When choosing a roofing system, it’s essential to consider more than which roofing materials will best serve your home’s needs. A roofing system essentially consists of three parts – the roof, the underlayment, and the roofer. A roofing system typically has (or at the very least must include) an attic, insulation, water barrier, and an additional layer of felt or tar underlayment. But not all roofing systems are created equal!
A roofing system consists of a variety of individual roofing system components. These components are manufactured and/or assembled by one roofing manufacturer or another. Common manufacturer names include Thiess, Roof Systems Inc., and EID Systems Inc. These manufacturers typically sell their products both in standard and customized versions. The customized versions are generally priced more than the standard versions.
One of the most important roofing system components is the roof itself. Typically, residential roofs are constructed using asphalt shingles that are pressure treated for durability and weather resistance. Other types of roofing systems can include a rubber roof or metal roof. In either case, there are several components that comprise the roof: the fascia, which is the roof’s outer surface; the sheath, which is the roofing membrane (either a rigid or semi-rigid membrane); the truss, which is a long vertical member placed between the fascia and the sheath; and the rafter, which is a horizontal member placed over the truss. Depending on the roofing system in use, there are also several other components such as flashing, guttering, and vents.
One of the most important roofing system parts is the attic. Attics are usually made of plywood sheets or tiles that are glued or nailed to the floor. In older homes, the attic may also be made of wooden frames that are secured to beams and trusses. The attic is used to store excess roof materials such as tiles, shingles, or insulation. During the life of a home, many times the attic will be completely renovated, and in some cases entire walls may need to be torn down and rebuilt. Even when the roofing system in use is replaced, the attic is often built with additional framing to ensure adequate support.
The roofing system usually consists of two layers – the fascia and the sheath. The fascia is the outermost layer of a roof. It is usually made up of plywood or tile and is secured to the roof by flashing. It is normally made from three to five layers depending on the climate in the area where the home is located.
Another important roofing system component is the roof gutters. These gutters are designed to direct rainwater away from the home and down the downspouts. Most gutters are made from metal, but there are other materials available. The purpose of these gutters is to keep leaves and debris from being carried inside the gutter and clogging it. Depending on the type of roofing system in use, they may be either vented or ventilated.
Metal roofs are an economical option for new construction and retrofit applications. They are durable and long-lasting, but they do require frequent maintenance to keep them looking like new. Many metal roofs have an aluminum coating applied to them during production. This coating can crack and peel, so regular cleaning and application of roof coatings are important to their long-term effectiveness. Other types of roofing systems that are commonly used include clay or slate roofing systems, ceramic tile roofing systems, green roofs, and metal roofing systems.
A properly installed metal roofing system will not leak, corrode, bend, break, bend, or even deteriorate. They are sturdy enough to stand up to extreme weather conditions and to keep out water and debris. When it comes to a home’s exterior, a little money spent now will pay off big time when it comes to repairing and replacing damage caused by harsh weather or vandalism over time. There are many options available when it comes to a roofing system, so it is important to shop around for the best value.