Tag Archives: your new roof

Ventilation & Your New Roof

An oft ignored facet of the durability of your new roof is proper ventilation. Heat and moisture can build up in your attic, making the rafters rot faster and causing shingles to buckle. That’s why louvers, vents, eaves and slits are important.

Your ideal attic will have a secure layer of insulation on the floor that prevents heat loss from the house, a vapor retarder beneath it to prevent moisture from reaching the attic and enough vented open space to let the circulation of air happen freely. Having a space of at least an inch between the insulation and sheathing is recommended. The NCRA recommends 1 square foot of free vent area for every 150 sq.feet of attic floor.

What Will Harm Your New Roof?

Your roof’s performance is at the mercy of various elements of nature.

Sunlight and heat cause wear and tear of your roofing material, with direct exposure to the sun accelerating this process.

Rain water seeping beneath shingles and shakes can cause the roof structure to rot and weaken it. Damp encourages growth of moss, mildew and fungi.

Wind can stress shingles and even lift them right off. Damage can be extensive if the quality of your new roof isn’t good.

Snow and ice in colder climates can cause physical injury to your new roof. When the ice melts, unless water flows off it can create more harm.

Condensation in moist weather promotes decay of wooden components of your roof. Ventilation can help minimize damage from condensation.

Moss, algae and fungi grow on moist wood or even shingles and shakes. They not only weaken the structure, but also create health hazards for residents.

Trees, branches and leaves near the building can potentially impact your new roof by falling on it or pressing upon it.

Other factors that can weaken your roof are the result of wear and tear on your roof, with missing or torn shingles, deterioration of poor quality roof shingles and flashing degradation leading to damage.

A new roof is a major undertaking. Some home owners may be qualified to install one themselves. Most are not, and seek the services of a roofing professional. If you fall into that category, hopefully you have enough information to hire the right one for your needs.

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Components of Your New Roof

A new roof is a major investment. Not to mention a lot of work, stress and decision-making. If you want to get a quality new roof system installed by qualified professionals at a price that’s fair, then this homeowner’s guide to a new roof system will be of some help and guidance.

Steep slope roofs have five components in common.

1. Roof coverings which may be of tile, shingles, metal or slate, under which there is a cementing material that keeps the cover from being damaged by extreme weather.

2. Sheathing that’s made of board or sheets which are anchored to the rafters and cover the entire building.

3. Scaffolding or Roof Structure which is the framework of rafters, trusses and shafts which support the other elements of your new roof.

4. Flashing is the metal sheet or similar material that seals joints and depressions in the roof, preventing water seeping through.

5. Draining is important to help the roof shed water, and involves factors like the roof’s shape, slope and layout.

How To Select a New Roof?

Many factors will enter the decision making process about your new roof. Your budget for the construction is the most important. Durability of your new roof is another. But you must also consider the look, style and architecture of your roof. An ideal new roof system will cover all these elements and arrive at a happy combination.

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