A roof is a critical part of a home. It protects against rain, snow, sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Most people take the condition of their roof for granted – until they need to have it repaired or replaced. Choosing the right roofing material depends on factors like longevity and climate compatibility. Contact Montana Roofing Solutions now!
Choosing a roofing material isn’t just a personal decision; it can significantly impact the cost of your roof, how long it will last, and its ability to resist environmental factors. Thankfully, there are many options available to homeowners, and Big Bear Roofing is committed to helping you make the best decision for your home.
The most popular roofing materials are asphalt shingles, which are durable and affordable. They are available in a variety of styles to match your home, including 3-tab, dimensional, and premium shingles. Some even mimic the look of other roofing materials like slate and cedar shakes.
If you prefer a more natural-looking roof, clay tile is an excellent option. This material has been around for centuries and gives your home a unique, layered look. It’s also resistant to harsh weather conditions, including high winds, earthquakes, and salty air, making it a good choice for coastal areas. Clay tile can last 60 years or more, but it’s a more expensive option than other roofing materials.
Synthetic roofing is another excellent option, particularly for those who live in areas with harsh climates and high winds. It’s often made from recycled materials, which is a plus for those concerned with green living. These roofing materials are also lightweight, which reduces the structural load on your roof and makes it easier to install.
Metal roofs are a great option for those who want a durable and stylish roofing system. They come in a wide variety of colors and finishes, and are durable against extreme heat and cold. They can also resist corrosion from airborne chemicals and stains. If you choose a standing seam metal roof, it’s important to hire an experienced professional to ensure the integrity of the system.
Lastly, rubber slates are an excellent roofing material for flat or low-slope roofs. They’re lightweight, water-resistant, and fire-resistant, and can withstand hail damage. They’re available in a range of colors, and some can be designed to look like traditional slate or wood shakes. They’re an environmentally-friendly option, as they’re often made from recycled tyres.
Shingles
Roofing shingles are available in many colors, styles and textures to complement different design aesthetics. They are easy to install, and they can be easily changed or replaced if they become damaged. In addition, shingle roofs are energy efficient and help reduce utility bills.
A shingle roof can also increase your home’s resale value. It’s a great choice for homeowners looking to add style and curb appeal to their homes. In fact, a beautiful roof can add up to 20 percent to the resale value of a home.
The most popular type of shingle is the asphalt shingle, which is available in several varieties to suit different design needs. These shingles are very durable and are made of materials that provide added protection from the elements. Some of these shingles have reflective properties, which can reduce cooling costs and help your home get a greener rating.
Another option for shingles is luxury shingles, which come in a variety of colors and styles to match any design preference. These shingles are more expensive than the traditional 3-Tab shingles, but they also have a longer lifespan and better wind resistance. Some shingles are even rated to resist hail damage.
Wooden shingles are another option for homeowners. They’re made of Alaskan yellow cedar or Eastern white cedar, both of which are resistant to general decay and insects. These shingles are also attractive and versatile, and they can be painted or stained to match any color scheme. Wooden shingles look particularly good on cottages, coastal, and traditional homes.
A shingle roof is not the greenest choice, however. It’s made of petroleum and fiberglass, which are non-renewable resources. Additionally, the manufacture of shingles releases air pollutants into the environment. These pollutants are not toxic to humans, but they are harmful to the environment.
While a shingle roof can be installed on any home, it’s important to keep in mind that it is not the best choice for homes with high wind speeds. Wind can lift up the shingles and cause water to leak through. To avoid this, you should make sure that you have a proper attic ventilation system in place.
Underlayment
Roofing underlayment is the layer that goes directly on top of the wooden boards that make up your roof’s skeleton. This material is often called the roof deck and it’s what protects your home from water intrusion should rain or moisture get under your shingles. It’s an important component to the overall strength of your roof and you should discuss what type of underlayment will be best for your home with a professional roofing contractor.
There are a few different types of roof underlayment, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Felt paper underlayment is the traditional choice because it’s cheap, durable, and does the job of providing a barrier to the elements. However, it’s also easily torn and can allow water to seep under shingles. It’s usually available in 15 and 30 pound rolls, with 30 pounds offering more protection because it is thicker and less likely to tear.
Some roofers may recommend a rubberized underlayment because it can help provide a leak-proof barrier. This underlayment can be used as a primary underlayment or in areas of the roof that are prone to leaks, such as around vents, chimneys, skylights, and eaves. It’s also easier for roofers to install because it has a sticky back that adheres to the roof deck and creates a seal. This type of underlayment isn’t as durable as felt underlayment, but it’s an option for homeowners who want to maximize the life of their roof and minimize potential leaks.
Other types of roof underlayment include synthetics and self-adhered underlayments. Synthetic underlayment is made from polymers, and it’s lightweight, strong, and resistant to mold and fungal growth. It also won’t absorb water, and it can withstand high temperatures and humidity. However, it’s important to note that the use of this type of underlayment can void some manufacturer’s warranties for roof covering materials like shingles.
Some synthetic underlayment is also known as “waterproof membrane” because it offers an extra layer of protection against the elements. It’s typically installed in courses across the roof and can be a great choice for homes located in warm climates, where fungal and mold issues are more common.
Flashing
Flashing is thin sheet metal that professional roofers bend into shape to cover seams around areas where the roof meets other features like chimneys, skylights and walls. It’s usually made of galvanized steel to prevent corrosion. Flashing helps direct water away from these areas so it doesn’t seep into the roof and cause serious structural problems, and it reinforces a roof’s defenses against leaks.
Generally, flashing is fabricated on the site using a tool that clamps a large coil of aluminum and uses heat to bend it into the needed shape. Roofers can also order prefabricated flashing for specific jobs. Flashing can be covered with caulk or rubber to protect it from harsh weather and UV rays.
There are several types of flashing, which are generally installed together as a set to protect particularly vulnerable areas of the roof. These include base flashing and counter flashing, which are typically L-shaped pieces that fit together. The base flashing is attached to the roof, while the counter flashing rests against a roof penetration like a chimney, and they overlap each other. This system allows for extra expansion and contraction without damage, which is especially important for areas that are hard to waterproof like chimneys.
Other flashings are long, continuous sheets that can be nailed to the underlayment and shingles. Roofers can use them for a variety of purposes, including covering holes from the removal of old shingles. Continuous flashing can also be used along a roof’s edges to protect the fascia and guide rainwater into gutters. These are called drip edge flashings and can be a good choice for homeowners looking to reduce the risk of mold and mildew.
Another type of flashing is kickout flashing, which is usually installed where the wall and roof meet. It can come as a separate piece all on its own or be soldered onto existing step flashing. This kind of flashing is designed to eject water farther from the wall so it doesn’t seep into the building, but it can become damaged over time by dramatic temperature changes that cause it to expand and contract.