Roofing is the covering that protects a building from weather. It can be designed in a variety of shapes and forms.
A gable roof has two sloped sides that meet at a ridge. It is a common form of house roof in cold or temperate climates.
Roofs may be made from sheathing materials, wood shingles, metal, thatch, tile, or other materials. A good roof design sheds water and provides ventilation to the attic.
Materials
Regarding roofing, many options can protect your home and complement its design. These include different types of materials, colors, and features. Whether you are building a new house or replacing an old roof, choosing the right material is important to ensure the longevity of your investment. Moreover, a new roof can help synchronize disjointed architectural elements of the house and bring a cohesive look to it.
One of the most common roofing materials today is asphalt shingles, which are available in a wide variety of styles and colors. They are inexpensive, easy to install, and have a lifespan of 15-30 years. However, they do not offer much insulation and can be damaged by hail or high winds.
Another popular option is cedar shake shingles, which are made from natural wood materials. They can be either hand-split or sawed to a tapered thickness, offering a rustic and rugged appearance. Shake shingles are more expensive than shingle but have superior durability.
Clay and concrete tiles are beautiful roofing options that can match the aesthetics of certain houses, especially those with Spanish-style architecture. They are usually fire resistant, and some can withstand up to 100 years. However, they are heavy and can put a lot of stress on the structure of the house.
Membrane roof membranes are a synthetic rubber, often ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), that is durable and can resist high temperatures. They are often seen on flat or low-slope roof areas and can work well in warmer climates.
Modern roofing materials can also incorporate solar panels and other eco-friendly additions to boost energy efficiency. For example, reflective shingles can reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, which can significantly reduce cooling costs.
Lastly, living roofs are an alternative that can be planted with grass, flowers, and vegetables, providing a natural habitat for wildlife while helping to reduce the urban heat island effect by absorbing carbon dioxide. These types of roofs are becoming increasingly popular as people seek ways to increase the sustainability of their homes.
Installation
Roof installation is a meticulous process that requires knowledge of roofing materials, attention to detail, and specialized equipment. It is a hazardous job that can involve working at heights, and it is important to follow occupational safety guidelines and practices. These include multi-layered approaches to prevent falls, the hierarchy of controls, and training.[23] Additional resources include a ladder safety mobile application, a fall prevention toolkit,[24] a construction fatality database,[25] roofing safety infographics and tip sheets,[26] and toolbox talks and videos.
During the installation process, contractors must remove any existing roof covering, cover landscaping and shrubs with tarps, and cover drains to keep them clear of debris. The underlayment is then laid down, and the first row of shingles is nailed to it with a pattern that overlaps and offsets adjacent rows by six inches. The shingle tabs should never line up. Nail patterns are then repeated until the roof’s ridge is reached. Then, the valleys must be waterproofed. A special type of felt paper and underlayment are used for this purpose. A caulk gun and roofing caulk are also used to seal all raw edges.
Maintenance
Roofing is subject to the elements, and it requires routine inspection and maintenance to keep it in good condition. Regular inspections help to identify problems, repairs and other issues that may affect the integrity of the roof system, and a procedure should be in place for noting all these items on a checklist.
These procedures should be tailored to each building, and the frequency of inspections can vary depending on environmental conditions. For example, a roof in a mild climate might require surface-level maintenance only every 18 months. However, a building in a hot and humid climate or that is located under large trees might need maintenance on a more frequent basis.
Common maintenance tasks include cleaning the fibreglass surface to remove algae, moss and organic growth; clearing debris from drains and gutters; and repairing any cracks in the roof surface. Repairing de-lamination (when the layers of fibreglass separate) is a more complex task that involves re-adhering the layers with specialised materials. Inspecting and repairing flashing around roof penetrations and edges also prevents water intrusion and damage.
Other maintenance tasks may involve resealing or replacing shingles or membranes, patching leaks and repairing cracks, repairing or re-instating any damaged roof accessories such as skylights and vents, ensuring that rooftop equipment supports are secure and properly sealed, and applying protective coatings or sealants to enhance durability, weather resistance and energy efficiency.
Repairs
Repairing the roof involves fixing specific issues such as leaks, shingles and minor structural damage. Repairs are less expensive than replacing the entire roof, making it a popular home improvement choice for those on a budget. However, it’s important to note that patchwork repairs may not fully address underlying problems, leading to additional or recurring damage in the future.
To make a repair, first locate the damaged area. Then, carefully remove the shingle overlay or roof covering to expose the flashing. Next, cut and re-bend the new flashing piece, using the existing pieces as a reference. Finally, reattach the flashing to the roof by either nailing or using roofing cement.
If you’re unsure how to complete a repair, consider hiring a professional roofer. They’ll be able to provide the best solution, save you time and money, and ensure your roofing system lasts longer. For larger projects like re-roofing, it’s best to hire a licensed contractor who can handle the necessary paperwork and permits for your building. This is especially important for buildings in Landmark districts or historic areas.