Lakewood Roofing protects buildings from rain, snow, sunlight, extreme temperatures, and other destructive forces. It is made of a wide variety of shapes and materials.
The frame of a roof is made from rafters or prefabricated trusses. The sheathing is typically plywood or oriented strand board, but it may also be plank sheathing or narrow 1-by-4 “skip” boards of sawn lumber.
The roof is one of the most important components of a home. It protects the structure from the elements while enhancing its appearance and increasing its energy efficiency. The type of roofing material you choose can affect the cost, appearance, and longevity of your home.
There are many roofing materials available, each with its benefits and drawbacks. The most common is asphalt shingles, which offer a good balance of performance and price. Metal and slate roofs are attractive, but they’re expensive and require specialized installation and maintenance.
Wood shingles and shakes are popular choices for a rustic look. Shakes are thin, wedge-shaped slabs that produce a more natural, rugged appearance. Shingles are sawmilled to create clean lines and uniformity, and they’re typically more affordable than shakes. However, both are susceptible to moss and plant growth and have shorter lifespans than other roofing materials.
Rolled roofing is an economical choice for low-slope residential roofs and outbuildings like sheds. It’s a simple, convenient option for areas where appearance isn’t a consideration. This type of roofing is also durable enough for pedestrian traffic, and it has a Class A fire rating.
Thermo-polyolefin (TPO) and PVC are flat roofing membranes that have high thermal resistance and excellent durability. These roofs are also highly moisture-resistant, and they don’t have the telltale black appearance of traditional tar roofs.
Clay tiles are a natural roofing option made from earthen clays molded and fired for strength and durability. They’re commonly seen on homes in southern coastal and desert regions, where they can withstand the sun’s heat. They also absorb less moisture, which reduces maintenance needs.
Slate is an aesthetically pleasing roofing material often seen in luxury homes and historical buildings. It’s heavy and requires a specialized roofer for installation, but it lasts for more than 100 years. It’s a great choice for areas with frequent rainfall and wildfires, but it isn’t suited to cold climates and can be more difficult to repair than other roofing materials.
Installation
Roofing is a meticulous process that requires skill, knowledge, and attention to detail. Whether you’re a DIYer or hiring a contractor, understanding the steps involved will help you make an informed decision and get the best roof over your head.
The first step is to tear off any existing shingles and flashing. This exposes the roof deck and allows for a thorough inspection. A qualified roofer will then install the underlayment and new shingles.
In addition to laying the underlayment and shingles, a qualified roofer will also seal the vents, flashing, and chimney. They will use caulk to make the raw edges watertight and air-tight.
For the ridge, a cap shingle will be used to create a watertight seal and protect against wind uplift. This shingle is typically made of the same material as the shingles and is installed in a similar way. The ridge must be properly ventilated to prevent moisture buildup, regulate temperature, and reduce energy costs. For this reason, ridge vents, gable vents, and soffit vents are commonly installed on homes.
Maintenance
The roof is the top covering of a building and protects it against rain, snow, sunlight, wind and extreme temperatures. It can be constructed in a wide variety of forms, including flat, pitched, vaulted or domed. It can be made from a variety of materials and in a variety of styles dictated by technical, economic or aesthetic considerations.
Surface maintenance involves regular inspections of the entire roofing system and, if necessary, the repair of small defects. Ideally, this should be done by trained roofing professionals on a routine basis and documented in writing, ideally on a seasonal basis (once or twice per year for most buildings in mild climates) to allow early problem detection. A well-documented maintenance procedure is also an important tool for facility staff to use when requesting bids for roofing work.
During these routine inspections, look for curled or cracked shingles; damaged flashing; and sealant issues such as cracking, opening, deterioration or crazing. Identifying and tending to these problems right away will prevent leaks and other damage that can add up to costly repairs over time.
In addition to these basic inspections, it is recommended that the tree branches be trimmed periodically so they do not hang over or touch the roof. Also, inspect the chimney mortar and the condition of vents and skylights. It is a good idea to inspect the caulking around these penetrations on an annual basis. The proper caulking will help keep water from leaking into the building through these penetrations. If the caulking is found to be deteriorating, re-caulking is an easy and inexpensive fix. Lastly, a roof should be inspected after severe weather events to check for potential damages from hail, wind or falling debris.
Repairs
Repairs are needed when shingles become damaged, either from storm damage or gradual wear and tear. It’s important to address these repairs quickly to prevent leaks and structural problems, such as rot or mold.
Whether you need roof repairs, replacements, or a full tear-off, make sure you choose a licensed contractor with years of experience in roofing. They’ll know how to inspect your roof properly, find the source of the problem, and recommend the best solution. Be aware that structural changes can require a permit and may need a design review and/or approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission, especially on historic buildings.
Re-roofing is less expensive than replacing the roof, but it’s not always the best option. Covering up damage to the decking and underlying materials with new shingles doesn’t fix the root of the problem, so more serious issues are likely to occur in the future. Additionally, re-roofing typically voids (or shortens) the manufacturer’s warranty. It’s also much more difficult to install solar panels on existing shingles, which can add thousands of dollars to the cost. A better choice is to replace the old shingles and upgrade to a more energy-efficient system. Ultimately, it’s a matter of how long you want your roof to last and how much it’s worth to you.
Getting an Estimate
Getting a roofing estimate is a critical step in the process of deciding on a contractor. The homeowner will want to know the price for the entire project, including the cost of materials and labor. The estimate should also include details about how the roof will be installed and what will be done to protect the house during construction. It should also include a start and end date for the project, as well as payment terms and late fees, if applicable.
The cost of labor is often the biggest expense for a roofing job. This includes the wages of the employees, as well as any other expenses related to running a business, such as payroll taxes, vehicle costs, insurance and other overhead. Once you have figured out the total labor costs, you can add this to the cost of materials to get the final estimate.
Another important factor in estimating a roofing job is the amount of debris that will need to be removed. This can include shingles, wood pieces, tree branches and other debris. This can add up quickly, and may require special dumpster rental or waste disposal services.
When calculating the cost of roofing materials, you should also consider how much underlayment and flashing will be needed. Roofers typically install shingle courses in a pattern, with each course being overlapped by the one above it by two inches or more. They also take into account the reveal, which is the uncovered portion of the shingle. For this reason, it is important to use a roofing calculator to determine the exact dimensions of each course.
Before starting the project, the roofing crew will need to prepare the site. This can involve laying tarps over bushes and other plants and covering anything that might be damaged by falling debris. They can also move furniture out of the way and cover pools or hot tubs with tarps. They will usually set up a dumpster in the driveway, and sweep the area to ensure that any debris falls into it, rather than on the landscaping.
