There are a lot of factors that play into the way your roof is installed. From keeping your house weather tight to capping its curb appeal, your roof is an integral part of your home.
It’s no secret that roofing is a challenging job. That said, there are some things you can do to make it easier and safer on yourself.
1. Flat Roof
Flat roofs are an excellent choice for commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. They’re easy to install, provide a lot of space for ventilation and heating units and are ideal for hiding elements like solar panels.
They’re also more energy efficient than sloped roofs, which can help lower your utility bills. However, you should always consider the pros and cons of each type of roof before choosing one for your building.
Colder climates are often a disadvantage for flat roofs because they can become more susceptible to snow and ice accumulation. Water accumulating on top of the roof can lead to ice dams, which can be dangerous for your home or business.
It can also cause rot, mildew, and mold, which is harmful to your health and can damage the entire structure. That’s why you should hire a professional to replace your flat roof instead of trying to do it yourself.
Fortunately, there are many modern materials that can be used to cover a flat roof and some have warranties of up to 20 years, which are comparable to those for sloped roofing.
If you are in the market for a new flat roof or need a flat roof repair, contact Essential Flat Roofing to schedule an appointment with our team in Oakville, Ontario. We can answer your questions about flat roofing and offer a free estimate for the work you need done.
2. Low-Slope Roof
A low-slope roof is a roofing option that is typically used for commercial buildings. They are more efficient and less costly to install than steep-sloped roofs, which can make them a more desirable option for these types of buildings.
These roofs are generally built using a single-ply membrane that is heat welded to create a solid roof system that will resist water damage. There are several different types of roofing materials that you can use for a low-slope roof, including asphalt-based roofing systems like built-up roof membranes (BUR) and modified bitumen roofing systems, as well as thermoplastic polyolefin roofs.
Regardless of which roofing material you choose, it’s important to ensure that the slope of your low-slope roof is minimal enough to promote drainage and minimize ponding. This will protect your roofing from the potential for leaks and will help to maintain its life span.
Another thing to consider is the type of roof deck that you have on your property. Many different kinds of materials can be used on a roof deck, including metal, lightweight insulation, and poured-in-place concrete.
Thermoplastic polyolefin and BUR membranes are popular choices for roofs that are designed to be low-sloped. They’re a good choice because they are durable, have a long lifespan, and are easy to install.
However, because of their lower slope, low-slope roofs are more susceptible to leaking than other types of roofs. The best way to avoid this problem is to work with a professional roofing contractor who can make sure your roof remains leak-free.
3. Shingle Roof
A shingle roof is one of the most common types of roofing installed on residential houses in the United States. The shingles are dark gray, and they look like flat, rectangular pieces.
Shingles are a great way to protect your home and add curb appeal. They are available in a variety of colors and styles, and they are often more affordable than other types of shingles.
During the installation process, make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This includes proper exposure, offset (the lateral distance between joints in successive courses sometimes called stagger or edge-to-edge spacing) and nail placement.
After a ridge is in place, apply ridge cap shingles to the peak. This will help to shed water down either slope, which can prevent deterioration of the shingles that are on top of it.
When shingle-roofing, you should lay an asphalt, felt-paper or special waterproof underlayment over the roof deck. You should also complete valley flashing, which is a layer of water-shedding material that helps to prevent leaks around roof penetrations, walls or intersections.
If your shingle roof is located in a high wind area, you should use shingles that have reinforced nailing strips. These strips will improve wind-uplift resistance up to 110 mph.
When you’re ready to shingle your roof, it’s best to hire a professional who has experience installing shingles. This is because they can be more efficient and ensure that the shingles are laid correctly. They can also offer additional services, such as gutter installation and painting.
4. Tile Roof
There are several different ways you can install a roof. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks. For instance, tile roofing is more expensive and requires specialized skills. It also can be difficult to find in rural areas and may require permits or codes. There is no need to fear, however, since Lynwood roofers have acquired the necessary skills to install tile roofing flawlessly.
Nevertheless, a tile roof can add elegance and beauty to your home. And it can help your home become energy efficient.
A well-maintained tile roof can last for decades, and is a great choice for homeowners who want to make an architectural statement. Clay and concrete tiles are durable and resistant to fire, hail, and high winds.
Another plus is that tile roofing is more environmentally friendly than other roof materials. Unlike asphalt shingles, clay and concrete tiles are made from nontoxic clay or concrete that is recyclable, which helps reduce the environmental impact of the installation process.
You can even add solar panels to improve your roof’s energy efficiency. However, before you decide to go with a tile roof, be sure to consult your local contractor to ensure you’re making the right decision for your home.
The cost of your new tile roof will depend on a number of factors, including the type of material you choose and how much labor it will take to install it. It’s also important to consider the cost of transferring the materials to your home.
5. Metal Roof
Metal roofs are a popular choice for many homeowners, and with good reason: They’re long-lasting, durable, and add value to your home. They’re also highly energy efficient and are made from 25-95% recycled materials, which can make them an eco-friendly option.
Unlike shingles, they’re fireproof and can resist hail storms without causing damage to your house. And they can improve your house’s energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight, which may help reduce cooling costs by 10-25%.
A metal roof can be attached to a roof deck or directly to the rafters and joists. The roof deck is often made from plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand Board), and it’s designed to support the weight of the metal panels.
Another alternative to a metal roof is modular panels, which are thin pieces of metal that interlock to create a more solid and durable roofing solution. They’re typically used in industrial applications, but they can also work well for residential projects.
It’s important to install a metal roof correctly and to hire a professional contractor for the job. Attempting to install your own metal roof can lead to a number of costly problems, including:
6. Asphalt Roof
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roof materials used on homes today. They are durable and come in a variety of styles, colors and designs. They also provide excellent protection from the elements and are easy to install.
Once you’ve chosen the right material for your roof, it’s time to plan out the installation process. First, you’ll want to remove any old shingles. You can do this yourself or hire a professional roofer to take care of the job for you.
Next, it’s time to install the shingles. It’s a pretty simple process, but it’s important to remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
When you’re ready to shingle, it’s best to start at the bottom and work your way up. You should overlap each shingle by approximately 3 to 4 inches as you go along.
Finally, you’ll need to secure each shingle with 4-6 nails. Make sure to nail the nails straight as this will help prevent leaks and damage.
It’s also a good idea to clean your asphalt roof at least once per year. This will extend the life of your shingles and ensure they stay free from any moisture or other contaminants that may shorten their lifespan.
There are multiple factors that contribute to the lifespan of your asphalt shingles, but you can expect them to last about 20-22 years for 3-tab shingles and 25-28 years for dimensional shingles.
