A roof is the upper covering of a building, protecting the interior from rain, snow, sunlight, and extremes of temperature. It can be constructed from a wide variety of materials. A person who specializes in roof construction is called a “roofer.” Roofs can be flat or have a slight slope.

In Roofing Columbus GA industry, there is a wide range of materials that contractors can use to cover homes and buildings. Some of the most popular choices today include asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, and metal roofs. These materials come in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures that can add to the aesthetic of any building or home. Educating customers on the most common roofing materials available is one of the key elements in helping them make the best choice for their needs and wants.

Roofing material longevity is an important consideration for many homeowners. A well-maintained wood shingle or shake roof can last up to 60 years. In relatively dry climates, clay tile can be expected to last up to 75 years, and slate can last even longer. These types of roofs are expensive and require a stronger underlying structure than shingle or composite roofing.

Aluminum is a versatile metal that can be used in roofing and for other purposes such as doors, window frames, and door trim. It can withstand a variety of weather conditions, including high winds, salt air, and hail. However, because it is lightweight, it can dent more easily than other metals during and after installation. It is recommended that contractors use caution when handling and installing aluminum roofing materials and panels.

Membrane roofing systems are another popular option for commercial roofs. Single-ply membranes are categorized as either thermoset, which uses synthetic rubber polymers, or thermoplastic, which is made from plastic liquid. Both options are designed to minimize seams in large roof areas and can be adhered to nailable or nonnailable decks. These systems are also resistant to degradation from certain chemicals, ozone, and ultraviolet radiation.

For a more modern look, some contractors can install metal shingles or shakes that are made from stamped steel with a durable baked-on coating and mineral granules to simulate traditional roofing materials. These products can help reduce a homeowner’s energy bills and can often be used in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified construction projects. They are also available in a wide range of colors and can be formed to mimic traditional asphalt shingles or shakes.

Installation

A roof is a structure that covers a building, protecting it from rain, snow, sunlight, wind, and extremes of temperature. It may be flat, pitched, vaulted, or domed. The shape of the roof can be dictated by technical, economic, or aesthetic considerations. A roof can be made from a variety of materials, such as clay tiles, slate, wood shingles, galvanized metal, concrete tile, or plastic sheeting.

Roof installation is very labor-intensive and can be dangerous for non-experienced contractors. It is essential that any roofer you hire be bonded, licensed, insured, and have excellent local references. Check for manufacturer-credentialed contractors, and also ask your homeowners’ insurance company whether they have a network of approved roofing contractors.

The cost of a new roof will depend on the material chosen, the size of the house, and where you live. Other factors include the story and slope of the roof and whether you need a lot of vents or ridge caps. The roofer will install underlayment, felt paper, and shingles in layers. The valleys of the roof, where the slopes meet and form a “V” shape, are specially waterproofed with a special type of underlayment and shingle called a vapor retarder. This stops water vapor from passing through the walls and into the interior of the home, which can cause mold and mildew.

Maintenance

Roofing is not a permanent structural element and must be periodically inspected, evaluated, and repaired. The extent of maintenance required depends on the geographic location, the weather conditions that prevail in the area, and the type of roof. Depending on the degree of damage, the roof may need to be replaced entirely. Maintaining a routine procedure for inspecting and documenting the condition of the roof will help identify problems in their early stages and provide the most cost-effective solution.

During a maintenance survey, the following should be considered:

Inspect the roof field membrane for physical damage and environmental deterioration. This should include an examination for the presence of air bubbles, which are caused by compressed insulation. Such areas must be corrected immediately to prevent further membrane damage.

Examine drains, scuppers, and gutters to ensure they are free of obstructions. The accumulation of debris restricts drainage and accelerates membrane deterioration. In addition, it can cause localized ponding of water, which may lead to structural overloading and premature membrane failure. * Inspect walkway patterns to determine if they are causing damage by creating undue pressure on the surface of the roof. This can be prevented by limiting access to the roof and installing walkway pads that follow traffic patterns.

In most cases, a housekeeping survey is recommended on a monthly basis to keep drainage devices open and to identify conditions that could lead to membrane damage or structural failure. This work is normally performed by the same personnel responsible for day-to-day building preventive maintenance duties. However, specialized maintenance or repairs on roofs covered by an active warranty should be contracted to roofing professionals.

Repairs

Obviously, a major repair job requires the removal of existing shingles and their replacement with new ones. That’s something most homeowners are not going to want to tackle unless there’s an emergency, and even then, it’s time-consuming, messy, and expensive. However, surface repairs such as reshingling, slipping a strip of adhesive ice-and-water barrier (available where roofing materials are sold) under the soffit/main roof joint, and replacing metal step flashing (the thin pieces that line roof valleys and prevent leaks around chimneys, skylights, and other features) are relatively inexpensive and easy to accomplish. Tarps and a handy dumpster help with cleanup.

Before you start working, get up into the attic or crawlspace and examine your roof from the inside. Look for damp stains on the beams. If you see any, that’s a red alert, indicating a leaky roof.

Joyce Fitz

www.yaganet1.com