The foundation of any roof is its frame, which can be made from rafters cut on-site or prefabricated trusses. Over this is sheathing, usually plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), although older houses may have tongue-and-groove or narrow 1-by-skip sheathing boards of sawn lumber.
The roofing material is placed over the sheathing, with special attention to eaves and flashing. Gutters are then installed to direct water away from the fascia and foundation. Contact Metal Roofing Helena now!
Often used as an alternative to solid wood, plywood is strong and durable. It is constructed from layers of wood veneers glued together in a cross-angle pattern, giving it great strength and stability. It can be stained or painted, making it versatile for many projects. It is also cost-effective for many applications requiring high-quality wood products. Some common plywood uses include flooring, walls, cabinets, furniture, and boatbuilding. Regardless of the project, it is important to choose the right type of plywood for the job. For example, if you are building a shed, you should choose a water-resistant version to protect it from weather damage. In general, it is best to use a waterproof sealer on any exposed areas of the plywood to prevent water damage.
Plywood comes in a variety of grades, depending on the quality and performance. The best grade is A, which has a smooth surface and few knots or blemishes. The lowest grade is D, which has more visible defects and is typically reserved for sheathing or roofing. Despite these differences, all types of plywood are made from high-quality wood and are well-suited for most construction projects.
One of the most popular types of plywood for roofing is CDX, which stands for sanded, exterior sheathing plywood. It has good moisture resistance and is typically made of larch or fir. It can be stained or painted, allowing you to customize the look of your home. Another good choice is OSB, which is a re-engineered plywood that is twice as strong as traditional wood. It is available in a variety of thicknesses and is joined with waterproof adhesives.
The first step in making plywood is selecting high-quality logs. The logs are debarked, then peeled by a large lathe to produce thin veneer sheets. These are bonded with an adhesive, usually phenol-formaldehyde for exterior use or urea-formaldehyde for interior use. The glued veneer sheets are then pressed under heat and pressure to create a strong bond. The resulting panel is then cut to its final size.
Aside from being a lightweight material, plywood is highly versatile and can be used in almost any woodwork project. It is ideal for heavy woodwork projects, such as roof sheathing and framing. Its unique cross-grain construction makes it more resistant to bending and sagging under heavy loads, making it suitable for a wider range of roof pitches.
Felt
Felt is a common material used to protect your home’s roof from weather elements. It serves as a layer between the shingles and the roof deck, ensuring moisture doesn’t seep into your attic or your home. Roofing felt is important when your home is located in an area that experiences heavy rains and storms, and even snow and ice. The protective underlayment helps prevent water damage and rotting of the wood roof decking and keeps your home protected in the event that a shingle becomes loose.
There are several different kinds of felt, each with its own pros and cons. Some are made from natural materials like organic or fiberglass mats soaked with an asphalt layer to make it waterproof. Others are manufactured from recycled materials like polypropylene, polyester, or fiberglass to be eco-friendly and more resistant to UV rays. Some are self-adhering, requiring no nails or special tools to install. Still others are non-bitumen synthetics that are lightweight, durable and more fire-resistant than traditional felt.
Whether you choose traditional asphalt-saturated felt, or one of the many non-bitumen alternatives available, it is important to read the product label carefully to ensure the amount you need matches what’s recommended for your roof type and pitch. During manufacturing, raw fibers are bonded together using heat and steam, then pressed to become thicker. A weak sulfuric acid mixture is then applied to the fibers, and soda ash is used to neutralize it. The result is a durable, water-resistant material that’s also highly effective in repelling UV rays and moisture.
You can purchase a variety of thicknesses, ranging from 15 lbs per hundred square feet to 30 lbs. Heavier types are typically reserved for heavier projects that require a greater resistance to wear and tear. Felt is also affordable, making it an attractive option for most homeowners and contractors. It’s best to use a thicker material when your roof is exposed to high winds and rainfall.
Shingles
Shingles, which are made of asphalt, fiberglass, wood, clay, slate or metal, are one of the most recognizable parts of a roof. Designed to be installed in a specific layering pattern, they shed water and protect the rest of the structure of a home. Shingles can also enhance the look of a building, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to suit a range of aesthetic preferences.
The most common shingle material is an asphalt composite that is manufactured using recycled materials. This type of shingle can be used to cover almost any roof, but it is most often used for low-sloped roofs such as sheds and cottages. Asphalt shingles are durable, affordable and easy to install. However, they do require periodic repairs and replacement due to exposure to the elements.
Whether made from natural or synthetic materials, shingles can be customized to meet the needs of homeowners and builders alike. For example, there are a wide variety of color options, including both light and dark tints that reflect different climate conditions. Light tints work best in cooler climates, while darker colors are better for warmer areas that receive more sunlight.
When installing a new roof, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for shingle selection and installation. Problems can occur if the shingle is given too much or too little exposure, or if it is not offset by the proper dimension in successive courses of shingles (sometimes called stagger or edge-to-edge spacing). Also, nails must be driven properly to prevent leaking.
A roofing specialist can provide additional tips for shingle installation. For example, it is important to use proper flashing at special areas of the roof such as valleys, and where a shingle’s surface meets a wall. This includes a step flashing that is typically 250 mm (10”) long and 50 mm (2”) wider than the exposed face of the shingle being used.
There are many options available for shingle materials, and it is important to consider the environmental impact as well as price and utility of each option. Premium/designer shingles, for example, are more expensive than traditional 3-tab shingles but offer high-end aesthetics and enhanced performance characteristics such as impact resistance.
Metal
Metal roofing is one of the most common and durable types of roofs. Its durability and timeless appearance have made it a favorite choice for commercial structures and homes. Drive down any neighborhood and you are likely to see a metal roof on one or more houses. There are a variety of different types of metal, each with its own unique benefits and limitations.
The most popular metals for roofing include copper, steel and aluminum. The best metal to use will depend on your location and budget. Aluminum is a good option for coastal areas because it resists corrosion from salty sea air. Steel and galvalume are also highly durable, but they are more expensive than aluminum. Galvalume is an alternative to galvanized steel, but it contains zinc and aluminum for added protection against corrosion.
These metals are available in either standing seam or shingle forms. Standing seam systems feature panels that are interlocked together and secured with concealed fasteners. Shingles are installed in overlapping rows with sealant between each piece of metal. Both types of metal can withstand high winds, but they are not as durable as a solid-slab or concrete tile roof.
Many people associate metal with industrial or agricultural structures, but it can be used to cover any type of structure. Its resiliency makes it an excellent option for hurricane-prone areas, and it can be curved to accommodate arches and other unique shapes. Metal can also be customized to fit the style and location of a building, including its color.
Most metal roofing starts out as coils, which are long, continuous pieces of metal that are treated and coated for the specific application. The coils are then rolled out and formed into sheets or panels for installation. The thickness of the sheet varies, but all metal roofs are thick enough to be structurally sound and provide weather resistance. The thickness is especially important if you live in an area prone to hailstorms. Hail that is pea-sized or smaller will not damage a metal roof, but large hail can dent or even ruin an asphalt shingle roof.