Roofing Materials
Asphalt Shingles are the most common type of roof coverings in North America. Asphalt shingles are easy to install, affordable, and come in various styles and colors. They offer a good lifespan, typically ranging from 20 to 30 years.
Metal roofing is durable, longevity, and energy efficient. This type of roofing can last 50 years or longer and often requires less maintenance than other roofing materials. Options include steel, aluminum, and copper.
Slate tiles are a high-end roofing option renowned for their beauty and long lifespan, sometimes lasting over 100 years. They have considerable weight and necessitate a strong roof framework for adequate support.
Clay and Concrete Tiles are aesthetically pleasing and offer a long life expectancy, often up to 50 years. They are fire-resistant and provide good insulation. They are heavy and can be more expensive to install.
Wood shingles are machine-cut for a more uniform look, while shakes are hand-split for a rustic appearance. They offer good insulation but require regular maintenance to prevent issues like rot and insect infestation.
Structural Components
Rafters are the sloped wooden beams that support your roof. Rafters are necessary elements of the roof’s structure, transferring the roof load to the walls of the house.
Trusses are pre-engineered structures that provide support to the roof. They consist of triangular units constructed with straight beams and are often used in modern homes instead of rafters due to their strength and ease of installation.
Decking/Sheathing is the base layer of the roof, installed over the rafters or trusses. Decking is made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). It provides a solid surface for roofing materials to be attached.
Underlayment is a protective layer installed over the decking but under the roofing material. Options include felt, synthetic, and rubberized asphalt. It provides extra protection against moisture and extends the life of the roofing material.
Roofing Layers
Drip Edge is a metal strip installed along the edges of the roof to guide water away from the fascia and into the gutters. Drip edges prevent water damage and prolong the lifespan of the roof’s edge.
A self-adhering waterproof membrane, the ice and water shield is used in vulnerable areas of the roof, such as valleys and edges, to prevent water seepage from ice dams or heavy rain.
Flashing is a thin material installed at joints and edges to prevent water penetration. Common areas for flashing include around chimneys, skylights, and valleys.
Ridge caps are special shingles or tiles used to cover the ridge of a roof. The ridge cap is important for keeping water out of the seams where two roof planes meet.
Ventilation Systems
A ridge vent runs along the peak of the roof and allows warm, humid air to escape from the attic. Proper attic ventilation helps regulate your home’s temperature and prevents issues like mold and ice dams.
Soffit vents are installed under the eaves of the roof, allowing fresh air to enter the attic. Combined with ridge vents, they ensure effective air circulation throughout the attic space.
Located on the gable end walls, these vents allow hot air to escape from the attic. Gable vents work well in conjunction with other ventilation systems for efficient temperature regulation.
An attic fan is an electrically powered fan installed in the attic to push out hot air, keeping the attic space cooler. An attic fan can be beneficial in extremely hot climates.
Roofing Techniques and Terms
Tear off refers to the process of removing the existing roofing material down to the decking before installing new roofing. This is necessary for a comprehensive roof replacement.
Overlay, or reroofing, involves installing new shingles over the existing ones. While cheaper than a full tear-off, it is not always recommended, as it can add weight to the roof structure and may not address underlying issues.
Asquare is a unit of measurement representing 100 square feet. Contractors often use this term when providing quotes. A roof measuring 2,500 square feet would be considered 25 squares.
The pitch of a roof is its slope or steepness, often expressed as a ratio. A 4:12 pitch means the roof rises 4 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance. Understanding pitch is necessary for selecting appropriate roofing materials and for drainage considerations.
A valley is where two roof planes meet, creating a V-shaped trough. Valleys are prone to water accumulation, making proper installation and flashing important to prevent leaks.
The eave is the edge of the roof that overhangs the walls of the house. Eaves help direct water away from the house’s foundation and prevent damage to the siding and walls.
Fascia is the horizontal board running along the edge of the roof, to which the gutters are attached. It serves aesthetic and functional purposes, protecting the ends of the rafters from the elements.
A gable is the triangular part of a house’s exterior wall that extends up to the ridge of the roof. Gable roofs are common in residential architecture and offer good drainage.
A dormer is a windowed structure that projects outward from the roof, providing natural light and ventilation to the attic or upper rooms. Dormers require careful flashing to prevent leaks.
Inspection and Maintenance
A thorough roof inspection involves checking all the roofing components, including shingles, flashing, gutters, and the attic. Regular inspections can identify issues before they become major problems.
Leak detection involves locating the source of roof leaks, which can often be tricky. It requires examining both the roof surface and the interior of the house for signs of water damage.
Cleaning your roof involves removing debris like leaves, moss, and algae. Keeping the roof clean can extend its lifespan and improve its appearance. However, it’s important to do this carefully to avoid damaging the roofing material.
Roof repair addresses specific issues like leaks, broken shingles, or damaged flashing. Prompt repairs can avert larger issues and extend your roof’s lifespan.