Roofing encompasses the dynamic process of constructing and maintaining a home’s roof. It includes choosing the right materials, examining a structure’s design and climate conditions, and thoroughly inspecting it. Contact Buckeye Roofing of Columbus now!
Prompt repairs for leaks, moss growth, and shingle damage are critical. Annual inspections can catch problems before they escalate.
Wood is a traditional roofing material that gives homes, cottages and resorts a distinguished, textured look. It is especially popular in coastal areas and mountain regions, where it offers an organic aesthetic that blends with natural surroundings. When treated properly, wood shingles and shakes are extremely durable. They can withstand extreme weather conditions and resist rot, mold and moss growth. Wood can also be enhanced with chemical treatments to increase its resistance to moisture, sun rays and insects.
Premium woods that perform well for roofing include Teak, Wallaba and Cedar. These woods are highly versatile in terms of design and form, allowing builders to create unique and bespoke roofs. They can be carved, shaped, and steam-bent into a range of shapes and sizes to meet the exact requirements of each project. Depending on the type of wood, these shingles and shakes can be stained or painted to add extra color to the home’s exterior.
Despite the durability of these natural roofing materials, they do require regular maintenance. If not protected, wood can quickly become damaged by moisture, pests, fungus and WDO (Wood Deterioring Organisms). Additionally, if the timber is exposed to direct sunlight, it will lose its protective oils and begin to rot.
While some homeowners find the aging allure of a weathered wood shingle or shake appealing, other prefer to keep their roof looking bright and new. In these cases, these materials can be treated with a waterproof coating to protect against leaks and rot. This treatment should be reapplied every few years, as required by the manufacturer and the local climate conditions. This treatment will also reduce the risk of moss growth, mildew and mold.
Asphalt
Asphalt is a versatile roofing material that is used in shingle, roll and built-up roof systems. It’s the same material that’s used to pave 85% of America’s roads, so it’s no surprise that asphalt is one of the most widely used roofing products in North American homes today.
Asphalt shingles are available in two primary varieties: 3-tab and dimensional shingles. The former features three regularly spaced tabs that give the shingle a repetitive pattern and is typically the least expensive option. In contrast, the latter, which is also known as architectural or laminated shingles, features two layers of shingle material bonded together for a more attractive and durable look.
A heavy fiberglass mat serves as the base for these shingles, which are coated with either a water-resistant or fire-resistant type of asphalt and topped with mineral granules for added strength and appearance. These granules also serve several important purposes, including providing UV protection and enhancing fire and weather resistance.
The shingles are then sealed with a thermally-activated or self-sealing asphalt sealant. This material is sprayed or dripped onto the shingles to form a protective barrier that prevents moisture infiltration.
Other asphalt roofing accessories include flashing that’s used to seal roof penetrations such as vent pipes, chimneys and skylights, and ridge shingles that are placed along the tops of the roof peaks and valleys. Most asphalt roofing manufacturers create installation instructions that define how these accessories are used to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
The proper selection and construction of asphalt shingles can offer excellent windproof and waterproof protection that requires very little maintenance. Energy-efficient versions of this popular roofing material are also available, featuring reflective coatings that help to reduce solar heat absorption and lower interior temperatures in hot summer months.
Clay Tiles
Known also as building tile, structural clay tile or saltillo tiles, clay roof tiles are burned and shaped to withstand a range of weather conditions. Clay tiles are available in a variety of styles and finishes to complement many architectural styles. Like shingles, clay tiles are fastened to a sturdy roof deck and are covered with an underlayment.
While more expensive than other roofing materials, clay tiles are a long-term investment that can greatly increase a home’s value. They can withstand high winds, are energy-efficient, and provide an excellent buffer against temperature fluctuations, which can lower both heating and cooling costs.
Because of their stone nature, a clay roof is impervious to insects and rot. Clay tile roofs are also fire-resistant and do not emit toxins or gasses, making them a safe choice in areas where wildfires are a concern.
Unlike shingle roofs, clay tiles are anchored to the roof deck through interlocking and/or overlapping courses. The tiles may be anchored with metal clips, galvanized nails or cement-based adhesives. The underlying underlayment is typically a waterproof membrane, although alternative durable underlayments can be used in regions with special weather concerns or for shallower slopes.
Clay tile roofs are heavier than other shingle-style roofing materials and require a stronger roof structure to support their weight. A qualified professional should evaluate a home’s roof to ensure it can handle the additional load of clay tiles before installing them. Once installed, however, a clay tile roof requires little maintenance beyond regular cleaning and inspections for any damaged or deteriorating tiles.
Slate
Slate is a beautiful roofing option that can add value to your home. It is also extremely durable and requires minimal maintenance. It is resistant to fire and weather elements such as heavy rain, snow, and wind. These properties make it one of the most sustainable roofing materials.
Slate roofing is often more expensive than other roofing materials. However, it has a long lifespan and requires little maintenance, which can offset the upfront cost over time. Additionally, slate is an insulator, which helps to reduce energy costs.
Unlike synthetic shingles, natural slate is an eco-friendly roofing material. It is quarried and cut without any additional processing or the use of petroleum products. It is also highly recyclable, so when it reaches the end of its lifespan, it can be returned to the earth without harming the environment.
Because of its durability, slate is a good choice for homeowners who live in areas that experience high winds and hailstorms. Additionally, slate is resistant to rot, mold, mildew, and other common issues that may affect other roofs.
At Biniek Specialty Contractors, we recommend that you choose a qualified roofing professional who has experience working with slate. This will ensure that your slate roof is properly installed and protected from damage caused by central Pennsylvania’s harsh weather conditions. Our experienced roofing contractors can work with both traditional and reclaimed slate. We can help you find the best color, thickness, and texture to complement your home’s architectural style. We also offer a system called READYSLATE that allows for easy installation and doesn’t require specific traditional slate knowledge. This patented system includes battens and hangers that are secured with stainless steel nails to prevent blow-offs.
Metal
Metal roofs are a common sight on large industrial and commercial buildings, but they can also be used to complement many architectural styles. They are durable, energy efficient and fire resistant. In addition, they can withstand high winds and heavy snowfalls better than traditional shingles or clay tile roofs.
A metal roof can last 50 years or more with very little maintenance or repairs. In fact, a metal roof can save homeowners 10-25% on cooling costs. But like any other roofing, it is important to protect your metal roof to ensure its long lifespan.
The first step in protecting a metal roof is to install a high-temperature waterproofing underlayment on the entire roof deck. This material sticks to the metal and seals around each fastener, penetrating the roof to prevent water penetration.
Next, choose the right type of sealant. Do not use the tubes of silicone found in home centers, instead opt for a polyurethane sealant that is specifically formulated to adhere to metal and flex with it.
Corrosion is the most common problem with a metal roof, but it can be prevented with regular cleaning and inspection. Keeping the roof clear of debris like leaves and twigs will help to reduce the chance of rust. The metal panels should be regularly cleaned with a soft brush and mild soap. Rust spots should be addressed promptly as they can cause damage to the protective coating of the metal.
Steel roofs can be made stronger by corrugating them, which means folding the panels into grooves and ridges. This increases the tensile strength of the metal, which is how strong it is when pushed under tension. Metal roofs are also typically made of lighter gauge steel, which helps them resist dents from wind and hail. However, some types of metal roofs, such as stamped and shingle-look metal, are in direct contact with the roof sheathing, so they can be more susceptible to dents.