Roofing a house is probably one of the major decisions a homeowner must consider during the project because it serves as the building’s shield. This decision is crucial because it may make or mar the whole building structure. Besides, quality roofing enhances the beauty and appearance of a building. Hence, it is important to understand the fundamental roofing knowledge and consider them well before choosing a type. This article is a complete guide to the fundamental things to consider before choosing a roofing type for a building.
What is a Roof?
A building (home, office, church, etc.) has different sections. These sections, when joined together, make up the term ‘complete building or structure.’ Many individuals love the interior of a building to be top-notch and attractive. However, before the visitor enters the building, there are some other important areas to consider. One of these important areas is the roof.
A roof is the topmost covering for a building that supports the walls and other internal structures. The importance of the roof cannot be undermined as it is the basic shield of the building against sun or rain damages, intrusion of pests or other animals, safety mechanism against criminals, holds up some fixtures, etc. due to these reasons, it is essential to understand the roofing fundamentals. Many individuals tend to get confused with the variety of options available for roofing, but the next subsection explains each roofing material’s types and uses.
Types of Roofing Materials
There are innumerable types of roofing materials. From the old to the newly introduced technologies. Here are some examples for Gainesville roofing:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular and widely used roofing shingles. They are designed to be suitable for fixtures in any harsh environment. Plus, they have long durability. Perhaps, these are the reasons for its general acceptability. There are various types of asphalt shingles, but the most important question is whether or not the shingles specific standards. The ASTM D3161, Class F, is one of the major standards that shingles production follows.
Solar Tiles
For a person planning to use solar energy to generate electricity for the building, solar tiles may be the best bet. This helps save lots of extra installation costs and acts as a source of storing energy till it is needed. These solar tiles are also environmentally friendly. Hence, they do not contribute to the destruction of the environment.
Slate
Most buildings constructed in the past centuries have slate roofs. These slate roofs are amongst the most durable roofing shingles ever produced, and they are designed to fit any condition. Furthermore, slate roofs can withstand temperature, which makes them fire and waterproof. Slate roofs can also prevent the growth of molds or fungus/ the only con of this roof shingle because it demands a high cost of purchase and tends to crack or break easily due to their delicate nature.
Concrete and Clay Roofs
Concrete and Clay roofs are mostly seen in warm areas, but they can withstand high pressure. The concrete and clay roofs can be installed in areas prone to heavy winds and tornadoes because they are formulated to withstand these problems. Although, they need to be given additional support while installing. Also, similar to slate roofs, concrete and clay roofs are prone to easy damage when mishandled.
Green Roofs
The production of green roofs results from the advancement in technology and the awareness given to humans on the impact of their activities on the planet, earth. Green roofs are designed to fit in well in all areas with special consideration for environmental friendliness. Asides from this, green roofs are very durable, waterproof, good insulators, etc. the only disadvantage of green roofs is the need to install with additional support, which may attract more costs.
Rubber Slate
From the idea about slate roofs, understanding the rubber slate may not be difficult. Rubber slates are roof materials made from rubber materials. Although they are built to last over 50 years, they are susceptible to damage from heavy winds, snow, or hailstones. Walking on these rubber slate can cause additional damage, and frequently repairing, especially in areas prone to hailstorms, can be discouraging.
Reasons to Hire a Professional Roofer
Working on a construction project by the owner may be quite tasking, especially when there is little or no understanding about the niche, hence, the need to hire professionals. A professional roofer is learned and skilled in the various acts and practices of installing and detecting areas with problems easily. Here are some other reasons why hiring a professional roofer is advised:
Experience
The professional roofer has lots of experience on the job. For Gainesville roofing especially, it is essential to get a professional roofer due to the saturated market in the area. Through the experiences encountered in time past, a professional roofer will have the necessary knowledge and ideas to tackle problems.
Duration
A professional roofer also has the right skills to complete the roofing tasks within a short time. This will give the owner time to attend to other pressing and important issues.
Standard
The professional roofer on receiving the license has to follow some standards while working. Any form of disobedience or neglect may lead to the withdrawal of such a license, which causes a bad reputation in society. Hence, a professional roofer will value the license and follow certain standards, which gives the project a quality look.
In conclusion, the quality of a project, especially roofing, depends on the roofer’s skills and capabilities. However, the homeowner needs to get a basic understanding of some concepts before launching out.
