A building’s roof is the primary barrier to the elements. It protects the structure’s inhabitants, controls temperature, and provides insulation.
There are many different types of roofing, each with its strengths. This guide will help you decide which type is right for your home. The first step is to understand the components of a roof. Contact MT Roofing now!
Plywood roofing is popular for new construction, renovations, and repair. This artificial wood is strong, stable, and water-resistant. It’s also less expensive than many other roofing materials, a key benefit for homeowners who want to save money while improving their home’s structural integrity.
Roofers typically use plywood as sheathing – the sheet of wood that covers the rafters of a building. The sheathing is a vital step in constructing a roof, as it provides support and helps ensure that the shingles are well-anchored. The sheathing is also responsible for preventing water and other elements from damaging the underlying structure. In order to properly sheathe a roof, the plywood needs to be high-quality. For this reason, many builders choose to use exterior-grade plywood, which is rated CDX. This type of plywood is infused with moisture-resistant adhesives, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Although most builders continue to prefer plywood for its water resistance and stability, oriented strand board is becoming more popular among professional roofers. OSB offers the same benefits as plywood, but it costs less. Moreover, it is less likely to be damaged by extreme weather conditions like hail. This makes it a better choice for areas that are prone to severe weather.
The main difference between OSB and plywood is that OSB uses thin strands of wood instead of solid pieces of lumber. These strands are then glued together and compressed into panels. The result is a stronger, more durable product that can stand up to more extreme weather conditions than traditional plywood. Another key difference between OSB and plywood is that it takes longer to swell when it comes into contact with water. It can take as long as a month for OSB to return to its original thickness after getting wet.
Regardless of the material used, roofers should always avoid mixing different types of sheathing. This can cause a problem with the strength of the shingles and the tar paper, as well as reduce the life of the roof. For this reason, it’s important to use the same sheathing throughout the entire roof. It’s also essential to use the correct sheathing thickness. Using sheathing that is too thick will not only increase the weight of the roof, but it may lead to warping and damage to the shingles underneath.
Metal
Metal is a durable, energy-efficient roofing material that can last for generations. It’s especially good for areas that experience frequent hailstorms, as metal is more resilient than asphalt shingles. It’s also more resistant to fire, and it’s recyclable, so it’s a good choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.
There are several types of metal used to make roofs, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common options are steel, galvanized steel, and galvalume steel. Each of these types has different properties that can affect how long the metal will last and how much it costs.
Other options for metal include copper, aluminum, and tin. These materials are used to create panels that are then assembled into a roofing system over open framing or an existing roof. Panels can be welded together or attached with hidden fasteners that are concealed under the panels. The type of metal you choose should depend on your home’s style, location, and climate.
Stainless steel, for example, is an excellent choice because it’s highly corrosion resistant and does not require any additional coating or painting. It’s also available in a range of thicknesses, from 24-gauge to 29-gauge. A lower gauge number indicates a thicker, more robust steel.
In addition, there are many color choices for each type of metal. Some of these are more limited than others, however, and you should be aware of this when choosing a new roof. If you’re replacing a roof or adding an extension later on, it can be difficult to match the exact color of your existing metal.
Another consideration is the risk of expansion and contraction in a metal roofing system. It’s important to choose a contractor with experience with this type of installation, as it can be tricky. Expansion and contraction can cause issues with the panels’ joints, which may degrade over time or become dislodged. They can also lead to oil canning, a wavy appearance in flat areas of metal panels and wall surfaces. A high-quality installation and careful handling can help minimize this issue.
Shingles
Roofing shingles are the most recognizable part of a roof and create a waterproof barrier between you and the elements. They come in a wide variety of colors and styles to complement any architectural style. They are the most popular form of residential roofing in America. There are several types of shingles, including asphalt, wood, clay, slate, and metal.
A shingle is a flat piece of building material, usually with one end that’s thicker than the other. Roofers lay them in overlapping rows, covering a roof frame of rafters and plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). The sheathing provides a solid base for the roofing materials and protects against moisture damage during the construction process.
3-Tab Shingles
The oldest basic type of shingle has a single layer with cut-outs forming three individual tabs. It’s inexpensive, easy to install, and is effective in protecting your home from the elements.
Dimensional Shingles
Also known as architectural, laminated, or dragon tooth shingles, this is the most common roofing material used in new construction today. It has two layers of shingle material bonded together, creating a more distinctive look. The thicker shingle is also more durable than a 3-tab shingle and offers better protection from snow loads.
Laminated roofing shingles are made from a composite material that adds extra strength and durability to the basic asphalt shingle. They are available in a variety of colors and styles to complement any architectural design, and can help reduce energy costs.
Wooden shingles are available in several types, including cedar and redwood. Cedar shingles are lightweight and have straight graining patterns that make them easy to customize. They are resistant to moisture and can last for decades without requiring extensive maintenance. Redwood shingles are more expensive than cedar, but they have a stronger structural integrity. They are also rated as fire-resistant and meet some of the same environmental codes as asphalt shingles.
Many shingle roofing contractors use a product called Helmet Heat to prevent the formation of ice dams. These dams can cause leaks in the roof and walls of your home. They occur when the roofing surface is warmer than the air, which causes the snow to melt. The water runs down the roof and into the gutters, where it turns into ice. This causes the gutters to clog and can cause water to back up under the shingles and into your house.
Underlayment
Roofing underlayment protects your roof from water and moisture by providing a barrier between the roof deck and the primary roofing material. It is also designed to prevent wind and weather from damaging your roof. The type of underlayment you choose will depend on the climate where you live and the roof-covering materials you select.
Generally speaking, most underlayments are a thin sheet of black asphalt-saturated felt paper or rubberized asphalt. Felt underlayment is the most common choice and offers affordable pricing for most projects. However, it is not fully waterproof and requires the primary roofing material to be installed immediately. Additionally, the vapor permeance of felt underlayment can change with humidity and is not very durable.
Synthetic underlayment is made of materials such as polypropylene polymers or polyethylene and is more durable than felt paper. It has the advantage of lasting much longer than felt underlayment, which can wrinkle when exposed to sunlight or moisture during an installation. Additionally, synthetic underlayment is very lightweight. This reduces the stress on the roof and makes it easier for contractors to handle and haul up onto the roof.
Many roofers use both types of underlayment, depending on the needs of a specific project. Felt underlayment is typically used on low-slope and flat roofs, while rubber underlayment is often used on steep-slope roofs (4:12 and higher). In addition, different types of roof-covering materials have specific underlayment requirements.
For instance, some metal roofing materials require a thicker underlayment than wood shakes or other shingle products. Regardless of which underlayment you choose, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully to ensure optimum performance. The underlayment acts as the first line of defense against bad weather conditions and roof damage, and it is also critical in preventing ice dams and water leaks. When properly installed, underlayment will provide years of protection for your roof and building structure. For this reason, it is a good idea to replace your underlayment every time you replace the primary roofing materials. Having the right underlayment will protect your entire roof system and save you money in the long run.