Roofing Company Corpus Christi is an important protective covering for homes and buildings against rain, snow, sunlight, heat, wind, and other elements. It is constructed in a wide variety of forms to suit practical, economic, or aesthetic considerations.
Roof drainage systems, including gutters and eaves, guide water away from the building and foundation to prevent moisture damage. Roof ventilation systems, like ridge vents and vented soffits, promote air flow in the attic to help prevent mold and mildew.
Traditionally, residential roofs were made of wood shingles or shakes, but advances in technology have allowed for the production of more durable materials with different design styles. Many newer roofs feature reflective shingles, solar panels, or other energy efficient features. Metal roofs are also becoming more popular. They come in a variety of styles from standing seam designs to shingle look-alikes, and they are long-lasting with little maintenance.
Another type of roofing that is gaining popularity are green roofs, which contain plants. They are effective in reducing water runoff, improving the insulation of a building, and adding clean air to the environment. They are not as common as other roof types, but they are becoming more available as homeowners become aware of their benefits.
One of the most cost-effective and popular roofing materials is rolled roofing, which is ideal for flat roofs or those with a lower incline. It is a synthetic rubber product called EPDM that has excellent durability and resists most chemicals, oil spills, and bacterial growth. It is also an effective heat reflector, which can help reduce a home’s energy costs.
Slate is a naturally dense, inert material that comes in various hues depending on its chemical and mineral makeup. It is a highly coveted roof material that can last for hundreds of years and adds to the aesthetic appeal of a home. However, it is a heavy material that requires extra support to prevent structural damage.
Composite shingles are manufactured from a combination of different materials, such as wood, asphalt, and recycled rubber. They are affordable and have some of the best manufacturer warranties in the industry. They are designed to resemble other roofing materials but are more durable and resistant to mold growth after rainwater exposure.
Concrete tile, which is similar to clay tiles, is a durable roofing option that is affordable and easy to install. It is also a good option for hot climates because it can withstand high temperatures. However, it is not a good choice for sloped roofs because it will create pools of water.
Installation
The roofing process begins when the contractor obtains all necessary permits. This may require submitting plans to the homeowner association or architectural review board, depending on your location and home’s style. Some roof materials also have specific requirements regarding their installation, such as flashing (a material that seals the gap around chimneys and where different roofing planes meet) and vapor retarders (materials that restrict the passage of water vapor).
Once the permits are in hand, the crew will begin preparing your property for the roof replacement. They will set up tarps to cover your lawn and driveway and make sure vehicles are moved off the garage floor or patio/deck to prevent damage during the tear-off. They will also cover your attic and move any belongings inside.
After removing your old roof, the roofing crew will install underlayment over the entire area. They will overlap each row by at least six inches, nailing it close to the edge and farther apart as they move toward the center of the roof. They will waterproof the valleys, which are the areas where two slopes of the roof come together in a “V” shape; these must be properly sealed to prevent leaks. They will also apply a vapor retarder to help keep moisture out of the attic space, which can cause mold and mildew.
Proper ventilation of your attic is critical, and ridge vents, soffit vents, and gable vents are available to help reduce energy costs. Hip and ridge cap shingles protect the ends of the roof, and are available in various colors and styles to complement your house’s architecture. A final inspection ensures that the new roof meets building codes and is aesthetically pleasing.
Maintenance
While any part of a building can get assaulted by wind, rain, snow, bitter cold, intense heat and the sun, the roof usually gets the worst of it. For this reason, it is especially important to maintain the integrity of a roofing system to keep it functioning correctly and extend its life. Whether the roof is made of shingles, slate, metal or tile, preventative maintenance procedures are an essential part of maintaining a good working roof.
Regular inspections should be conducted by trained roofing professionals. The procedure should be tailored to the specific requirements of each roof and documented in writing. The inspection should include a review of all components and the identification of any defects that require repair. It is important to find and address these problems early, before they become major issues.
A typical roof inspection includes a check of the structural soundness of trusses and beams, particularly in geographic locations where heavy snow loads are often encountered. Also, an examination should be made of stairways, crossovers and platforms to make sure they are safe for use. This is particularly important if there is electrical, harmful chemicals or extremely hot equipment on the rooftop. Lastly, large areas of moss or algae should be removed promptly.
Other maintenance items are the trimming of tree branches that overhang the roof and a check of seals around all roof penetrations, such as skylights, vents and chimneys. Keeping the flashing (the material that covers chimneys and joints where roof planes meet) in good condition can help to prevent leaks.
In addition, routine maintenance should involve cleaning the gutters and downspouts of debris and clogs. This should be done at least twice per year, or possibly each season in geographic locations that experience a wide range of weather conditions. Keeping drains clear of accumulated debris can prevent premature damage to the roofing surface and avoid localized ponding, which can cause damage to other building elements.
Repairs
The roof is the part of the home that takes the most abuse from the elements. It has to be able to stand up to wind, rain, hail, bitter cold and intense heat. It protects your belongings and the people who live inside. And it needs to be sturdy enough to prevent moisture from seeping into your house and causing mold and other damage.
So if you want your roof to be as durable as possible, it’s important to make any repairs as soon as they’re needed. Generally, surface repairs are relatively inexpensive and easy to do. Missing or damaged shingles can be replaced, as can flashing — the thin metal pieces that line roof valleys and prevent leaks around chimneys and skylights. Cracks or small holes in the roof deck can also be fixed with a little bit of sealant.
Whether you’re making these repairs yourself or calling in a pro, you’ll need a few basic roofing tools. A good set includes a pry bar for loosening and leveraging the sheathing, a pair of snips for neatly cutting shingles, and shears for trimming shingle ends. A nail puller and magnetic tool for grabbing nails and other metal items that are dropped on the roof can be handy, too. And don’t forget tarps to cover anything you need to keep from getting wet, and a dumpster for the discarded shingles and other materials.
The cost of repair depends on the type and extent of the work. But the most significant factor is the amount of labor involved. If the roof is hard to get to or if it requires special safety equipment, the repair costs will be higher than for a simple, straight-forward job.