A roof is a critical component of a home. It protects the space inside from blazing sun, pounding rain, and gusting winds. Learn about the different varieties of roofing materials and tips for maintaining your home’s roof.
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Roofing is one of the most important parts of any building. It protects against rain, snow, sunlight and extremes of temperature. It also contributes to the overall look of a house or business and is an integral part of the architectural design. It is therefore no surprise that roofing has a long history, dating back thousands of years. Throughout this time, roofing has evolved from being simply a practical shelter against the elements to becoming a major architectural design element.
The earliest roofs were made from whatever materials were available. Early humans were limited to what was found in their natural environment and thus relied on animal skins, branches, mud and clay to protect themselves from the weather. These primitive constructions were often in the form of a thatched roof, where dried plant materials like straw, reeds and heather were woven together and covered with a layer of mud to insulate. It is believed that these structures were used as early as 40,000 years ago in Siberia and Mesopotamia.
As civilizations developed and technological advances were made, more durable and fire-resistant roofing materials became available. The ancient Greeks and Romans introduced tiles to the world of roofing, which were fired in kilns to become hard and strong. This was a huge advancement in the evolution of roofing as it allowed for more intricate designs and added protection against water leaks.
Wood shingles were also widely used as roofing material. During the 18th century, people started treating wood shingle surfaces with pine pitch and linseed oil to make them last longer and to give them color for aesthetic purposes. Gray, brown and red shingles were popular at this time.
Roofing continued to evolve in the 20th century with the invention of asphalt shingles by Henry M. Reynolds of Grand Rapids, Michigan. These were created by mixing bitumen with shards of quartz, brick, slate and other similar minerals to create an insulated, durable and fire resistant shingle that kept the cold out and the warmth in.
Materials
The roofing material used to cover a roof has an impact on how long it lasts and its cost. It is important to understand the different materials available to help homeowners select a durable and attractive option that will increase their home’s value. Some of the most popular roofing materials include asphalt shingles, wood shingle and clay tiles. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is also important to consider the building codes of a region when selecting a roofing material.
Depending on the climate, different materials are better suited for a roof than others. For example, wood and clay tile are not suitable for some regions with heavy rainfall or wildfires. In these cases, asphalt shingles or metal are good options. Asphalt shingles are inexpensive and have a good lifespan of 20 years, and they can be easily replaced if needed.
Another good choice is rubber roofing, which offers an attractive look and lasts for 50 years if properly maintained. It is made from engineered polymers and recycled plastic and rubber, which makes it a sustainable option. It is water-resistant, puncture-resistant and can withstand the elements. However, it has a distinct odor that some homeowners may not find pleasant.
Other materials to consider are wood shingles and shakes, which offer a natural and rustic appearance. They are more expensive than shingles, but they can add value to a home. Wood shingles are thin wedge-shaped slabs of wood produced by precise sawing, while shakes are thicker wedges with a rough texture.
Rolled roofing is a simple, inexpensive roofing option that is usually applied to low-sloped homes and utilitarian buildings like sheds or shops. It consists of long rolls of asphalt-impregnated felt, and it is secured to the roof with tar or hot coal ash.
For a more durable and attractive roof, clay tiles are the way to go. They are heavier than shingles, but they can last 100 or more years and are available in a variety of styles. Slate is even longer-lasting and comes in a variety of colors and textures to fit any design.
Installation
The roof is an integral part of a building, providing protection against rain, snow, sunlight, wind, and extremes of temperature. It can be constructed in a wide variety of forms, as dictated by technical, economic, or aesthetic considerations.
The first step in a new roofing project is for the roofer to inspect and determine the condition of the existing roof structure, especially the sheathing. He’ll also discuss the customer’s preferred material – whether dimensional shingles for appearance, three-tab shingles for cost savings, wood shakes for natural beauty, metal sheeting for durability, or clay tiles for maximum longevity.
Once the roof is inspected and the sheathing is determined to be sound, the underlayment is installed. This is usually a layer of felt paper that is saturated with water to provide added insulation and waterproofing. It is then nailed to the sheathing with close nails along the edges and spread out nails towards the center.
Flashing is then installed to protect the eaves and roof valleys. These are areas where the slopes meet and form a “V” shape. This prevents water from running under the shingles and into the house.
Maintenance
The roof of any residential or commercial space is vital to the structural integrity and comfort of the building. In addition to keeping the inside dry and warm, it also protects inhabitants from the elements, especially rainy weather. Regular maintenance on a roof can identify issues and repair them before they become major problems that are costly to fix. For example, a crack in flashing is easily corrected when it’s found early on, before it becomes a leak that damages insulation, roof decking and ceilings.
Maintenance includes trimming tree branches so they don’t overhang the roof, and ensuring that seals around chimneys, vent pipes, skylights and other penetrations are in good condition. These can prevent water intrusion in high winds or natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes.
A roof inspection should be performed at least twice a year, once in the summer and once in the winter. The shingles should be examined for any signs of excessive wear or damage, and areas with moss or lichen should be cleaned. Leaks may occur during any season, and a quick inspection can catch them before they cause extensive water damage. This can save thousands of dollars in repair costs. By performing this simple task, you can extend the life of your roof.
