Roofing is a rewarding career, but it can be challenging and physically demanding. It’s a good idea to start with training and work closely with a supervisor until you can handle a job by yourself.
The foundation of a roof is its frame, which consists of rafters or prefabricated trusses. On top of that goes the sheathing, which is either plank sheathing boards (elongated rectangular pieces of wood) or plywood or oriented strand board. Contact Prestige Exteriors now!
The pitch of a roof refers to the grade of slope that a roof has. Sloped roofs are typically built for a variety of reasons. Some roofs need to be pitched to shed water correctly, while others are simply built for aesthetic reasons. Roofs that are pitched also tend to have more insulating properties than flat roofs, which do not have the same impact on a building’s interior temperature.
The term pitch has a lot of different meanings, but they all come from the same root word: to throw something at an angle. Thus, pitching a baseball is throwing the ball at an angle, pitching a tent is setting up a tent at a slightly odd angle, and pitching an idea is discussing it in a way that may catch on.
Bitumen (or pitch) is a natural substance found in the earth, and it was used by post-Flood construction crews to build houses. In fact, it is mentioned in the Bible. Pitch can be made from either natural or synthetic sources, but it is most commonly derived from coal or oil. It is flammable, and it was used in the production of torches.
The pitch of a roof is measured by the number of inches that a roof rises for every 12 inches it goes down, or in degrees. A roof can have a pitch of up to 30 degrees, depending on its design. Roofs with low pitches are typical of houses in areas that don’t get much precipitation, while homes in areas that experience heavy rainfall or snow often have steeply pitched roofs.
Slope
A roof’s slope is a crucial factor in determining how well it can shed water and snow, as well as how the building itself will be protected from weather-related damage. A steeper slope will help rainwater and melting snow flow off the roof more quickly, reducing the chance of pooling that can lead to leaks and structural damage. Additionally, a proper roof slope can help reduce heating and cooling costs by improving ventilation and limiting condensation.
Roof slope can be expressed as a ratio, usually a number divided by 12, such as 6:12. This ratio measures the amount of vertical rise per horizontal length (or run) of the roof. To measure the slope of a roof, you can use a tape measure from the base of the eaves to the peak of the roof. Divide the distance from the bottom of the eaves to the top of the roof by the total roof span to determine the slope, or pitch.
There are many factors that influence a roof’s slope, including climate, architectural style, and roofing materials. A steeper slope may be more aesthetically pleasing, while a flatter roof can make space for attics and upper-floor living areas. Some roofing materials require specific slope requirements, so it’s important to consult with a professional and adhere to local building codes and regulations when choosing a roof slope.
Slope and pitch are often used interchangeably, but they have very different meanings. While pitch refers to the angle of a roof, slope is the measurement of how steeply it tilts. A roof’s slope can be measured by measuring the height of the roof at its base and dividing it by the roof’s total span or length. A roof with a 1:12 slope is considered flat, while a roof with a 2:12 slope is steep.
While it may seem like technical roofing vocabulary is best left to contractors, understanding the differences between slope and pitch can be helpful for any homeowner looking to re-roof their home. For example, knowing the minimum slope required for asphalt shingles can help prevent wasted roofing materials by ensuring that your roof is sufficiently slanted to adequately shed water and snow.
Materials
The material used to cover your roof is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a homeowner. Not only does it have a major impact on the appearance of your home, but also on how much wear and tear your roof can take over time. A sturdy and attractive roof can add value to your property while protecting you and your belongings from the elements.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing option because of their cost-effectiveness and long lifespan. They come in a variety of styles and colors that can complement any architectural style. Some even mimic the look of other more expensive materials, like slate and cedar shakes.
Another common choice is built-up roof, or BUR. It is constructed with multiple plies of salt-saturated organic or coated fiberglass felts that are saturated with hot asphalt and covered with gravel to provide protection from ultra-violet degradation, stabilization against temperature changes and resistance against wind blow-off. BUR is often found on flat or low-slope roof styles and may be coated with a UV-reflective material to help reduce heat absorption.
Rubber roofing is a sustainable and durable material that can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It is typically rolled out in sheets and fused together with contact adhesive or tape. You’ll find this roofing material most commonly in commercial structures.
Other roofing options include metal and wood. Metal roofs can offer durability and strength but require more maintenance and upkeep than other materials. Wood roofs are attractive and can add to the resale value of your home, but they’re susceptible to rot and insect infestations.
Slate is a beautiful roofing option that can last for over 100 years. It’s more expensive than most other roofing materials but it can add a dramatic look to your home and can increase its value. You’ll most often find it on high-end new construction or historical buildings to maintain the original look of the structure.
Membrane roofing is an option that uses durable ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or thermoplastic sheets to make a watertight barrier. You’ll most often see this roofing option on low-slope or flat roof areas and as a layer under green roofs.
Installation
The roof is the pinnacle of any building, shielding the interior from rain, snow, sunlight, wind and other elements. Its primary functions are waterproofing and thermal insulation, but it also serves to enhance the appearance of a structure. Choosing the right roofing material is about more than just durability and longevity. Other factors that come into play include appearance, future maintenance needs and cost.
Once a homeowner has chosen their materials, the project begins with proper planning. Professionals will take accurate measurements to accurately estimate the amount of materials needed and determine a timeline for the work. They will also set up safety measures to safeguard their workspace and your property, organize tools and equipment, and establish a safe workflow that minimizes disruption to daily life.
During the installation process, the underlayment will be laid first. Then, a pattern of close nails at the edge and spread out nails farther out towards the center will be followed. This is called a shingle base and will help to prevent water from getting between the shingles and underneath them. Depending on the type of shingle, an ice and water protector may be added to protect against leaks caused by ice dams or wind-driven rain that drives moisture up between shingles. An ice and water protector such as ArmourGard by IKO will self-adher to the underlayment and then seal around nails to create a tight barrier that protects against leaks.
Finally, the shingles will be installed. Typically, a new roof will be built in rows, with each row overlapping the one before it by at least six inches. The shingles will be nailed to the underlayment and then nailed to each other, making sure to use the proper nailing patterns. After the shingles are in place, any open valleys will be fitted with flashing.
Roofing is hard work, and it’s not something you want to tackle yourself unless you’re a pro. It’s repetitive and physical, requiring lots of ladder time and the ability to lift heavy bundles up and down. A good contractor will have insurance, a solid work history, and a reputation for quality workmanship. They should also be willing to provide referrals from previous clients, and proof of local licensing, bonding and a Better Business Bureau rating. They should also be able to answer any questions you have about the specific roofing materials they use and their installation process.