Category: Roofing in Cleveland Texas

 

From the outside, the roof on a home or building may seem like a simple, protective layer of materials that keep the weather out. Yet in reality, roofing is made up of multiple layers of material that work together to protect the structure.

Underlayment is an important component used by roofing services to create the most watertight barriers over a structure. When used correctly, various types of underlayment ensure that external shingles and other materials are as protective as possible.

What Is Underlayment?

Underlayment is a watertight fabric barrier that is installed between the top layer of roofing material and the wood decking. Underlayment is rolled out over the decking and attached to create a leak-resistant, yet breathable barrier between the various layers of the roof. It is made from a variety of material and comes in different weights. It can also protect against the chemical degradation that may occur when resins in the decking react with manufactured shingles.

Some underlayment requires fasteners, while other types are self-adhering. It is manufactured in a variety of types that conform to certain climate and safety codes. So using the proper one is important to ensure the best roof installation.

Different Types of Underlayment

The primary function of all underlayment installed by roofing services is to act as a moisture barrier underneath shingles, metal panels, and all other external material. Because it is water resistant yet breathable, underlayment promotes good ventilation while helping prevent damage caused by leaks. Some installations require underlayment that possesses additional qualities to keep its moisture resistance while preventing other issues. Following are the various types of underlayment: 

• Standard Breathable - Provides adequate leak prevention and ventilation to protect the decking and structure in most pitched roof installations. It is available in multiple weights with heavier weight products being more resilient and longer lasting for greater protection.  
• Waterproof - Waterproof protection is provided for installations on low-slope or flat roofs as well as other areas where there is a greater chance of leaks. This material is generally used where standing or slow-draining water could be an issue or to protect in susceptible leak areas.
• Fire Resistant - Roofing made of wood shingles or shakes requires special fire-resistant underlayment to help protect the structure in the event of a fire. For any wood roof to receive a Class A fire resistance rating, the installation must include this special fire-resistant underlayment. Besides being more protective, it may also be required by insurance companies and could qualify homeowners for a discount.
• Ice Barrier - In climates with a lot of snow and ice where ice damming is a problem, roofing services may use a special durable underlayment designed to reduce this issue. Ice barrier underlayment is thicker. It seals and self-adheres to the decking to reduce the chance of leaks around fasteners. It requires a different installation than standard underlayment so it covers more of the decking at the top and bottom. In some instances, multiple layers may be required.

Underlayment is required in all roofing installations and should be chosen based on the local climate, roof design, and type of external material used in the installation. Roofing services should use special underlayment products designed to provide the extra protection required for more challenging usage. When used appropriately, underlayment offers both water tightness and other important protective and ventilation features as well!

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A beautiful, new roof can add curb appeal and value to any home. Fortunately, there are a number of types of roofing materials available that look and function great on various architectural styles. Although not every style is recommendable for every house, homeowners can discuss the possibilities with experienced, local roofing services to make the best decision for their home.

1. Architectural Asphalt Shingles

Architectural shingles are made of layers of felt, fiberglass, and asphalt that are formed into shingles of varying widths, shapes, and colors. These shingles typically last between 25 and 40 years or more and are very durable against severe weather, making them the preferred choice in many regions. They are also readily available and easy to install. Although they may not last as long as other material, asphalt shingles offer homeowners a low-cost, attractive option that has fairly low maintenance requirements.

2. Concrete and Clay Tiles

Tiles made from clay or concrete are popular in warmer regions because they are highly thermal efficient can reduce cooling bills. They are also very beautiful, available in numerous styles and colors that add character to any home. These tiles are weather and fire resistant, although they are prone to breakage if struck by large debris. When properly installed by roofing services experienced with tile, these roofs can last a century or more. The main disadvantages of tile are the fairly high installation cost and a weight that requires sturdy framework for support.

3. Wood Shingles and Shakes

Wood has been used as a roofing material almost since the beginning of putting roofs on dwellings. Both shingles and shakes which are basically thicker shingles are still desirable. Wood offers natural beauty, fading to an attractive patina depending on the species used it can also be painted. Shingles can be made in a multitude of attractive shapes and sizes. Wood shingles and shakes are highly durable and long-lived when properly maintained, although they do require quite a bit of maintenance and upkeep. Wood can also be expensive and is not at all fire-resistant. Yet for some traditional homes, wood remains a popular choice.  

4. Slate Shingles

Slate is another material that has been used for a long time due to its availability and favorable qualities. Made into shingles, it creates a durable, fire-resistant, and weather-resistant covering. Slate is also quite beautiful, available in various natural hues. Like concrete and clay, it is also an extremely heavy material that may be prone to chipping and cracking if hit with large debris. Slate is one of the most expensive materials that roofing services can install, although it provides a century or more of protection with little maintenance.

5. Metal Roofing

Made into panels or even pressed to look like wood shingles, metal is an extremely versatile material offering many benefits and used on many homes today. Generally made from aluminum, stainless steel, zinc, or copper, metal is extremely weather resistant and durable when correctly installed by skilled roofing services. It is also lightweight, fire-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance. Metal is more costly than architectural shingles but generally less expensive than other options.

6. Synthetic Roofing

There are also a number of synthetic roofing materials available that are very durable, providing many years of watertight protection at an affordable cost. Options include rubber and plastic membranes that are usually used on flat roofs as well as polymer materials shaped to look like expensive tile or wood shingles. Many of these materials offer lightweight protection that can withstand extreme conditions, making them popular choices for a variety of installations.

Choosing the best roofing material for any home installation requires careful consideration by the homeowner as well as a careful assessment by experienced roofing services. With the right choice for the home style and climate conditions, homeowners will get the functionality they need in a look that best complements their house!

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Flat roofs can be both a blessing and a curse. They can be easier and less expensive to replace than other types of roofing; however, water resistance depends on the proper installation of the most suitable roof for the home or building. There are many types of flat roofs available to be installed by professional roofing services, each with advantages and disadvantages.

Choice 1 - Built-Up Roofing (BUR)

Built-up roofs are created by using built-up layers of material that form a watertight coating on the top of a building. This material is very durable as it is constructed from three or more layers of watertight material, alternated with hot tar and fine gravel. The main advantage BUR offers is that it is the least expensive option in flat roofing. Its main disadvantage is that it can be very heavy, so it is not suitable for all installations. To be an acceptable option, the building structure must be strong enough to hold the total weight of all the BUR materials plus rainwater or snow.

Choice 2 - Modified Bitumen

Modified bitumen is a single-ply system that can be quickly and easily rolled on by roofing services, making it a cleaner and more environmentally-friendly installation than BUR. This pre-made material comes with a sticky back, making adhesives and tar unnecessary. The main advantages of modified bitumen are low cost and fast, clean installation. The main disadvantage is that modified bitumen is not very durable and does not properly withstand scratches or tearing.

Choice 3 - EPDM or PVC Membrane

EPDM and PVC are two types of membrane roofs that make very durable and energy efficient choices for flat installations. They are both rolled on in the same way, with seams sealed by using adhesives or special sealing tapes. The difference between the two is that EPDM is actually a rubber membrane, while PVC is one derived from flexible plastic. The main advantages to these roofing options are durability and longevity. The disadvantages include the fact that it can be harder keep EPDM or PVC watertight at the seams, which means more maintenance is needed. In addition, both choices cost considerably more than BUR and modified bitumen.

Choice 4 - Metal Flat Seam Panels

Metal flat seam panels make an attractive and very durable roof when properly installed by expert roofing services. These panels fit together in such a way that water cannot get under the joins, providing a highly waterproof installation. Metal flat seam panels look great on most buildings and are available in many widths and colors. These panels last the longest of all other options. The main advantages of these materials are high durability and longevity with a more attractive roof. Disadvantages are a much higher cost than other options and the tendency to leak at the seams if not correctly installed so that edges fit into each other.

Choice 5 - Spray On Coatings

A newer option for flat roofing is spray-on silicone coatings. These coatings are very easy to apply and highly waterproof, making them a durable and low maintenance option for flat installations. They are especially good for larger buildings and have many favorable attributes which include resisting ponding and high energy efficiency. Besides those already mentioned, the main advantages of spray-on silicone are fast installation, higher durability, watertightness with almost no maintenance, and easy repairs. The main disadvantage is that this material has the highest cost of all available options.

From lowest to highest cost, the installations listed above are the five main flat roofing choices now available to home or building owners. The choice should be made based on the size of the building, local climate, durability requirements, and available budget. To learn more about these choices, home and building owners should discuss their needs with experienced roofing services that can advise the best option!

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