When thinking about home maintenance, it is easy to take your roof for granted. You may not even look at it or think about it unless something goes wrong. Despite being out of sight, out of mind most of the time… your roof is one of the most important components of your home. To better understand how your roof works, here are some roofing basics.
What Is the Function of a Roof?
Your roof is the first line of defense from the elements. Rain, snow, ice, sun, and wind put constant pressure on the roof. Your roof holds back these unfavorable weather conditions from entering your family’s home. The various layers of materials are doing this job and work together as a full roof system.
What Are Common Types of Roofs?
Several of the most common types of roofs in the tri-state area are gable roofs, hip roofs, and flat roofs.
- Gable roofs have a simple, classic shape with two sloped sides that meet at a triangular peak. They are known for being economical and easy to install, and their steep pitch is helpful in shedding rain or snow.
- Hip roofs, also known as hipped roofs, have four gently sloping sides with no gables or vertical sides. They provide excellent wind resistance in snowstorms, hurricanes, or other wind events.
- Flat roofs are nearly level, with only a minor slope to help shed moisture. They are most popular in dry climates, but they are often used locally on commercial buildings.
What Materials Can Roofs Be Made Out Of?
Some of the most popular types of residential roofing material in this part of the country are asphalt, cedar, metal, and slate.
- Asphalt shingles are the most widely used roofing material. They are the most affordable type of roofing, easy to install, and suitable for most climates.
- Metal roofing typically is made from steel, aluminum, or copper, and is installed in large sheets. Metal roofing is known for its durability, and it can be adapted to many architectural styles – from historical properties to ultra-modern homes.
- Slate roofing is composed of tiles made from split slate rock. Because of its cost, slate roofing is typically found on high-end or historic homes.
- Cedar shakes are a premium roofing product made from hand-split or tapersawn wood. Cedar shakes are often found on cottages or historic properties in the rustic style.
What Are the Important Components of a Roof?
The major components of a roof are:
- Decking, also known as sheathing, is your roof’s foundation. It is usually made of plywood or strand board, and other roofing materials are nailed or otherwise applied to it.
- Underlayment is a layer of felt or other material that is placed between the decking and the shingles. It protects the roof and decking from moisture intrusion that can occur from wind-driven rain and ice dams. It’s often referred to as an “ice and water shield.”
- Shingles are the outer, visible portion of the roof. They are typically made from asphalt but other materials like slate, metal, or wood may be used instead.
- Flashing is small strips of metal (such as drip edge) installed over gaps in your roofing. This prevents water from entering openings around vents, skylights, or chimneys.
- Vents are protected openings that promote healthy airflow and prevent the buildup of heat and humidity under your roof. Ridge vents at the peak of your roof allow air to escape, while soffit vents under your eaves draw in cooler air.
- Gutters, along with downspouts, collect rainwater and direct it away from your roof and foundation.
- Rafters are wood beams that frame and support a roof. Rafters are typically custom cut onsite during construction.
- Trusses function similarly to rafters, but they are pre-made offsite. They have chorded tops and bottoms as opposed to traditional stick framing.
What Is the Most Important Part of a Roof?
Every part of a roof plays a role in protecting your home or business from the elements. Of all the parts of a roof, the flashing is considered the most important one because it keeps water from entering your walls, chimney, and other areas that are vulnerable to water intrusion. When the flashing is properly installed, the structure is protected from leaks that could cause serious damage.
How Long Does a Roof Last?
The lifespan of a roof depends on several factors: type of roof, quality of roofing materials, local climate, and how well the roof is maintained. In general, asphalt roofs can last up to 20-25 years; high quality metal roofs often last 50 years or more; slate roofing can have a lifespan of 100 years or more, and cedar shake roofing should be replaced every 35-50 years.
What Is the Number One Cause of Roof Failure?
Roofs can fail because of weather or tree damage, aging materials, poor maintenance, inadequate ventilation, and a variety of other reasons. But by far the number one cause of roof failure is improper installation. This can lead to leaks, and ultimately, structural damage. That is why Simpson Roofing is committed to getting the job done right the first time.
Simpson Roofing is Family Built and Jersey Strong
Simpson Roofing Company is a family company, committed to providing exceptional roofing services in the tri-state area for more than a century. We offer residential roofing, commercial roofing, specialty & custom roofing, and property maintenance. Call (973) 794-3500 or contact us online for additional information or to request a free estimate.
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