Roofing is an essential part of any home. It protects the interior of the building from harsh weather and keeps people comfortable in their homes. There are 64 practical types of roofs, but shingles are the most common.

Roofing starts with a frame, either rafters or prefabricated trusses. Then, sheathing, which may be plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), is added. The sheathing underlayment follows this. Contact Erie Roofing Company now!

History

Roofing is one of the most important parts of any home or business. It provides protection against the elements and helps to keep heat inside during the winter and out of the summer. It also adds to the overall aesthetic of a building.

Historically, roofs have been made out of whatever materials were available. The earliest examples of a roof were reeds or animal skins, and they served a simple purpose: to protect people from the weather. These primitive structures were often found in caves where the early hunter-gatherers sought shelter from harsh environments. As civilizations developed and new building materials became available, roof designs started to evolve.

For example, in tropical areas, palm fronds were commonly used to cover thatched roofs. This material was practical and lightweight, but it was still flammable and not as durable as a solid timber roof. However, as people settled down and agriculture took hold, wood was a popular roofing choice because it was strong and would not decay easily. Eventually, thatched roofs were replaced with solid timber roofs because they provided more insulation and were less prone to fire.

Then, around 10,000 BC, the ancient Greeks and Romans developed a roofing system that was similar to today’s clay tile roofs. These tiles were fired in kilns and could be interlocked to provide more stability. These tiles grew in popularity and spread throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

When people first arrived in America, their roofs reflected the natural resources and indigenous methods they knew. Thatched roofs were common in rural areas, while timber and slate were favored by more affluent residents.

In the 19th century, Americans began treating their wood shingle surfaces to make them more resistant to the sun and rain. They added pine pitch and linseed oil to the surface of the shingles, which gave them different colors for aesthetic purposes.

During this time, galvanized steel, terneplate and corrugated metal sheets were introduced to the world. These modern materials are affordable and durable, and they helped expand the options for residential re-roofing.

Materials

There are many different roofing materials available to homeowners, each with its own pros and cons. The best choice depends on the type of weather and climate where you live, your home’s design, and your budget. Many modern synthetic and composite roofing materials are designed to mimic traditional styles but with enhanced durability. These are typically lighter than natural materials, which can help reduce the need for structural support. They also come in a wide variety of colors and patterns to complement any home.

Clay tiles are a popular roofing material in hot climates, as they are extremely durable and have an appealing reddish-orange color. They are molded and fired for strength and can be left unglazed, which gives them a distinctive appearance. However, they are expensive and add significant weight to your home’s structure. Concrete tiles are another alternative, which have similar advantages to clay but are much more affordable. However, they are more susceptible to damage from hail and can be broken by falling objects.

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing materials in the US, making up more than 80% of all roofs. They are relatively inexpensive, have good fire and wind resistance, and are suitable for a range of slopes. They are a good choice for those wanting an attractive, low-maintenance roof that can last 50 years or more.

Wood shingles and shakes are an attractive option for many homes, particularly those with Cape Cod or other classic designs. They are made from natural cedar or redwood, and can be either shingle- or shake-style. Shingles are thin wedge-shaped slabs of wood formed by precise sawing, while shakes have thicker wedges and a rough texture.

The longevity of wood shingles and shakes depends on environmental conditions and maintenance, with dry conditions allowing them to last 60 years or more. However, in damp climates, these roofs can only last 20 years or so.

Flat or low-sloped roofs are typically treated with single-membrane systems like EPDM or rubber roofing, thermo-polyolefin (TPO) roofing, and PVC roofing. These are durable, economical, and resistant to UV radiation. However, they are prone to leaking and should be repaired by experienced professionals.

Installation

Roofing is a labour-intensive job. It is also fairly repetitive and physically demanding. Most of a roofer’s day is spent unfurling layers of underlayment and applying the shingles to the roof. Some shingle styles are more difficult than others to work with. Adding in flashing around dormers and down valleys can also be time consuming. Fortunately, these tasks only account for a small percentage of the total roof replacement job.

The first step is to prepare the work area. A contractor will set up tarps to protect any landscaping or shrubbery from roof debris. They may also cover any open drains to prevent a blockage caused by small pieces of shingle falling into them. Additionally, they may set up a ladder for access to the roof.

Scaffolding is required for the majority of re-roofing jobs, so check your new roof quotation to see if this is included in the cost. It is essential to have easy access to the roof in order to complete the work quickly and efficiently.

Next, the roofer will remove the existing roof covering carefully. It’s important that this is done correctly to ensure that underlying structures are not damaged. They will also check the ventilation and insulation of your property, to ensure that they are working properly.

After removing the old roof, the underlayment will be put in place. This layer is crucial to the success of your roof, as it will act as the barrier between your home and the elements. The contractor will follow a specific pattern to install the underlayment, starting with the edges and then working their way towards the middle of the roof. They will then apply a thin coat of waterproof sealant to the underlayment.

The shingles are then laid over the top of the underlayment, using the same pattern as before. They will start with the edge closest to the ridge and then work their way towards the middle of the roof. After that, they will begin to overlap the shingles, nailing them down firmly. They will continue to do this until they reach the bottom of the ridge.

Maintenance

The roof is a vital part of the structure of your home and needs to be inspected and maintained on a regular basis. This can prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your roof. Regular maintenance can also prevent leaks and related issues that can cause expensive damage to other areas of your home.

A typical roofing maintenance checklist should include:

Remove all debris from the roof surface including leaves, pine needles, twigs and other organic matter. Debris will retain moisture against the surface of the roof and promote moss and algae growth, which can lead to shingle deterioration.

Inspect flashing and caulking on a regular basis. Loose or missing flashing can result in water intrusion during high-wind storms. Check around chimneys, pipes and skylights for loose or damaged flashing and re-caulk as necessary.

Inspect the shingles for excessive wear or damage and note any shingle tabs that are missing entirely. Missing shingles can be difficult and costly to replace, so early detection of problem spots is important. Look for cracking, buckling or a general deterioration of the shingles and address any shingle repair as needed.

Examine the ventilation of your roof, checking for signs of rust or corrosion and the presence of mold or mildew. If you see any of these signs, they should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration.

Check all penetrations for tightness and sealant integrity. Cracking or openings in the penetration base flashing may allow water to enter your home through the roof, causing damage to other parts of your home. Often, these problems can be corrected with re-caulking or replacement of the flashing.

Examine the gutters and roof surfaces for any debris or broken branches that could be tripping hazards for facility staff. The facility crew should also clear drains and ensure that field and auxiliary drains are unblocked.