Many homeowners don't really think much about their roof unless it starts to leak, but this is a mistake. You should know as much as possible about your home's roof and roofs in general so that you will be prepared if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced. In particular, it's a good idea to gain a working knowledge of the various materials needed to construct a roof. This article takes a look at this important home improvement topic.
Top Layer
The most popular roof material for the exterior of the roof is asphalt shingles. They have several benefits, with one of the most important being their relatively low cost compared to most other options. Asphalt shingles also come in a wide range of colors and usually last about 20 to 25 years. Metal roofing is also available for residential homes. It's more costly than asphalt shingles, but, on the other hand, it generally lasts much longer. Metal roofs typically last 40 to 75 years.
Roofing tiles made from clay or concrete are also a good choice for some homeowners. These products work well with homes that are constructed in the Southwestern, Mediterranean, or mission architectural styles. They are heavy, so you will need a professional roofer to tell you if your home can bear the extra weight. They are expensive but can last 40 to 50 years if well-maintained.
Wood shakes and shingles can add a rustic and charming look to your home if the house was built in a bungalow, Cape Cod, or Tudor style. Slate is another excellent roofing material, although it is also one of the most expensive.
Underlayment
The middle layer of your roof is called the underlayment. Its main purpose is to protect your home in case any moisture gets under the top layer of your roof. Three main types of underlayment are on the market: felt, self-adhering, and synthetic. Self-adhering underlayment is typically used in areas of the roof that are susceptible to leaks, such as valleys and chimneys. Felt, also called tar paper, has been a common choice for many years, while synthetic underlayment, which is made from various polymers, is also frequently seen.
Sheathing
The bottom layer roof the roof is the sheathing or decking and typically consists of wooden planks or boards. Plank decking was the standard for many years, but today plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) are more common, with OSB being used for sheathing somewhat more than plywood.
To learn more, contact a roofing company near you, such as United Roofing LLC.
