Burlington Roofing is a demanding trade that requires a lot of strength and stamina. It can be physically exhausting to carry heavy materials and work in all types of weather. It’s also dangerous, with falls being the leading cause of injury in the industry.

Homeowners may choose to re-roof their homes for a variety of reasons. Visible wear and tear, high energy bills, or signs of mold or mildew are all good reasons to consider a new roof.

Roofing is the material placed on top of a building structure to make it weatherproof and protect the interior and the exterior from environmental elements. Different roofing materials are used for different reasons and in different climates, with each type offering its own benefits and maintenance requirements. Asphalt shingles are popular in residential construction due to their affordability and durability, while metal roofs are ideal for commercial and industrial buildings. Other common roofing materials include clay tiles, which are molded and fired for strength and permeability, and grass (modern ones known as green roofs, traditional ones called sod roofs) that provide a natural insulation and moderating effect on internal temperatures.

In vernacular architecture, thatch roofs are still commonly used, with the most durable types lasting up to 40 years. The use of bamboo is also prevalent in many countries, with split bamboo stems being alternately woven and overlapped for strength. In colder climates, clay and concrete tiles offer a more durable option than thatch.

Other roofing options include a synthetic rubber membrane, often called EPDM, which is commonly used on flat or low-sloped roofs. It can withstand extreme weather conditions and is easy to install on new or existing roofs. Another commonly used synthetic roof membrane is PVC, which can be easily installed on most existing structures and has a lifespan of up to 50 years.

The foundation of any roof is a frame, which can be made from rafters or prefabricated trusses. Rafters are usually cut on-site from framing lumber such as 2x10s, while prefabricated trusses are assembled in factories and craned into place. On top of the frame is sheathing, which is typically plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), although older homes may have tongue-and-groove or narrow 1-by-skip sheathing boards of sawn lumber.

Materials

There are many different materials used in roofing, and some are better for certain climates than others. Some are also more expensive than others, but they may have a longer lifespan or require less maintenance. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option to see what will work best for your home.

Tiles are a popular choice for homes, and they come in various styles. Clay tiles are made from earthen clays that are molded into rolled or interlocking shapes and then fired for durability. They are a good choice for hot climates and can withstand earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and other severe weather conditions. However, they are very expensive and can add extra weight to your roof’s structure, so it’s important to have a sturdy foundation underneath them.

Asphalt shingles are another popular choice, as they are durable and affordable. They can withstand moderate to heavy rainfall and snowfall, but can become susceptible to moisture accumulation and damage from hailstorms.

Wood shingles and shakes offer a traditional look to your home and can add a lot of value. They can be made from cedar (typically found on Cape Cod-style homes) or redwood, and they are usually more expensive than other types of roofing materials.

Concrete shingles are another option that are very durable and can last up to 50 years. They are a great choice for warm climates because they don’t absorb much water, but they can be vulnerable to cracking in extremely cold temperatures.

Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular for their low-maintenance and environmentally friendly qualities. They are resistant to fire, wind and rain, and can be made to mimic the appearance of other roofing materials like shingle, tile or slate. Some metal roofs are also covered in solar panels to help reduce energy costs.

For flat roofs, single-membrane options like EPDM, rubber or thermo-polyolefin (TPO) offer a balance of durability, affordability and energy efficiency. Flat roofs are prone to leaks, so it’s important to use quality underlayment and an ice and water shield at the eaves and valleys.

Installation

Once the appropriate materials have been purchased and a permit has been secured, the actual roofing process can begin. Before any work is done, the roof should be inspected thoroughly to ensure that it is structurally sound and capable of supporting the weight of the new materials. The contractors may also take this opportunity to repair any damaged or rotting areas of the roof deck, as well as install any necessary ventilation systems for improved attic airflow and energy efficiency.

The underlayment and flashing are then installed, depending on the type of roofing material chosen. Roof valleys are also waterproofed, which is important because water tends to run through them rather than flowing down the slopes of the roof. These areas are often shaped like “V”s, and the sheathing and underlayment are installed with specific methods to ensure they are properly watertight.

Before construction begins, the contractors will prepare the area by covering surrounding vehicles and structures with tarps to protect them from falling debris during the installation. They will also cover any landscaping or shrubbery that is located close to the roof with tarps to protect it from dust and dirt during the construction process. To further improve safety, many roofing professionals utilize multi-layered fall protection plans and safety measures based on the Hierarchy of Controls.

Maintenance

Maintaining your roof is a crucial step in ensuring the integrity of your home. Whether it’s hot, humid summer weather that leads to excessive sun damage or cold winter weather that causes leaks from melting snow and ice, regular inspections and maintenance will prevent these problems before they occur.

When conducting your routine roof inspection, look for shingles that are brittle, cracked, or missing. These are a sign of age, and if left unattended will cause further damage to the roofing materials underneath. In addition, look for areas of deterioration in the caulking around vent pipes and chimneys as well as any moss or lichen growth.

It’s also important to clear gutters and downspouts of leaves, twigs, and debris on a regular basis. This will prevent standing water from collecting on the roof and causing structural damage. Finally, trimming the tree branches that hang over your roof on a regular basis will help to protect it from damage during stormy nights and bad weather. It will also allow more sunlight to reach the shingles and prevent the buildup of moss and algae. Performing regular maintenance will also ensure that your warranty remains valid, as many manufacturers consider it null and void without it.

Shapes

Roof shapes are varied and can be influenced by region, climate, materials available, customs, and the tastes of individual builders. They can range from almost flat to steeply pitched. They can also be shaped to add architectural interest and value.

Dormer (eaves, eyebrow, shed roof, lean-to, skillion, dorpah, or widow’s walk): An addition to an existing gable, hipped, or flat roof to create space for windows and other features. Functional dormers allow natural light to flood into rooms below while creating usable attic space.

M-shaped roof: Essentially two gable roofs pushed together to form an M shape with a valley in the middle. These are commonly found in American homes. Mansard roof (French roof): A Mansard is a roof with a shallow slope above a steeper slope that may be curved. Other names for a Mansard include a Mansard gambrel, a butterfly roof, and a bonnet roof. A Mansard is a part of the Second Empire architectural style.