The roof is an important part of the house. It not only protects you from rain and sun, but also from thieves and robbers. Moreover, a well-constructed roof can increase the beauty of the faade as well as the longevity of the entire structure. More importantly, if you can choose the material well, it can have a profound effect on the interior temperature of the building. Therefore, before you take up any roofing work, know the different types of roofing materials available today. They are mostly as follows: * Asphalt shingles * Cedar shingles and shakes * Metal * Clay * Concrete * Slate * Living * Rubber
In the US, the asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material. They are cost-effective and easy to install. Moreover, they last quite long and as they come in different colors, they can help to create the kind of ambience you want. However, they have a propensity to build up moss and so require regular cleaning. Cedar wood as a roofing material too is quite popular. However, in such case, people generally prefer shakes to shingles. Anyway, both cedar shakes and shingles are eco-friendly and long lasting; what is more no other roofing material can provide that wonderfully rustic look to the house.
Metal roofs can reflect off the sun’s rays, withstand snow, high winds or rain. It does not build up moss although it is more expensive than shingles. What is more, metal roofs last even for 50 years and are considered a good investment. Spanish-style homes in warmer areas like Florida go in for concrete or clay roofs. Both clay and concrete are heavy and if being used in an old home, the structure has to be studied to ensure it can withstand the weight of this heavy roofing material. The color choice is limited so only certain architectural styles will look good with these roofs.
Slate roofs are the most expensive and hence found only in high-end neighborhoods. Apart from being beautiful to look at, slate roofs do not get moss or insects and can even last for 100 years. The most unique roofing system is the living roof or a green roof. A flat roof base is needed for this living roof. Over this, a thin layer of soil is spread and a lawn or shrubs grown. Living roofs are eco-friendly, improve air quality and provide natural insulation to a home. Just ensure the base is constructed properly for water seepage can be a problem with living roofs.
There are many new roofing materials available and one of these is the rubberized roof. This roof helps people save energy and can be molded into different roof shapes. Just ensure that rubberized roofs are not used in places that have a great deal of snow or rain. Bitumen is also a modern roofing material that is widely used in more equitable climates for it is inexpensive. A built-up roof is made of many layers of saturated felt that has a covering of asphalt or hot tar. Even bitumen can be mixed with different materials like fiberglass or polyester.
Always consult roofing contractors and expert before choosing roofing materials. It is important to make sure that the existing structure is strong enough to be able to withhold the weight of the shingles and other roofing materials. The climatic condition too should be suitable for it. In addition, such persons will able to advise you on proper maintenance of the roof. Did you know that build up of moss on the shingles could damage your roof beyond repair?
Indeed, layers of moss that grow on the roof can trap water under it. Over time, this water seeps through the shingles to damage the entire structure. Consequently, unless we have them removed on regular interval, we may have to replace the entire roof much too early. Remember, moss grow in humid places, where there is little sunshine. If your climatic condition is such, you will have to inspect your roof more often.
Roof moss can be cleaned by homeowners just by using a stiff brush and some oxygen bleach. Climb up to the roof, and start scrubbing the roof going downwards and then apply the bleach. Bleach will help prevent more moss from growing. Go in a downwards direction especially with shingled roofs so that the shingles will not work loose. If your roof has overhanging trees, trim some branches so that rainwater will not constantly drip on the roof. Periodic simple maintenance will extend a roof’s life and save the owner from expensive repairs.
Article by Joseph Wilkerson of Los Angeles, who is also a specialist in roofing. For more information on Los Angeles roofing, visit his site today.