Types of Roofs
A roof covers and protects a structure from weather elements, including rain and snow. It also keeps outside debris from penetrating the walls. There are several different types of roofs, each with its own benefits and challenges.
A gable roof has two long sides and one short side. It is popular in many homes.
Shingles
Shingles are the outer layer of your roof that protects it from rain and other weather conditions. When they’re damaged or deteriorating, it can negatively impact the integrity of your roof and lead to leaks.
One of the biggest issues that can affect shingle performance is wind damage. Strong winds can blow shingles off the roof, which compromises the integrity of the roof and leaves it exposed to rain. Performance laminate shingles have a special strip and a strong adhesive that helps them stay in place even in high winds.
Other common shingle issues include fading and algae growth. The stains caused by algae can discolor your shingles and reduce the curb appeal of your home. Our shingles are embedded with colorfast blue-green algae-resistant granules that help prevent this from happening.
Finally, large hail can also cause problems for your shingles. Many shingles, have been tested for impact resistance and can help you obtain insurance rebates if your home is in an area with frequent storms with large hail.
Blistering is another problem that can happen to shingles. This appears as a round, concave dent with lost granules that exposes your underlayment to water damage. It’s often a sign of aging, but it can also occur due to heat exposure from a poorly ventilated attic.
Underlayment
Located on top of the roof deck, underlayment acts as the foundation that the rest of the roof system is built upon. As a waterproof layer, it protects the roofing materials from moisture infiltration and provides a stable surface on which to install shingles. It’s a crucial piece of protection, especially for homeowners in areas that experience frequent storms and extreme weather conditions.
Most underlayments are made of either felt paper or synthetic material. Felt is the more traditional option and has been around for years. It’s inexpensive, offers good protection against moisture, and is easy to install. However, it can be cumbersome to unroll and is prone to tearing during installation. Also, it has a higher weight per roll than synthetic underlayment, which can impact the labor cost of a roof replacement.
Synthetic underlayment is a newer product that’s becoming increasingly popular. It costs more than felt paper, but it’s lighter and offers better protection against moisture. Many synthetic underlayment products offer breathability, which helps reduce moisture damage by allowing it to escape the roof deck. They are also designed to withstand high winds and come with plastic caps that help prevent wind-driven rain from damaging the underlayment. These features can significantly improve the longevity of your roofing system. In addition, some underlayment products can be used to improve a wood roof’s fire resistance rating.
Flashing
Roof flashing is a metal material that’s installed at points on the roof where there are gaps, seams, or protrusions. It’s designed to prevent water from entering a house and causing damage.
It’s typically made out of a resilient material like copper, galvanized steel, or aluminum that’s rolled into place and sealed with roofing cement or sealant. This is a critical component to the integrity of your roof, and it must be kept in good condition to prevent issues like water leakage or mold.
A common type of flashing is step flashing, which is used where the roof meets a wall or other vertical surface. This piece of flashing is installed in a row, with shingles placed on top of it. The contractor will use roofing cement to ensure that the flashing is properly sealed to the roof and the wall.
Another type of flashing is counter flashing, which is often seen around chimneys or other protrusions on the roof. This piece of flashing is installed over a piece of base flashing to create an airtight barrier against moisture. It’s important that counter flashing is properly installed, and the right material is chosen based on your needs and budget. A roofing professional will know the best materials for your area, and they’ll be able to provide expert advice on how to maintain your flashing to protect your home from moisture.
Soffit
The soffit lines the underside of the roof overhang and protects your home from moisture damage. This is a crucial part of the roofing system because it prevents the accumulation of precipitation (including rain, snow, and hail) which can cause water damage to the wood frame of your roof, and also helps keep wildlife out of the attic or crawl space. Soffits can be made from a variety of materials, including wood or vinyl depending on your preference and budget. They can also be non-vented or vented to allow for proper attic ventilation. Non-vented soffits work well with wide eaves and a large area to ventilate and vented soffits are best with narrow eaves or a smaller area to vent. Keeping your attic properly ventilated will help to prevent mold and rot keep the heat in the summer from overheating the space and allow you to lower the thermostat. Ventilation will also help to prevent condensation in the winter and ice dams.
Soffits and fascia boards are not immune to damage and will need to be repaired if they become compromised. Moisture is the primary threat to both and if moisture is allowed to accumulate in the space it can lead to rot, mold, and other serious problems. Visible decay on soffit surfaces or rotting or crumbling boards are clear signs of water or pest infiltration and should be replaced immediately. Other warning signs include rust or discoloration on gutter fasteners or the appearance of pest activity, such as droppings or nests, in your attic space.