If you are planning to install a new roof on your house, there are a few things that you need to know first. First, you must choose a suitable material for your roof. Luckily, many different Roofers materials are available for homeowners to choose from. You can also choose a material depending on the color of your house, as long as it matches its exterior. This article will give you a few tips that you can apply to your roofing project.
Flat roofs need big sheets of roofing material or clothes impregnated with asphalt. Since there are fewer joints, the risk of leaks is smaller. Asphalt roll-roofing is a simple option that comes in three-foot wide rolls. These come with a protective granule top layer. A rubber membrane resembles a large inner tube and is held down by glue, mechanical fasteners, or rock garden ballast.
Flat roofs are another popular option for reroofing. Roofing felt is an asphalt-impregnated material that’s applied in layers. A single roll of roofing material covers approximately 100 square feet of area, and is three feet wide. It’s a convenient, cost-effective way to cover sloped roofs. When installed correctly, rolled roofing can last up to 10 years. It can be applied with either a torch-down method or using roofing nails.
The roof structure is the foundation for the roof, creating space for the attic. Typically, plywood or oriented strand board is used for this material. Sheathing is an additional layer of protection for the roof, which evenly distributes weight and strengthens the structure. Many types of sheathing are treated with weatherproofing and fire retardant. The roofing material is then covered with a waterproof and water-resistant material called an underlayment.
There are many advantages to slate roofing, including its aesthetic appeal, indestructibility, and fire-resistance. Moreover, the life expectancy of slate roofing is approximately 100 years. Slate roofing can be expensive and requires specialized installation. Furthermore, the tiles of slate are often broken, making gutter cleaning and roof maintenance more difficult. Therefore, it’s best to hire a professional to handle the installation. For this type of roofing, it is essential to choose a roofing company with experience and expertise in installing slate roofs.
Felt-paper-covered building paper was often used in the construction of roofs until a few decades ago. But nowadays, synthetic materials have largely replaced this method. Asphalt-saturated felt, also known as tar paper, consists of different blends of asphalt, polyester, and natural plant fibers. Despite its durability, asphalt-saturated felt doesn’t perform well under UV rays or heat. And, it doesn’t have as many advantages as tar paper.
The second type of roofing material is self-adhesive. It helps seal around nails driven through it and prevents water from seeping into the house. This underlayment is commonly available at home centers or roofing supply companies. In addition to the self-adhesive waterproof underlayment, homeowners can also install an ice barrier 3 to six feet up from the eave. Generally, building codes require this measure to extend at least two feet beyond the exterior wall.
Regardless of the material you choose, it’s important to know that roofing is designed to withstand a variety of conditions, including high winds. However, even the toughest roofs can be damaged during a storm. Before you make any repairs to your roof, use a pair of binoculars to look for the damage. Otherwise, you may have to wait until you notice leaks. A reliable roofing contractor can help you claim compensation for any damages.