What Are The Basics Of Roof Construction?

A house is nothing without proper roofing. Roofs are designed to protect the house’s structure from the elements, which promote rotting and cause structural damage in the long term. Understanding the basics of roof construction will get you up-to-date with different roof materials and roof types and their benefits. This article discusses a few roofing problems and how to fix them. Read on to learn more!

Types of Roof Material

There’s a broad array of materials utilized for roofing. Here are the most common materials you can find in the market:

• Tile: Tile comes in different materials, including thermal plastics and coated metals. This roofing material stands out for its ease of installation. It’s also inexpensive and ideal for flat roof construction.
• Slate: Slate is more traditional, known to be energy efficient, and friendly to the environment. In addition, slate roofs are low maintenance on top of their durability.
• Metal: There are different types of metals in making metallic roofing. Steel, copper, and aluminum are the most common metals. Metallic roofing provides longevity and is also a cost-effective option. Furthermore, metal roofing is considered a more energy-efficient roofing system compared to asphalt or other alternatives.
• Asphalt: This material features three individual panels of asphalt shingles carefully nailed together. The roofing material comes in different shapes and dimensions to satisfy different tastes.

Longevity of Roofing Materials

The durability or longevity of roofing materials varies according to the mode of installation, roof structure, prevailing weather conditions, and the roof material. A considerable chunk of flat roofs can last for as long as 20 years.

In terms of material, wood and asphalt will serve you between 25 and 30 years, while a metallic roof can go for a whopping 50 years. Different regions have different weather conditions, which can significantly impact the roof’s durability.

With that in mind, most professionals advise using high-quality roofing materials for better functionality and durability. You might spend more, but your investment will be worthwhile in the long run.

Common Roofing Materials

Let’s check out some of the most common problems your roofing will encounter:

• Moss Growth: Moss growth manifests in discoloration on your roof. Discoloration occurs because of mildew and algae growth. On the bright side, you can easily manage the problem with quick zinc flashing. Zinc will kill all the mildew and algae covering the roof’s surface.
• Ice Dams: Ice damming is a serious roofing problem synonymous with cold climate regions. It happens when meltwater from attic snow melts and refreezes along the roof’s eaves, forming ice dams. When water gathers in these dams, it can penetrate the roof’s surface and leak into the house’s interior. Waterproofing the roof can help mitigate the problem.
• Leaks: A well-installed roof should barely leak. Nonetheless, many roofing problems emerge when the roofing material meets plumbing vents, chimneys, and walls. The issues are also present in eaves and valleys. To contain the problems, you need to flash the affected area with a metal like lead, copper, zinc, or aluminum to seal off any openings.

Key Takeaways

Before launching a construction project, you need to know as much information about roofs as possible. Focusing on the quality of the material for durability and optimal functionality is vital. In addition, you must be on the lookout for common roofing problems and fix them before they cause extensive structural damage to the roof. Call the experts at Alte Roofing to help you with any work you need on your roof.