What is a Roofing System?

A roof is a protective covering on top of a building. It protects against rain, snow, sunlight, and temperature extremes.

Your home’s roof has several layers. The first layer is the plank sheathing, which consists of elongated wooden boards, usually plywood or OSB. Contact Ellingson Roofing LLC now!

There are many different roofing materials, but the right choice will depend on cost, durability, and aesthetics. Choosing the right roofing material will help ensure your home is protected for years. Some of the most common roofing materials include shingles, clay tiles, slate tiles, and metal roofs. Slate tiles are an excellent option for homeowners seeking a durable and attractive roofing solution. They are made from natural stone and can last up to 150 years! Slate roofs are a popular choice for older buildings and can add a touch of elegance to any property.

Other types of roofing materials include rolled roofing, built-up roofs, and membrane roofing. Rolled roofing is an inexpensive and simple to install option for flat or low-pitch roofs. It is typically comprised of a layer of felts saturated with coal tar pitch or asphalt and then covered with a layer of gravel for added protection against ultraviolet degradation, temperature changes, and increased weight to resist wind blow-off. Built-up roofs are more expensive and used on flat or low-pitch roofs. They comprise multiple plies of salt-saturated organic or coated fiberglass felts that are saturated with hot asphalt and then adhered together.

The other main type of roof is a membrane roof. These are single-membrane systems that are typically installed on commercial buildings with low or flat roofs. Examples include EPDM rubber, TPO roofing, and PVC roofing. These roofs offer excellent thermal insulation and can withstand high temperatures.

Clay tiles are another popular option for roofing and have been around for 5,000 years, starting with glazed earthenware rooftops in China. They are very durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as hail and high winds. They are also very energy efficient and are available in a wide variety of colours and styles to match any home’s design. Other popular types of roof tiles include concrete or fibre cement, which are lightweight and fire-resistant. Clay tiles are more expensive than other roofing options, but can add a substantial amount of value to a home.

Installation

The roof is the structure that protects a building and its inhabitants from rain, snow, sunlight, and extremes of temperature. It is one of the most important parts of any home or commercial building, and it has been designed in a wide variety of forms, depending on technical, economic, or aesthetic considerations.

The installation process for roofing involves installing underlayment and a layer of new shingles over it. The shingles are then fastened to the underlayment with a special shingle cap, which provides a watertight seal and prevents wind uplift. The contractor will also apply a waterproofing vapor retarder to the underlayment and shingle surface to prevent moisture intrusion.

If the roof is already a built-up system, it may be necessary to remove existing shingles and replace underlayment before installing the new shingles. This step is often necessary for older homes, and it can be very time consuming.

Before hiring a roofing contractor, check their local references and ask about their certifications and licensing. Ideally, you should choose a contractor that is credentialed by the manufacturer of your roofing materials or by your homeowners insurance company. They should also have a proven track record in the community and active certificates of insurance for liability and workers’ compensation. A comprehensive final inspection should be conducted by the roofing contractor to ensure that the installation meets industry and manufacturer standards and local building codes.

Maintenance

A roof is a significant investment and requires regular inspection and maintenance to extend its life cycle and reduce its cost. Untreated deterioration will require costly repair and puts interior valuables at risk. Roofing system deterioration due to lack of maintenance will also void any warranties. In addition, the costs of unplanned repairs are normally 3 to 9 times more than planned maintenance.

Routine maintenance includes cleaning and surveying the surface area of the roof to identify conditions that could cause damage or deterioration. Generally, housekeeping surveys should be conducted on most roof areas at least monthly, with more frequent surveys required during certain weather conditions.

Debris Removal

Debris should be removed from the roof surface and especially around drains, scuppers and gutters. This prevents the accumulation of material that restricts drainage and accelerates membrane deterioration. Debris should be removed carefully to avoid puncturing the membrane.

Inspecting the Surface of the Roof

Look for shingle wear or damage, especially those resulting from solar exposure, wind or rain and the presence of organic growth such as moss. Moss retains moisture and can rapidly deteriorate the shingles.

Inspect for cracks and gaps that can allow penetration of water or other contaminants. Loose or missing sealant should be repaired immediately. Check for deterioration of the flashing at any penetrations such as skylights, vent pipes and chimneys. These should be repaired immediately to prevent leaks.

Examine the caulking around these penetrations and perimeter flashings to ensure it is still intact. Caulking should be replaced as needed to prevent water leaks and protect the integrity of the roof membrane.

Drainage Surveys

Check that all drains, scuppers and gutters are clear of obstructions and functioning properly. Ponding water is a health hazard, creates unpleasant odors and can accelerate roof membrane deterioration.

Inspect for excessive surface wear and damage, especially in those areas exposed to sun or rain or that receive heavy traffic from maintenance personnel working on the equipment on the roof. These should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent a small problem from becoming a large one.

Repairs

Most homeowners don’t look forward to a roof repair or replacement project. This is because they can be messy and expensive home improvement projects.

However, there are a few scenarios when you need to patch up or repair your roofing. If you notice missing or deteriorating shingles, it’s best to have these repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage. It is also a good idea to keep an eye out for cracks and small holes and address them quickly when they appear.

Repairing is less messy than replacing shingles and usually involves simply placing new shingle overlays or roof material on top of the old, damaged shingles. This option is the least costly and quickest way to restore the appearance of your home.

When repairing your roof’s flashing, it’s important to keep in mind that it is made of metal that has been (often) hand-bent and nailed to the roof with nails or sealant. You should always try to reattach the flashing using the same method that it was previously fixed, unless this is impossible. This will help to prevent water leaks and prolong the life of your roof.

Before starting any re-roofing or roof repair, it’s a good idea to clear out your attic and move items like ceramic landscaping features or outdoor furniture. This will help to protect these objects from falling debris or getting smashed by falling shingles during the work process. It’s also a good idea to remove wall hangings if possible, as the vibrations and impact from above during re-roofing can cause items to fall down or break.


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