In any climate, the roof of a building serves to protect the structure of the building. Every climate, however, places different demands and stresses on a roof system. Choosing a durable roofing material that will remain effective for as long as you need it too requires some knowledge of climatic factors. There are many factors to take into consideration when deciding on a roofing material for your home or building. Along with the type of construction, home or building owners in Illinois need to take into account how certain aspects of the climate will affect their roof.
Titan Roofing is a Texas roofing contractor dedicated to providing the best service and results to its customers. Plus, they also provide a working knowledge of the product they are getting in order for consumers to make informed decisions.
Components of a Roof System
There are five general components to every sloped roof system, which is the most common and efficient design. The first part visible is the roof covering. This includes the shingles, tiles, metal sheeting, or slate tiles, along with a waterproof underlayment. This material protects the underlying layers from the elements. Beneath the roof covering lies the boards or sheets of material. This is commonly plywood or wafer board, called the sheathing. Below that, the rafters and boards serve to support the sheathing and comprise the roof structure.
Around vertical structures on the roof, such as chimneys, vents, and skylights, roofers install flashing. These are usually thin sheets of metal, usually steel. They direct the flow of water away from that structure. The last but possibly most important component of a roof system is its drainage design. The slope of the roof and the gutter system should allow gravity to continually remove water from the roofing materials and away from the interior of the house.
Weighing the Options: Aspects of Various Roofing Materials
When it comes to deciding on a material for the roof covering, many options exist. However, not all perform the same in every climate. Of course, when searching for Illinois roofing materials, aesthetics are important for retaining the value of the house or building. Plus, the material used should reflect the style and weight of the rest of the structure.
Some of the most popular coverings for steep sloped roof systems include shingles made from asphalt, wood, or fiberglass; clay or concrete tiles; slate; metal; and synthetic roofing products. Due to frequent severe weather and high humidity, roofing companies in San Antonio agree that the best option is the most durable.
Roofing Material Options Have Different Benefits
Some of the most preferred roofing materials in Texas include asphalt shingles, metal shingles, clay tiles, and slate. Asphalt shingles tend to remain sound despite sudden and dramatic changes in temperature and humidity. Plus, they typically last between 15 and 18 years. They are lightweight, making them a better option for lighter buildings. In addition, they are available in a variety of colors, textures, and sizes, giving pliability to the buyer.
Metal shingles are another great choice for the climate. In addition to being one of the more affordable options, metal shingles are attractive in appearance, durable over time, and resistant to many of the harshest elements.
Another excellent option is clay or concrete tiles. Their value comes from their ability to withstand moisture, heat, high winds, severe storms, as well as snow and ice. However, clay and concrete are heavy. They should only go on houses or buildings that can hold up their weight. These tend to be very durable, generally lasting between 30 and 50 years.
Slate shingles are another extremely durable roofing material. Heavy like clay, they must be used on solid structures such as brick. Slate is highly resistant to severe weather and is a very durable material, usually lasting for the lifetime of the structure. Slate is often he most expensive roofing material currently in use. However, the aesthetic it provides for a structure generally compensates for the cost.
Synthetic roofing products are not generally one of the better options for structures in Illinois. Synthetic shingles usually resemble asphalt or wood shingles. However, are made with recycled plastic, rubber, asphalt and paper products, making them largely resistant to mold and mildew. These products are generally cheaper but work best on structures in milder climates.
Other Factors to Consider
Without sufficient ventilation and insulation in the attic, the roof may suffer undue damage and have a shortened lifespan. A complete layer of insulation between the floor of the attic and the rest of the building will help to ensure that the air in the attic remains essentially the same temperature are the outside air. This is important for the well-being of the structures of the roof as different temperatures could cause a buildup of condensation, leading to rot.
With improper ventilation, heat and moisture build up in the attic. This often causes the basic structural parts of the roof to rot. The rafters and sheathing may begin to rot and as condensation works its way out from the attic. From there, the shingles will begin to buckle, and the damage will be visible from the outside. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure that any sources of ventilation in the attic are free from obstructions. A buildup of moisture below the roof is a serious issue that can lead to severe damage of the exterior structures.
Weather Considerations
Some of the biggest factors that affect roof systems come from the weather. Since different roofing materials perform better than others under certain weather conditions, it is important that the buyer understand the damage that can be caused by certain elements of the weather. This allows them to identify which factors are present in his climate. Prolonged exposure to heat or ultraviolet rays from the sun can degrade roofing materials.
Certain materials such as clay, concrete, and slate tend to better withstand these elements than lighter materials. Rain is another factor that can cause damage to roof systems. Water may get between or underneath the shingles or tiles and cause the underlying structures to rot. Shingles and tiles are designed to reflect and redirect rainwater. However, a combination of wind and rain may allow water to seep into places that were previously protected as the wind may lift the edges of roofing materials and force water and debris underneath them.
Winter Weather Considerations Are a Factor, Too
Snow and ice pose a danger to roof systems by adding weight to the roof and potentially backing up, collapsing the drainage system. Ice on a roof often begins to melt in the sun before refreezing on the cooler edge of the roof. This causes an ice dam over the drainage structure, which blocks the gutter from draining. Plus, it allows water to seep underneath the shingles or tiles. If too much ice builds up in the drainage system, it may even cause the gutters and drainpipes to tear away from the house.
Another danger resulting from moisture is the growth of moss and algae. In addition to leaving an unattractive green or black stain on the roof, this buildup of moisture can lead to the rotting of certain materials such as wood or organic shingles or tiles. Plus, it can lead to the buckling of asphalt or synthetic shingles. Clay, cement, or slate roofs tend to be more resistant to this type of damage.
Titan Roofing is Here to Help
It is important to know what to look for when buying a new roof structure. Decisions should be based on the climate in which the construction is taking place. Plus, consumers need to consider the aesthetic they wish to achieve, and on the strength and durability of the materials. Texas roofers are aware of which materials function the best under the elements they are subjected to. Plus, they know which materials are most likely to last the longest and to perform best for the protection of the rest of the structure. Titan Roofing is a San Antonio roofing company here to meet your Texas roofing needs.