Roofing Columbus GA protects the interior of a house from rain, snow, sunlight, extreme temperatures, and more. It also helps water drain away from the home and siding.
Roofs come in a variety of shapes and slopes. Shingles and sheet metal are common choices for covering a roof. Sheet metal typically costs less than shingles.
The roof is the first defense a building has against sunlight, rain, snow, wind, and extreme temperatures. Roofing materials are constantly exposed to these elements, and the choice of material has a significant impact on how long the roof will last and how effective it will be at protecting the interior of the building from the elements. There are many different types of roofing materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right material for your home is an important decision that should be made based on cost, longevity, and aesthetics.
Asphalt shingles are popular for residential roofs because they are inexpensive and have a good lifespan. In commercial construction, where flat roofs are more common, metal, EPDM, and built-up roofs are commonly used.
Metal roofs can be made from galvanized steel, copper, aluminum, or terne plate (a combination of zinc and lead). The most common form of metal roofing is corrugated metal. Corrugated metal can be manufactured to lock together, reducing installation time. It can also be formed into shapes that allow it to better respond to thermal movement.
Slate is a very durable material that provides a unique, beautiful look to a roof. It is quarried from natural rock and split into thin rectangular slabs. It comes in a variety of colors and textures, from smooth to mottled gray. Slate is more expensive than most other roofing materials, but it has a life expectancy of 80 to 400 years.
Concrete roofing is usually a hybrid of reinforced concrete and precast slabs. It can be designed to be as decorative or functional as desired, with features such as skylights and dormers. It is fairly heavy, so it requires stronger framing than other roofs.
Ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer, or EPDM, is a type of single-sheet membrane roofing that is commonly used in commercial buildings. It is resistant to degradation from certain chemicals, industrial chemical atmospheres, and ozone. The membrane can be loosely laid or mechanically fastened, and it is available with a factory-applied coating to enhance weather resistance.
Installation
It takes a strong person to climb up on a roof, and you have to be pretty fit to move around on it. That’s why you should always hire a professional.
First, the contractor will install an underlayment, which is a layer of felt paper that protects the sheathing from moisture. Next comes the shingle installation. Each shingle is held in place by nails that are close together at the edges and farther apart as they get closer to the middle of the shingle. The nails are then covered with roofing cement to further prevent water from seeping in.
The valleys, which are the areas of your roof that meet the slopes to form a “V” shape, will also be waterproofed with underlayment and shingles. In some cases, the manufacturer of your roof’s shingles may recommend credentialed contractors, and it is always a good idea to check for local references.
When the re-roofing is nearing an end, it’s a good idea to cover all nearby plants with plastic sheeting and ask the roofer for a roll-off dumpster. This will help to prevent scuffing and staining from the many bundles of shingles that will be dropped off and thrown about.
Maintenance
The old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is especially true when it comes to roof maintenance. Spending just a few hours each year inspecting your roof can help prevent the need for a costly repair in the future. During these inspections, you’ll want to look at the shingles for any signs of excessive wear and tear or missing pieces. You’ll also want to check the flashing (a strip of metal that seals gaps around chimneys and vent pipes) for cracks or leaks. You should also inspect the caulking around these areas to ensure it is still intact.
You’ll also want to remove any debris that has collected on the roof surface and clear out gutters and downspouts on a regular basis. This will prevent debris from blocking the flow of water to the drains and causing localized ponding, which can prematurely damage a roof system.
Trimming any large trees that are near the roof should be done on a regular basis as well. This will prevent the limbs from rubbing against the roofing materials and can help protect the structure of the house from falling limbs during stormy weather.
A roofing company can provide a checklist that is tailored to the needs of each building’s roof. This will allow each building to be inspected on a scheduled basis, and any necessary repairs can be completed before problems worsen.
Many roofing problems stem from a lack of proper insulation and ventilation in attics. Without this, warm air will rise into the attic and cause condensation that can lead to wood rot, mold, and mildew. A qualified roofing contractor can inspect the attic and provide advice about adequate insulation and ventilation.
A roof is a vital part of any home or commercial building, so it’s important to keep up with routine maintenance. It’s also a good idea to have your roof inspected after extreme weather events. A professional roofing company will be able to identify any potential issues before they become serious problems, saving you both time and money.
Repairs
The roofers will examine the damage and determine if the problem can be patched with a new piece of shingle overlay or if re-roofing is in order. The re-roofing process will either cover the existing roofing over damaged areas or remove the roofing material completely, depending on the extent of the damage and cost consequences. The roofing contractor will also examine the flashing and caulking to make sure they are in good condition. Damaged vent boots will be replaced, and leaky areas will be caulked.
For the roofing contractor, the repair process is fairly simple. First, the damaged pieces of flashing are removed, often using a pry bar and occasionally a knife. The flashing is then re-bent to its proper shape and fixed to the roof using either nails or sealant. If the flashing is nailed, the roofing crew will try to match the original nail placement with new nail holes. If the flashing is nailed with sealant, the roofing contractors will apply a layer of roofing cement to encase the sealant and ensure it stays intact.
Roof repair is a major home improvement project, much like repainting the bedroom or replacing cabinets. A professional roofing crew will not only help protect the value of the home, but they can also prevent more expensive problems from occurring in the future.
