Choosing the right roof will add protection and enhance your home’s aesthetic. A good roofing contractor will help you decide what type of roof you want, and will provide prompt and professional installation services.
Metal roofs have a natural aesthetic and can complement many different types of homes. Properly installed metal roofs with the recommended insulating materials are also energy-efficient and quieter during rainstorms. Click the Website to know more.
- Shingles
Shingles are a common roofing material that boosts a home’s curb appeal while safeguarding it from the elements. They are available in a variety of colors, designs, styles and textures to complement a home’s architectural style and climate conditions. Understanding the pros and cons of shingle types helps homeowners select the best option to elevate a roof’s aesthetic without compromising protection.
Roofing shingles are made of a base mat of organic felt or fiberglass that is covered with asphalt and mineral granules. The granules, which come in a range of colors, protect the underlying material from solar radiation and increase fire resistance. The granules also help to reduce heat transfer, adding insulation value to the shingles. The final layer is a topcoat of resin and acrylic, which helps the shingles resist sun damage and enhances their color and durability.
Prior to shingle installation, the roofing surface must be clean and free of debris. A tarp should be placed over any landscaping to prevent shingle and nail fragments from leaking onto plants or soil. Tools such as a scoop shovel or roofing shovel are essential for careful removal of existing shingles and nails. The roof must then be thoroughly cleaned with eco-safe cleaning solutions to remove algae growth and stains.
Once the underlayment and drip edge are in place, start laying shingle courses from the eave. Install starter shingles (typically upside-down shingles with tabs cut off for the first course) and IKO’s EdgeSeal or Leading Edge Plus to seal the edges of the roof and increase wind resistance.
When installing a new shingle, nail it in place using roofing nails that are compatible with the type of shingle you’re installing. Nails that are too short or driven into the roof decking can cause shingle blow-off and seal failure, so be sure to follow suggested nailing instructions for each roofing project.
- Metal
Using metal is one of the most common roofing options and there are many styles to consider. The material itself is typically galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, or tin and may be formed into either standing seam panels or snap-lock panels. There are also two types of fastening systems: exposed or concealed. A quality installation is critical since the thermal movement of a home is not kind to very thin exposed fasteners.
A traditional choice, standing seam metal roofing is characterized by interlocking panels that create a distinct appearance. It offers durability, weather-tightness and often a lower installation cost. Snap-lock panels, on the other hand, offer a more traditional look and are available in several different panel profiles. The color choices for these types of roofs are a little more limited than other roofing materials.
Because it reflects more sunlight than shingles, a metal roof can cut down on the amount of heat that leaches into or radiates out of a building. This can result in energy savings of up to 40%. However, it’s important to note that this type of roof requires adequate ventilation for proper function.
Historically, custom builders have used metal to add architectural interest to a bay window. Now, remodeling contractors are beginning to make metal a top choice for additions or reroofing projects. But it’s still a more expensive option than asphalt shingles and because of this, production builders tend to pass on installing these roofs. But Black believes that as consumers become more aware of the durability and new styles of metal, production builders will start embracing this option. This is particularly true as they become more comfortable with the idea of paying for a roof that will last 50 years or more.
- Wood
Wood is a traditional material that’s been used for building and roof covering for decades. It’s known for its strength and durability, and it’s able to withstand moisture.
However, wood needs to be treated with protective coatings and sealants to maintain its longevity. It also is prone to rot and algae, which requires regular maintenance. It’s also flammable, so it is not recommended for homes in or near wildfire-prone areas.
Using wood for your roofing exterior will give your home a more natural, rustic look. It pairs well with stone walls and features, and the dark colors of a wood roof will add to the dramatic appeal of your home.
If you want to go with a wood roof, it’s best to use structural panels such as plywood or OSB. These sheets are glued together with waterproof heat-cured adhesives to provide superior strength and stability. They transfer lateral loads to the walls of your home, preventing them from bending or sagging. Exterior plywood is available in a wide variety of grades, but we recommend CDX plywood for roofing. This product is composed of the two lowest – yet still great performing – grades of plywood, A and B.
Oriented strand board is another popular choice for sheathing roofing. This engineered wood is produced by gluing small bits of wood together and compressing them very tightly. Unlike plywood, OSB can be cut on-site, which makes it more affordable than other types of sheathing. However, OSB is more susceptible to moisture damage. It takes longer to absorb water than other sheathing materials, and the edges may swell when exposed to moisture. While manufacturers have addressed this issue by introducing a special edge sealant, it is still an important factor to consider when choosing OSB for your roofing project.
- Slate
Slate is a natural, aesthetically pleasing roofing material with exceptional resilience. It’s a long-lasting option that requires almost no maintenance, is fireproof and waterproof, and offers a high degree of thermal insulation.
Slate, a metamorphic rock, is composed of quartz, sericite and minerals from the chlorite group. It forms when sedimentary rocks are subjected to intense geological forces during mountain building, which cause them to change shape. The resulting slate is fine-grained, foliated and layered. It’s often used as a roofing surface, especially in the UK where it was first used as a roof covering around 1300 A.D. It’s also popular as flooring, billiard table tops, blackboards, tabletops and tombstones. Because of its low water absorption index, it’s resistant to frost damage and breakage.
To install a slate roof, a skilled contractor cuts the slates to length and width. They’re also cut on a bias for the valleys on the roof and to size for the side-wall transitions. Small offcuts are often used as shims to level floor joists. Skilled contractors use chalk lines to mark where the slates should overlap, which ensures rainwater can’t seep into the structure.
Slate is expensive to buy and install. It’s also a very heavy material and requires heavier than usual roof framing. For these reasons, it’s usually reserved for houses that will remain in the family or be restored to their original splendor. Modern synthetic slate substitutes are available but, as a whole, are a poor replacement for natural slate. They may cost less to purchase and install, but they have much lower longevity and do not provide the same insulating and aesthetic properties. They aren’t recommended for houses that are subject to 125 mph wind gusts.