Your roof may seem like a simple structure that sits at the top of your house and protects it from rain, snow, sunlight, extremes of temperature, and more. However, the internal workings of a roof are much more complex than they appear.
Roofer Round Rock is a main part of a roof’s structure. They form a triangle that meets at the ridge.
Shingles are typically composed of asphalt with granules that give them their color protect the asphalt beneath from ultraviolet radiation and help the roof shed rainwater. When shingles are damaged or deteriorating, they can allow water into the home and cause leaks, which can damage walls, ceilings, insulation and other parts of the house.
If you find areas of your roof that seem darker than the rest, this can mean either that the protective granules on the shingle are falling off, or that the shingles are deteriorating and need to be replaced. The most common way that shingles become damaged is when they are pelted by solid objects, such as hail or rocks, at high speeds. Shingles can be bruised by such impacts, which expose the asphalt to further damage and leave the roof vulnerable to storm damage.
Over time, shingles can also wear down due to normal weather conditions, including sun exposure and changes in temperature. When a shingle loses its granules, it can be spotted by looking at the dirt or debris in your gutters and on the ground near your home. This is because the granules are what keep the shingle waterproof, and without them the shingle can deteriorate quickly.
A shingle can become creased or damaged by wind forces or even by the weight of snow and ice on the roof. The creases or damage can be difficult to spot, as they are often hidden by other shingles. In a recent test, researchers used a fan to generate wind at speeds up to 175 mph and found that creases were present in nearly all the shingles tested. In some cases, the creases were so severe that they created a visible “v” on the roof surface.
Another problem that arises is that some manufacturers do not list uplift force ratings (at design wind speeds) for their shingles on the material packaging or reference documents. This makes it harder to compare field-measured shingle strengths to the strength ratings originally determined by the manufacturer. The difference can be significant, and it can lead to a mismatch between the design wind speed of the roof and its actual performance.
The shingles on your roof are the first line of defense against rain, snow, and wind. They’re designed to withstand storms, reflect UV rays, and prevent water penetration. But there’s more to a roof than just shingles. The underlayment on your roof is just as important, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions.
Roofing underlayment is a base layer that protects the roof while allowing installers to work more easily and quickly. It also helps keep moisture from penetrating the roof sheathing and causing damage to the home’s interior. There are a few different types of roofing underlayment, including felt paper, rubberized asphalt, and non-bitumen synthetics. Each type has its own pros and cons.
The type of underlayment you choose will depend on your budget, climate, and the type of roof you have. Felt paper is a common choice for homeowners on a budget. It’s also easy to install and lasts for many years. It’s available in 15-pound and 30-pound thicknesses, with the latter being more damage-resistant during installation.
Rubberized asphalt underlayment is a durable option that’s great for steep sloped roofs. It’s also water-resistant, and it resists tearing better than felt. However, it’s not as easy to install as felt.
Non-bitumen synthetic underlayments are a more environmentally friendly option than asphalt. They are waterproof and resistant to mold, mildew, and fungus. They’re also easier to install than rubberized asphalt underlayment.
It’s a good idea to use an underlayment with a low permeance rating to avoid trapped moisture that can lead to wood rot, mold, or other roof problems. However, it’s important to understand that no underlayment is completely waterproof.
The underlayment on your roof is critical to the function of your entire roof system. It’s essential to always read the building code guidelines for your region and seek usage instructions from underlayment manufacturers to ensure that you don’t negate any warranty coverage. Additionally, it’s important to know that all types of underlayment can be damaged by poor installation or exposure to certain elements. For instance, asphalt felt can degrade if exposed to ultraviolet light.
A roof’s flashing seals the edges of your roof around its various components and corners, preventing rainwater, snow, and excess moisture from getting into your home. Without flashing, water would seep into these spaces and eventually damage your roof structure and walls. Flashing is also used to protect against pests, such as birds and squirrels, which are known to nest in holes in roofs.
Generally, flashing is made from metal and is custom fabricated for each roof to fit the crevices and contours where it’s installed. It’s typically made from copper, aluminum, zinc alloy, or galvanized steel roofing materials. Some types of flashing are made from other materials, such as lead or rubberized asphalt, but these are less common.
Some types of flashing are more complex than others. For example, chimney flashing usually requires two pieces of flashing to adequately protect the area where the roof meets the chimney and the wall. The bottom piece, called base flashing or apron flashing, is a continuous strip of flashing that runs along the edge of the chimney. Above it, counter flashing is installed. This is a pair of squares of flashing that overlap, like fish scales, to prevent voids from developing.
Another type of flashing is gutter apron flashing, which lines the intersection of your roof’s slope and the fascia trim board and gutters. It’s designed to direct water into the gutters, preventing it from running down the fascia boards and damaging other parts of your home. Gutter apron flashing features a drip edge that extends slightly over the edge of the roof, ensuring it’s waterproof.
Other roof flashings include valley flashing, which resembles a V-shaped channel for water that runs into areas where the slopes of a roof meet, and pipe flashing, which fits the cylindrical contour of pipes. Most flashing is installed using mortar, but some is secured with nails.
It’s important that you regularly have your roof and its flashings inspected to make sure they’re in good shape and functioning properly. Without regular inspections, water and debris could get into these vulnerable spots and cause serious problems for your roof and home. Eagle Watch Roofing can perform seasonal roof inspections to catch any flashing damage early and determine the best course of action for repair.
If you have a flat roof, it’s important to fit it with the proper drainage system. Without one, the water that falls on your roof will pool around the edges, which can cause a lot of damage to your building. It will also lead to rotting of the wood, which can result in serious structural problems and leaks. Standing water is also a breeding ground for mildew and mold, which is bad for you and your family’s health. Finally, the continuous flow of water will erode the soil around your house’s foundation and could cause cracks in your walls.
Gutters and drains prevent this from happening by diverting the water from your roof into a gutter or downspout, which dispenses it a safe distance away from the building’s foundation. They also keep the water from rolling off of your roof and running down the sides of the building, which could damage your windows, siding, and foundation. Downspouts are especially useful in cold climates, as they can help to prevent ice dams from forming on the roof.
Internal drains are a more sophisticated version of gutters that run water through pipes that travel through your roof and dispense it on the other side of the structure. They are usually installed in areas where the most water gathers on your roof. In addition to being more durable than other types of drains, they are often easier to install as they don’t require a sloping roof surface.
Exterior drains are a type of downspout that is placed directly on your roof. These drains can be used to replace or supplement existing downspouts or to add drains in places where the current ones don’t work well. They can also be used to create a rain garden, which can be a good way to reduce your property’s flood risk and help protect the environment.
It’s important to address any issues with your roof drainage as soon as possible. This will help you avoid more expensive repairs later on and ensure that your roof is in good condition.