How To Compare The Popular Types Of Roofing

Roofing Repair is essential in the construction of any home or commercial building. Whether you’re building from scratch or replacing an existing roof, your roof needs to be strong and safe. A good roof will protect people and possessions from natural elements and protect you and your family from damage due to weather and other forms of damage. A roof also keeps the roof attached to the house properly, making it easier for you to do repairs or even replacements in the future, if need be. Here are some types of roofs, their main functions, and how they are built.

Roofing: A roofing membrane, often called roofing felt paper, is your roof’s main underlying structure. A roof membrane serves many useful functions, especially during a commercial roofing project. It keeps water away from the roof deck shingles, protects the roof from rain and snow damage, protects people from falling debris, and keeps the roof’s integrity in place. A good roof membrane will also protect the underlayment layer below it from moisture and the elements.

Underlayment layer: The underlayment, or attic insulation, is made from materials such as felt paper, shingles, and metal flashing. When properly applied and installed during a roofing project, it can provide up to an unlimited amount of energy savings because it stops heat from escaping from the inside of your building. This is why some commercial buildings are designed with an attic insulation layer that overlays and completes the roofing felt paper. The attic insulation provides thermal comfort for living inside the building while permitting air circulation and eliminating drafts.

Roofing: Another roofing material that you may find at your local home improvement store is slate. Slate can be used to address a wide range of architectural styles, including cedar, Spanish, barn, and Victorian. Each of these roofs has its own unique look, which often depends on the pitch they contain. For instance, cedar roofs are typically round, while Spanish roofs are usually square or rectangular. Barn and Victorian styles often use flat roofing materials such as slate. The slate pitch will depend on the roof’s components, such as its width, pitch or curvature, and length.

Low pitch roofs: Although they aren’t technically classified as roofs, low pitch roofs are a popular choice in residential and commercial applications. Because these roofs are less than an inch thick, many homeowners mistakenly think they are acceptable. Unfortunately, these roofs aren’t very weather resistant and require a certain maintenance level to keep them looking great year-round. Because of this, many homeowners avoid them altogether.

Flat roofs: One of the unique types of roofing material available is flat roofs. These roofs don’t have seams along their length. Rather, the roof’s entire length is one continuous piece. Unlike low pitch roofs, they are designed for greater durability and are commonly used in industrial applications. While flat roofs can be appealing and effective, they often experience a wide array of issues such as excess moisture, water damage, and insect infestation.

Pitched roofs: When comparing flat and pitched roofs, there is a great deal of disparity. Pitched roofs are flat on the ends but slope towards the middle. These roofs are usually made with wood fibers, metal flashing, and shingles. They are also referred to as French roofs or barn roofs. Many homeowners use these in their applications because they are easy to install and maintain.

As mentioned earlier, not all roofs are created equally. Understanding what each type of roofing material offers ensures that you purchase the proper roofing materials that best suit your needs. When comparing different roofing systems, make sure you take note of how the roofing system operates. For instance, flat roofs have a single slope or plane, whereas pitched roofs have two slopes that alternate. Understanding how each type of roofing functions will ensure that you purchase the right roofing system for your application.