WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?
There are a number of things to consider when selecting a new roof system. Of course, cost and durability head the list, but aesthetics and architectural style are important, too. The right roof system is the one that balances these four considerations.
Asphalt shingles—which possess an overwhelming share of the U.S. residential roofing market—can be reinforced with either organic or fiberglass materials. Although shingles reinforced with organic felts have been around much longer, fiberglass-reinforced products now dominate the market.
Organic shingles consist of a cellulose-fiber (i.e., wood) base that is saturated with asphalt and coated with colored mineral granules. To fight fungus growth in warm, wet climates, they are available with special algicide granules.
Fiberglass shingles consist of a fiberglass mat, top-and-bottom layers of asphalt, and mineral granules. Typically, a fiberglass mat offers greater durability, but its manufacture is important.
The fire resistance of asphalt shingles, like most other roofing materials, is categorized by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) Class A, B, or C. Class A is the most fire-resistant, while Classes B and C have less fire resistance. Generally, most fiberglass shingles have Class A fire ratings, and most organic shingles have Class C ratings. UL Class A fire ratings are available for certain products that incorporate a factory-applied, fire-resistant treatment.
A shingle’s reinforcement will have little effect on its appearance. Both organic and fiberglass products are available in laminated (architectural) grades that offer a textured appearance. Zinc or copper-coated ceramic granules also can be applied to either organic or fiberglass products to protect against algae attack, a common problem in hot, humid climates. Both types of shingles also are available in a variety of colors.
Wood shingles and shakes are made from cedar, redwood, southern pine, and other woods. Shingles are machine-sawn; shakes are hand-hewn and rougher looking. Their natural look is popular in California, the Northwest, and parts of the Midwest. A point to consider: Some local building codes limit their use because of concerns about fire resistance. Many wood shingles and shakes only have a UL Class C fire rating (or no rating at all).
Tile—clay or concrete—is a durable but fairly expensive roofing material. “Mission-style” and “Spanish” round-topped tiles are used widely in the Southwest and Florida, and flat styles also are available to create French and English looks. Tile is available in a variety of colors and finishes. Note: Tile is heavy. If you are replacing another type of roof system with tile, you will need to verify that the structure will support the load.
Slate is quarried in places such as Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Canada. It comes in different colors and grades, depending on its origin. Considered virtually indestructible, it is, however, more expensive than other roofing materials. In addition, its application requires skill and experience. Many old homes in the Northeast still are protected by this long-lasting roofing material.
Metal, primarily thought of as a commercial roofing material, has been found to be an attractive roofing alternative for home owners. There are a variety of metal shingles intended to simulate traditional roof coverings, such as wood shakes, shingles, and tile. Apart from metal roofing’s longevity, metal shingles are relatively lightweight, typically have a Class A fire rating, have a greater resistance to adverse weather, and can be aesthetically pleasing.
Synthetic roof products simulate various types of traditional roof coverings, such as slate and wood shingles and shakes. A point to consider: Although synthetic roof products may simulate the appearance of traditional roof coverings, they do not necessarily have the same properties.
We recommend that you look at full-size samples of the proposed product, along with manufacturers’ brochures, or visit a building that is roofed with that product before making a buying decision.
All roof systems have five basic components:
Roof structure: the rafters and trusses constructed to support the sheathing.
Deck/sheathing: the boards or sheet material that are fastened to the roof rafters to cover a house.
Underlayment: a sheet of asphalt-saturated material used as a secondary layer of protection for the roof deck.
Roof covering: shingles, tiles, etc., that protect the sheathing from weather.
Drainage: the features of the roof system’s design, such as shape, slope, layout, etc., that affect its ability to shed water.
Flashing: sheet metal or other material laid into the various joints and valleys of a roof system to prevent water seepage.
VENTILATION IS KEY
One of the most critical factors in roof system durability is proper ventilation. Without it, heat and moisture buildup in the attic area combine to cause rafters and sheathing to rot, roof shingles to buckle, and insulation to lose its effectiveness.
Therefore, it is important never to block off sources of roof ventilation, such as louvers, ridge vents, or soffit vents, even in winter. Proper attic ventilation will help prevent structural damage caused by moisture, increase the life of the roofing material, reduce energy consumption, and enhance the comfort level of the rooms below the attic.
In addition to the free flow of air, insulation plays a key role in proper attic ventilation. An ideal attic has:
A gap-free layer of insulation on the floor to protect the house below from heat gain or loss.
A vapor retarder under the insulation next to the warm ceiling below to stop moisture from rising into the attic.
Enough open, vented spaces properly located to allow air to pass in and out freely.
A minimum of 1 inch (more space is preferred) between the insulation and roof sheathing.
The requirements for proper attic ventilation may vary greatly, depending on where the home is located, as well as the home site’s conditions, such as exposure to the sun, shade, and atmospheric humidity. Nevertheless, the general formula is based on the length and width of the attic. NRCA recommends a minimum of 1 square foot of free vent area for each 150 square feet of attic floor—with vents placed proportionately at the eaves (i.e., soffits) and near the ridge.
EVEN ROOFS HAVE ENEMIES
Sun: Heat and ultraviolet rays cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time. The deterioration can occur faster on the sides facing west or south.
Rain: When water gets underneath shingles, shakes, or other roofing materials, it can work its way to the deck and cause the roof structure to rot. The extra moisture encourages mildew and rot elsewhere in the house, including damaged walls, ceilings, insulation, and electrical system.
Wind: High winds can lift the edges of shingles (or other roofing materials) and force water—and debris—underneath them. Very high winds can do extensive damage.
Snow and ice: Melting snow often refreezes at the roof’s overhang (where the surface is cooler), forming an ice dam and blocking proper drainage into the gutter. Instead, the water backs up under the shingles and seeps into the interior. During the early melt stages, gutters and downspouts can be the first to fill with ice and be damaged beyond repair or torn off the house.
Condensation: Condensation can result from the buildup of relatively warm, moisture-laden air. Moisture in a poorly ventilated attic promotes decay of the wood sheathing and rafters, possibly destroying the roof structure. The solution may be to increase attic ventilation through the use of larger or additional vents so the attic air temperature will be closer to the outside air temperature.
Moss and algae: Moss can grow on wood shingles and shakes if they are kept moist by poor sunlight conditions or bad drainage. Once it grows, moss holds even more moisture to the roof surface, causing rot, and its roots actually work their way into the wood. Algae also grows in damp, shaded areas on wood or asphalt shingle roof systems. Besides creating an ugly black-green stain, algae can retain moisture, causing rot and deterioration. Trees and bushes should be trimmed away from the house to eliminate damp, shaded areas, and gutters should be kept clean to ensure good drainage.
Trees and leaves: Tree branches touching the roof will scratch and gouge roofing materials as they are blown back and forth by the wind. Falling branches from overhanging trees can damage—or even puncture—shingles and other roofing materials. Leaves on the roof system’s surface retain moisture and cause rot, and leaves in the gutters block drainage.
Missing or torn shingles: The key to a roof system’s effectiveness is complete protection. When shingles are missing or torn off, the roof structure and interior of the home are vulnerable to water damage and rot. The problem is likely to spread—nearby shingles are easily ripped or blown away. Missing or torn shingles should be replaced as soon as possible.
Shingle deterioration: When shingles get old and worn out, they curl, split, and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. Weakened shingles are easily blown off, torn, or lifted by wind gusts. The end result is structural rot and interior damage. A deteriorated roof system only gets worse with time, and it should be replaced as soon as possible.
Flashing deterioration: Many apparent roof leaks really are flashing leaks. Without good, tight flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights, and wall/roof junctions, water can sneak into the house and cause damage to the walls, ceilings, insulation, and electrical system. Flashings should be checked as part of a twice-yearly roof inspection and gutter cleaning.
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