A home’s roof is assaulted by wind, rain, hail, bitter cold, intense sunlight, and more. That’s why a well-built, attractive roof is an important investment in your home.
Roofs come in a wide array of materials. Choosing the best one depends on your needs and preferences. The six main roofing components include roof deck protection, underlayment, shingles, flashing, and ventilation. Contact Lancaster Roofing now!
Shingles are the roofing material of choice for most homes. They provide a decorative, sturdy covering that protects the building materials underneath, such as plywood or a vapor barrier. They are designed to shed water and withstand wind-driven rain and snow. Because they are small and layered, they can be shaped to conform to any roof, covering peaks, valleys, changes in pitch, and even the corners of dormers and other roof projections.
Historically, shingles were made of wood or slate and have been a long-time favorite for home builders because they are relatively inexpensive. Today, a wide variety of shingle products are available, including asphalt, fiberglass, and composite. Some are designed to look like natural materials such as clay or wood, while others are engineered to increase the durability and strength of a traditional roofing material.
Some shingles are treated with weatherproofing stains or paint to help them resist the elements and retain their color. They may also be covered with a granule or other coating to make them fire-resistant. Depending on the shingle type and manufacturer’s instructions, they can be installed in several ways. For example, some shingles require specific amounts of exposure or offset (the lateral distance between the joints in successive courses, sometimes called stagger or edge-to-edge spacing). Proper nail placement is important as well.
Another important consideration when installing shingles is the presence of gutters and downspouts to divert rainwater away from the house. Without this protection, rainwater can seep under shingles and cause damage. Gutters should be checked regularly to remove leaves and debris that might clog them, which can cause the roof to leak.
While shingles are generally very durable, they can be damaged by hail and fallen tree branches. If a shingle becomes cracked or worn, it should be replaced immediately to prevent leaks and moisture damage that might occur under the damaged shingle.
Metal roofing gets a bad rap for looking industrial or commercial. Still, this material is now available in styles to complement every architectural style. It’s also a popular choice for home builders because it can be built to look like shingles or tiles, depending on the design.
Most residential metal roofing is corrugated panels with hidden fasteners, but standing-seam applications offer a sleeker, contemporary appearance. These are usually painted in various colors and can have stone granules embedded for a less metallic look.
The two most common metal roofs are galvanized steel and a zinc/aluminum alloy called galvalume. The latter offers longer service and is recommended for coastal areas with high exposure to salt spray. Both are durable, low-maintenance options that can reduce energy costs by reflecting the sun’s rays and providing insulation.
When choosing a metal roof, be sure to ask for the right gauge of steel. Lower-gauge metal rusts easily, and trim made of hard, brittle steel can dent. It’s best to opt for galvanized steel with an AZ-50 or AZ-55 designation, or for a standing seam panel system, go with weathering steel, which contains nickel and copper and undergoes a special treatment process to resist corrosion.
Another factor to consider is how a roof will fare in hail storms. While a well-designed metal roof can withstand pea-sized hail, larger shards can damage or ruin asphalt shingle roofs. A steel roof may be more appropriate for your home if you live in an area with frequent large hail.
If you choose a galvanized or galvalume roof, it’s important to understand how these materials interact with other building products, such as wood, treated lumber, copper, and iron. Using these materials in the same structure as metal roofing can lead to galvanic corrosion and early degradation of the roofing system.
The most traditional roof material, tile, can add beauty and value to a home. It is also durable and long-lasting, with some temples in Japan boasting tiles that are more than 1000 years old. Tile is a heavy material that provides excellent insulation and can reduce energy costs. The gaps between tiles allow air to flow naturally, which keeps your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
The type of tile you choose will depend on your budget, the style of your home, and its location. Clay or concrete tiles are a good choice for many environments because they are strong and can withstand high winds. They are also fire-resistant. Clay tile can be painted in a wide range of colors. It can even be made to resemble wood or shingles.
Other common roofing materials include terra cotta and slate. These are less expensive than clay tiles and are available in various styles, with some designed to match historic European architecture. These are good choices for Craftsman and rustic homes, and they look just as at home on contemporary abodes.
Cedar shakes are another option for homeowners interested in a natural look. These are made from cedar and have a rustic appeal that can enhance many architectural styles, including Craftsman and log homes. The natural oils in cedar are resistant to mold and moss, and they also offer some protection against insects and other pests. However, they do need regular maintenance to keep them in good condition.
Another option is a clay or concrete tile known as a barrel roof. These are similar to Spanish tiles in that they have a one-piece design. These are perfect for curving roofs and can be used in various climates. Clay tiles can be very thick, which gives them a lot of insulation and can help lower your energy bills. They are also fire-resistant and can withstand high winds. They also reflect sunlight, which can further lower your energy bill. Working with a professional roofer when installing a tile roof is best. It takes skill to accurately measure the roof, fix it in a specific pattern, and double-check for moisture and other issues.
Flat roofs are usually found on commercial buildings but can also be seen on residential structures like carports, garages, sheds, patios, and RVs. They are commonly used in climates that experience little rainfall or snowfall and require less maintenance than sloped roofs. While many people think that flat roofs are boring and plain, there are a variety of colors, textures, and materials to choose from.
The most common types of flat roofing are EPDM synthetic rubber, PVC, and thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). Unlike traditional shingle roofing, these roofs use a single large factory-made sheet instead of multiple pieces that must be glued together. This type of roofing is easy to install and offers long-term durability and reliability.
While flat roofs do not have the same “curb appeal” as a sloped roof, they are an attractive option for those who want to add solar panels or passive lighting solutions to their property. In addition, they are great for creating outdoor living spaces, gardening, or greenhouses.
Another benefit of a flat roof is that it can accommodate air conditioning components and other utilities more easily than a sloping roof. This type of roof is also easier to access for repairs and maintenance, allowing professionals to get to the hardest-to-reach spots more quickly.
Because water doesn’t flow off a flat roof as easily as it does from a sloped one, there is a higher risk that standing water may accumulate on the surface. This can place extra stress on the roofing material and lead to leaks. Flat roofs must be inspected regularly to ensure that drains are unblocked and are functioning properly.
Some modern flat roofs are constructed with insulation and a protective coating on the roof membrane. This helps reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the roof and can lower energy costs for the home or business. Other flat roofs include tar, gravel, built-up roofing (BUR), PVC, and tin.