A roof protects a building from rain, snow, sunlight, extremes of temperature, and other elements. Roofs can be constructed in a variety of forms, from flat to pitched or vaulted, and may be built of different materials.
Roof repair or replacement is a major expense for any homeowner. To help reduce costs, homeowners can look for a roofing contractor with manufacturer-credentials or ask their home insurer for recommendations. Contact Corpus Christi Roofing now!
The roof is the most vulnerable part of your house to environmental insults. It has to withstand wind, rain, snow, bitter cold, intense heat, and direct sunlight. It must do all of this while retaining its structural integrity and visual appeal. That makes it a big job and a costly one, especially when it comes time to reroof.
You can choose from many different types of roofing, ranging from traditional asphalt-based built-up roofs (BUR) to more environmentally friendly flat roofs made of TPO or EPDM rubber. There are also wood shakes that have a rustic look and cost $3 to $4 per square foot, and shingles that are sawmilled into uniform widths and lengths for clean lines that are about $1 to $2 less than shakes. Clay tiles are the most expensive roofing material but have a lifespan of up to 150 years and provide good insulation. When choosing a roofing contractor, consider their credentials, such as manufacturer certifications and active certificates of insurance for liability and workers’ compensation.
Durability
Durability refers to the ability of a material to hold up over time. The word is derived from the Latin durable, meaning “lasting or firm,” or, more precisely, “resisting or able to resist being overturned or displaced.” The words permanent and stable have similar connotations. The ability of a product to last is dependent on its durability, which is affected by maintenance and the design of the product.
There are a variety of roofing materials that are durable. Tile–clay or concrete–is a long-lasting material that is available in many styles and colors. Round-topped tiles create Mission and Spanish-style roofs, while flat styles offer French and English looks. Tile roofs are heavy and must be supported by a sturdy structure.
Wooden shingles or shakes are another durable roofing material that can withstand wind and other weather conditions. Depending on the climate, they can last for about 30 years. Other durable types of roofing include asphalt shingles, which are designed to withstand wind and rain and come with warranties. Metal roofing is also a long-lasting material that can withstand the elements.
Maintenance
The roof is one of the most critical components of any home. It provides all-round protection and aesthetic value. Proper maintenance procedures can extend the life of a roof and help avoid major repairs. This includes cleaning gutters, inspecting the roof, and repairing any damage. These tasks should be performed regularly, especially after a storm or as each season approaches.
A roof is a covering that protects the top of a building against rain, snow, sunlight, extremes of temperature, and wind. It can be built in a variety of forms, from pitched roofs with sloping surfaces to flat roofs. It can be made of a wide range of materials, including shingles, tiles, and metal, depending on technical or economic considerations.
One important maintenance procedure involves removing any debris that has collected on the roof. This can include leaves, branches, and other debris. This prevents water from flowing down the sides of the house and causing leaks. In addition, it is a good idea to trim tree limbs that hang over the roof. This prevents them from falling during a storm and causing damage.
Other roofing maintenance procedures include replacing or repairing flashing. Flashing is a strip of metal that directs water away from areas where the roof plane meets a vertical surface such as a chimney or dormer. It is also a good idea to replace any caulking that is beginning to wear away. This is an easy and inexpensive way to prevent moisture from leaking into the structure of the house.
Roofing Repair
While any part of the house takes a beating from the elements, the roof is typically where the heaviest assaults are experienced. Rain, hail, sleet, snow, bitter cold, hot sun, and the occasional flying object or fallen tree can all take their toll.
Repairing a roof isn’t as simple as just replacing the damaged shingles, though. Depending on the roofing materials and extent of the damage, it could take several days to complete a full reroofing job.
The first step is assessing the damaged area, which will usually be apparent from within the home. Look for stained ceilings, deteriorating insulation, or other signs of leaks. You may also notice that some areas of the roof are warmer or cooler than others, which can be a sign of roof damage.
Next, remove any debris that’s blocking access to the damaged areas of the roof. If the flashing (thin metal that’s often hand-bent around parts of the roof, like pipes) is damaged, try to remove any nails and sealant from it, then re-bend and re-seal it.
Roofing Maintenance
Your roof is the first line of defense between your living environment and outside elements. Even small problems can escalate quickly, becoming expensive to repair. Regular maintenance by a qualified roofing professional can prevent these issues and help you avoid costly repairs down the road. During a maintenance visit, the roofing professional can inspect the entire roof and document conditions with a checklist. The checklist will be tailored to each individual facility. It will include pictures, roof dimensions and applied systems. A detailed inspection of the flashings (where a majority of leaks originate) should also be done. Lastly, the field should be inspected for surface wear, lap integrity and overall degradation.
The gutters should be inspected and downspouts cleared of debris to ensure proper flow of water. Trimming large tree limbs that hang over the roof can be a good way to protect it from damage during heavy storms and natural disasters.
They Have Financing Options
Roofers help keep buildings protected by installing, repairing, or replacing their roofs. They work with a variety of materials, including shingles and bitumen. This in-demand career is perfect for people who enjoy climbing to high heights, working with their hands, and solving problems. Typically, roofers complete a high school diploma and pursue an apprenticeship or trade school to learn their craft. Some even have specialized certifications for specific types of roofing.
Many roofers offer financing for their services. Large, nationwide companies often have their own in-house financing providers. This helps make the entire process easier for homeowners, as they can get approved and receive funds in as little as 24 hours. These companies also tend to have lower interest rates than credit cards, and you won’t be penalized for paying back your loan early.
Besides offering their own financing, most roofers partner with third-party lenders to provide loans for roofing projects. Some lenders, like Upgrade, specialize in home improvement financing, so they know what it takes to finance a roof project. Their online application is easy, and they don’t charge a prepayment penalty for paying your loan off early.
If you’re not comfortable with a personal loan, you may be interested in a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Similar to a credit card, you can borrow up to a certain limit, and the interest you pay is tax-deductible. However, HELOCs require you to pledge your home as collateral, so it’s best used for long-term or surprise expenses.
Another option is to use a credit card with 0% interest for six or 12 months. This can be a good way to fund your roof, but you should be aware of the APR after that promotional period ends. Additionally, most credit cards will charge a transaction fee when you make a purchase, which can add up over time.