Roofing 101
It’s probably pretty fair to say that the things that are out of sight are generally, out of mind. More than likely, the things that do fall into that category typically get along fine without much attention or action, which is why the saying goes…”out of sight, out of mind.” Similarly, we may tend to take the same approach with the things we can and do see everyday like our cars or our homes. It’s an understandable oversight to forget to water the garden or to change the oil in the car. We can see and use these things regularly but somehow, they are “in sight and out of mind.” Unfortunately, denying the basic maintenance and upkeep of our possessions can be detrimental and costly long-term.
Everyone knows that in order to keep your vehicle in good running shape, you have to change the oil. So what kind of maintenance is required for our most valuable asset, our home? In this blog, we will be focusing on the basic components and preventative steps of action that you as a homeowner can take to ensure that your family and valuables are protected by your home’s roof covering. What exactly is a roof and what type of maintenance does it require? I’m glad you asked, let’s roof!
Basic Layers of a Roof
Your home is protected by its outermost layer, the roof cover system. While there are several types of materials that can be used to enhance the aesthetics of a roof such as metal panels, asphalt shingles or clay/concrete tiles, there are several other components that all play an essential role in the roof as a whole and its ability to protect a home against wind, rain and temperature regulation.
The first layer of a roof cover is the decking or sheathing. The decking is typically composed of either plywood or OSB (oriented strand board) which is installed directly onto the framing of a home or the “rafters.” The decking plays a dual role in that on the exterior, it supports the weight of the rest of the roofing components and on the interior, and it acts as an insulator for the home. If you’ve ever been in your attic and looked up to see foam insulation or a power vent circulating the air, the underside of the decking is what you’re seeing. The second layer is underlayment. Whether felt or synthetic, underlayment plays a crucial role in a roof cover. It acts not only as a moisture barrier, preventing water from damaging the decking but it also contributes to the overall thermal regulation role that a roof plays. Certain regions and municipalities require additional components on the decking such as ice and water shield. Ordinarily installed in valleys and along the eaves, it provides further protection to decking in areas that are more likely to have water intrusion.
Strengthening the roof deck from the effects of an extreme weather event can further be achieved by sealing the roof deck prior to the underlayment, increasing the number of and spacing of fasteners as well as other resilient installation methods.
Lastly, the outermost layer of your roof and the layer which is visible is the cover. This finish, whether shingles, metal, or tile, is the layer that is exposed and noticeable. Most homeowners choose a material that may be aesthetically pleasing on their home or fitting to their neighborhood’s style as a whole. Another determining factor as to what material is chosen for the roof cover will be cost. Manufacturers and product lines offer a wide variety of options to choose from, touting many different materials such as asphalt and metal coated to metal panel and clay tile. Each option offers both pros and cons.
Maintenance?! On a Roof?
Whichever material you ultimately choose, proper maintenance and regular inspections are highly recommended! You may be asking yourself, “what do I have to maintain? I chose a 30 year shingle…” Well, you’re absolutely right but in order to insure that our roofs last as long as they’re rated for, we have some preventative steps to take. No matter what type of material is on your roof, regular inspections are a must. It is recommended that you have a qualified roofer perform a roofing inspection every 6 months. H2H Roofing, conveniently located in Mandeville, offers complimentary roof inspections to our customers both on the North and South Shores of the Lake.
Although roofing components are rated for extended lifespans via high wind and impact ratings, weather is very unpredictable. In the heart of Louisiana, we deal with extreme weather that undoubtedly has an effect on our homes, especially our roofs. From the sweltering summer heat that expands and contracts building materials and fasteners to driving wind and rain during hurricane season that can cause the best materials to fail. This could lead to your home being exposed to the elements and other conditions of weather, causing loss and damage to your home and its contents. Damages such as a loose piece of flashing or a missing shingle may not be noticeable but its effects can be very damaging to your home. Like potholes, damage to your roof doesn’t get better, it continues to worsen with time and will eventually cause damage.
Being proactive by cleaning out your gutters or blowing leaves off of your roof will familiarize you with the condition of your roof. You should take note of the granules on the shingles, ensure that the drip edge and other flashings are intact, and document the condition of the roof before storm season. This will make the insurance claims process much easier if needed. Regularly scheduled roof inspections will help identify any problematic areas and determine the best course of action for repairs to be performed if needed. If your roof doesn’t have any damage, you can document that as well, providing an accurate account of its condition prior to and after an extreme weather event. Being able to document the condition of your roof both before and after a severe weather event is very important to the insurance claims process.
We’re Here to Help.
Although you may see your roof everyday, you probably don’t see your roof, ever. H2H Roofing will provide you with a complimentary roof inspection and document the current condition of your roof. If it is in great shape, we will inform you as such and if we find any damage, we will walk you through your options in addressing it. We are a local, licensed roofing contractor that takes pride in the work that we do and helping to inform and educate our customers and community. If you have any questions about your roof, its condition, or to schedule a free inspection, reach out to your neighbors at H2H Roofing.
~ Team H2H
“Let’s Roof!”