When it comes to your roof, it may look like a simple design when it is protecting your Cincinnati home. However, it is a complex system involving different elements to provide weatherproofing and waterproofing protection.
Understanding certain facts about your roof ensures that the design and products work as intended. You also know how to properly maintain and repair your roof when an issue arises. Check out the following need-to-know facts about roofs.
Location Matters for Roofing
You may have noticed when traveling to different locations that there are different roof designs that are specific to that locale. Roofs are designed based on climate and region. You don’t want to have a roof designed for a warmer and drier climate when dealing with cold and wintery regional conditions. Here are some basic roof designs.
Gable Roofs
Gable roofs have two 90-degree sides that form a triangle. These roofs are appropriate for regions that deal with lots of snow and ice as they prevent the accumulation of snow while trapping more indoor heat to fight off the cold outdoors.
Hipped Roofs
Hipped roofs have four sloped sides that are equal in length as they form a top ridge. These roofs offer greater levels of wind resistance for areas that deal with windstorms.
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs aren’t actually flat. They are slightly sloped to allow water to drain off the top. However, they are not suitable in areas with a lot of rain, snow, or ice. These roofs are commonly found in warmer and drier regions, or for buildings that will have outdoor HVAC systems installed on top.
Roofing is More Than Shingles
A roof is a complex system of products layered on top to provide strength and durability to the home. It first starts with the decking which will support the rest of the roof system. Next is the water barrier to prevent moisture penetration and ice damming. On top of the water barrier is the underpayment that provides another layer of weatherproofing. The metal flashing and drip edge are added to prevent water from getting into the edges of the roof.
Lastly, the shingles are on top to provide protection to all the other layers. Ventilation is added for air circulation in the roof.
Don’t Cover the Existing Roof!
Some companies will tell you that to save money, you can place another layer of shingles on the roof without taking off the existing layer to fix problems. However, covering your roof like this is never a good option. The additional layer adds unnecessary weight to the roof system, which can weaken all the product layers underneath. It can also cover up decay and allow it to steadily become worse. If you know the roof has been covered, you should get it replaced immediately.
Roof Ventilation is Crucial
Roof ventilation is necessary for all types of roofs. It allows warm and moist air to circulate with cooler outdoor air. This circulation provides a cool and dry environment to prevent condensation from forming which could lead to mold growth and rotting that could then cause internal damage. It helps to lower your energy bills and provide a longer life to your roof.
Knowing how your roof works can help you properly maintain it and spot possible issues. Contact Brandstetter’s KangaRoof if you require roof repairs or replacement.
