The roof is undoubtedly one of the most important parts of any home as it offers protection from various weather conditions. The correct selection of roofing materials, knowledge regarding how they are put onto a structure, and proper care must be considered to give the roof a long life and function to the best of its capability.
Types Of Roofing Materials
Selecting a roofing material is important in terms of the appeal of a house as well as its performance. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular options:
Asphalt Shingles:
The most prevalent type of roofing material, asphalt shingles are extremely long-lasting and surprisingly inexpensive, available in a variety of colors and textures. It is very easy to put up and requires minimal frequent checking and repair thus preferred by majority of homeowners.
Metal Roofing:
Metal roofing also has become hundredfold popular in the recent years probable due to its effectiveness and strength. Some of the common types of metal roof designs include the standing seam and corrugated types and there is also a variety of metals for making the roofs including steel, aluminum, and copper.
Tile Roofing:
The possibility of using tile roofing has always been effective, ranging from its durability, cost, and appearance. The most frequently used outdoor roof coverings are clay and concrete tiles; such a roof cover can effortlessly endure several decades, and it effectively withstands fire, insects, and rats.
Slate Roofing:
In the current population, slate roofing is regarded as the finest roofing material since it looks natural and is very hard-wearing. The long tradition of using it and demonstrated many times that there is nothing better than stone proved, that this is expensive and heavy but lasts more than one and a half centuries if properly taken care of.
Wood Shingles And Shakes:
Wooden roofing is eco-friendly, provides an ideal warm climate and has a natural finish. But they need more OFHC than other materials because it is sensitive to pests, fire, and wears off easily.
Things To Consider When Selecting Roofing Materials
When selecting a roofing material, there are several factors to consider:
Climate:
Various kinds of roof have durability differences and some of them perform poorly in extreme weather conditions. For example, metal roofing is perfect for places with stormy climate whereas tile or slate roof suits a warm climate.
Budget:
Available roofing materials also have varied prices and this forms a good basis for choosing once you’ve realized the amount of money you are willing to spend on the roof. Be sure that when choosing a design a person looks at the costs which are connected with it, as well as at the costs of its further maintenance and energy consumption.
Aesthetics:
Every roof style that you choose should be appropriate to your house’s architectural style or design that you prefer. In choosing the roofing material for your own home, you must look into the color, the roughness of the texture, and the profile.
Energy Efficiency:
There is some variation between many of the roofing materials when it comes to insulation and energy features. Slate, metal, and tile roofs for instance can contribute to a reduction in energy bills by preventing heat conduction between your house indoors and outdoors.
Maintenance:
Roofing materials are varied and vary with the amount of maintenance they call for. Another factor that can greatly influence your decision of which material to use on your roof is the amount of time and energy that you will be willing to devote in the maintenance of your roof.
Signs You Need A New Roof
Roofs should be checked frequently for signs of damage, so it’s advantageous to know how to spot them. Here are some common indicators that your roof may need replacement:
Age:
Having a product with a life span of 20-50 years, most roofing materials are dependent upon the class and hierarchy of the product. You should consider a roof replacement if the roof is worn out, or is close to reaching or has already reached the average life expectancy.
Missing Or Damaged Shingles:
If some of the shingles are missing, damaged, or not properly installed, your roof becomes prone to leaking and other problems.
Granule Loss:
The excessive granule loss on asphalt shingles is one common sign that tell you it is time to replace the roof.
Leaks:
Any discoloration seen on your ceiling or your wall may be as a result of a leaking roof that needs attention.
Sagging Roof Deck:
An improper slope of the roof deck may be caused by damage within the structure and require roof replacement.
Moss Or Algae Growth:
The formation of moss and algae on your roofing also causes water to be retained and leads to a lot of damage, which warrants a replacement.
Increased Energy Bills:
When you find your electricity bills are on much higher level than before, this may be the effect of poor insulation resulting from the deterioration of a roof.
Selecting The Right Roofing Contractor
A professional roofing contractor will guarantee that your roof installation is done well and that he is willing to back it up. Here are some tips for finding a reputable roofing contractor:
Get Recommendations:
People who have recently hired roofing contractors should be approached and asked for referrals.
Check Online Reviews:
You can find the kind of work done by the contractors when deciding whether to hire them by checking online reviews and ratings.
Verify Licensing And Insurance:
Check the legal requirements for the specific type of construction you are planning and make sure the contractor you hire has met all of these requirements to avoid being sued.
Get Multiple Quotes:
Ask for quotations from several contractors for costs, materials, and services to be offered before arriving at a decision.
Ask About Warranties:
Find out what the contractor and/or roof manufacturer guarantees, and get the duration of warranty promised on the materials used on your roof.
Communicate Clearly:
It is crucial that you convey your expectations and demands to the contractor so you can work and reach an agreement on what will be accomplished without conflicts.
Trust Your Gut:
But when it comes to the selection of roofing contractors, you should trust your own intuition. If there is something wrong, or it is somehow displeasing to you and you feel unsafe or uncomfortable they are probably not the best to go to.
The Roof Installation Process
Knowing the fundamental activities carried out in roof installation are useful in preparing for the task or for dealing with your contractor.
Inspection And Preparation:
It all begins with an evaluation of the current roof and, where necessary, some repairs to the substrate or roofing deck.
Material Delivery:
After this inspection, substances will be taken to the work site, and arrangements made for putting in place.
Tear-Off (If Necessary):
The old roofing material will in most cases have to be stripped off before putting on the new one. This process may also take time and also may require a lot of efforts but it is needed for a proper installments.
Deck Inspection And Repair:
The contractor shall check for defects on the roof deck, and where rotting or water congregation occurs, the contractor will correct this before installing a new roof.
Underlayment Installation:
An underlayment is provided on the roof deck to prevent any water penetration from obtaining deeper access.
Flashing Installation:
The flashing is used on areas like chimneys or vents where it is formally implored to prevent water penetration on these structures.
Shingle Installation:
The choice of roofing material may be shingles, metal, tile, or slate with each material laid following the manufacturers’ standards and the contractors’ procedure.
Ridge And Hip Cap Installation:
More of the roofing material is also placed at the ridge and hip locations to improve the aesthetic look, as well as the structural integrity.
Cleanup:
After the job is done, the contractor must take responsibility of cleaning up the area, the debris and making sure the place is safe for everyone.
Final Inspection:
The last assessment is made to ensure that all newly installed roofs comply with the local building codes and the manufacturers’ standards.
Conclusion
There is nothing as vital as selecting the right roofing type and the right contractor for your home’s roofing job. It is also important to hire a professional contractor who installs the roof the right way and offers warranty guarantees. Your new roof should give your house its well-needed protection and esthetic appeal so it is crucial to ensure that it gets the care and attention it requires.
Daniel is a Cinnamon Hollow author passionate about house and home, renovations, homesteading and DIY.
