Rolled roofing is a cost-effective and convenient option that can be quickly installed on a roof with a low incline. It is not a good choice for flat or other steep roofs and does not provide as much insulation as other options.
A home’s roof should provide it with a sturdy barrier against the elements. However, like any other part of a home, it will need to be repaired occasionally in order to stay in good condition. The most common roofing repair is a leak in the roof itself, but there are also issues with chimneys, old flashing, and other wear and tear that may need to be addressed.
Roofing Materials
In addition to looking at the condition of shingles and flashing, roofing professionals can inspect chimneys and vents for signs of damage or leakage, check that the rubber boots on roof penetrations (pipes, skylights, exhaust fans and chimneys) are intact and not cracked or leaking and ensure that all caps are in place. A roof inspection is also the perfect time to trim tree branches that hang over a roof and can be easily damaged during stormy weather, as well as to clean gutters and downspouts to prevent blockages and keep water flowing properly away from the structure.
Next, the roofer will prepare the existing roof for the new roofing system. This process may include removing old shingles, sanding and scraping the surface of the roof deck, and/or applying a layer of waterproof underlayment. The underlayment is a layer of heavy-duty felt or other protective material that prevents water and air from seeping into the house.
Materials
Roofing Maintenance
Roofing is dangerous work, so be sure to wear fall protection gear like a harness and a hard hat. Protective gloves, eye protection and a tool belt are also a must.
Understanding Roofing Materials Before Investing in a New Roof
If you’re hiring a professional to do the work, look for one with experience installing the type of roofing you want. Check to make sure they have a valid license, a clean record with the Better Business Bureau, and active insurance policies for liability and workers’ compensation.
Re-roofing involves placing a new layer of shingles over the existing ones. This home improvement project is the quickest and most economical, but it may not be as effective as replacing the entire roof. For example, re-roofing doesn’t allow the contractor to examine the condition of the roof deck and cannot prevent leaks from forming in the future. Additionally, re-roofing often voids the manufacturer’s warranty and shortens the lifespan of the new shingles.
The sheathing or decking of a roof is usually made from plywood or OSB and provides the base layer to support shingles or other roofing material. It is important to use a waterproof barrier like GAF WeatherWatch mineral-surfaced leak barriers on the underside of the sheathing in colder climates to prevent damage caused by ice dams and wind-driven rain.
Having a solid roofing maintenance plan in place is critical to the lifespan of any roof. Regular visits by professional roofing experts can catch problems that could otherwise lead to expensive re-roofing or repairs down the road.
For flat or low-sloped roofs, single-membrane systems like EPDM membrane, PVC, and TPO are popular. They are inexpensive but can be vulnerable to leaks if not properly installed.
Slate roofs are another common choice. They offer a classic, sophisticated appearance and can add considerable value to your property. They are not only durable, but also extremely fire-resistant and a good insulator. For those looking for an eco-friendly option, rubber slates are a great alternative. These are made from recycled tyres and EPDM which makes them durable and water-proof.
Leaks around pipes and vents can be easily fixed with a plumbing vent boot, which is a plastic or metal boot that slips over the pipe or vent to seal it off from the rest of the roof. It’s important to inspect these boots regularly and replace them when they show signs of wear, like rot or cracking.
Wood is another popular option, with shakes and shingles being the most common styles available. Shakes are split into wedges to create a more natural, rugged look while shingles are sawmilled to produce clean lines. Both options are affordable but can be heavy, requiring additional framing to support the structure.
The roof of a building is designed to protect against rain, snow, sunlight, extremes of temperature and wind. It is an important structural component of the building, and it can be constructed in a variety of forms, including flat, pitched, vaulted or domed. Various materials are used to roof buildings, including felts, asphalt, tar or cold-applied adhesives.
Regular maintenance can help extend the life of a roof. It can include cleaning drains, gutters and roof surfaces to remove debris and to prevent buildup. It can also include trimming trees so they don't overhang the roof and ensuring seals around chimneys, skylights, vents and other penetrations are intact to prevent leaks. Re-caulking of joints is also a common maintenance item.
A roof is a weather-proof covering that protects against rain, snow, sunlight and extremes of temperature. It also helps direct water runoff.
Another type of flat roof is built-up roofing (BUR). It is composed of layers of tar and granules embedded in an adhesive underlayment. It is a durable and economical choice but requires regular maintenance to ensure that the underlayment does not detach.
All too often, roof system problems are discovered after leaking or other serious damage occurs. Periodic (twice-a-year) inspections often can uncover cracked, warped or missing shingles; loose seams and deteriorated flashings; excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts; and other visible signs of roof system problems. Indoors, look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof areas.
You have two basic options: You can choose a complete replacement of the roof system, involving a tear-off of your existing roof system, or re-cover the existing roof system, involving only the installation of a new roof system. If you've already had one re-cover installed on your original roof system, check with a professional roofing contractor. In many instances, building code requirements allow no more than one roof system re-cover before a complete replacement is necessary.
Not necessarily. Leaks can result from flashings that have come loose or a section of the roof system being damaged. A complete roof system failure, however, generally is irreversible and a result of improper installation or choice of materials or the roof system installation is inappropriate for the home or building.
Most work should not be done yourself. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace roof systems. You can damage your roof system by using improper roofing techniques and severely injure yourself by falling off or through the roof.
Most new roof systems are designed to provide useful service for about 20 years. Some roof system types, such as slate, clay tile and certain metal (e.g., copper) systems, can last longer.
The price of a new roof system varies widely, depending on such things as the materials selected, contractor doing the work, home or building, location of the home or building, local labor rates and time of year. To get a good idea of price for your roof system, get three or four proposals from reputable contractors in your area. Keep in mind that price is only one factor, and it must be balanced with the quality of the materials and workmanship.