Roofs are complex systems that protect homes from the elements. Our guide covers roofing, from construction materials and structures to maintenance and repairs.
The roof frame consists of rafters or prefabricated trusses. It is covered by sheathing, usually plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Older houses may have tongue-and-groove or narrow 1-by-4-skip sheathing boards of sawn lumber. Click https://www.ellingsonroofing.com/ to learn more.
Plywood is a versatile engineered wood product that is made by gluing together thin layers of veneers. It’s an ideal choice for roofing sheathing because it provides a durable base that’s designed to withstand the weight of your roof’s finish materials and weather elements. It’s also an affordable material that can be easily worked with to match the aesthetic of your home.
Compared to other roofing materials, roofing plywood offers stability and durability while remaining affordable. However, it’s not as aesthetically pleasing as tiles or metal, requiring more consistent maintenance to ensure a long lifespan.
There are different types of roofing plywood, including structural, exterior, and marine. Structural plywood is distinguished by its ability to withstand stress and full weather exposure, making it great for beams, subfloors, shipping crates, and other structures. It’s also commonly used as wall and roof bracing. Exterior plywood, on the other hand, is able to resist water and can be painted to match your home’s aesthetic.
Both types of plywood can be purchased in sheets or cut to size. Depending on the thickness and grade, each type will have its own set of strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to discuss your options with a professional, as they will be able to recommend the best option for your project.
Another option for roofing is oriented strand board, which is less expensive than plywood but doesn’t offer the same strength and stability. It can also swell when wet and contains formaldehyde, which is flammable.
Regardless of the type you choose, it’s important to check the quality and warranty on the product before buying. You should also look for certifications like CARB and EPA. Lastly, make sure the glues used in the construction of the plywood are waterproof and boilproof. This will protect the plywood from delaminating and rotting over time. Also, avoid using pressure-treated lumber, as this can contain toxins and chemicals.
Shingles
Shingles are the final touch to a finished roof. They’re not just a functional part of the roofing system—they add visual appeal to the overall structure. They come in a wide variety of shapes and colors, and they also offer interesting information about the structure and creation of the roof itself.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common types of shingle in use today, but they have been improved upon greatly over time. Some shingles are designed to mimic the look of natural materials, while others are made to increase the durability and resistance to weather elements.
The base of a shingle is typically a fiberglass mat, which is then coated with a layer of mineral granules. These granules, which can be processed into a wide variety of colors, serve as the protective surface for the shingle and help it resist water intrusion. The granules are held in place by a layer of asphalt that acts as an effective sealant and helps to reflect the sun’s heat.
Over time, shingle roofs can experience many different kinds of damage. Rain, wind and snow can wear away the granules that protect the roof, and they can also cause ice dams, which are formed when melted snow runs down the roof and then freezes in the gutters, causing the water to back up under the shingle and damage the underlying building structures.
To help reduce the possibility of ice dams, proper ventilation is crucial. This involves a combination of balanced intake and exhaust ventilation to reduce the attic temperature, which helps to prevent ice build ups in the attic space. It’s also important to follow Department of Energy recommendations for attic insulation, which can further reduce ice dam formation and help extend the life of an asphalt shingle roof.
In addition to preventing ice dams, flashing can also be used to protect areas where the roof meets other structures such as chimneys, walls and skylights. Flashing is typically metal and is installed along the edges of a shingle course to prevent leaks around these areas.
Underlayment
A roof is not complete without the right underlayment. It is essential to protect against moisture infiltration and other forces that can damage the structure of your home. This underlayment is a waterproof or water-resistant material that is laid directly on the roof deck before any other roofing materials are installed. It helps to prevent tar from coming into contact with the roof deck and helps to make the roof stronger and more weather resistant.
Traditionally, underlayment is made from a felt paper (also known as roofing tar paper), but nowadays there are also synthetic options. The main difference between these two types of underlayment is that synthetic underlayments are more resistant to UV rays and mold, while felt paper is not. This makes the choice of underlayment a lot easier for homeowners, especially since both products have similar benefits, such as providing an effective barrier against moisture infiltration and the elements.
The type of underlayment you choose depends on the climate in your area and the slope of your roof. It is best to discuss this with your roofing contractor, as they will be able to give you advice and recommendations on which underlayment is the best for your specific circumstances.
For example, a rubberized underlayment is the perfect solution for colder climates because it offers superior protection against UV rays and can handle heavy snow loads. It is also highly flexible and waterproof, which is why it’s so popular for roofs in these areas. Felt roof underlayment, on the other hand, is not as durable and can deteriorate over time because it absorbs moisture easily and can become brittle.
It’s important to understand that the underlayment you choose plays a huge role in how your roof performs over time, so it isn’t something you want to cut corners with. In fact, using the wrong underlayment could negate your shingle warranty. This is why it’s always important to use high-quality underlayment, such as those offered by Eagle. These underlayments, like Secure Guard 60 and Eagle True 2-40 are designed to repel moisture effectively, preventing leaks and other problems that can cost you a lot of money in repairs.
Flashing
Flashing is a layer of thin metal that protects the joints, seams, and penetration points of a roof. It keeps water from seeping into these areas, preventing issues like rot, mold, mildew, and pest infestation. Flashing can be installed in a variety of ways, depending on the specific needs of each roofing job. For example, it can be installed over a joint or placed around objects that penetrate the roof such as chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall cladding. It can also be used to create a weather barrier for a wall’s cladding.
The most common type of flashing is base flashing, which is installed where a flat roofing material meets a vertical surface like a wall or chimney. It seals the gap to prevent water from seeping under the shingles or into the roof structure. It’s often a piece of sheet metal that’s formed into an “L” shape and then sealed, but it can also be copper, aluminum, or galvanized steel.
Another type of flashing is valley flashing, which lines the low point where two different slopes of a roof meet. This is the most likely area to experience shingle erosion and leaks, so it’s important to install a proper valley flashing system to keep water from pooling in this location and damaging the roof.
There’s also ridge cap flashing, which is installed at the peak of a roof to prevent water from seeping under the shingle and into the home. It’s usually a wide strip of metal with a central spout opening that’s designed for either a vent top or a PVC pipe. It’s then covered with a layer of shingle to protect the flashing.
There’s also drip edge flashing, which is installed at the edges of a roof to prevent rainwater from running down the fascia boards and into the soffit area. It can be L-shaped, F-shaped, or T-shaped and comes in a range of colors to match the roof shingles. There’s even counter flashing, which covers existing wall flashings. Flashing is an essential part of a quality roofing system, and it’s best to trust your roofing to experienced professionals for installation.