Roofing Akron Ohio is the top part of a building structure that protects against rain, snow, sunlight and extremes of temperature. Designers can work alone or with a consultant or a trusted contractor.
Roof sheathing is wood boards or sheets fastened to rafters to form the roof structure. The incline of the roof is its pitch; a steep slope is typical in areas with much rainfall and snow.
There are a variety of roofing materials that can be used to protect your home. The material that works best for you depends on your location, aesthetic preferences and budget. Some of the most common roofing materials are shingles, asphalt, clay tiles and concrete roofs. Roofing contractors can help you decide what works best for your home.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing in America. They are made from fiberglass mats that have been doused in asphalt and then covered with granules of varying colors. They are affordable, simple to install and have a long lifespan. However, they don’t provide as much insulation as other types of roofing.
Built-up roofing (BUR) is a more durable option that can be installed on flat or low-slope roofs. It is created by a number of layers of felt that have been impregnated with hot asphalt and topped with a layer of finely crushed stone. It is durable, water-resistant and can withstand severe weather conditions, but it is also very heavy and may require extra support for your roof.
Slate roofs are a more expensive option that offers natural beauty and longevity. They can last for 50 to 100 years or more and are resistant to fire and insects. They are a more eco-friendly choice than other roofing materials, but they do require regular upkeep and maintenance.
Terra-cotta roof tiles are another durable roofing material that offers an attractive, rustic aesthetic. They are available in a wide variety of styles, are water-resistant and can withstand high temperatures. They are also easy to maintain, but can be difficult to repair if they are damaged.
Rubber roofs are another durable roofing material that can be easily repaired and are a great option for homeowners who want to conserve energy. They are able to absorb and retain heat, so they can keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. They are made from a combination of engineered polymers and recycled rubber, so they are also very eco-friendly.
Many new innovations have been made to roofing over the years, including reflective shingles, solar panels and energy-efficient roofs. These options can make your home more efficient and increase its resale value. Talk to your roofing contractor about the newest features that are available.
Installation
Roofing requires a significant investment of time and money. Before the contractors begin, they must check with their local building department and homeowner association for permits. Then, they must prepare the property by setting up protective measures. The crew will cover your garden and pool (if applicable), move cars off the driveway to prevent them from getting damaged by falling debris, and put up tarps around your garage and home to keep it protected from dust and dirt during the tear-off process.
They will also install ridge vents, soffit vents, and gable or attic vents to ensure proper ventilation. This helps to maintain a stable temperature in the attic and prevent damage to the insulation. Venting also reduces energy costs. In addition, a ridge cap shingle will be used to seal the ridge and help prevent wind uplift.
The contractors will then apply the underlayment, which is a waterproof barrier. They will nail it down firmly with a pattern that begins with close nails near the edge of the underlayment and spreads out as they get closer to the center of the roof. Then, the shingles will be installed. They will overlap the first row by at least six inches and nail it down with a pattern that begins with close nails and spreads out as they get closer to your roof’s ridge. The contractor will then shingle the hips and ridges of the roof, using a specialized shingle that provides a finished appearance and additional protection from weather elements.
Maintenance
In addition to regular cleaning, a commercial roof maintenance program should include inspections of the entire system. This allows the property owner to spot small issues and address them before they grow into big problems. Whether it’s a simple nail that needs to be hammered in or some caulking that’s dried out and starting to lift up, addressing these items right away will prevent more costly repairs down the road.
Other things to look for include a thorough examination of the flashing around chimneys and vent pipes. This will ensure that water is properly diverted away from the areas where the roofing planes meet, preventing leaks. A quick check of the caulking around these penetrations will reveal if it’s in need of replacement, too. For these joints, we use Wakaflex caulking, which is highly durable and easy to apply.
The drains and gutters should be cleaned during this time, too. It’s important that they are clear of leaves, debris and organic growth to keep water flowing properly through the system. This will keep the roof from becoming saturated and help extend its life.
This is also a good opportunity to trim any trees that overhang the roof. Doing this will reduce the risk of limbs falling onto the roof during stormy weather and potentially causing damage.
During this time, the maintenance crew will inspect the condition of the shingles and rubber parts on the flashing to make sure they’re in good shape. If any of them are damaged, they can be easily replaced. Similarly, the sealants on the metal flashing can be repaired or replaced as needed.
Repairs
Any part of your home’s exterior is assaulted by wind, rain, hail, bitter cold, intense heat, and sun rays, but it is your roof that typically takes the hardest hits. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help keep your roof in great shape and prevent small issues from escalating into big problems.
Unlike painting a room or replacing cabinets, re-roofing is a major home improvement project that should be carefully considered and planned. Often, this process doesn’t require the removal of existing shingles, but rather placing new shingle overlays or roofing material over old ones. This approach doesn’t last as long as a full replacement and may void the warranty on the new shingles.
Repairing leaks, re-sealing areas, or insulating your roof can significantly improve energy efficiency in your home. In turn, this translates into lower energy costs and a more sustainable living environment. Moreover, it can also protect your home from structural damage caused by compromised roofing that leads to leaks. Regular repairs and timely inspections can save you from the need for costly roof replacement in the future.
Metal roofs
Metal roofs are a durable option for commercial or residential construction. They can withstand high winds, rain and snow. They require less maintenance than traditional shingle roofs and last 50 to 100 years. They are also energy efficient and may qualify for a tax credit.
The metal roofing industry offers a wide range of styles, colors and materials to choose from. Steel (galvanized or galvalume), copper, aluminum and tin are common materials. They are available as pre-formed panels or in the form of standing seam and exposed fastener roofs. Some systems allow for the attachment of the sheathing and the structural diaphragm in one piece, eliminating the need for an extra sheathing layer. Panels can be fabricated on-site for a more customized fit and to reduce leak potential. Some roofs have a granular coating for a more natural look or can be stamped to imitate shingles, slate, tile or shakes.
Each type of metal has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, galvanized steel is inexpensive and durable. However, it rusts easily in certain climates. Steel also expands and contracts more than other materials, which can cause stress on the panels or seams if not allowed for in the design. Aluminum is a more expensive material but it is highly recyclable and does not rust as easily as steel. However, it has fewer color options than other metals. Zinc is a relatively new option that has been growing in popularity in the U.S. It is lightweight and requires less material to construct, which saves on the engineering of the framing of a building. It is also non-combustible, which means it resists fire from outside sources better than other roof materials.