A roof protects a house from rain, snow, sunlight and extreme temperatures. But a well-designed and maintained roof can also reduce energy costs.
A homeowner chooses roofing materials based on the local climate and style of the house. For example, a hot and dry climate requires a material that deflects heat rather than absorbing it. Contact Canton Roof Repair now!
When it comes to roof replacement and repair, the materials you choose will have a big impact on how long your new roof lasts and its overall durability. That’s why it’s important to understand what roofing materials are available and how they differ from one another.
The most popular roofing materials are shingles, clay tiles, metal and flat single-membrane systems like EPDM, TPO and PVC. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, but all will protect your home for decades to come.
Shingles are an affordable and versatile roofing material that’s easy to install. These shingles can be made from a wide variety of materials and come in many different colors and styles to suit any house. However, they don’t add as much value to your home as some other roofing materials and are prone to mildew and moss growth.
Unlike shingles, shakes are split into wedge-shaped pieces for a more natural, rugged look. These are a good choice for homeowners who want to live sustainably and don’t mind a little extra maintenance. However, shakes are not as durable as shingles and are more likely to be affected by wind-driven hail and wildfires.
A more recent innovation in the roofing industry is the thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) roof membranes. These are highly flexible and can be installed on low or flat roofs. They also offer superior resistance to chemicals, bacterial growth and UV light. However, these systems are typically best for warmer climates and are not as good for colder areas.
For homeowners who prefer a more traditional look, the high-density spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofing system is an excellent choice. This system produces a continuous insulation layer and roof surface in one, making it water-resistant and fire-resistant as well. It’s also resistant to mold and fungus and comes in a variety of colors to match your home.
Lastly, the roof sheathing, or decking, is a wood-based foundation that’s attached to the rafters and supports shingles and other types of roofing. It’s crucial to ensure the sheathing is properly installed and is in good condition.
Installation
Roofing is tough work. It requires some basic tools, but mostly a lot of ladder time. It’s important to have a strong back and to be comfortable working at heights. It’s also important to wear safety equipment–rubber-soled shoes or boots, gloves, a hard hat, and eye protection. If you’re not comfortable doing the job yourself, consider hiring a professional. If you do, check local references and ask whether the roofer is credentialed by a roofing manufacturer. The manufacturer may have a list of recommended contractors.
During installation, the contractor starts by running underlayment over the entire surface of the roof, fastening it down with nails that are close together at the edge but spread out more toward the middle. The contractor then overlaps the first row of shingles with the next by about six inches and nails it down in a similar pattern. The shingle rows are then fastened with cap nails, which are placed close to the edge but spread out more towards the center. Class “A” fire resistance indicates that the roofing is rated to withstand severe exposure to flames and ash from fires outside the building.
Maintenance
Roofing maintenance includes examining the roof to ensure it’s in good condition. This should be done on a regular basis, such as annually or biannually. Look for missing or damaged shingles and shingle seams, and make sure the caulking around chimneys, vents and skylights is in place and not cracked or leaking. Also, check the flashing (a thin material installed to direct water away from areas where the roof plane meets a vertical surface such as a chimney or dormer) and replace it as necessary.
Other maintenance tasks include trimming tree branches that hang over the roof to prevent them from breaking off in a storm, and making sure all gutters are clear and unobstructed so water can flow freely. Finally, a periodic inspection and repair of the wood sheathing and supports under the shingles is recommended.
After your facility has been inspected, and a maintenance schedule set up, each building will be assigned its own file. This will contain pictures of the roof, dimensions and applied systems as well as an hourly crew time for each maintenance visit.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials in North America. They offer a wide range of colors, and they are inexpensive to install. They are also durable and resistant to fire and water.
Shingles are constructed from a combination of organic and inorganic components. The organic component is the shingle base, and the inorganic component is the shingle’s color. The base is made of either paper, felt or a fiberglass mat. The base is coated with asphalt, which is mixed with mineral granules to add weather resistance and beauty. The granules give the shingles their color and help protect the roof from UV radiation.
Inorganic granules can be manufactured from a variety of mineral sources, including recycled rubber tires and glass. Organic granules are typically produced from the waste of oil refining or natural gas processing. The granules are bonded to the base with an asphaltic adhesive. This adhesive must be carefully applied, and the manufacturer must ensure that it is activated at the proper temperature range to bond effectively.
Depending on your area, you may need impact rated shingles to help protect against severe storms. These shingles are constructed from heavier, more resilient material than standard shingles to resist damage. In addition, a special underlayment is sometimes used to prevent leaks and provide a safe working surface for roofers.
Once considered a waste product, factory-waste roofing shingles are now often recycled into new shingle production. They are also used in asphalt road construction as an additional source of aggregate. This helps to reduce the amount of raw materials needed for road construction and improve the quality of asphalt products. Some roofing companies also utilize the material as a way to recycle their own waste, reducing landfill contributions.
Metal
Metal is a versatile roofing material that can be used in a wide variety of styles. Its durability and aesthetic make it a good option for residential roofing, especially in areas where hail and fire are common. It also reflects sunlight, which can reduce the load on a home’s air conditioning system and help reduce energy costs.
One of the most popular options for metal roofing is standing seam metal panels, which feature concealed fasteners and vertical legs with a flat area between them. These systems offer a sleek, modern appearance and can be installed on structures with multiple planes and complex designs. They’re often favored by architects for their high-quality construction and ability to meet a wide range of design requirements.
Other types of metal roofing include corrugated metal, aluminum and zinc. Zinc is one of the most environmentally friendly metals and is a popular choice for roofing because it can last up to 60 years or more. It requires little energy to produce and is highly recyclable. Aluminum is a more affordable metal option but it is prone to denting and needs to be installed with adequate space for expansion and contraction. It also needs to be painted to protect it from corrosion and isn’t as durable as steel.
Standing seam metal roofs come in a number of different profiles, including snap-lock, mechanically seamed and batten seam. Snap-lock systems connect by clipping together adjacent panels. Mechanically seamed systems are crimped together with a machine for a stronger connection. Batten seam systems hold the panels in place using vertical battens. Both systems can be finished with a variety of paint or rust-resistant coatings.