Roofs serve many functions: shielding from rain, snow, sunlight, and debris; providing a pleasing design; and moderating interior temperatures. Depending on materials, they can also be energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Before the roofing crew arrives, remove any decorations on the walls. Vibrations from hammering could knock them off. Also, mark any koi ponds hidden behind foliage so that the roofers can find them. Contact Roofing Absecon NJ for professional help.
Shingles -whether they’re made of asphalt, wood, clay, or slate — are the most recognizable part of your roof and the element that gives it its distinctive appearance. Incorporating a specific layering pattern creates a protective barrier that helps keep the elements out and moisture out of your home. But like any roof material, shingles have their limitations. In some cases, they’ll need to be replaced due to damage or simply because they’ve reached the end of their lifespan.
Shingle problems can be caused by many factors, including the climate zone where a home is located and how long the shingles have been on the roof. A lot of rain or snow may cause the shingles to stay excessively moist, leading to moss growth and shingle damage. Overhanging tree branches can rub against the shingles or block proper drainage. The shingles themselves can also be damaged by hail, or can develop an issue known as “blistering.” Blistering occurs when moisture trapped within the shingle expands to the point of breaking through the surface and leaving the underlying asphalt exposed.
In a normal storm, most shingles will stay in place unless they’re on the very edges of the roof, such as near the eaves or ridge. But in severe winds, even high-quality shingles can get torn off. This may be because of a poor shingle installation job, the shingles getting too old or simply because the shingle isn’t made for the type of weather in that area.
While the color of shingles isn’t generally considered to be important, it’s a good idea for homeowners to choose shingles that match or complement their home’s siding and trim. It’s also worth considering the color of the shingles with respect to their desired indoor temperature and energy efficiency. While darker shingles do absorb more heat, it’s the attic insulation and ventilation that have the biggest impact on desired indoor temperatures.
Checking the shingles for signs of damage is one of the most common things homeowners should do on their roofs. Small, dark areas of the shingles can indicate that granules are falling off, which exposes the asphalt underneath and leaves the roof susceptible to moisture damage. The dark areas can also be a sign of moss or algae, both of which should be cleaned as soon as possible.
Underlayment
When you’re getting a new roof, it is important to understand the role that underlayment plays in your roofing system. This layer of protection between the roof deck and shingles helps to prevent leaks, mold growth, and other problems. Additionally, it can also protect the integrity of your home’s structural frame. Understanding the basic properties and installation requirements of underlayment will help you make an informed choice when it comes time to hire a roofing contractor for your next project.
There are several types of underlayment available, including traditional felt and synthetic polymer underlayments. Choosing the right one for your project will depend on factors such as cost, climate, local codes, degree of slope, and personal preference.
Felt underlayment is a popular option because it is inexpensive, easy to install, and provides good protection against water penetration. However, it is susceptible to wind-driven damage and must be secured with nails or staples, which can make holes in the underlayment. For high-wind areas or in the case of using a synthetic underlayment, these fasteners should have plastic caps attached to them to reduce the risk of damaging the underlayment.
Synthetic underlayment is a more modern type of underlayment that has gained popularity because of its superior performance and durability. It is made from a variety of thermoplastic materials, including polyethylene and polypropylene, which makes it highly resistant to moisture penetration. It is also lightweight, making it easier for roofing contractors to work with and helping to reduce the overall weight of the roof. It is also fungus resistant and has high safety ratings, making it an excellent option for homeowners looking for a safe, long-lasting roof.
Regardless of the type of underlayment you choose, there are several common causes of underlayment failure. These include wild animals, improper installation, and temperature changes. In addition, a poor quality material or improper storage can contribute to its early failure. Therefore, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing underlayment.
Flashing
A roofing component called flashing protects homes from water leaks. It’s installed around projections or intersections to direct rainwater away from seams and joints. It helps decrease water penetration into walls, roofs and ceilings to prevent structural damage and indoor mold issues.
A professional roofer will install flashing at key points such as chimneys, walls, vent pipes and roof intersections. It’s typically made of a durable metal like copper, aluminum or galvanized steel and can be either exposed or concealed depending on the location.
Some types of flashing include drip edges, valleys, counter-flashing and vent pipe flashing. Drip edges, installed along the roof’s perimeter, direct water away from the fascia and into gutters. Valley flashing is used in open valleys (where different sloped sections of the roof meet) to help keep rainwater from collecting and leaking into the home. Counter-flashing is installed above base flashing to protect it, creating a more durable seal. Vent pipe flashing is used to seal any protrusions such as pipes or vents on the roof, and can be made of metal (usually copper) or plastic.
Leaks can have a devastating effect on homes, costing more than just the roof repairs needed to fix them. When not addressed promptly, they can cause interior damage and rot to wood framing and wall sheathing. Flashing is essential to preventing this damage and keeping your home’s resale value high.
Leaks can occur in any part of the roof, but flashing is especially important at vulnerable points such as roof valleys, chimneys and the intersection between a dormer wall and the roof surface. Often, these areas experience greater weather fluctuation and require two pieces of flashing to ensure that rainwater is properly diverted away from the roof. Roofers use a special technique to install flashing at these areas, making it difficult for the average homeowner to try at home.
Ventilation
Ventilation keeps the home cool in summer, reduces energy costs, and extends the life of the shingles. It is important to have a balanced ventilation system that allows for both intake and exhaust of air. Roofing Above All is experienced in calculating the exact balance of air flow required for your home, and we install the best possible system to ensure your roof will last.
A roof that is not ventilated properly will allow heat to build up in the attic, which can damage shingles from the inside out. Insufficient attic ventilation can also lead to a build-up of moisture, which is very bad for the health and lifespan of your roof. It can cause a host of problems, including mold and mildew. It can also cause condensation, rot, and leaks.
Proper ventilation works by using the natural principle that warm air rises. This hot air that accumulates in the attic is then vented outside through exhaust vents or ridge vents, which are located in high areas of the attic. Intake vents are located in lower attic areas such as the soffit or at the bottom of the gable. There are many types of ventilation systems, and a Licensed General Contractor can assist you in choosing the right system for your home.
Typical exhaust vents include gable louvers, roof turbines, and power attic ventilators. Static vents are covers that prevent rain, sleet, hail, and snow from entering the attic space. These are available in a variety of shapes and colors to blend in with the design of your roof.
The ideal attic venting system uses a combination of intake and exhaust vents to allow for the proper airflow in the attic. Roofing Above All will not combine different types of attic vents, such as power vents with ridge vents or gable vents with soffit vents. This can result in pulling air from the soffit or lower attic area into the upper attic space and vice versa, which is very bad for your roof and your house. A Licensed General Contractor will design a custom ventilation system for your home that uses the proper mix of intake and exhaust vents to achieve the desired balance of air in the attic.
