A roof is a protective covering over the top of a building or structure to prevent rain, snow, sunlight, and wind from damaging the interior. Roofing Wilmington DE involves the construction and installation of various types of roofs.
Choosing the best roofing material requires careful consideration of cost and appearance, as well as climate conditions and future maintenance needs. Homeowners have a wide variety of roofing options to choose from.
The roof is one of the most critical parts of a building, protecting it from weather and other environmental factors. As such, it’s important to choose the right roofing material for your home. There are many factors to consider, including cost, durability and aesthetics. Read on to learn more about the different roofing materials available and how to select the best one for your home.
The first roofing materials were uncomplicated woven lattices of sticks, straw or mud that provided simple shelter from the elements. As civilization progressed, more complex roofing materials were developed and are still in use today. These include tar, asphalt and metal.
Standard shingles are a popular roofing option because they offer affordable price points and long lifespans. However, they have the lowest impact and fire ratings of any roofing material. They also don’t provide much insulation and may require more maintenance than other roofing options.
Slate tiles are a beautiful and durable option for steep sloped roofs. They are a natural product and come in a variety of colors and sizes. However, they are expensive and can cause structural problems if they’re not properly installed.
Clay tiles are another high-end roofing material that offers a rustic look and superior longevity. They’re fire-resistant and can last up to 50 years. However, they’re incredibly heavy and require a strong support system. They’re also prone to water damage and require more frequent maintenance than other roofing options.
Rubber roofing is another durable and affordable option that provides excellent impact and fire resistance. It is also environmentally friendly, as it uses recycled materials and requires less energy to produce than other roofing materials. However, it can crack and degrade over time.
EPDM membranes are flat roof coverings that are composed of ethylene propylene diene monomer and rubber. They’re commonly used in commercial buildings because of their cost-efficiency and durability. They can be rolled out in large sheets to minimize seams and can be glued, mechanically fastened or welded. They are resistant to ultraviolet radiation and do not absorb heat, making them a great choice for hot-weather areas.
Installation
Roof installation is the process of placing a protective covering on top of a structure. It is typically done by professional roofing contractors, who have the expertise and equipment to safely perform this type of work. Before beginning the installation process, the roofing professionals will carefully inspect your current roof and make any necessary repairs. They will also take into consideration your home’s unique architecture and aesthetics, as well as any special features that need to be incorporated into the new roof.
Before any shingles are installed, the roofing crew will install underlayment. This material is very important, as it protects the roofing system from moisture and other elements. The roofing contractor will choose a material that is suitable for your climate and roofing design. For example, some underlayments are designed to repel water and others are fire-rated.
After installing the underlayment, the roofing professional will cover it with a layer of felt paper. Felt paper is another waterproof material that closes around nails, ensuring no water can penetrate between the shingles. During the installation process, the roofing contractor will also waterproof the valleys. These are the areas where two slopes of the roof meet and form a “V” shape. Often, these areas are the source of leaks. The roofing professional will use the same techniques to waterproof these areas as they did with the rest of the roof.
If your roof has any penetrations, such as chimneys or plumbing vents, the roofing professional will add flashing. This is a thin sheet of metal that covers the area where the roofing planes meet. It helps to prevent moisture from seeping into the home and will prevent ice dams from forming. Some types of flashing are made of copper, while others are galvanized steel or aluminum. Some even come with a lifetime warranty.
Maintenance
The roof is the protective covering that covers the top of a building or structure to prevent rain, snow, wind, sunlight and extremes of temperature from damaging the interior. A roof can be constructed in a variety of ways – flat, pitched, vaulted, domed, or in combinations as dictated by architectural, economic and other factors.
Roofing maintenance procedures are designed to provide ongoing protection and extend the life of the roofing system. Routine surveys of roof areas and the installation of proper corrective actions should be conducted regularly to ensure that the integrity of the roofing membrane is maintained.
Housekeeping surveys should be conducted on most roof areas monthly, although this may need to be increased for some areas during certain times of the year. These surveys are intended to keep drainage devices open and to identify conditions that could damage the roofing surface.
Check for sagging, loose or missing shingles and other materials. Look for deteriorating caulking around penetrations and perimeter flashings, as these are common causes of leaks. During the summer, watch for holes or dents in the shingles that might allow unwelcome animals to enter the home. Also, make a note of any areas of moss or lichen growth, as they are an indication that material decay is likely to occur beneath the shingles.
Inspect stairs, crossovers and platforms to make sure they are structurally sound and free of rotting or other damage. If necessary, these can be repaired to provide safe access to the roof for repairmen. Also, be sure to have legible and prominently displayed signs that indicate the presence of electrical, harmful chemicals or extremely hot equipment on the roof.
Continual traffic on the roof should be avoided, as it restricts drainage and accelerates the deterioration of the roofing membrane. If access is required, de-icing salts should be used with caution as they can damage metal drain lines and the membrane. Also, be aware that a roof covered with snow or ice can develop structural problems, such as truss and beam damage, if the weight of the snow is not removed promptly.
Repairs
Roofing repairs address specific concerns like leaks, damaged shingles, or minor structural damage without replacing the entire roof. They are often less expensive than a full replacement project and can help extend the life of the existing roof. However, patchwork repairs may not address underlying issues that could lead to recurrent problems or even a catastrophic failure.
A thorough inspection is the first step in roof repair. This should be done from inside the house as well as outside. Look up into the attic or crawlspace to check for stains, mold growth, and damp spots. Also, check the condition of the existing shingle underlay.
Surface repairs are the most common type of roofing repair. They include repairing or replacing a few missing or damaged shingles, patching cracks, or re-caulking the area around chimneys, skylights, and other features. It is also fairly easy to replace flashing, which is the thin metal pieces that line roof valleys and prevent leaks around fixtures like chimneys and skylights.
Another common roof repair is the replacement of mechanical pipe boots, or metal collars that sit on top of plumbing pipes in your attic and vent exhaust gases from appliances like water heaters, dryers, and furnaces. If they become damaged, leaking can occur through the base of the pipe boot. This is an expensive problem that can cause water and sewage to seep into the home.
In order to replace the pipe boot, the existing one must be removed. This can be a delicate process, especially if the shingles are attached to it with nails rather than being nailed into the sheathing. The old base flashing must then be re-installed, and the new shingles must be secured with an appropriate sealant.
A complete set of roof repair tools includes a pair of pry bars for removing shingles, a utility knife for cutting shingle underlayment, and shears for neatly trimming shingles. Other important tools include a ladder, a roof rake, and a tool belt. For a comprehensive list of roof repair tools, visit the Roofers’ Exchange website. If you need to purchase any of these items, make sure to choose a trusted supplier who offers the best quality materials at competitive prices.