The Importance of Proper Roof Installation
A roof must withstand decades of blazing sun, pounding rain, gusting winds, and falling snow. It must be strong enough to prevent structural damage and add resale value while also protecting the house’s interior from moisture.
A strong roof starts with rigid material, called sheathing, that’s nailed to the rafters. It’s then covered with shingles or other roofing materials. For professional assistance, call Roofing Columbus GA.
Roofs play an important role in a building’s protection from outside weather conditions. They provide a barrier against moisture and the sun’s UV rays. Different roofing materials respond differently to these issues, reflecting differences in durability, appearance, and cost. Slate, for example, is one of the more durable and beautiful types of roof material, but it’s also expensive and requires professional installation. Asphalt composition shingles are the most popular, and they provide an attractive appearance at a lower cost.
Wood shakes and shingles offer an appealing look, but they’re heavy and require more maintenance than other types of roof materials. They’re suitable for a variety of climates but are less effective in areas with high wind speeds. Concrete shingle tiles are more resistant to wind and rain, but they’re also expensive. They work best for flat or low-inclined roofs.
Rolled roofing is inexpensive and relatively easy to install. It works well on a variety of incline levels but shouldn’t be hammered down on a flat roof because this could result in water leaks. Metal roofing is another popular option that can last for many years and resist the elements very well.
Felt paper is an underlayment that protects the roof deck from moisture and increases its fire rating. It’s usually rolled out in short sections and stapled to the sheathing, with each piece overlapping the previous one. This layer is particularly important in the valleys, which direct water away from the roof and need extra waterproofing protection.
The next layer is a waterproof membrane. This can be either a thermoset or thermoplastic compound. Thermosets are rubber-based, while thermoplastics are plastic-based. Both can be installed in sheets or as a liquid membrane that is applied to the entire roof surface.
After installing the waterproof membrane, the shingle installation can begin. It’s best to start at the eaves and work down, taking care to overlap each row by a minimum of two inches. The last shingle should be secured with flashing that prevents water from seeping into the structure and stops air from blowing under the shingles. The flashing can be made of metal, ranging from zinc and copper on the high end to aluminum on the lower end of the price scale.
Installation Method
If your roof is made of shingles, our experienced roofing team will begin with the installation of a base layer and counterflashing. This is done to seal the joints and seams in your roof to help prevent leaks. It also helps protect against the corrosive effects of water on wood, which can cause rot and mold. The roofing contractor will then install your shingle layers. They will overlap each other by at least six inches and use a nailing pattern that includes close nails near the edges and spreads out more towards the center of the row. They will also cap your ridge with special shingles to ensure a tight seal.
If you choose to have metal panels installed on your roof, there are two primary types of fastener systems: through-fastener and clip-fastener systems. Through-fastener systems have a screw flange that extends through the metal panel to the roof deck. With through-fastener systems, the screws should be driven at a right angle to the roof plane and sealed with butyl tape (Figure 2-42). Clip-fastened metal panels, on the other hand, have special clips that attach to the panel and are concealed behind a caulking line.
For standing-seam metal roof panels, installers can either fabricate the panels on-site using portable roll-forming equipment or order factory-made panels that snap together at the seams. Factory-made panels often have a clip system that eliminates the need for end lap joints and allows the installer to avoid the costly crimping and sealing required with through-flange systems.
Other specialty roof components, such as chimneys, skylights, and vents, will require flashing to keep moisture out and air in. Your roofing contractor will install proper flashing around each of these features and make sure that it is properly capped to prevent water from seeping into your home’s interior.
Inspection
The roof is one of the most important components of any home. It protects the interior of the house from rain and snow, and it also plays an important role in maintaining the value of the property. A deteriorated roof can lower a house’s value significantly, and regular inspections are necessary to keep it in good condition.
During a home roof inspection, an inspector will look for problems such as missing shingles, leaks, mildew, mold, and water damage. They may also go into the attic and check for insulation, ventilation, and air flow issues. A good inspector will always provide a thorough report of the findings and make recommendations for repairs. The report should also include pictures of any areas that need attention.
Many people are wary of hiring roofing contractors and are worried about getting ripped off by unscrupulous roofers. However, there are reputable roofers who will give you honest assessments of your roofing needs and perform quality work. They will take your budget and your expectations into account and find the best solution for you. A reputable roofer will never charge you more than you can afford, and they will only recommend repair or replacement when it is absolutely necessary.
The inspector will also check the condition of any chimneys, skylights, or other add-ons to your roof. They will examine the flashings around these items, which are strips of metal that redirect water away from the joints created when walls run through the roof. Building codes are very strict on this type of protection, and the inspector will ensure that your flashings are in good condition.
Other parts of the roof that need to be inspected are vent pipes, roof drains, and penetrations such as media installations or sewer vents. The seals that these penetrations have can be cracked or broken, and this will allow water to seep in when it shouldn’t. The inspector will also check the condition of the roof decking and shingle sheathing.
A roof inspection can be a great way to detect problems early and prevent more costly repairs in the future. It is also a good idea to do this before purchasing a new house, as it will help you know what problems to expect and whether they can be easily repaired or not.
Maintenance
Roof systems are subjected to all types of physical and chemical stress. Over time, these stresses can shorten the life expectancy of a roof system. A properly functioning preventive maintenance program allows minor, isolated problems to be addressed in a timely manner before they have a detrimental effect on the operation of the facility and the resulting cost of repairs.
Detailed inspections should be conducted at least quarterly, with a more intensive survey performed during the fall and spring, when the majority of roof system damage occurs. These surveys should include visual evaluations of the various roof components, identification of deficiencies requiring corrective action, and development of long-range preventive maintenance needs. Detailed documentation of the survey should include written reports, photographs, and notations on a roof plan.
Flashings are the most common source of roof leaks and should be closely examined. They are typically located at exterior parapet walls, interior elevation transitions, penetrations, and equipment curbs. Because of their exposed nature, they are subjected to frequent physical damage and accelerated weathering. A thorough inspection should also include the field of the roof membrane for surface wear, lap integrity, and overall degradation.
An effective preventive maintenance program includes regular cleaning and repair of the roofing system. These procedures are designed to extend the life of the membrane and minimize downtime, lost revenue, and energy losses for the facility. The most successful programs utilize a service provider that is knowledgeable and experienced in conducting preventive maintenance activities on low-slope membrane roof systems.
A professional service provider can provide a comprehensive roof maintenance program that will save a building owner money in the long run. The program should include a thorough roof cleaning to remove dirt, debris, and organic growth. It should also include an examination of the roof drains to ensure they are clear of clogs and are draining properly. In addition, a service provider should check the pitch pans and flashings for physical damage and degradation.
Lastly, it is important to have a proper ladder system set up to access the roof. It should be anchored securely and have a weight rating of the worker plus 80 lbs. All workers should be wearing hard hats. Care should be taken to keep tools away from the edge of the ladder, as stepping on them can cause injury.
