A roof is a vital part of any house, protecting its inhabitants from the elements. However, it is not invincible and can sustain damage over time.
Roofing is a highly diverse field that offers a wide variety of practical types. Visit https://arthursconstructionnc.com/best-greensboro-roofing-company/ to learn more.
History
Roofing has evolved over the years to meet the demands of modern living. It started as a basic need for shelter and now roofing is considered an important part of a home’s aesthetic. The history of Roofing is a testimony to human ingenuity and adaptability.
During the early stages of civilization, people had to use whatever materials were available to build a roof that would protect them from rain and snow. As humans moved out of caves, they developed the skill to construct structures using animal skins, branches, rocks and clay. Over time, as societies grew and technology advanced, more durable and fire-resistant materials were used to make roofs.
By 735 AD, thatch roofs were in popular use worldwide. Thatch was a combination of palm, leaves and other forest debris that were woven together to form a solid structure. It was a durable and practical option, particularly in tropical areas where palm fronds were abundant. Eventually, more sturdy and fire-resistant wood shingles came into use.
In the 1800’s, people began treating wooden shingles with pine pitch and linseed oil to protect them from sun, wind and rain. This also helped to keep them from deteriorating quickly and allowed for more attractive roof designs.
In the 1900’s, tile roofing became a popular choice in the United States. This was mainly due to the availability of cheap labor and the development of more sophisticated manufacturing techniques. In addition, a new type of concrete was invented, and it was able to be produced consistently and at high quality. This led to the development of a variety of roof tiles, including clay, slate and wood tiles. Asphalt shingles also made their way into the United States around this time. This was a significant advancement in roofing because it prevented the risk of fires and added an aesthetic element to buildings.
Materials
When it comes to roofing, homeowners want the best protection, functionality and aesthetics. Fortunately, there are a variety of materials available that meet these needs.
Asphalt shingles are the most common choice for many homeowners due to their affordability and 20-year life expectancy. They also provide excellent traction and resistance to more severe weather like high winds. However, they must be regularly inspected and replaced as they can become damaged over time.
Metal roofing is another option for those who want a long-lasting, stylish roof. Steel panel roofs are very durable and have an impressive lifespan of up to 50 years. However, the installation process is complex and requires a skilled contractor to ensure the structural integrity of your roof.
Clay tile roofing is another natural material that is used in a variety of ways for its durability and aesthetics. It can be molded into flat or wavy shapes and is an attractive option for homes in hot climates, such as desert or coastal regions. It can be more expensive than other options, but the long-term cost may make it a worthwhile investment for your home.
Concrete tile is a cheaper alternative to clay tiles that offers similar durability and an elegant appearance. It is popular in Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes and can add a beautiful accent to your home’s exterior.
Wood shakes and shingles are an aesthetically pleasing option that can add a rustic charm to your home’s exterior. They are usually split by hand or sawed into a tapered thickness to create different looks. Cedar shakes are typically hand split to produce a more rugged look and are softer than other types of shingles.
Other roofing materials include membranes like EPDM rubber and PVC, which are commonly used on low-slope residential roofs and for commercial buildings with flat or nearly-flat surfaces. Membrane roofs are not as visually appealing as other roofing options, but they offer a good combination of value and functionality.
Flashing is a thin, flexible metal that’s placed at various points on your roof to cover gaps or prevent water infiltration, such as around the edges of your home’s walls, at chimneys and skylights, or within the open valleys of your roof.
Installation
Re-roofing a home can be a difficult task that requires the services of experienced professionals. Roofing contractors use specialized equipment to remove the existing roof covering and install the new roofing materials. The type of roofing material selected is critical to the success of the project. Some factors homeowners should consider include the climate in their region, aesthetic compatibility with their architectural style, and energy efficiency. Choosing a durable and low maintenance material may be more expensive upfront, but will save on repairs and lower energy costs over time.
Once the underlayment is in place, the shingles are installed starting at the bottom of the roof. Each row should overlap the previous one by six inches and be secured with cap nails every four to six inches along the edges. Nails should be spread further apart towards the center of the shingle. Once the first row is complete, the contractor will install the next row with a similar pattern, overlapping and nailing each layer as they move up towards the roof’s ridge. The ridge is then finished with a final row of shingles that are nailed in the same manner as the first.
Maintenance
The roof is a very important part of your building, and addressing any small issues that might arise can save you money in energy costs or repairs down the road. It is a good idea to do a roof inspection at least once every season (or more often depending on the geographic region).
This will allow you to see any areas that might be in need of repair, or that may be prone to leaks or other problems, and address them before they become a major issue. For example, if you find a crack in the flashing (which is the material that joins the roof plane to the vertical surface such as chimneys and vent pipes) this can easily be re-caulked, but if left unattended could lead to water damage.
Another common maintenance item is to clear debris from the gutters and drains on a regular basis, and make sure they are not obstructed. This allows sunlight to reach the shingles and keep them free of moss, and helps prevent water from pooling and creating leaks. It is also a good idea to trim any long tree branches that might hang over the roof and potentially cause damage in a storm.
Finally, sealants need to be checked on a regular basis, and it is a good idea to apply additional sealant when needed. This is especially important in areas that experience extreme weather and temperatures as the change of seasons can cause deterioration. This is also a good time to inspect the caulking around penetrations such as skylights, chimneys, and vents, and to re-caulk these areas as well. This will help to prevent water leaks in the future.