A roof covers a building and includes constructions that support it on the walls of the structure. It protects against rain, snow, sunlight and extreme temperatures.
When hiring a roofing contractor, homeowners should look for a uniform appearance. Also, they should check whether the contractor used plenty of flashing materials around leak-prone areas such as chimneys and plumbing vents. Contact Cambridge Roofing now!
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials in North America. They offer a wide range of colors, and they are inexpensive to install. They are also durable and resistant to fire and water.
Shingles are constructed from a combination of organic and inorganic components. The organic component is the shingle base, and the inorganic component is the shingle’s color. The base is made of either paper, felt or a fiberglass mat. The base is coated with asphalt, which is mixed with mineral granules to add weather resistance and beauty. The granules give the shingles their color and help protect the roof from UV radiation.
Inorganic granules can be manufactured from a variety of mineral sources, including recycled rubber tires and glass. Organic granules are typically produced from the waste of oil refining or natural gas processing. The granules are bonded to the base with an asphaltic adhesive. This adhesive must be carefully applied, and the manufacturer must ensure that it is activated at the proper temperature range to bond effectively.
Depending on your area, you may need impact rated shingles to help protect against severe storms. These shingles are constructed from heavier, more resilient material than standard shingles to resist damage. In addition, a special underlayment is sometimes used to prevent leaks and provide a safe working surface for roofers.
Once considered a waste product, factory-waste roofing shingles are now often recycled into new shingle production. They are also used in asphalt road construction as an additional source of aggregate. This helps to reduce the amount of raw materials needed for road construction and improve the quality of asphalt products. Some roofing companies also utilize the material as a way to recycle their own waste, reducing landfill contributions.
Metal
Metal is a versatile roofing material that can be used in a wide variety of styles. Its durability and aesthetic make it a good option for residential roofing, especially in areas where hail and fire are common. It also reflects sunlight, which can reduce the load on a home’s air conditioning system and help reduce energy costs.
One of the most popular options for metal roofing is standing seam metal panels, which feature concealed fasteners and vertical legs with a flat area between them. These systems offer a sleek, modern appearance and can be installed on structures with multiple planes and complex designs. They’re often favored by architects for their high-quality construction and ability to meet a wide range of design requirements.
Other types of metal roofing include corrugated metal, aluminum and zinc. Zinc is one of the most environmentally friendly metals and is a popular choice for roofing because it can last up to 60 years or more. It requires little energy to produce and is highly recyclable. Aluminum is a more affordable metal option but it is prone to denting and needs to be installed with adequate space for expansion and contraction. It also needs to be painted to protect it from corrosion and isn’t as durable as steel.
Standing seam metal roofs come in a number of different profiles, including snap-lock, mechanically seamed and batten seam. Snap-lock systems connect by clipping together adjacent panels. Mechanically seamed systems are crimped together with a machine for a stronger connection. Batten seam systems hold the panels in place using vertical battens. Both systems can be finished with a variety of paint or rust-resistant coatings.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles are a versatile roofing option that can mimic the look of more expensive materials. With modern mixing methods, they are available in a wide range of colors and styles to fit any architectural design preference.
Tile roofs are durable and long-lasting, with some manufacturers offering lifetime warranties. They provide exceptional protection from the elements, including up to class 3 hail and wind speeds of up to 125 miles per hour (201 kilometers per hour).
Because they are made from natural materials like sand, cement, and water, these roofing options offer an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic and chemical preservative-based shingles. Their dense construction also helps reduce heating and cooling costs by creating a barrier that prevents heat from escaping the home during winters.
While it’s possible to install a concrete tile roof with any type of sheathing, homeowners should choose sheathing that’s capable of supporting the added weight of the tiles. Sheathing that is at least 1 inch thick for solid wood or 15/32 inches thick for plywood is recommended.
For a more budget-friendly alternative, consider lightweight concrete tiles. These are ideal for re-roofing applications on homes that don’t meet structural support requirements for standard weight concrete tiles.
The type of concrete tile you select will depend on your location, climate, and design preferences. For instance, a classic Spanish tile roof would probably clash with a modern farmhouse design. Choose a style that best suits your home’s architectural style to ensure it looks beautiful and functions properly.
Clay Tiles
The exotic feeling of romance found in Southwest and Mediterranean-inspired homes is often due to the use of clay tiles. These tiles provide a unique look to a home and add value, but it’s important for homeowners to understand the specific strengths and weaknesses of this roofing choice before making an investment.
Tile roofs are highly insulative and can save homeowners on energy costs throughout the year. However, they are heavier than asphalt shingles and require a solid roof structure and framing to support them. In fact, some experts recommend consulting a structural engineer to ensure the existing roof can safely support the weight of clay tiles before considering installation.
To make a clay tile, manufacturers start with raw clay that’s then dried, pulverized, mixed and kneaded to produce consistent shapes. Then they’re molded and placed in high-temperature kilns to bake them. During this process, the tile becomes hard and durable. It’s also covered in a glaze to protect it from the elements.
This process is time-consuming, labor-intensive and expensive. But it’s worth it because a well-maintained clay tile can last for 150 years or more. Plus, it can improve a home’s energy efficiency by blocking harsh sunlight.
Unlike some other types of roofing, clay tiles can be installed on a variety of roof slopes. Manufacturers permit some tile types on roofs with slopes as low as 2 1/2:12. This is typically because of a layer of underlayment and special fastening methods. But it’s important to note that they shouldn’t be installed on roofs with a slope greater than 4:12. If it is, there’s a risk of the tiles shaking and cracking, which can lead to moisture damage in the interior of the home.
Slate
Slate is a beautiful and durable material that has been prized for roofing for centuries. It is a type of metamorphic rock that cleaves, or splits, easily into thin slabs with great tensile strength and durability.
It is available in a variety of colors, textures and sizes, with each slate tile displaying its own distinct markings. The most popular slate color is gray, which complements a wide range of other shades and hues, including brown, black, sand, ivory and red.
When installed properly, a slate roof can last 75-150 years or more. Its lifespan is dependent on a number of factors, including the quality and finish of the slate, how it is installed, and how well it is maintained.
To install slate, a trained and qualified professional is required. The process involves cutting slates into different shapes and sizes, as well as constructing unique roof structures to suit the material. This allows for the creation of stunning and enduring roofscapes.
A roofer that specializes in slate roofing is known as a slating contractor. They can help you decide what slating style is right for your home, and they are familiar with the various techniques and installation methods that have been used throughout the world to produce outstanding roofing.
Slate is a heavy material, and it can add a lot of weight to your roof. It is essential that your roof system is designed to accommodate the extra load, or you may need to retrofit it to support the slate. In addition to this, slate requires an adequate head lap between courses (the amount of space left between each row of slate). A good roofer will advise you on the minimum head lap required.
