The roof is an important part of a home. It protects the people and things inside the house from rain, snow, sunlight, extreme temperatures, and other elements.
There are many different kinds of roofing materials. Each offers its own advantages, disadvantages, and costs. This article will cover the basics of Boston Roofing CO construction.
A roof can be made of a variety of materials, depending on what is available locally. For example, in tropical areas palm fronds may be used as roofing, and in Africa, mud or straw can be used to cover wattle-and-daub huts. In many homes and commercial buildings, wood shingles are still popular due to their availability and beauty. Concrete is another option for a roof, although it can be heavy and can be damaged by harsh climates.
One of the most durable roofing options is plywood, which is made from thin veneer layers (known as plies) of wood bonded together with adhesives. The plies are oriented perpendicular to each other, which gives the panel strength and durability. Another common type of wood-based substrate is Oriented Strand Board (OSB), which is similar to plywood but uses strands or chips instead of veneer layers.
Before the Industrial Revolution, the choice of roofing materials was limited to what was naturally available. Thatching, which used dried vegetation like reeds, straw or heather, was an early favorite because of its insulating properties and ease of installation. However, thatching was prone to fire and required constant maintenance.
Materials
A roofing job is not complete without the right materials and workmanship. The type of material to use will largely depend on your budget, as well as the climate in your area. The best way to ensure that your roof is long-lasting and attractive is to use high-quality materials. There are also certain roof materials that are not suitable for specific locations. Some of these include clay tiles, concrete, and shingles.
Corrugated galvanised iron (often called “Gal Iron”) is the most widely used roofing material in Australia. Its wavy corrugations allow it to resist lateral flexing and its exposed fasteners provide extra strength. It is an economical choice for sloped residential roofs and for utilitarian buildings like sheds. It is usually covered with a thick coating of mineral granules, and can be fixed either using a torch or by nailing it to the deck.
Slate is a popular option for roofing, but it’s not ideal in areas that experience frequent hailstorms. Slate can be prone to moss and mildew if it’s not well maintained. Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent these problems.
Another alternative to slate is clay tile, which is made from molded and fired earthen clay. This material is long-lasting and durable, and it can withstand storms and extreme weather. However, it can be heavy, and installing it requires the help of professionals from a roofing services company.
Concrete is a versatile roofing material that can be formed into different shapes and sizes. It is commonly used for low-sloped roofs, and it can be textured to resemble other types of roofing materials. It is also resistant to fire, but it can be prone to cracking and leaks in some cases.
Rubber is a versatile, environmentally friendly roofing material that can be manufactured to look like other kinds of materials. It’s relatively inexpensive, and it can last up to 20 years. However, it isn’t as strong as some other types of roofing.
An ice and water shield is a specialized membrane that protects vulnerable parts of a roof from leaking or ice damage. It’s often installed in the valleys of a roof and around penetrations, and it’s required by building codes in cold-weather regions.
Installation
When installing a new roof, there are many different processes that need to be followed. First, the site must be prepared. This includes covering surrounding landscaping with tarps and positioning garbage cans to catch any debris that may fall from the roof. It is also important to ensure that the area is free of any objects that could interfere with the installation process.
Next, the roofing contractor must remove any existing shingles and underlayment from the roof. This can be a messy job and should be done carefully to avoid damaging the underlying structure. Once this is complete, the contractor must prepare the area for the new shingles. This includes covering any landscaping and placing tarps over open drains to prevent any clogs from debris.
Then, the actual roofing process begins. This is typically the most repetitive and physically demanding part of the job. The roofing team will unfurl layers of underlayment and then shingle them one at a time. They will overlap the shingles and nail them in a pattern that is closer together at the edges and further apart as they move towards the center of the roof. They will also add in any flashing that is necessary, such as around dormers or valleys.
Once the shingles are installed, the roofing contractor must check that proper ventilation and insulation are in place. They will also test for leaks and other issues that could arise in the future. In addition, the roofing contractor will need to handle a variety of business-related tasks, such as scheduling, managing inventory, and negotiating deals with suppliers.
Maintenance
Whether on commercial or residential properties, the life of roofing is extended through preventative maintenance procedures and repaired as needed. In the long run, it’s cheaper to keep up with routine maintenance than to deal with major repairs and energy losses that are often the result of roof deterioration.
A maintenance procedure should be developed that is tailored to each roof. It should also include a checklist to document the status of a building’s roof. Keeping these lists current allows for early problem detection. Ideally, the inspections should be performed on a biannual basis, but may need to be done more frequently in geographic locations that experience extreme weather events.
The checklist should cover all parts of the roof, including shingles and membranes. It should note any leaking spots, water damage in ceilings and walls, and mold or mildew. It should also inspect for holes or dents. In the summer, unwelcome critters looking for cool shelter might enter through these spaces.
In addition, the roof should be inspected for accumulated dirt and debris. This can clog drains and cause a roof to deteriorate prematurely. It is particularly important to check for accumulated organic matter such as moss, which can degrade the shingle membrane.
Other items to check for are abrasions, loose materials and signs of water damage. It is important to identify any areas of deterioration, because they can lead to leaks and other problems down the road. It is recommended to have a trained professional repair these areas as soon as possible.
During the inspection, it is also a good idea to check for physical damage to the structure of the roof, including the trusses and beams, for rust or other signs of stress. This is especially true for a roof that supports heavy equipment or has a large snow load.
Safety is always a concern for roofing professionals. The checklist should include inspections of stairs, crossovers and platforms to make sure they are safe for employees to use. It is also a good idea to inspect for any required safety signage. If electrical, harmful chemicals or hot equipment is present, these should be marked accordingly to protect staff members.