The roof encloses the interior space of a house, protects it from weather elements and adds to its appearance. A well maintained roof also increases the value of a home.
A roof can be flat or have a slope. It may have a gable shape with two sides that meet at the ridge or a hip roof with three sides. Contact Roofing Corpus Christi TX now!
When you’re looking to have your roof replaced, it’s important to choose a sturdy material that will add value to your home. A good roof will also protect your house from rain, snow and other elements. There are many different types of roofing materials to consider, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some are better suited for certain climates than others, while other roofing materials can enhance the aesthetic of your house.
One of the most popular and attractive roofing materials is wood. It looks lovely on classic and historic-style homes, such as Cape Cod cottages or Craftsman houses. There are two basic types of wood roofs, shingles and shakes. Shingles are thin slabs that are produced by precise sawing, while shakes are thick wedges that have a rougher texture. Both shingles and shakes can be stained to match the color of your house. Wood is not as long-lasting as other roofing materials, especially in damp climates, but it can last a lifetime if well maintained.
Metal roofing is a durable option that has been known to last up to 50 years. It’s available in several styles, including standing seam and shingle look-alikes. One of the newest roofing materials is composite shingles, which are made from recycled plastic and rubber. These are a great alternative to wood or slate roofs, as they have the same look but come in at a more affordable price point.
Concrete tiles are another durable roofing material that is suitable for a range of climates. They’re fire-resistant, moisture-proof and can resist wind damage. They’re available in a wide range of colors and are less expensive than clay tiles.
For flat or low-pitch roofs, a membrane roofing system is an excellent choice. This type of roof is typically made with EPDM, a synthetic rubber sheeting. It’s affordable, easy to install and repair, and offers excellent durability.
Rolled roofing, which is a single piece of black or tan canvas that’s nailed to the roof, is another roofing option. It’s affordable, but doesn’t add much to the resale value of your house.
Roofing Installation
The roof is one of the most important aspects of a home, protecting it from rain, snow, sunlight, wind, and extremes of temperature. It’s also a major investment. While any part of your house can be damaged by the elements, it’s typically your roof that takes the brunt of the abuse. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right material and have it installed properly.
Before any roofing work can begin, the crew will need to get set up. This involves finding the access point, getting their tools ready, and doing whatever else is necessary to prepare the property. The crew will also cover your yard, pool or deck, and move any items that may be in the way of the workers. Tarps will then be attached to the roof and wooden boards will cover any areas that may be harmed by debris falling from the roof during the reroofing process.
Once the protective coverings are in place, the roofing crew will begin working on the most visible element of your new roof–the shingles. The shingles will be laid in layers, staggered, and nailed in. This is an artful, time-consuming process that requires a certain amount of skill. A top-notch roofer will take care to do a beautiful job that keeps the weather elements out and your family comfortable.
Additional protection for your roof can be added with flashing, a metal material that’s placed around chimneys, windows, and any other joints. Specialty shingle caps are also available for the ridge of your roof to provide both a finished look and extra moisture and wind resistance. Finally, soffit and gable vents are added to remove moisture and heat from the attic, regulate the temperature in your home, and reduce energy costs.
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.