Roofing is a broad term for the structure that covers and protects the top of a building. There are a lot of different parts to a roof and they all work together to keep things safe and dry on the inside.
A metal roof typically lasts 60 to 100 years and can withstand heavy rain. It is also durable and easily recyclable.
Shingles are a versatile roofing material that can be used to cover all types of roofs, including sheds and commercial or agricultural buildings. They are made from overlapping tiles and are available in a wide variety of colors, styles, sizes and designs to suit any style of building. They are also very affordable and easy to install.
There are three main shingle types: felt, paper and fiberglass. Felt shingles have the shortest lifespan, only lasting between 10 and 20 years, but they are able to resist rain, moisture and tear very well. Paper and fiberglass shingles are more durable than felt shingles and can be expected to last up to 30 years. They are also more aesthetically pleasing with their ability to be shaped into different shapes and patterns.
Wood shingles, also known as cedar shakes or clapboards, are made from a variety of species including cypress, redwood and western red cedar. They can be cut by hand splitting or sawn and kiln-dried. They can be either purely heartwood, with a thicker butt end, or of mixed hearts and sapwood, depending on the building’s structural requirements. They can be sanded, hand-split or quarter-sawn to create a textured surface and may be coated with various colours of ceramic-coated mineral granules to enhance their appearance and protect against UV rays.
These coatings can be coloured to match the colour of your home, and can be tinted to reflect more heat rather than absorb it, making them energy efficient. The granules also help to provide fire resistance.
A common problem associated with shingles is a viral infection called chickenpox, which can be caused by the virus coming in contact with the skin through open wounds such as those created by shingle damage. This can lead to a rash of blisters that will usually scab over within 7 to 10 days. If you believe you have shingles, visit your doctor who will be able to prescribe antiviral medication to prevent the virus from spreading and causing further complications. They can also advise you on the best way to care for your shingles.
Asphalt
Asphalt is a building material used for constructing and maintaining roads, parking lots, railroad tracks, airport runways and other paved surfaces. It is also used for making roofing shingles. Asphalt is made from a combination of aggregates and bitumen, a black viscous substance that holds the aggregates together. Bitumen is a byproduct of crude oil refining and consists of complex hydrocarbons. It is a key ingredient in asphalt because of its unique properties that make it an excellent binding agent for aggregates.
There are several different types of asphalt, categorized by the process that is used to bind the aggregates with bitumen. The most common type of asphalt is called hot mix asphalt, and it is manufactured by heating bricks of asphalt in a large metal kettle. Other types of asphalt include cold mix asphalt, recycled asphalt pavement, and mastic asphalt. Cold mix asphalt is manufactured without using high temperatures, and it consists of an aggregate base and an asphalt binder. Various additives can be added to hot mix asphalt to modify its performance and physical properties.
Mastic asphalt is a type of asphalt that has been modified with a small amount of polymer to enhance its performance. The most commonly used polymer is a styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) block copolymer. These modifications have been shown to improve the performance of asphalt by decreasing its thermal susceptibility, improving adhesion and strength, and increasing elasticity.
While mastic asphalt can be used for roofs, it is more often used in the underlayment layer of a roof. The underlayment is a layer that is placed between the roof deck and the exterior surfacing material (shingle, wood shake, slate, tile or other). A waterproofing underlayment is essential for protecting the interior of your home from water damage. It can help reduce energy bills by reducing the transfer of heat from the sun to the inside of your home. It is available in a variety of colors, but light-colored asphalt underlayments are especially helpful for homeowners because they reflect more of the sun’s heat and decrease the temperature of the roof surface.
Underlayment
Underlayment is a layer of material that goes between the roof decking and the shingles on houses. It helps prevent water intrusion and adds extra protection against weather elements. Underlayment may be made of felt, synthetic materials, or rubberized asphalt. Each type has its own benefits and disadvantages. Understanding the underlayment options and properly installing them ensures the integrity of your roof.
During a roof installation, a skilled roofing contractor will start with underlayment at the lowest point of the roof, the eaves. They will secure the first row horizontally along the eaves and overlap it by about 50%, per the manufacturer’s instructions. This allows for proper ventilation and prevents moisture problems, such as fungus or mold.
Some underlayments, like felt, are naturally resistant to fungus and moisture and are durable. However, they can wrinkle and deteriorate over time, especially in hot climates. If you choose a felt underlayment, it is important to select a high-quality product and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for use. Failing to do so could void your shingle warranty.
Synthetic underlayments are more flexible than felt, and can withstand the expansion and contraction of the roof sheathing. They are also more resistant to UV damage and don’t deteriorate over time. They can be used with low-sloped roofs, but they must be installed properly to prevent wicking and wrinkling that can telegraph through the roof covering and cause moisture problems.
In addition to protecting against water penetration, underlayment can also help keep snow and ice from melting on your roof and seeping into your home. This is particularly important in Northern climates, where ice dams can cause leaks and property damage. Underlayment can also protect against these issues by providing a barrier between the roof sheathing and your home.
For new construction or reroofing projects, choose a high-quality underlayment that is designed for the roof style you have in mind and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for use. Avoid products that are marketed as “housewrap,” as they typically do not meet roofing underlayment requirements and could void the roof-covering manufacturers’ warranties.
Flashing
Flashing is the thin, impermeable material used to seal seams, joints, and gaps where roof materials meet walls, chimneys, skylights, vent pipes, or other features. Roof flashing is typically made of metal, such as copper, zinc, or aluminum, and is designed to protect the roof system from rain, sleet, snow, and hail, preventing leaks that can damage shingles, lead to rot, and cause mildew, mold and pest infestation.
Roof flashing should be installed by qualified, licensed professional roofers who understand best practices, safety requirements and local building codes and laws. It’s important that roof flashing be properly installed in order to prevent water leaks and other problems, such as wood rot and mold. It is also important that the flashing be sealed well with caulk or other sealants to ensure a strong, long-lasting waterproof barrier.
There are a variety of flashing types, each designed to meet specific roofing needs. Some are designed to work together as a set to protect hard-to-waterproof features such as chimneys. Base flashing, often referred to as apron flashing, is the first piece of flashing to be installed in a set; it’s the section that covers the gap between the roof and the vertical wall of the structure that the chimney sits against. Counter flashing, usually installed directly above base flashing, completes the two-part flashing system.
Other types of flashing include step flashing, which is used where a sloped roof meets a vertical structure such as a wall or chimney; and vent pipe flashing, which is used to create a weatherproof seal around protrusions such as plumbing or stove pipe openings on the roof. Counter flashing is also commonly used to seal the gap between roof and masonry walls, as well as around skylights.
Most roofers use a flashing template to help them cut the correct size and shape for the flashing pieces they are installing. This tool ensures that all pieces of flashing are evenly spaced and cut, creating a smooth, even surface that’s ready for caulking or sealing. When it comes to re-roofing an existing home, many professionals may reuse the original flashing, if it’s still in good condition.