Imagine your roof as the sturdy umbrella shielding your home. Roofing is the invisible handcrafting and maintenance of that umbrella, encompassing everything from choosing materials to installing and maintaining them.
Whether you need a new roof or are looking to make repairs, it’s important to understand roofing. This comprehensive guide will give you all the information you need to make wise choices. Contact Roofing Columbus GA now!
A roof is the outer covering of a house or other building, designed to keep out rain and other weather elements. It is a complex structure that has many different parts, and its primary job is to repel water. But a roof also provides protection from the sun, wind, snow and other elements. A person who specializes in roof construction is called a roofer.
The base of a roof is the frame or shell, which is formed by a number of beams called rafters and trusses that provide structural support for the next layer of a roof, which is often sheathing. The sheathing is made from plywood, wood planks, wafer board or other sheet materials that cover and protect the underlying framing. It may be insulated, providing additional weather protection. It may also have a drip edge to control the flow of water from the edge of the roof.
Gutters attached to the eaves collect and carry away water from the roof. The gutters carry the water to downspouts or drains at ground level. Downspouts are commonly made from galvanized steel, although they can also be metal or plastic.
Other roofing material includes shingles, which are typically asphalt- or fiberglass-based, as well as wood shakes and shingle strips. Clay tile is also used for roofs, as are cut turf roofs (modern ones are called green roofs and traditional ones are known as sod roofs), which allow the soil and vegetation to serve as a natural insulation, reducing energy costs.
A valley is a channel or trough that forms where two or more roof slopes meet. A roof with closed valleys features a channel that is covered by a flashing, while one with open valleys has an exposed area where the roof meets the wall.
Types of roofs
There are many different roof types, each one having a unique look that can add character to your home. Choosing the right roof type is important because it determines how well your house will protect from rain and snow and how long it will last.
Flat roofs are characterized by their completely flat surface with a very slight incline to allow water runoff and drainage. These roofs can be covered with many types of roofing materials, including EPDM rubber roofs, PVC roofing membranes, tar and gravel, shingle roofing, or even metal sheets.
Gable roofs have slopes on two or three sides that meet at a central point to form a ridge, like an upside-down triangle. These roofs are very common and can be found on houses of all styles and sizes. Gable roofs are also easy to build and can be topped with a wide variety of different types of roofing.
Hip roofs are composed of slopes on four sides that come together to make a ridge at the top. These roofs are very popular and can be topped with asphalt shingles, slate, clay or concrete tiles, wood shingles, or metal roofing. This type of roof is particularly ideal for places that receive a lot of snow, as the slopes help to easily remove precipitation.
Gambrel roofs (also known as barn roofs) are characterized by their steep lower slope and gentler upper slope. These roofs are very common on barns, farmhouses, and log cabins, and they can also be found on some Georgian and Dutch Colonial style homes.
Half-hipped, jerkinhead, or saltbox roofs are a type of gable roof that has a hipped section on top and a gable section lower down. This is a variation on the standard gable roof that can be very attractive and offers additional storage space.
Materials
There are many different roofing materials available on the market today. Choosing the right one for your home depends on cost, style, longevity, and climate. It is important to work with a knowledgeable roofing contractor who can help you understand your options and choose the best roof for your home.
Concrete roofs are heavy, requiring a strong foundation for support. They also absorb water and require periodic resealing. However, they last longer than other roofing materials and can be a good option in areas with extreme weather.
Metal roofs are generally made of corrugated galvanized steel or zinc-coated galvanized iron, and are durable and affordable. They are available in a variety of colors and are fire resistant. They are durable in most climates and can withstand hail damage.
Until recently, the most common type of residential flat roof was built-up roof (BUR), which consists of ply sheets reinforced with either organic felts or coated fiberglass felts. Bitumen is placed in between the ply sheets and spread with hot asphalt, coal tar, or cold-applied adhesive. This is usually covered with mineral granules or a reflective coating to protect the roof from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.
Asphalt shingles are available in several styles, including 3-tab shingles, which are traditional and complement most home styles, and dimensional and premium shingles. They can also mimic the look of other roofing materials, such as slate and cedar shakes. For example, IKO’s Armourshake(tm) shingles are precision cut to resemble the authentic texture of cedar shakes and come in both young red cedar and the mature gray color that natural cedar shakes eventually develop. These shingles are also fire resistant. Other types of roofing include tile, which is an expensive option but has long life expectancy, and rubber shingles, which are lightweight and energy efficient.
Installation
Before starting the actual roofing, a contractor will cover your property with tarps and other protective measures. This prevents small bits of debris from falling off the roof and damaging your garden, flowers or other plants. It also helps protect your attic and any open drains from being blocked by roofing materials.
Then the underlayment is installed, usually either felt or a synthetic material. It’s then covered by a layer of shingles and nailed down firmly.
Flashing is then added around the chimney, wood stove pipes, vents and in certain other leak-prone areas. Depending on your climate, you may need to add insulation too.
The shingle layers are then laid, in the direction of your eaves. They’re nailed down firmly in a pattern that overlaps the previous row, with nails close to the edge and then spreading out further away from it. This is to prevent moisture from getting under the shingles. Once the shingles are in place, they’re sealed with roofing cement. The area around any vents and stack flashing should also be sealed with a good quality sealant like Lexel.
Maintenance
Roofing maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your roof. It helps nip problems in the bud before they grow into major issues that require costly repair or replacement.
Debris like leaves, twigs, and moss should be removed regularly to reduce water retention. These can damage or clog drains and gutters, promote growth of algae and mold, and lead to leaks. It is also important to clean field drains and auxiliary drains.
Trimming tree branches and keeping them away from the roof is another way to protect your home. Heavy storms can cause overhanging limbs to break, and debris from falling limbs or plant growth can scratch or puncture flat roofs. Also, removing moss and other vegetation will help maintain the integrity of your roof. Regular roof inspections can spot small problems that become more urgent as they are left unattended. These problems can include leaking areas, loose shingles, and cracks in the flashing.