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Types of Roofing
Roofing is a challenging yet rewarding form of building construction. Roofers make, repair, and replace a significant variety of practical types of roofs – 64 to be exact!
Your roof is a silent guardian that safeguards your home from the elements. But like any structure, it needs care. Contact Erie Roofing now!
Ever since early humans began settling down to live in one place, they’ve shared the same basic need for shelter from the elements. While some pre-historic people retreated into caves for safety and protection, others built simple homes of branches, stones and mud to keep them from weather and animals. As the human race progressed, so too did the roof, becoming a vital part of building construction.
The first roofs were constructed from whatever materials were readily available to the builders of that time. This included things like animal skins, leaves, sticks and mud. Depending on the climate, different types of roofing materials were used. For instance, palm fronds were a popular choice in tropical areas while dried grasses and twigs were common in northern regions.
Around 735 AD, the next major leap in roofing took place when thatching was developed and implemented. The earliest thatched roofs were made from woven straw, reeds and heather which was very effective in keeping out rain and snow but could be flammable and susceptible to mold growth.
Clay tiles became very popular during the Roman era and spread throughout Europe. They were created in kilns and were quite durable, offering long-lasting protection. They were also highly decorative, allowing builders to create a number of unique designs on their structures.
In the early days of America, home builders would hand split cedar wood shingles for their roofs. The durable and attractive natural material was a favorite of European settlers across the country.
As time went on, manufacturers began to treat shingle surfaces with pine pitch and linseed oil to protect them from sun, rain and other elements that can cause premature deterioration. In the 19th century, people also started to paint their shingles for additional aesthetic appeal and as an added layer of protection from the elements.
During this period, skilled builders also specialized in residential and commercial roofing so that individual homeowners no longer had to be jacks of all trades. Today, roofing is an intricate process that includes the installation and maintenance of everything from waterproof membranes to insulators and venting systems. The modern roofing industry continues to evolve and improve, reflecting the needs of its customers.
Materials
While there are many roofing materials to choose from, the most common options for residential roofs include asphalt shingles and concrete and clay tiles. Modern roofing technology has also introduced energy-efficient and eco-friendly features such as reflective shingles and solar panels.
Asphalt shingle roofing is the standard for most homeowners and consists of thin strips of mineral-impregnated, asphalt-based material topped with colored, ceramic-based granules. It is one of the least expensive roofing options and offers decent protection from the elements. Its drawbacks include a limited life span and poor aesthetics.
Metal roofing is available in a variety of colors and styles, and stands up well to extreme weather conditions. The most popular metal roofing is galvanized steel, although aluminum-zinc alloy (Galvalume) and copper are available as well. Standing seam metal roofs are more expensive than shingle roofing but offer superior durability.
Slate roofing is another high-end option that can add an architectural flair to your home. It is usually found on older buildings and comes in a range of colors. Slate has a long lifespan and is fire-resistant. However, its weight and installation require special support.
A rubber slate is a relatively new roofing material that looks much like a traditional slate roof. It is highly durable and has a life expectancy of up to 100 years. It is installed by experienced roofing professionals and may require periodic maintenance.
Other traditional roofing materials include wood shingles (sawn from bolts of cedar) and other hardwoods, which are often used for historic restorations. The longevity of these roofs depends on the climate and condition; in dry conditions, they can last up to 60 years. In damp areas, they must be regularly maintained to avoid mold growth and insect infestations.
Another low-cost roofing material is rolled roofing, which is usually applied in large sheets and is available in either a felt or synthetic underlayment. Felt underlayment is less expensive but doesn’t provide as much protection from water and other weather conditions as synthetic underlayment. Synthetic underlayment is made from woven/spun polyethylene or polypropylene and is available in white, gray or tan.
Shapes and Styles
There are many shapes and styles of roofing, each with its own unique features. From the A-frame to the modern Skillion, each style serves a different purpose and tells a story. The roof is often a home’s most noticeable feature, and it is important to consider the shape when choosing a roofing material.
The gable roof shape is the standard triangle with shorter edges that run parallel to side walls. This is a common shape for houses and has the benefit of dual slopes that shed water well. Front gable roofs are common in colonial architecture, while side gable roofs are commonly found on Georgian or Greek Revival homes.
A mansard roof has two sloped sides that can be flat or curved. The lower slope is much steeper than the upper, and it can be punctuated with dormers for added floor space. This is a popular style for French-inspired architecture and can be found on apartments, townhouses, and commercial buildings.
A clerestory roof features a section of wall built on the ridge of a double-pitched roof, which allows for large windows and boosts natural light in a building’s interior. This type of roof is common in older buildings and is also encouraged in modern times as a way to green a building and moderate its temperature.
Installation
Your roof is an essential shield against the elements, so it’s important to install and maintain it correctly. Professional contractors are familiar with building codes and can help you choose a material that’s both safe and energy efficient. They also know all the safety protocols to follow when working on rooftops and can use specialized tools like ladders and harnesses safely.
There are many types of roofing, including shingle roofs (asphalt or wood), metal roofs, and tile roofs. Each type has its own benefits, but they all provide protection from the weather. Metal roofs, for example, can last up to 70 years and are fire-resistant, hail-resistant, and wind-resistant. They also have a reflective surface that can reduce cooling costs by reflecting sunlight. However, they have a higher initial cost than other options and require more maintenance. To ensure you’re getting the best quality roof, hire a contractor with extensive experience in your area. They should also have a residential field office that can answer questions and address concerns. They can also help you find the right product for your home and provide any installation or maintenance services you need.
When you hire professional roofing contractors, they will start the installation process by inspecting your roof and preparing it for construction. They will cover any landscaping or structures that are close to the roof with tarps, making sure they’re protected from debris. In addition, they will make sure that any existing gutters and ventilation systems are working properly before beginning work.
The next step involves removing the existing roof covering, which may include shingles, underlayment, and damaged decking. This can create a mess, but qualified roofing professionals will follow safety protocols to ensure that no one gets hurt. They will also know how to dispose of the materials correctly.
Once the roof is stripped down to the bare bones, the roofing team will install a new underlayment. This layer acts as a protective barrier against leaks and moisture. It’s particularly important for areas that are prone to water damage, such as valleys, wood stove pipes, certain vents, and along hip roofs.
Afterwards, the roofers will add a layer of shingle strips and cement them into place. Then, they will add any necessary flashing to protect the eaves from moisture and the elements. For example, they will waterproof the valleys, which are the areas where the slopes of your roof meet and form a V shape. They will use different methods for this, depending on the specific roof design and structure. They will also install ridge vents to help with attic ventilation and energy efficiency. Finally, they will clean up the work area and remove all debris, nails, and leftover materials.
Maintenance
Roofing is an essential component of any building, providing protection from the elements and helping to preserve its structural integrity. As such, it is important to maintain your roof through regular inspections, cleanings, and repairs. This will help to prevent any damage from escalating and prolong the life of your roof.
Commercial Roofing Options
Orlando Roofing Companies protect businesses and their contents from the elements. It’s one of the most important investments a business can make.
While all roofs serve the same purpose, there are many differences between residential and commercial roofing. The installation process and the materials used differ. The main difference is the slope of the roof and the material chosen.
When building owners and architects look for commercial roofing options, single-ply membranes have gained much popularity in recent years. They are ideal for flat or low-slope roofs and come in a wide range of styles, materials, and technology.
When a builder or owner opts for this type of roof, they can choose from three primary types of membranes: EPDM, PVC, and TPO. The difference between these membranes lies in their chemical composition, manufacturing process, and installation methods.
The membranes themselves can be either self-adhered or mechanically attached. Self-adhered is preferred by most installers because it enables the membrane to be installed quickly and with little mess or odor. It also offers the most durability of all installation methods because the adhesives bond securely to the surface of the roof deck. Mechanically-attached membranes, on the other hand, are fastened to the roof with lines of fasteners that are hidden within the seams where the sheets overlap. These fasteners are typically metal or plastic and are bonded to the membranes using hot air or solvents.
Regardless of the style, all single-ply membranes offer a variety of benefits that make them popular for commercial roofing projects. They are able to reflect and repel ultraviolet radiation that can otherwise damage the interior of a building, allowing you to maintain a cool roof that will save on energy costs. Single-ply membranes are also incredibly durable, standing up to even the harshest of weather conditions and environmental factors.
Another significant benefit is the ease with which they can be installed over existing roofs. Unlike built-up systems with multiple layers of bitumen and reinforcement felts, single-ply membranes can be rolled out and adhered to the existing surface, making them easy to install on a tight deadline.
In addition, many single-ply membranes can be installed over a broad spectrum of insulation materials. This is especially true for TPO and PVC, both of which can be applied over various forms of rigid or spray-applied insulation. This allows you to save on the cost of having to add a new insulation layer and also makes it easier to achieve your desired roof design, such as a green or energy-efficient roof.
All single-ply membranes, including PVC and TPO, are available in a wide variety of colors to match the aesthetic of any building. They are also lightweight, allowing them to be easily installed by professional contractors with minimal impact on the overall construction schedule.
All responsible membrane manufacturers provide installer training, ensuring that their products are installed properly and to industry standards. These companies often have field engineers who visit job sites during and after the membranes are installed to ensure that all work is done correctly. These specialists can also provide technical support for any installation issues that may arise during the project.
The two most popular single ply membranes are Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Thermoplastic Olefin Membrane (TPO). Both offer the durability, energy efficiency, and other advantages that commercial buildings need. Both can be used as part of a roof restoration system or installed as an entirely new roofing system. Both can withstand the elements, chemicals, and other potential contaminants. They also provide an easy-to-maintain surface for the long term.
PVC and TPO are similar in their composition, but they have some distinct differences that should be considered when choosing the right roofing material for your building. Both are thermoplastics, which means they soften when heated and harden when cooled. This makes the seams in the roof membranes easily welded, creating a watertight, seamless top layer.
Both PVC and TPO are highly reflective of the sun’s rays, helping to keep your building cooler and potentially reducing your energy costs for air conditioning. They also offer a high level of UV resistance and have been tested to meet the standards set by Underwriters Laboratories and Factory Mutual.
TPO is a relatively new membrane that has gained in popularity over the past decade or so, thanks to its cost-effectiveness and performance. Its use has increased rapidly, with it now accounting for 40% of all new roof installations and 30% of reroofing projects. TPO is made from a blend of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene plastics, as well as other ingredients like plasticizers, UV absorbers, color pigments, biocides, flame retardants, and more.
While TPO may be less expensive than PVC, its quality can vary significantly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some TPO membranes are susceptible to early deterioration and can experience weld problems, which can lead to premature failure. Others are prone to bubbling or rippling, and may have low breaking strength.
PVC, on the other hand, offers superior durability and longevity. Its initial cost is higher than TPO, but it has been a staple of the roofing industry for longer and has a proven track record of success. PVC is non-reactive to most chemicals and is able to withstand heat, oil, and exhaust from grease traps.
Ultimately, it is your roofing expert who can help you determine which type of single-ply membrane will best suit the needs of your commercial building. A professional will consider the building’s purpose and physical location, as well as your budget, before making a recommendation. Regardless of which material you choose, ensure your roofing contractor provides top-tier warranties to protect your investment and give you peace of mind. A qualified roofer will be backed by a reputable manufacturer and can help you understand the coverages of these warranties. This will help you avoid any issues that could arise during the course of your project. This will include both workmanship and material warranty periods.
Shingles aren’t for every commercial building, but when they are a good fit, they provide many advantages. They’re easy to install and repair, and they add a design element that makes a business more appealing. Plus, they can help dampen the noise from rain and hail. In addition, shingles are more resistant to certain elements like UV rays and fire.
The type of shingle you choose will depend on your budget and aesthetic preferences. Builder-grade asphalt shingles offer budget-friendly options starting at $3 per square foot. Higher-end architectural shingles that feature enhanced wind protection, algae resistance and a warranty may cost more, but they typically last longer.
A shingle roof needs regular maintenance and periodic inspections to ensure that all components are working as they should. However, the small shingle size means that this maintenance is more involved than with other types of roofing. The shingles must be kept free of debris and debris accumulation, such as leaves and twigs, and also checked for water leaks, damage to the underlayment, and moss growth.
The small granules that make up a shingle’s surface are also an excellent deterrent to hail, sand and other forms of debris that can cause roof damage. Additionally, a shingle’s texture helps camouflage dirt and grime, making cleaning up much easier than it is on smooth metal or membrane roofs.
In general, a shingle roof requires less maintenance than other types of commercial roofing, but it is important to make sure that it’s done by a professional. A professional will check the roof for damage, leaks, and moss and lichen buildup. The roofing expert will also make sure the proper underlayment and ice and water shield are in place.
If you’re considering a new shingle roof for your commercial property, be sure to ask about the variety of colors and textures available. You can choose from a wide range of architectural styles and even have your roof designed to mimic the look of a natural slate tile roof.
There are a variety of other roofing materials out there, including rubber, PVC, and TPO. These are all durable and resistant to extreme weather conditions, but they may not be the right choice for your business. Talk to a commercial roofing contractor in to learn more about your roofing options and what the best fit is for your property. With the right installation and routine maintenance, your shingle roof will continue to protect your business for years to come.
