Lancaster Roofing is the top covering of a building. It protects the structure from rain, snow, sunlight, and temperature extremes.
It takes a beating from the elements, so choosing an attractive, durable roofing material is important. Thankfully, there are many options available. Metal roofing offers durability and style that can withstand any weather condition.
A roof is a weather-proof covering that shields the top of a building from rain, snow, sunlight, and temperature extremes. A structure may have a flat or sloped roof. The shape of a ceiling is dependent on the purpose of the building and local traditions of construction. Roofs can also be sculpted or domed to add beauty, functionality, or even living space.
The main job of a roof is to repel water, but there are other functions that the structure must perform. For example, a roof needs to be structurally sound so that the weight of the roof and its occupants do not cause damage or injury. The skeleton of a ceiling is known as the frame, and it is built from wood, typically rafters (as in a shed roof) or pre-fabricated trusses, depending on the construction method of the building.
Decking, usually plywood or oriented strand board, is installed over the frame to support the other roof layers. Some roofs require a protective layer over the decking, such as shingles or a tar-based product. The shingles or additional protective layers are fastened to the decking with underlayment.
Many homes have gutters attached to their eaves and downspouts, guiding rainwater flow away from the house. Downspouts are often fitted with a long pipe that directs the rainwater to a storm drain, septic tank, or other point at ground level.
Other roof parts that need special attention are valleys and areas where the ceiling meets walls or chimneys. A roofing professional can install flashing to protect these areas from leaks. Flashing can be metal, ranging from copper and zinc on the higher end to aluminum on the lower end.
If a skylight is installed on a roof, it will also need flashing around it. Some skylights come with built-in flashing, but a roofing professional must install them for any other types of roofs. Plumbing vents need to have flashing around them as well. If the vents are not properly installed, water and waste can go back into the pipes and cause serious damage.
A roof may seem like a simple structure that protects your house from rain, snow, wind, heat, or cold, but it does much more than that. A roof’s internal structure comprises several parts, each with its job to do.
The king post is the center of the triangle that forms the truss and supports the principal rafters. These rafters are shaped in different ways to provide support and determine the angle of the apex of the roof. They also support the sheathing that is then covered with layers of protection.
Certain shapes of roofs are more effective than others at resisting the wind, with the square and octagonal roof types proving the most resistant. Generally, heavier roofs are better at fighting wind, so many people use heavy materials for their roofs, such as tiles, slate, or metal roofing.
Your roof is a shield that protects your home and everything inside it from harsh elements, including rain, snow, hail, bitter cold, intense heat, and the sun’s scorching rays. Your belongings would suffer irreparable damage without a well-built roof that keeps these damaging elements from entering your home.
Without a roof, water would roll off your shingles and down the face of your house. This moisture would cause bricks, siding, and windows to rot and crumble and could even erode your foundation. A well-built roof carries the water away through gutters and downspouts to prevent this from happening.
In addition, a roof carries the heat from the sun away from your home to keep it cool and comfortable. This is important, especially in places where the sun can be very harsh and scorching. To do this, a roof needs to be well-constructed with a vapor barrier that helps prevent heat and moisture from passing through into the living space of your home.
The structure of your roof also protects it from severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain and high winds. This is achieved through underlayment that provides a waterproof layer and a membrane that blocks moisture. Flashing, a metal material that seals the joints in your roof to prevent leaks, is also used.
Another way your roof protects your home is by keeping critters and rodents out. This is because the roof acts as a barrier to stop them from accessing the contents of your house, such as your belongings and food.
In addition, your roof provides security from vandalism and theft. A sturdy roof will help prevent someone from climbing onto the roof and removing or destroying your belongings, which can be very distressing and sometimes cost you your valuables.
Your roof also serves to protect your landscaping. Without a roof, soil, and vegetation would easily wash off your house and into the gutters. This could lead to erosion and water leaking into your basement, causing mold and mildew. A roof with a good drainage system is critical for this reason and for keeping your basement dry.
Most people don’t think about roofs when discussing ways to keep their home cool, but your roofing materials play a significant role in indoor temperatures. Certain types of roofing reflect heat instead of absorbing it, making your home cooler. However, your air conditioning system has to work overtime in hot climates to offset this extra heat.
Many people think the best way to keep a home cool is to add blown insulation, but your roof is equally important in keeping your home cool in the summer. Your roof keeps your home’s interior climate balanced and comfortable while protecting your living areas from scorching temperatures and harsh winter conditions.
Your roof protects your house from the elements, but a well-designed and properly constructed roof can also help you save money on cooling costs in the summer. The key is a well-ventilated attic and proper roof insulation. Ideally, you want to choose roofing materials with a light color, which deflects solar energy and reduces heat transfer to the living spaces inside your home.
A roof’s ridge is a critical structure component, serving as the top point where two sloped sides meet. This maximum peak often features a ridge vent that helps relieve pressure on your plumbing systems and prevents heated or cooled air from trapping in the attic. Ideally, this vent is placed at the farthest point from any walls since hot or cold air tends to rise.
Depending on the roofing type, the shingles can also be insulated. This is especially true if your shingles are light, like white or tan, and are coated with a reflective material that deflects the sun’s UV rays. Known as cool roofing technology, this shingle can lower the rooftop temperature and substantially decrease energy consumption.
Proper roof ventilation is important for all types of roofing, but it’s particularly useful in keeping a home cool in the summer. A properly ventilated attic with adequate insulation should allow excess heat to escape, preventing it from heating the shingles and transferring into your living spaces.
Roofing contractors should also consider inland marine insurance to protect equipment and supplies transported between locations. This type of coverage will protect against theft, damage, and loss while the items are in transit. This is especially important for companies that need to ship high-value equipment regularly. Inland marine insurance is also good for roofing companies that lease or borrow equipment from others. This way, they can protect their investments from theft or natural disasters. Inland marine policies can be purchased separately or as part of a business owner’s policy. A business owner’s policy is a great option for small roofing companies because it bundles three essential coverage types into one. This is a great way to save money on the cost of individual policies.
As with any business, a roofing company needs good customer service. This can be proven by their customer testimonials and how they communicate with customers online. A company that takes the time to create a beautiful and user-friendly website shows they are committed to their customer’s experiences.
In addition, a roofer should have a strong social media presence with an active and engaging Facebook page and a well-written blog that provides helpful tips and insights to homeowners. This helps establish a rapport with prospective clients, essential in building trust and encouraging them to book services with your company.
Lastly, a roofing contractor should be licensed and insured and have a reputation for good work. They should also be willing to answer questions and concerns promptly. If a problem arises, a good roofing company will respond gracefully and try to rectify the situation.
