A roof is vital to any home, protecting you from weather elements and adding curb appeal. Whether it’s new construction or replacing an existing roof, roofing installation is a meticulous process that requires the expertise of professionals.
Before beginning, a contractor should lay an ice and water barrier, followed by underlayment. Then, he or she will install a drip edge along the gable ends, nailing it flush with the underlayment. Contact Montana Roofing Solutions for professional help.
There are many different types of roofs, and each has its own pros and cons. A qualified roofing team will help you make the best choice for your goals, architecture and budget. Here are some of the most common roof types:
Gable Roofs
These simple, popular roofs feature a single slope and can be built with almost any type of roofing material. They’re ideal for cold climates, as they shed snow easily and allow for optimal ventilation. They can also be built with a flat or slight slope to improve drainage. Other names for gable roofs include peaked, ridged and stepped gable roof.
A hipped roof features two pairs of sloped walls instead of the one pair seen on a gable roof. This design is often used for homes in windy areas because it can withstand strong winds better than other roof styles. It’s also easier to build and can accommodate more windows and extensions.
Mansard Roofs
This roof style is not so much a part of modern architecture as it is in historic buildings, barns and outhouses. It’s not a good option for houses in windy areas, but it offers more space in the attic and allows for dormer windows. It’s also not a good option for rainy or snowy climates, as it can lead to standing water and insufficient drainage.
Pyramid Roofs
A pyramid roof is a unique take on an ancient building structure, offering a whimsical look for contemporary or rustic structures. It’s most commonly found on gazebos, but it can be added to other buildings for a custom look. This roof has a very subtle slope or pitch, making it easy to clean and maintain, but it can be difficult for rainwater to drain.
Skillion Roofs
A skillion roof is a simple, versatile roofing option that’s easy to build and can be built with a variety of materials. It’s a good choice for those who want to maximize attic space or add dormers. However, this roof type is prone to leaks and needs regular inspections to ensure proper waterproofing.
Materials
A roof is a home’s first line of defense against moisture, wind, sun and extreme temperatures. When it’s time to re-roof, the material you choose makes a big difference in your home’s appearance and style. It also affects the price and performance of your roof. When deciding on materials, consider how much maintenance you’re willing to perform, cost, life span and warranties.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular residential roofing material. They come in a wide range of colors and styles and are inexpensive and durable. Consumer Reports tests shingle durability and strength, as well as resistance to impact, wind and nail pull-throughs.
Wood shingles give a rustic or classic look and are often used on old-style homes, such as Cape Cod cottages and Craftsman-style houses. They can be stained in any color. Because of their high water absorption, however, they require regular maintenance to keep them from rot and mold. Wood shingles also need frequent repairs due to warping.
Tile adds texture and elegance to a roof and can enhance the style of Mediterranean, Mission or Southwestern-style homes. Genuine clay tiles are expensive and heavy but are long-lasting and energy efficient. Concrete tiles are a less-expensive alternative and work well on a variety of house styles.
Rolled roofing material is a good choice for low-slope roofs and outbuildings, such as shops and sheds. It consists of rolls of mineral-impregnated and asphalt-impregnated material topped with mineral granules and can be attached using a torch or roofing nails.
Leak barriers like GAF WeatherWatch protect vulnerable areas at the eaves and valleys, around penetrations and other vulnerable spots on flat or low-pitch roofs. Many insurance companies will reduce your premium if you install these products.
A properly functioning attic ventilation system helps keep a home cooler and dryer in the summer and warmer and drier in the winter. Roofing contractors can help design and install an effective system.
Fascia boards, which are usually made of wood or composite boards, trim the underside of the roof and hold gutters. They are typically installed along the eaves and a small section of the ridge.
Installation
If you’re in the market for a new roof, your contractor will begin by inspecting the existing structure and discussing your options. You may want dimensional shingles for added curb appeal, three-tab shingles to save money, wood shakes for natural beauty, metal sheeting for durability, or clay tiles for extreme weather resistance. Your contractor will also explain the strengths and limitations of each material.
Once the contract is signed and the down payment made, the actual roofing replacement begins. Your contractor will first cover the ground around your home with tarps to protect it from debris during the tear-off process. If necessary, your contractor will move any vehicles from the garage or driveway to prevent them from getting damaged during the work.
After the old roof is removed, your contractor will install underlayment to provide additional protection for the new roofing materials. Then, he will begin laying the shingles, starting at the eaves and working their way up. Each shingle is overlapped with the next to create a watertight seal. Nails are then used to secure each shingle in place. Your contractor will install vents, if desired, for increased attic ventilation, which helps regulate the temperature in your home and reduce energy costs. He will also install drip edge and flashing at the chimney, skylights, wood stove pipes, certain vents, and along hip roof edges.
Maintenance
A roofing contractor can perform several maintenance tasks that will help extend the life of a roof and prevent costly problems down the road. These maintenance tasks can include cleaning drains and gutters, re-flashing areas of the roof or gutter flashings and re-caulking where necessary. They can also remove accumulated snow and ice or other debris from the roof. They can also check for cracks in the membrane and deteriorating or loose flashing. They can also inspect and re-seal penetrations such as chimneys, vents, skylights and more.
Another important task is to check indoors for any signs of water damage such as mold, mildew, drips and leaks and peeling paint. If these are found, they should be addressed right away to prevent serious damage to the building. In locations with heavy snow loads, it is a good idea to also do an annual inspection of the beams and trusses in the roof to look for signs of structural stress.
Other areas to examine during a maintenance visit include the joints and seals of the roof to make sure there are no leaks. This is particularly important on older roofs. Cracks or leaking in these areas are not covered by warranties and can lead to expensive repairs. Leaks can also be caused by other sources that are not covered by the warranty, such as vandalism or improper installation by other contractors.
It is also a good idea to check the vents and other penetrations on the roof. These should be properly sealed to keep water from seeping through the roof and into interior spaces of the building. This can be done by checking the condition of a flashing around a vent, chimney, or other area. This flashing is usually made of metal or aluminum and covers the joints between the roof and the structure of the building.
Finally, a maintenance crew should always be wearing hard hats and safety equipment when on the roof. They should also wear proper clothing and footwear for the type of work being performed. They should be briefed on the needs of each facility on their schedule that day and be equipped with a specific list of repair items for the buildings they are scheduled to visit.