Roofing is an integral part of building construction that protects structures from rain, snow, sunlight and extremes of temperature. Roofing materials and techniques have evolved over the centuries based on available resources and human ingenuity.
Roofing requires regular maintenance to avoid rotting and insect damage. Selecting a contractor with experience and certifications is important to ensure quality work and safety. Contact Arthur’s Roofing now!
Plywood is one of the most important building materials used in roofing. It acts as the base that supports the weight of shingles, tiles and other roof finish materials and also protects against weather elements like sun, wind, rain, snow and hail. There are a number of different types of plywood, each with their own advantages and uses.
The process of making plywood involves gluing together thin sheets of wood veneers at perpendicular angles to each other. This creates a much stronger material than solid wood and allows it to withstand a significant amount of stress. Additionally, plywood is resistant to warping and shrinking as a result of its cross-grain construction. This makes it a great choice for sheathing or roof decking and can often be used in place of concrete or masonry for structural applications.
It’s worth noting that not all plywood is created equal – when choosing the right product for your roof sheathing, always opt for the highest quality grade available. This will be indicated by a grade of A, B, C or D on the face of the sheet. A-grade plywood is completely devoid of knots and defects, perfect for interior work and appearance-oriented projects; while D-grade plywood has a lot of blemishes and cracks and should only be used for sheathing or roofing.
Two of the most popular choices for roof sheathing are OSB and CDX plywood. OSB stands for Oriented Strand Board, which is made up of strands of wood that are compressed and bonded together using heat and pressure. This creates a strong, lightweight material that can withstand more weight than solid wood and is less expensive than plywood. However, OSB swells when wet and can contain a large amount of formaldehyde, which can be harmful to the environment. Therefore, we recommend opting for CDX plywood when working on a new roof. This type of plywood is a great balance between price and performance and will provide the sheathing your roof needs.
Underlayment
The first layer of your roof is the underlayment, which is a waterproof or water-resistant barrier that goes directly on the roof deck. It’s important to install this before other roofing materials go on, as it protects the structural sheathing from moisture and also prevents tar from coming into contact with the wood.
There are many different types of underlayment, from traditional asphalt-saturated felt to modern synthetics. Felt underlayment is usually cut into manageable sections, often about 10-15 feet long, which helps to minimize waste and make it easier to handle and install. It comes in either 15-pound or 30-pound rolls, depending on the thickness of the material. Asphalt-saturated underlayment is less expensive but not as effective as its synthetic counterparts, which are designed to last longer and can withstand more damage.
While underlayment isn’t always required by building codes, not using it makes your roof more vulnerable to leaks and other problems. For instance, if you have an older home with pine or fir sheathing, resin pockets in these boards can react with certain roof-covering materials, such as asphalt shingles, and cause accelerated deterioration.
Besides protecting the sheathing and your home from moisture, underlayment also provides an extra layer of insulation to keep your home more comfortable. This stops heat from escaping in hot weather and lessens cold air loss in winter, helping to reduce energy costs and ease the load on your heating and cooling systems.
If you’re replacing an existing roof, underlayment will provide a more effective water barrier than old felt underlayment. However, it’s not a good idea to replace your existing shingles with new shingles over old underlayment, as this can lead to condensation and other issues.
Local building codes require that the underlayment used for your roof meets minimum safety and quality standards. Working with a professional roofer ensures that the underlayment you choose and use will be up to code and will do its job well. It can be challenging to navigate all of the regulations in your area, but a roofer can help you stay compliant and avoid any costly or time-consuming mistakes that could put your project behind schedule or jeopardize the safety and integrity of your roof.
Flashing
A roof’s flashing protects the structure from water damage at points where it meets other structures and features. Without effective flashing, moisture can seep into these junctions and cause mold, rot and structural damage. Flashing is typically made from metal and consists of a sheet that’s resistant to moisture and other weather conditions.
There are many types of flashing, each designed to fulfill a specific purpose. Some of the most common include:
Step flashing: Installed at the juncture or valley of two intersecting roof planes, this type of flashing uses a series of small pieces that overlap each other and divert water away from the vulnerable area. This is commonly found around chimneys and walls.
Counter flashing: A piece of metal that’s installed over the top of a run of step flashing, this provides a barrier against leaks and helps prevent moisture from entering the building. This is also used at the juncture where a sloped roof meets a vertical wall or other protrusion.
Chimney flashing: This type of flashing is applied to the roof at the point where a chimney penetrates it. It consists of several components, including step flashing that integrates with the shingles, counter flashing and a cricket or saddle that diverts water around the chimney base.
Plumbing vent flashing boots: These are fitted around pipes protruding from the roof, preventing water from entering the structure at these points. These typically consist of a flat base that integrates with the roof material and an upward-extending sleeve that fits snugly around the pipe.
Window and door flashing: Typically embedded in wall interruptions such as windows, this type of flashing prevents water ingress at these points and also redirects water that may have entered back outside. Sill flashing: Concealed under windows or doors, this type of flashing spans the thickness of a wall and directs water to weep holes.
Roof flashing is essential to a building’s integrity and longevity, protecting it from moisture and other weather elements that can harm the structure. Proper installation is key, and this is why hiring a professional to perform the job is always recommended.
Shingles
Shingles are a key element in roofing and provide the visual appeal of a roof. They come in a variety of colors and styles that can complement any home. When properly installed and maintained, shingles can protect a roof for decades.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of shingle used on homes. They consist of a fiberglass mat saturated on both sides with hot asphalt and topped with a layer of granules. The granules add strength and resistance to the shingles. The shingles also help to reflect the sun’s heat, which can reduce cooling costs.
The shingles are designed to be installed in courses, with each shingle offset from the next one. The first course of shingles is called the starter course, and the last shingles are known as the ridge course. The shingles are secured to the underlayment with roof cement.
A variety of specialty shingles are available to homeowners, including ones that fight algae growth and offer enhanced resistance to damaging hail. Some shingles are even coated with special material that helps them to retain their color and resist cracking and peeling. Choosing a special shingle type can significantly lower your insurance premiums.
Depending on the area of your home, you can choose shingles that are lighter or darker to better suit your climate. Lighter shingles reflect more of the sun’s energy, which can lower your cooling costs in warmer regions. Darker shingles absorb more of the sun’s energy, which may reduce your heating costs in colder regions.
In addition to the material and style of shingles, you should also consider how they’ll coordinate with your home’s design and neighborhood aesthetic. For example, a traditional Colonial will look best with wood or slate shingles, while a modern ranch home might look better with metal options.
A shingles rash typically occurs in a single band along the body or face and looks similar to chickenpox. If you suspect that you have shingles, you should see your healthcare provider for an exam and to confirm the diagnosis. They will likely do a physical and ask about your health history.
