A roof is often the single greatest covering of a structure, incorporating all construction and materials needed to support it upon the outer walls of the structure or upon uprights, giving protection against precipitation, sun, rain, extremes of temperature and wind. A roof is often a structural feature within the home itself. It covers the entire roof, from the top to bottom, providing privacy from the weather as well as protection from falling debris and keeping the roof in good condition. In addition, a properly-installed roof can also increase the property’s marketability and value.
Many people spend a great deal of time and money protecting their homes and businesses from natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, heavy rain and snow storms, but few give much thought to the condition of their roofs and drainage systems may need. Often, these water-damaged components are the first point of damage. Commercial properties are at particular risk due to the combination of weight, size and potential moisture exposure. While even flat roofs will experience drainage issues, with increased water runoff, residential properties face special drainage concerns unique to them.
There are a variety of materials that can be used for the roof, but one of the most commonly used is tile. The benefits of using this type of material include durability, ease of cleaning, and aesthetics. Tile is also commonly used as insulation, although it isn’t actually the most effective insulation due to its inability to insulate the underlying structure. Due to the limitations of tile, it is often applied only where the application is more important, such as in flat roofs. Where flat roofs have vents or are hipped, insulation is often applied using other types of roofing materials.
One of the main issues with regular insulation is that it only provides protection against cold air and hot air. This means that it is ineffective at providing the necessary energy savings and heat dissipation that are required. As a solution, insulated roofs are typically made from a combination of materials including steel wool, corrugated fiberglass, foam, and plastics. These materials are all applied to the underside of the existing roof to create a barrier to thermal conductivity and structural integrity. While these products are commonly used for this purpose, they are also commonly used to provide a reflective surface that can act as an additional energy saving tool.
Other types of roofing materials include asphalt, clay, concrete, slate, tile, metal, and vinyl. With asphalt shingles being the most commonly used, they are usually the standard for flat roofs. Asphalt flat roofs are very durable and perform well in terms of energy efficiency. The downside of asphalt is that it’s messy to install and requires constant maintenance. Clay and concrete are often used for this application but clay tiles tend to crack after prolonged use.
When comparing slate, tile, metal and other types of roofing materials it’s important to determine whether or not they will all offer a similar energy saving benefit. If so, then only asphalt shingles are worthwhile. Otherwise, it’s necessary to re-roof your roof with another type of material. With these tips in mind, you can ensure that your home is properly insulated and that you receive the maximum benefits from your investment.