Roofing is the construction and installation of a roof, which acts as an outer covering to protect buildings and structures against rain, snow, sunlight, wind and extreme temperatures. Roofs can be constructed in a variety of shapes and styles.
Flat roofs are typically covered with tar or felt, while sloped roofs may be covered with shingles or sheet metal. Rafters or pre-fabricated trusses are used to support the roof. Contact Roofing Baton Rouge for professional help.
Roofing materials are products used to cover and protect the top of a structure or building from exterior elements like rain, snow, direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Several different roofing materials exist, and the best one for any home or business depends on cost, material preference, environmental concerns, roof pitch and design considerations.
There are many roofing types, but they all have two things in common: a waterproof membrane and an insulating surface that prevents heat or cold from transmitting through the roof. Most residential roofs use asphalt shingles or a similar material, but more durable options include tile and slate. Metal roofs can also be very attractive and long-lasting.
Wood roofs are usually made of either shingles or shakes. Shingles are milled uniformly to offer a crisp, clean look, while shakes are hand split to resemble wedges. Both are crafted from natural wood, most often cedar or redwood. They are an attractive option for any home, but they require regular maintenance to keep them from drying or sustaining damage from moss and insects.
Slate and clay tiles are beautiful roofing options that are highly durable. Depending on the type, they can last for up to one hundred years and are fireproof. They also withstand high winds, temperature fluctuations and impacts from hail or small branches. These roofing materials are typically found in luxury homes and are quite expensive, but they add an appealing architectural style to any home.
Rolled roofing is the mainstay of low-slope residential roofs and outbuildings such as sheds. It consists of long rolls of mineral-impregnated and asphalt-impregnated material that are covered with mineral granules. The granules help it withstand ultraviolet radiation and resist damage from ice or chemical exposure.
Built-up roofing, or BUR, is a popular choice for flat roofs and can be made of any of the above materials. A typical system uses tar paper or another synthetic layering product that is applied in overlapping layers over a waterproof underlayment. A top layer of shingles provides the finishing touch.
Design
The roof is the topmost part of a building or structure that protects against rain, snow, sunlight, wind, and extremes of temperature. It also provides shelter and support for walls and other parts of the building below it. The design of a roof varies widely and depends on factors like cost, aesthetics, regional weather conditions, and construction materials. Some roofs are flat or nearly flat, while others are curved or domed and may be constructed from a variety of materials including wood, stone, thatch, and metals. Some are covered with plants or cut turf (modern ones known as green roofs, traditional ones called sod roofs) which provide insulation and moderate temperatures. Many have downspouts to divert rainfall and a drainage system to prevent flooding or standing water. Some have an “A” shape with steeply sloped sides that meet at the peak. These are often found in cabins and other rustic architecture.
Installation
When roofing professionals install shingles, they first cover the entire surface with underlayment. This material protects against water and other weather elements. Next, they shingle the roof. The shingles can be made of wood, slate, metal, or any other material desired for durability and appearance.
To prevent water from seeping between shingles, some roofing professionals use an ice and water protector, which is a self-adhering strip that closes around nails and creates a tight seal. Many ice and water protection strips also act as vapor retardants.
Other areas that require special attention are valleys, chimneys, and plumbing vents. The professional will use a different method to waterproof these areas. For example, the flashing around a chimney will be bent at a 90-degree angle and covered with more underlayment to ensure that no water gets into the home.
The ridge of the roof is covered with a special shingle called a ridge cap to provide a finished look and extra protection against wind uplift. Hip and ridge shingles can be made of the same material as the rest of the roof for consistency, or they can be a contrast color to highlight the ridge of the house.
Maintenance
A well-established procedure of roof inspections and maintenance is important for any roofing system. It allows early problem detection and repairs to be made before the issues escalate into more serious problems. A maintenance checklist should be tailored to the unique needs of each roof. Regular cleaning of gutters and roof drains is also recommended. This prevents debris from building up on the roof, causing ponding which can damage the roofing materials over time.
The main areas of a roof to be checked for maintenance are the shingles, flashing and vents. The shingle surface should be looked for bare spots, excessive wear and tear or missing shingles, as well as any signs of mold. The shingle edges should be examined for any cracks or splits and the caulking around chimneys, vent pipes and skylights should be checked for any leaks.
Lastly, it is important to keep the area around any roofing penetrations free of obstructions and vegetation. These can prevent proper water flow through the roof and can potentially lead to a leak in that area.
This includes trimming any trees that are growing close to the roof. During heavy storms, these branches can easily break and damage the roof. Performing these maintenance tasks will help prolong the life of your roofing. This will help avoid costly repairs and reduce the likelihood of leaks and other problems that may arise from not maintaining your roof properly.
Lester Donovan