Roofing Golden is the covering that protects a home from rain, snow, sunlight, and extreme temperatures. It is a complex system of components that requires skilled construction to provide a lifetime of service.
Roofers must also undergo hazard training to work safely with dangerous tools and materials. For example, they must know how to use a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) such as harnesses and lanyards.
A roof is one of the most crucial parts of any building, and it’s important to understand how different types of roofing work to choose the best type for your home or commercial property. Knowing the differences between roof types help you communicate your preferences to a roofing company and also allows you to understand what works best in your area and climate.
Pitched Roofs
Most residential and commercial buildings feature pitched roofs, which are angled to allow water, snow, and air to run off easily. This helps keep the building’s interior warm or cool, and it can help prevent moisture problems like mold. Most pitched roofs are made from shingles, but some are constructed from metal or other materials.
Gable Roofs
Most children will draw a house with a gable roof, and for good reason. These classic triangular roofs are simple, cost-effective, and incredibly versatile. They’re also a common design for Colonial and Cape Cod homes, and can be found on many modern-style houses as well. Other variations on this roof style include the box gable and the clipped gable, which offer slightly different aesthetics.
Hip Roofs
A hip roof is sloped in two pairs of directions, compared to the single pair of direction for a gable roof. This can help with drainage issues and provides an interesting aesthetic for any house or business. Other variations on this type of roof include the Mansard (French Roof), a reversed gambrel, and the butterfly roof.
Shed Roofs
A shed roof has a single slope that inclines at a certain angle, making it more practical for a number of additions and extensions to existing buildings. It also offers more privacy than other roof styles and is a popular choice for modern-style homes.
Barrel Vaults
A barrel vault has a curved appearance that’s similar to a dome, but it’s better at letting natural light into a space than a dome roof. They’re commonly used in industrial and commercial buildings, but they’ve also been incorporated into some modern-style homes, particularly those with large windows that take up most of the wall space.
Materials
When it comes to roofing materials, the options are nearly endless. The type you choose will depend on a variety of factors, including your budget and aesthetic preferences. There are also a number of considerations regarding energy efficiency, durability and other environmental factors. For instance, some materials meet green building standards and can contribute to LEED certification.
One of the most common and affordable roofing materials is rolled roofing, which consists of long rolls of asphalt-impregnated material topped with mineral granules. This type of roof can be installed quickly and easily and is a good choice for low-sloped residential roofs, garages, sheds and other outbuildings where appearances are not important.
If you’re looking for something with a little more visual appeal, shingles or shakes are an option that can add character to your home. While they have many of the same benefits as rolled roofing, shakes and shingles are made from natural materials that give them a distinctive look. Both are durable and come in a wide range of colors.
Clay tiles are another attractive option that can enhance the look of Spanish- or Italian-style homes. They’re also highly durable, with a Class A fire rating and resistance to high winds. The only drawback is that they can be expensive, and heavy clay tiles may require roof reinforcement.
Membrane roofing combines a single-membrane treatment with either rubber or thermoplastic sheets to create a watertight barrier. It is commonly found on flat or low-sloped roof areas and is an excellent choice for preventing leaks. These types of roofs are more functional than decorative, but they can provide a cost-effective and durable option for certain structures.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material, making up around 80% of all roofs in the United States. They’re easy to install, have a good fire rating and can be customized with different color and style options. Other popular asphalt choices include built-up roofing (BUR), a hybrid that combines the durable ply sheet with reinforcing felt, and rubber membranes like EPDM or TPO. These roofing types are durable, puncture-resistant and resistant to abrasions and chemicals.
Installation
The first thing a roofing contractor does is assess the existing roof to determine what it will take to re-roof it. This includes figuring out the size and layout of the roof, as well as discussing the strengths and limitations of different roofing materials (like dimensional shingles for curb appeal, three-tab shingles for budget, metal sheets for durability, wood shakes for natural beauty, clay tiles for extreme durability).
He will then lay down the underlayment, which is a layer of felt paper that protects the underlying layers from water and other elements. It’s installed by nailing it down, usually close to the edge of the shingle but spreading out slightly towards the center. The contractor will then overlap the first row of shingles with the next by six inches, and then follow the same nailing pattern (close to the edge but spread out a little). He will continue this process until just below the ridge of the roof.
If your home has skylights, chimneys or plumbing vents, the roofing professional will install flashing to waterproof these areas. He may also use a caulk gun to apply a coat of roofing caulk to raw edges on the underlayment and shingles.
Maintenance
The roof of a building serves to protect the interior space from rain, snow, sunlight, wind and extreme temperatures. It is constructed in a variety of forms, as dictated by technical, economic and aesthetic considerations.
It is important to perform regular maintenance on roofs in order to identify and address any issues that may arise. A thorough inspection should be conducted at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. This will allow for early problem detection, which can lead to less costly and easier repairs. In addition, the inspection should include a review of the condition of flashings and sealant around chimneys, pipes, skylights, vents and exhaust fans. Also, the caulking should be examined to ensure that it is not starting to lift or crack.
Other roof maintenance activities that should be completed regularly include cleaning the gutters, ensuring they are unobstructed and draining properly. This will help prevent the accumulation of debris that can block drain lines, resulting in localized ponding water on the roof surface that can damage the underlying materials. It is also important to trim tree branches that hang over the roof and could potentially cause damage during storms or natural disasters.
In addition, a roof should be regularly cleaned to remove algae, mildew, mold and moss. These substances can lead to the breakdown of the shingles, as well as other roof components. If these substances are allowed to build up, they can create leaks, as well as rot and other problems that may be expensive and difficult to repair. A roofing professional can inspect and clean the surface of the roof to help prevent the occurrence of these harmful substances.
Once you have inspected the existing flashing, you’ll need to decide which material is best suited for your roof and climate. Ideally, you’ll choose a material that is compatible with the roof’s surface and your home’s siding. Once you’ve made your decision, you can begin installing the flashing. To do this, you’ll need a ladder, some shingles and flashings, and a hammer. Remember to always be safe when working on a ladder, and try to limit the amount of tools you bring to the roof. It’s also a good idea to have someone else remain on the ground to keep the ladder in place, especially if you’re not familiar with the building.
To start, you’ll need to install corner flashing. This can be purchased pre-made at many hardware stores, but you can also make it yourself if desired. To do this, simply cut a piece of flashing that is the same length as the corner, and bend it slightly so that it overlaps with the first shingle course. Next, you’ll need to apply some roof cement or sealant to the area where the flashing meets the shingles. Once you’ve done this, you can install the second piece of flashing and a shingle course above it.