Roofing is a vast and complex form of building construction. It’s an integral part of every home, shielding against harsh weather conditions and significantly influencing its energy efficiency.
A roof’s material, shape, and maintenance all play a significant role in its function. Learn more about the basics of roofing so you can make an informed decision when choosing your next roofing system. Contact Roofing Companies Erie PA now!
Whether it’s organic wood shingles or Mediterranean-inspired clay tiles, the roofing material you choose impacts the overall appearance of your home. It also impacts the durability, cost, and environmental impact of your new roof.
The most common roofing materials are asphalt shingles, metal, and tile. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, but each affects the environment differently. Asphalt shingles are inexpensive and easy to install, but they have a short lifespan and are non-recyclable, meaning they end up in landfills. Metal roofing is more durable and has a longer lifespan than shingles, but it’s heavy and expensive to transport. Concrete tiles are more environmentally friendly than clay, but they’re more costly and can absorb moisture, which makes them brittle in cold weather.
Natural roofing materials like slate and tile have been used for centuries because of their durability and aesthetics. But these materials are expensive and require a lot of maintenance to maintain their beauty.
Rubber is an eco-friendly and affordable roofing material that lasts over 50 years. It can be made to look like other more expensive roofing materials and comes in a wide range of colors. It’s also very water resistant and has good insulation qualities. However, it does have a distinctive odor that some people don’t like.
Another great option for homeowners concerned with the environment is green roofs, which are covered in plants to reduce a building’s energy usage, cool the interior, and improve air quality. A green roof can also help reduce the urban heat island effect, prevent stormwater runoff, and provide habitat for wildlife.
Roofing Shapes & Styles
While many of us drew all roofs as simple gable shapes when we were kids, there is a wide variety of roofing styles used in both residential and commercial architecture. When architects design buildings, they take into account aesthetics, climate, space, and function to decide which roof shape is the most suitable.
Hip roofs, with their multiple slopes and valleys, are common in suburban homes; they are also popular in log cabins, farmhouses, and barn style homes. Gambrel roofs, a type of hip roof with a single plane, are often found on historic neighborhoods; they have a steep lower slope and a gentler upper slope. Saltbox roofs, asymmetrical gable roofs that have one side much longer than the other, are often found in colonial homes.
Roofing Installation
Roofing is more than the tangible outer shell that shields a home; it’s also the process of installing, maintaining and repairing that shield. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, understanding roofing requires both technical knowledge and practical experience. From the humble thatch roofs of primitive civilizations to the grand copper structures adorning European cathedrals, each type of roofing reflects human ingenuity and the unique environmental and aesthetic concerns that inform its design.
Before any new materials are installed, the roofing crew will prepare the area by removing the existing roof covering. They’ll carefully dispose of the old shingles, metal panels or other material and cover any vulnerable areas with tarps and wooden boards to protect landscaping, windows, doors and any other items on your property from roofing debris.
Once the prep work is done, it’s time to put in the new roofing! Depending on the material you’ve chosen, this may involve layering and staggering shingles or cutting and fastening metal panels to the roof deck. A top-tier roofer will ensure that the finished product looks beautiful and keeps your home protected from the elements for decades to come.
It’s also important for roofers to waterproof the valleys, which are the v-shaped areas where one side of your roof slopes down and meets another. This can be achieved with a mixture of underlayment and felt paper or, for more dramatic effect, with metal flashing. In addition, specialty material is used to protect the ridge of your roof, which can be especially vulnerable to water infiltration. In most cases, a reputable roofing contractor will include these details in their comprehensive quotes to prevent surprises down the line.
Roofing Maintenance
The roof is a critical part of any building, acting as the main barrier against the elements. However, even with the best roofing materials and installation, a building’s roof is prone to a wide range of problems over time. Regular roof maintenance can help prevent these issues and prolong the life of a roof.
BM Roofing offers routine residential roof maintenance to keep your home protected from the elements and safe from water damage. Our skilled team can perform a variety of maintenance tasks, including replacing missing or damaged shingles; addressing leaks; and tackling drainage issues that lead to ponding water or structural damage.
Regular roof maintenance can also help improve your home’s energy efficiency capability. We can install reflective roof coatings to reduce heat gain and loss, which in turn lowers your home’s utility bills. Our maintenance services can also include resealing gaps, cracks, or deterioration in the caulking around chimneys, skylights, or roof valleys.
Before hiring a roofer, verify their credentials and insurance coverage. Discuss the scope of work and get everything in writing, including price, schedule, materials to be used, and warranty details.
Prioritize repairs based on severity. Addressing minor leaks, shingle replacement, and moss growth promptly can prevent these issues from escalating into larger repairs or structural damage.
Mastering the art of roofing requires a special set of skills and knowledge. It’s like being a surgeon for your home’s protective shield. Understanding how roofing works enables us to better appreciate its importance. Whether it’s the initial installation or its ongoing maintenance and repair, roofing has been an integral part of construction for centuries. The evolution of roofing reflects humanity’s ingenuity and relentless pursuit of innovation.