Types of Roofing
Roofing Company King Of Prussia is the work of installing, repairing or replacing a roof. It protects a building from rain, snow and sunlight.
In ancient times, thatching was the conventional method of constructing roofs. It involved interweaving bundles of dry vegetation. This was a fairly durable and reliable option. Nevertheless, it had certain limitations.
Shingles
Shingles are the most common roofing material in North America and can be found on almost any style roof, whether it’s a house, garage, shed or commercial building. They’re rectangular pieces of asphalt, composite or other roofing materials that are laid in overlapping courses from the eaves of the roof.
The most common shingles are made of asphalt or fiberglass. Some of them feature a layer of granules on top that protect against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and help reflect heat from the sun into the home. The granules also add color to the roof.
Other shingles are made of wood such as cypress, cedar or redwood. They’re often kiln-dried to increase their strength, and they may be sanded smooth or have the slightly rough finish left by hand splitting. Some wood shingle manufacturers offer special weatherproofing treatments to extend the life of the shingles.
The earliest shingles were made of felt. Coal tar was first used to saturate layers of felt and produce a rolled sheet that could be easily cut into individual shingles. These shingles, which were sold by Sears and other large retail outlets, proved to be both inexpensive and effective.
Modern shingles are fabricated from a variety of materials including fiberglass, asphalt and polymers. They’re designed to replicate the look of natural roofing materials such as wood, slate and clay. Manufacturers of these shingles are constantly trying to improve their performance, and some offer special warranties to prove the quality of their products.
Most shingles are covered by an underlayment of roofing felt paper that acts as a water barrier between the roof deck and the shingles. Some manufacturers also make ice and water protection membranes that are applied to the underlayment and around any roof penetrations such as vents, chimneys and skylights.
Metal shingles and composite shingles are usually fastened to the roof with nails, while wooden shingles are secured by wood ties or staples. When shingle installation is complete, a protective ice and water shield should be applied to the underside of the roof to prevent leaking from condensation.
Metal
While metal roofs are a familiar sight on barns and industrial buildings, the technology behind them means that they can work for any architectural style. Today’s metal roofing products can be made to look like wood shakes, slate or even granule-coated asphalt shingles, so it’s possible to find something that will blend into any home.
Whether you go with aluminum, galvanized steel or galvalume, metal is an environmentally friendly choice. The recyclability of these metals reduces the demand for raw materials and limits the amount of waste sent to landfills. In addition, most metal is class A fire-rated and noncombustible.
A metal roof’s most significant advantage is its ability to lower your energy bills. During peak hot-weather months, a metal roof can be 50 to 60 degrees cooler than an asphalt shingle roof. This reduction in heat is due to the material’s ability to reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. Light-colored metal roofs are the most efficient, but with new heat-reflective paint pigments, dark-colored roofs are also available that meet EPA energy star criteria.
In terms of maintenance, a metal roof is far easier to maintain than an asphalt shingle roof. The surface is easy to clean, and the lack of a shingle underlayment eliminates the need for drip edges. Metal is also lightweight and can be installed over existing shingles, which makes it less expensive to install a metal roof than an asphalt one.
The durability of a metal roof depends on the gauge (thickness) and type of metal used. Aluminum is more malleable and susceptible to denting, so it’s important to work with a quality contractor during the installation process to avoid damage. Steel, on the other hand, is stronger and more resistant to dents, but it must be galvanized or galvalume to protect against corrosion.
A good galvalume or galvanized steel roof will last for decades in Miami’s harsh weather conditions. However, be aware that galvalume and galvanized steel perform best when not in contact with copper, lead, iron, treated lumber or concrete, which can cause electrolyte reactions. Using galvalume and galvanized steel that has been coated with zinc or aluminum will help extend its lifespan.
Shakes
Shakes are made from split pieces of wood and are usually cedar. They are thicker than shingles and have a rustic appearance that many people find attractive. They can be installed as a roofing material or used to create siding facades on buildings. Because of their thickness and installation process, shakes can be a bit more expensive than shingles.
Both shingles and shakes can be treated with fire-retardant chemicals, but the type of wood used for each has a significant effect on how they will fare over time. If a shake or shingle is cut with “slash grain” it will be more likely to split, erode, and rot than those cut with the “edge grain.” Edge grain is cut at a 90 degree angle perpendicular to the tree’s rings, which gives the shake or shingle maximum stability and longevity.
Some people choose shakes because they have a more natural and rustic appearance, which may be an important consideration for those who want their home to blend in with the surrounding countryside. They also tend to have better heat-retention, which can help save on energy costs. However, because of their increased moisture sensitivity, shakes have a higher risk for mold, mildew, and other types of decay. They require frequent attention to ensure that water doesn’t leak into the building.
If you do decide to use shakes for your roof, make sure that you only use premium products from companies like Shake Guys. The less-expensive shakes are often of inferior quality and will only last a short time before needing to be replaced. It is a good idea to ask your insurance company what kind of shakes they will provide you with when requesting a replacement. They may give you a list of approved brands, but it’s always best to stick with the most reputable ones. In fact, most companies like Shake Guys will cover the cost of upgrading from poor quality to Premium 100% Edge Grain shakes or shingles for their clients. This will ensure that your new roof will be able to withstand the cold and snow, heat and sun, and wind and rain for years to come.
Slate
A slate roof is a long-term investment, but it’s a beautiful way to protect your home. The durable material withstands extreme weather conditions, including heat and cold, and can last for up to 400 years. The roof’s longevity saves homeowners money on energy costs over time. It also protects your home from water damage and other problems caused by storms, as it’s extremely strong and water-resistant.
Slate is a fine-grained, foliated metamorphic rock that was created through low-grade regional metamorphism of shale or mudstone. It’s composed of silicate minerals such as quartz, muscovite (mica), and illite. The rock is layered, and the layers are held together with mineral cements such as gypsum or calcium silicate. Slate is also used for flooring and flagging, and it can be made into shingles or sheets.
Unlike other roofing materials, slate doesn’t easily burn or tear. Its durability and insulating properties make it an excellent choice for homes in harsh climates, where many other types of roofing are damaged by extreme weather. It can withstand high winds, rain and snow, and will protect the home from fire damage as well.
Another benefit of a slate roof is its resistance to mold, mildew and fungus. It is also naturally anti-corrosive, and it won’t rust like metal roofing might. It’s a natural insulator, too, helping to reduce heating and cooling costs in the home.
Although a slate roof is more expensive than a conventional composite roof, it’s worth the extra cost because of its superior performance and beauty. Its longevity means you’ll spend less money on maintenance over time, and the tiles can be re-used later to cover other areas of the house that have been repaired.
Slate is a heavy material, so it’s important to ensure that your roof can support the weight before choosing this type of roofing. A professional should inspect your roof and fortify it if necessary. Additionally, the weight can add stress to load-bearing beams and pillars in your home.
