea to have trees trimmed regularly around your home.
Ensure that all employees involved in the maintenance program are background checked. This is especially important if the building contains electrical, harmful chemicals or hot equipment that can be dangerous for personnel working on the rooftop.
Materials
Homeowners today have a wide range of roofing materials to choose from with varying lifespans and prices. Choosing a durable material that adds value to your home while ensuring longevity and weather resistance is crucial.
The most popular type of roof is the asphalt shingle, which provides an attractive appearance and a great value. It also offers good durability, able to withstand most weather conditions and elements.
Another popular choice is the tile roof, made of earthen clays molded into interlocking shapes and fired for hardness. Its durability makes it an ideal choice for hot climates and areas where salt air is prevalent, and it adds a high level of luxury to a home’s exterior.
A more expensive but extremely long-lasting option is the slate roof, which is a natural roofing material that offers a unique and elegant look to any home. Slate is available in a variety of colors and hues, and it is known for its strength and fire resistance. It is also a sound investment, as it can last for more than 100 years with the right conditions and maintenance.
Those looking for a more affordable roof should consider membranes such as Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) or Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). These membranes are flexible, making them resistant to punctures and tears. They are also easy to install and can withstand most weather types and conditions. Moreover, they are heat-resistant, which can lower your energy costs.
Rolled roofing is another option for low-slope roofs such as those on outbuildings like sheds or garages. It consists of large rolls of mineral-impregnated and asphalt-impregnated material that is topped with mineral granules. It is inexpensive and requires little maintenance, but it doesn’t offer much in the way of aesthetics.
Composite shingles are one of the newer roofing materials on the market that provide the look of traditional roofing tiles but at a more economical price point. They have the highest impact and fire ratings and can last up to 30 years. In addition, they are very easy to maintain and carry some of the best warranties in the industry.