A Guide To Roofing
What are the options?
Asphalt shingles are a very popular choice for either residential roofs or commercial roofs. With reinforcement from fiberglass , asphalt shingles dominate the market and are very durable. Asphalt shingles come in two different types fiberglass or glass fiber, and organic. Asphalt shingles that are organic are actually waste paper, and are saturated with asphalt for waterproofing. Added to the shingles is a top coating of adhesive asphalt and then embedded are ceramic granules. For shingles that are algae resistant the granules are designed to protect against algae by being treated with a copper ceramically coating. Moss growth is slowed but not stopped. Homeowners should keep their roofs clean, as moss likes to feed on algae and other debris. 40% more asphalt is used in organic shingles than fiberglass shingles. One thing homeowners should be aware of is that since organic shingles are paper based, they can be prone to fire damage. Fiberglass shingles are waterproof because of mineral fillers. They also have a base layer which contains a glass fiber reinforcing mat. Fiberglas shingles are awarded a class “A” fire rating. With the new design of fiberglass shingle, which is called architectural or laminated, two layers are bonded with asphalt sealant. Laminate shingles gived a more contoured varied look, but are more expensive and are heavier. Homeowners who live in cooler climates like to choose asphalt shingles, because they last longer. Proper attic ventilation is important, because it can extend the life of a roof. When a roof is constructed the exposed asphalt must be softened by heat and sunlight. For homeowners looking for natural choices often look for cedar and slate. These choices can look quite elegant, but the difficulty of installation is reflected in the price. Being insect resistant is one advantage, while slate is also fire resistant. Slate is a popular choice for cooler climates, as it is less likely to way from weight of heavy snow. Both choices being slate or cedar are both beautiful and durable. Many homeowners who live in Mediterranean style homes like to choose terracotta. This is the most common choice for this style of home. These types of roofs with keep a home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. There are many choices of shapes and choices to suit any architectural style.
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Fiberglass shingles have a fiberglass mat, top-and-bottom layers of asphalt and mineral granules. They are available in architectural grades and a variety of colors that offer a textured appearance.
Wood shingles and shakes are typically made from cedar, redwood, and southern pine. Shingles are machine-sawn; shakes are hand-hewn and rougher looking. Their natural look is popular but brush fire concerns limit their use.
Slate is quarried and applied mostly in the northeast and comes in different colors and grades. Considered virtually indestructible, it is, however, more expensive than other roofing materials.
Synthetic roof products simulate various types of traditional roof coverings, such as slate and wood shingles and shakes. A point to consider: Although synthetic roof products may simulate the appearance of traditional roof coverings, they do not necessarily have the same properties.
All roof systems have five basic components:
Structure: Trusses and rafters support the sheathing.
Deck/sheathing:Fastened to the roof rafters are boards or sheet material.
Underlayment:To protect a roof deck a sheet of asphalt saturated material is used as a secondary layer.
Roof covering: To protect sheathing from weather, tiles, shingles, etc.
Drainage:to provide the ability to shed water, slope, shape, layout, etc. are important features in the roof systems design.
Flashing: to prevent flashing material or sheet metal needs to be laid into the various joints of the roof.
Ventilation is Key
Moisture buildup in a attic can cause sheathing and rafters to rot. This can be caused by improper ventilation. Heat and moisture in a attic can cause a situation of sheathings and rafters to rot.
It is important never to block sources of roof ventilation, such as louvers, ridge vents, or soffit vents. Proper attic ventilation will help prevent structural damage, increase the life of the roofing material and reduce energy consumption.
In addition to the free flow of air, insulation plays a key role in proper attic ventilation. An ideal attic has:
A gap-free layer of insulation to protect again heat gain or loss.
A vapor retarder under the insulation to stop moisture from rising into the attic.
Enough vented spaces properly allow air to pass in and out freely.
A minimum of 1 inch between the insulation and roof sheathing.
Roof Enemies
Sun: Heat and ultraviolet rays cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time.
Rain: When underneath roofing, water can work its way to the deck and begin to cause rot.
Wind: High winds can lift the roof edges and force water underneath.
Condensation: The buildup of relatively warm, moisture-laden air in a poorly ventilated attic promotes decay of the wood sheathing and rafters.
Moss and algae: Moss can grow on wood shingles and shakes if they are kept moist by poor sunlight conditions or bad drainage. Once it grows, moss holds even more moisture to the roof surface, causing rot, and its roots actually work their way into the wood.
Algae also grows in damp, shaded areas on wood or asphalt shingle roof systems. Besides creating an ugly black-green stain, algae can retain moisture, causing rot and deterioration.
Trees and bushes should be trimmed away from the house to eliminate damp, shaded areas, and gutters should be kept clean to ensure good drainage. Tree branches touching the roof will scratch and gouge roofing materials as they are blown back and forth. Leaves retain moisture and cause rot.
Missing or torn shingles: No longer complete protection.
Shingle deterioration: When shingles get old and worn out, they curl, split, and lose their waterproofing effectiveness and are more easily blown off, torn, or lifted by wind gusts.
Flashing deterioration: Many apparent roof leaks really are flashing leaks around chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall/roof junctions.
How long can you expect a roof system to last?
The condition and lifespan of your roof system will depend on the type of roof system you have, the effects of the local environment. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, asphalt shingles generally last 15 to 20 years; wood shingle/shakes, 10 to 40 years; clay/concrete tiles, 20+ years; slate, 30 to 100 years; and metal roofing, 15 to 40+ years. Our top-of-the-line roofing product manufacturers offer a variety of warranties.
When selecting a new roof, cost and durability are tops, but aesthetics and architectural style are important, too. The right roof balances these four considerations.
