A properly installed roof will help to protect you and your property from the elements, deflecting heat in the summer and retaining it in the winter, whilst preventing water from finding its way into places where it is not invited.
Roofing work is not something that many unskilled homeowners should attempt themselves but knowing what is involved and how it works will help you to become a better judge when assessing roofing contractors being invited onto your property.
Components of a roof
If your roof has a slope of at least 25% then it will be generally referred to as a steep-sloped roof and will comprise of five basic components.
The roof structure is the description given to the combination of single rafters combining to form a large structure known as trusses. These trusses are custom-built and engineered to precise specifications relevant to your property and cannot be cut or altered in any way without seriously compromising the load-bearing capabilities that provides the required level of support needed.
The next component is sheathing (also known as your roof’s deck), which is typically large sheets of oriented strand board or possibly plywood, which are placed over your roof structure and secured in place. Once the deck or sheathing is in place, the flashing is then attached.
Flashing is sheet metal that is strategically placed around all the joints in your roof to prevent any leaks and any protrusions from the roof line like a chimney or an air vent also has to have flashing placed around it to keep it watertight.
The roof coverings used are probably the most familiar component to many homeowners and asphalt shingles are the most commonly used type of covering and also considered to be the cheapest as well. These asphalt shingles can last as long as 20 years in some cases but you will probably find they need replacing before then, depending on the weather your house is regularly subjected to.
You can choose to install slate or tile roof coverings which are more expensive, and if this your preference then the roof structure has to be capable of withstanding the extra weight load.
The final main component is the drainage system, which includes eavestroughs and downspouts, all of which are critical to providing adequate protection from water causing damage to your property and therefore have to be sloped correctly so that they draw water away from your home.
Hiring a roofer
If you are considering a new roof and wonder what metal roofing costs or need some repairs carrying out, then you really should take the time to check out their credentials and confirm that they have the necessary permits and qualifications to be able to do the job in a professional manner.
When you consider how important it is to you to keep a roof over your head, you will no doubt agree that something as critical as your roof is not something that the majority of homeowners will want to tackle themselves, but having a better understanding of what is involved will help when dealing with contractors.
Mark Ward has a long career as a home contractor with years of experience under his tool belt. When not tapping walls and climbing roofs, he enjoys blogging about practical home maintenance and renovation.