Canton Roofing is the top covering of a building that protects against rain, snow, sunlight, and temperature extremes. It is constructed in various forms.
The foundation of a roof is rafters or prefabricated trusses. The rafters are covered with sheathing, typically plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), which is the base for the various roof coverings.
A home’s roof is its main shield from the elements. It protects against rain, snow, wind, and extreme temperatures and helps keep moisture out of the building to avoid mold and structural damage. An updated, sturdy roof also adds to a home’s value and can improve its aesthetic. When it comes to re-roofing, homeowners should look for contractors that are credentialed by the manufacturer of their roofing material or by their homeowner’s insurance company. They should also check for local references, state licenses, a good Better Business Bureau rating and active certificates of liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
The foundation of a roof is its frame, which can be either rafters cut on-site or prefabricated trusses built in factories and craned into place. Over the frame is sheathing, typically plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Older houses might have tongue-and-groove or narrow 1-by-4-skip boards of sawn lumber. Flat or low-sloped roofs are usually covered with roofing felt and tar, while steeply sloped roofs may be covered with shingles or sheet metal. A very durable option for flat or low-sloped roofs is built-up roofing, or BUR, which consists of multiple layers that are built up on the sheathing and then covered with hot tar.
Materials
Whether you are building a new home or replacing your roof, there is a wide selection of roofing materials to choose from. The material you select will have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your house, as well as its energy efficiency. The type of roofing material you choose should also consider your location and the weather conditions in your area.
Roofing tiles are made from earthen clays that are molded into rolled or interlocking shapes and fired for durability. They are a popular choice in hot climates, and can withstand high-speed winds, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other extreme weather conditions. Tile is a bit more expensive than other types of roofing, but it will last upwards of 50 years.
Concrete and clay tiles are very durable and come in a variety of colors and textures to match the style and aesthetic of your home. They are a good option for those looking to make their home more environmentally friendly, as they are made from natural materials and can be recycled.
Asphalt shingles are a popular option for homeowners due to their low price and high level of durability. They can last up to 50 years and are lightweight, so they won’t add extra weight to the roof or cause structural issues. They also have a built-in ultraviolet inhibitor that reduces the deterioration caused by the sun’s rays.
Wood shingles are another traditional choice and have a more natural look that can add to the value of your home. They can last 30 years or more and are a great option for those who want to use sustainable materials in their home. They are, however, more prone to moss and plant growth and require regular maintenance.
Lastly, there is the option of using a green roof or “living roof”. These are essentially small gardens in the shape of a roof. They are a great way to manage water runoff, provide insulation, and put clean oxygen back into the air. However, they are more expensive than other types of roofing and can be challenging to maintain.
Installation
Roofing is hard, dirty work that requires a lot of climbing and lifting. It is also dangerous, so a good roofer must be very physically fit and not afraid of heights. Roofing supervisors and owners must also be comfortable making sales, dealing with accounting issues, and overseeing construction projects.
Before starting a roofing project, the team must prepare the roof by removing old shingles and their underlayment. This step exposes the roof deck and allows for a thorough inspection. The roofer must then choose the best material to install. This decision is based on cost, weather conditions, and the homeowner’s preferences.
Once the roofing material is chosen, the team can begin installing the new shingles. The underlayment is installed first, followed by the shingle layer. This process is highly repetitive and time-consuming.
The final step is to waterproof the valleys, which are the areas where two slopes meet on a roof. The valleys are a major source of leaks, so they must be well-waterproofed. The roofing contractor uses flashing, a type of metal sheeting, to create a watertight seal around the joints.
A quality installation is essential to the longevity of a roof. A good roofing contractor should be able to explain their process, provide a written estimate, and offer a warranty on both materials and workmanship. They should also have good references, an active BBB rating, and be licensed and insured. A roofing company that is part of a manufacturer’s network may have additional resources to help homeowners choose the right material for their home.
Maintenance
In addition to working with tools, roofing workers also have many administrative duties. They manage supplies and inventory, negotiate deals with suppliers, and choose equipment for their crews. They deal with accounting, making decisions about payroll and taxes. They also have to plan marketing, assess the effectiveness of their advertising, and decide how to promote their business. They must also meet with owners to discuss the progress of the company and take part in training and safety talks.
Regular maintenance tasks include checking shingles for excessive wear and damage, removing moss or lichen from the roof and cleaning the chimney. Keeping up with routine maintenance can prevent small problems from becoming major issues. It’s also important to inspect the flashing — the material around chimneys and where roof planes meet — and check that vent pipes, skylights and other accessories are in good condition. Inspecting and replacing caulk around the edges of these accessories can prevent water leaks.
Trimming large tree branches that hang over the house can help protect the roof from damage caused by falling limbs or debris. It’s a good idea to do this on an annual basis or after heavy storms.