A building’s roof is its main barrier to the elements. There are many types of roofing, each with its unique characteristics.
A gable, or pitched, roof has two slopes and looks like an “A” from the front. It is a common form of roof in homes. Click the Roofing Baton Rouge to learn more.
Flat roofs are almost level or have a very slight pitch, often less than 10 degrees. These are a common option on commercial buildings and some modern homes. They can be used for outdoor living spaces like patios, rooftop gardens or solar panels, as well as to store items like water tanks. This style of roof also provides extra space for insulation. It can be very energy efficient, especially if reflective roof coatings are used. However, because a flat roof will absorb more heat during the day, it is important to talk to a roofing professional about how to reduce this effect.
The construction of a flat roof varies but generally includes joists to support a deck, a waterproof membrane and insulation. A variety of materials are available for the membrane, including ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), polymer-modified bitumen (PMB), and neoprene. EPDM is the most popular choice for residential flat roofs due to its low price and high durability.
One of the biggest challenges with flat roofs is their tendency to leak. This can be caused by water collecting in areas that aren’t protected by the waterproof membrane, or by a lack of drainage. This is where regular inspections and maintenance are crucial, as it’s important to catch any problems before they develop into full-blown issues.
Another problem with flat roofs is their tendency to attract insects, which can cause damage and spread disease to occupants. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to have insect screens installed.
Some types of flat roofs use a system known as built-up roofing (BUR) which consists of layers of different materials. These are typically used on larger commercial structures but can be installed on domestic buildings too. This is an effective and durable option, although it’s not as environmentally friendly as other roofing systems.
As a general rule, flat roofs are best suited to warmer and drier climates. They tend to absorb more heat than pitched roofs, but this can be mitigated by using a reflective coating or installing a green roof. Infrared thermography is also a valuable tool for checking the condition of flat roofs, as it can identify hot spots that are not visible to the naked eye.
Agable Roof
Gable roofs are a common choice for home construction. They’re sturdy, affordable and relatively easy to build. They also provide excellent ventilation and can add curb appeal to your home. However, they can’t protect your home as well as a hip roof from heavy snow and wind. If you live in a high-wind area, it’s important to use proper braces and check the roof after a storm.
Gable roof designs are simple, and they can be made to look decorative with the addition of pediments or other decorative elements. They’re usually constructed from rafters, roof trusses and purlins, and they can have a variety of pitches. Depending on the style of your house, you can choose from different types of gable roofs, such as:
The most basic type of gable roof is the open gable. It consists of two planes that meet at the top to form a triangular point known as a gable end. You can also opt for a boxed gable, which has a triangular extension at the end of the ridge that’s enclosed separately from the rest of your home’s walls. If you want to give your gable roof a more finished look, you can choose a cross gable, which is composed of two or more gable rooflines that intersect at an angle, most commonly perpendicular to each other.
Another option for a gable roof is a front gable, which puts the gable point at the front of your house, often over the entrance. This type of gable is commonly seen on Colonial-style homes. Finally, you can also choose a dormer gable, which uses the base of a hip roof with four slopes and adds a gable on top.
If you’re planning to add an attic to your home, a gable roof is a good choice because it can accommodate a higher ceiling. This will help you use the space for storage or create an attractive attic bedroom, for example. Another advantage of a gable roof is that it provides better drainage for rain and snow, which can make your home more energy-efficient in the winter and summer.
Shingle Roof
Shingles are tiles that cover a roof in a series of overlapping layers. They are available in a wide variety of colors and shapes, and are installed on almost any type of roof, including flat and pitched. They are the most commonly used roofing materials for houses, but can also be found on sheds, garages and commercial buildings. They offer a number of advantages over other types of roofing materials.
For one thing, shingles are highly versatile and relatively inexpensive. They are also easy to install and repair, especially for an experienced roofer. And they are durable, with a typical shingle roof able to protect the structure for decades.
A shingle roof can be made from a variety of different materials, but most are made of fiberglass or asphalt. Some are also a combination of different elements, such as wood or clay. Composite shingles are another option, and they can look much like natural roofing materials such as wood or slate. They also offer a number of advantages that other shingles cannot, such as superior wind resistance and fire-retardancy.
The color of the shingles can also have a significant impact on your home’s energy bills. In warmer climates, a dark roof can raise the interior temperature by 20 to 40 degrees, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. A light-colored shingle can reflect the sun’s infrared radiation, keeping the interior cool and reducing your utility bill.
When comparing shingle roofing to other materials, the cost and durability are often the most important factors. But, a roof’s lifespan can also be affected by its maintenance. For example, eaves and complex rooflines are more prone to shingle wear because they’re channeled by rain. This can cause the shingles to lose their protective oils, which can accelerate their deterioration.
For the best results, a shingle roof should be professionally installed and maintained by an experienced roofing contractor. Having this done in the proper weather conditions can help prevent premature damage, and will ensure that the shingles remain secure for as long as possible. A qualified roofing expert will know when the roof is ready to receive a sealant, which should be applied in warm weather to activate the adhesive.
Metal Roof
A metal roof is a roofing option that is becoming increasingly popular because of its durability, longevity, energy efficiency, and variety of design options. While it is typically more expensive than an asphalt shingle roof, it can save money on repair and maintenance costs over the lifetime of the home.
In addition to the aesthetic advantages, metal roofs are fire resistant and can withstand high winds. They can also reduce your cooling costs by 10-25%. Many homeowners opt for the corrugated metal roof with its modern, sleek look, but standing seam is also available for a more sophisticated aesthetic.
A metal roof requires little maintenance and will last 50 years or more with very few repairs. A metal roof is also extremely energy efficient and can increase your property value.
Steel is the most commonly used material for a metal roof. The gauge or thickness of the metal panels can vary from as light as 29 gauge to as heavy as 24 gauge. A higher gauge will typically cost more, but it is worth the additional investment as it will last longer.
Most metal roofs have a galvalume substrate with a paint finish. Most of the paint finishes are made with either SMP or PVDF. SMP is the more economical choice, but the colors will fade at a faster rate. PVDF provides a more vibrant color and will last longer.
When metal is exposed to heat, it will expand. This thermal expansion can cause gaps or stresses on the metal roof system. Conversely, when the metal is exposed to cooler temperatures it will contract. This contraction can create stress on fasteners, joints and seams.
In some regions, metal roofs can suffer from severe hail damage. Smaller pea-sized hail won’t damage a metal roof, but hail larger than this can dent or even crack the roof. A quality roof can be backed by homeowner’s insurance that covers this type of damage.
Metal can be more noisy during rain or hailstorms than other types of roofing. This may be offset by adding more attic insulation.