Roofing is one of the most important components of your home. When properly installed, it can boost your property value and keep you and your family comfortable for decades to come.
Before you hire a roofer, find out whether they have the right licensing and insurance. This includes a Certified Roofing Contractor license and workers’ compensation insurance. Contact Roofing Montana now!
The roof substrate provides a foundation for the installation of a weatherproofing roof layer. Depending on the roofing system, the substrate can be a solid material or a roof membrane. A roof substrate can also be used as a building component in addition to being a surface for the installation of a roof coating.
A solid substrate is a type of base or frame that supports other components of a roof system, such as insulation and the roof covering. It is generally made of wood, but may be made of other materials such as plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). The substrate must be strong enough to support the weight of all the other components and also provide sufficient thermal insulation.
Some types of substrate can be modified to improve their performance, such as by adding fire retardant chemicals. A substrate can also be treated to help with acoustics or moisture control.
MBCI metal standing seam roof and through-fastened roof panels can be installed on open framing or solid substrates. The type of substrate will impact the accessories that can be used with the panel and also impact engineering requirements for a project, such as uplift testing. For example, a through-fastened roof system requires a special type of fastener and clip that meets the manufacturer’s specifications for each panel.
A system of flashings used to seal the edges of a roof membrane, including walls, expansion joints, drains, gravel stops, and other penetrations. The flashings can be either base or cap flashing.
The substrate must be able to accommodate the thickness of the roof-covering material and allow for proper drainage. The substrate should be free of cracks, holes, or other defects that might affect the waterproofing ability of the roof-covering material.
Asphalt, a natural byproduct of petroleum, is the most commonly used material for the substrate of built-up roofs. It is often mixed with clay emulsifiers and water in order to form an emulsion that can be applied to the roof deck. There are a variety of other underlayments that can be used, including polyethylene and rubberized asphalt.
Shingles
Shingles are the part of a roof that most people see, but they’re just one component of a complex roofing system. Shingles are typically made from a durable, weather-resistant material such as wood, clay, slate or asphalt shingle, but can also be fabricated out of metal or concrete.
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of shingle used in American homes, and come in several different varieties to suit different home styles and preferences. Strip shingles, also known as three-tab shingles are the most basic and economical, while architectural or dimensional shingles have multiple layers to create a more refined look that replicates natural materials like shake, tile, and slate roofing. These shingles are thicker than strip shingles and often last up to 30 years.
Composite or synthetic shingles are relatively new roofing materials that blend together a variety of different materials. They are designed to mimic the appearance of natural roofing materials while providing increased durability, strength, and resistance to the elements. Some manufacturers of these shingles include DaVinci Roofscapes or Unified Steel.
Clay tiles are another time-honored roofing material, and they can add a touch of elegance to Spanish- or Mediterranean-style homes. They’re also resistant to fire, rot, and insects and help regulate interior temperatures. They’re very heavy, though, and must be supported by sturdy roof trusses.
The word “shingle” is derived from the German word Schindel, meaning a roofing slate. The shingles in your roof protect your house from the sun, wind, and rain. But if you have a weak immune system, your roof may not be able to keep you safe from the virus that causes shingles.
The symptoms of shingles are a red, blister-like rash that usually appears in a band around the torso or face. It starts with tingling and itching, and may cause pain as the blisters break open. If you develop shingles, your doctor will likely prescribe antiviral medications such as acyclovir or famciclovir to treat the infection. The shingles rash will usually disappear within 2 weeks once the blisters have scabbed over. But if the virus is left untreated, it can lead to long-term problems with your body’s immune system.
Underlayment
Roofing underlayment is an important part of a roof’s structure and water-resistant design. It’s a material that protects the roof deck from moisture and helps prevent tar from leaking into the house. Typically, it’s installed directly on the roof deck before other roofing materials are applied. Underlayment is a vital element in any roofing project, but it’s especially important for those who live in areas with extreme weather.
Underlayment is made from either felt or synthetic material and protects the roof deck before other roofing materials are installed. Felt underlayment is often used in low-sloped roofs, while synthetic underlayment is typically recommended for steeper slopes. Some manufacturers even specify that certain types of underlayment should only be used for specific roof types and slopes to ensure the best results.
Both types of underlayment are effective, but it’s important to choose the right type for your roof. Felt underlayment is usually cheaper but can be susceptible to damage and leaks, especially in high wind conditions or during installation. Synthetic underlayment is more expensive but is more durable and provides a better level of protection.
Compared to felt underlayment, synthetic underlayment is more resistant to fungal growth and does not wrinkle when exposed to moisture or sunlight. This means it requires less maintenance and repairs than felt underlayment. It’s also lightweight, which makes it easier for contractors to haul up onto the roof. It also retains less heat, which can help keep the roof cooler during installation and decrease the stress placed on the roof’s frame and structure.
Most synthetic underlayments have a sticky back that allows them to adhere to the roof deck and create a waterproof seal. They can be installed in areas that are prone to leaks, such as eaves, valleys, vents, chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes. Some types of self-adhered underlayment also have a non-skid surface that helps prevent falling debris and make it safer for roofers to work on.
If you choose to use a synthetic underlayment, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure the underlayment performs correctly. Often, they can only be used on roofs with a slope of 4:12 or lower. If you use them on a higher-slope roof, you must provide adequate overlap to avoid moisture problems. Using underlayment that isn’t recommended by the manufacturer can also void the warranty for your roofing system.
Flashing
Flashing is a strip of metal that lies in between different parts of the roofing system to prevent water from seeping through. It is critical in areas like roof valleys, where two sloping roof planes meet and around roof penetrations such as chimneys, vent pipes and skylights. Without flashing, these areas could leak and cause damage to the underlying materials and interior of a home. Flashing is installed to create a seal in these vulnerable spots, and can be made from copper, galvanized steel or aluminum.
Roofing is a complex system, and it’s important to leave any installation work to a professional roofing contractor. Installing flashing correctly is a complicated task that requires a great deal of skill, as the right type of material must be used to ensure the area is waterproofed.
Roof flashing is usually made of a sheet of metal that is rolled or bent over the joint to be protected. It’s a common part of any roofing job, and can be found in areas where the roof meets a wall or other structure like a chimney, dormer or skylight. Flashing can be made of several different materials, including copper, which offers the best protection from corrosion. It’s also possible to have flashing made of a plastic membrane such as ethylene or propylene for added moisture control.
There are three basic types of roof flashing: base flashing, counter flashing and step flashing. Each has its own purpose, but all are designed to provide a protective barrier against moisture leaks in critical roof areas like valleys or where different roof components intersect.
For example, valley flashing is often hidden under shingles and consists of one continuous piece of flashing that protects the gap at the bottom of a roof valley. It is often reinforced with a sheet of tarpaper for extra strength. Counter flashing is placed on top of a piece of base flashing, and guards against water leakage into the space between the roof and a wall or other structure.
Another kind of flashing is called pipe flashing, and is used around protrusions such as vent pipes that extend through a roof. It is usually designed to fit the diameter of a pipe’s opening and create a snug, watertight seal.
