What are the options?
Obviously there are a number of things to consider when deciding on what type of roof to install on your home, from cost and durability to style and performance. The right roof is the one that balances all of these factors.
Standing Seam Roof
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Basic Roof Structure
Most homes are built with gable-style roofs, consisting of two planes that meet at a central peak. The triangular sections on the ends are the gables. A hip roof is similar to a gable roof except that all four sides are sloped down to the walls. A flat roof generally overhangs the outside walls of the house. Most homes are designed with a combination of the different roof styles.
All roofs have four basic components:
- Rafter or trusses: provide the frame for the roof structure.
- Sheathing: usually constructed of boards or sheet material (ex: plywood) provide the first layer of protection.
- Underlayment: a sheet or roll material that provides a second layer of protection and also may act as a vapor barrier.
- Roof covering: shingles, tiles, or sheets, which provide a third layer of protection.
Roof Flashings:
The key to waterproofing your home's roof is flashing. Flashing, if installed correctly, directs streams of water away from these points of entry:
Joints are vulnerable because the two sides may expand and contract at different rates due to a difference in material content or pull apart as a house settles.
This is where selecting a qualified and professional contractor becomes most important. Each shingle or roof panel is manufactured using predetermined specifications. The integrity of your roof many times is determined by how well the joints are sealed or flashed. Don't be fooled by looks… a leaky roof may look great to the casual observer, but the performance of your roof depends heavily on the quality of installation. See "HOW TO MAKE A SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION INVESTMENT" to learn more about selecting the right contractor for your home improvement.
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