The Right Residential Roof

Roofing Tips

residential roofing

Residential Roofing Options in Florida

What is in a roof?

Roofing is normally thought as just being material on top of a building, but it’s much more than that, especially with residential roofing. Roofing includes the base structure – such as the trusses or rafters supporting it. Then on those comes the sheathing, which effectively covers the base structures creating a barrier. Only once these two parts of the roof are in place, then does the actual roof covering come in. This is the most important part as it will have to provide protection for many years to come.

What roof will suit you?

The type of covering you choose for your sloped roof will depend on a few factors, cost and style being the main ones, but they aren’t the only ones. It really matters what the existing roof is like, if you live in a gated community, what does the HOA allow?  If the supporting structure is damaged or needs repair or replacement, that will add to the price and work time. If the roof is low slope you may want to go with metal or foam roofing instead of tile.

Tile
Tile has become one of the more commonly seen roofs in South Florida.  Tile roofs are a sturdier, more luxurious choice in residential roofing. Spanish or “High-Profile Roll” style tile roofs have become quite a common feature on the more upmarket houses in Florida. As well as the many other styles that can be seen throughout Florida. They are durable, come in several different styles, have a vast variety of colors to choose from and provide a great aesthetic. Although tiles are slightly more expensive up front, they will save you money in the long run, as they will outlast many of the other roofing styles if professionally installed and properly maintained.

Asphalt Shingle
Another commonly found residential roof is shingle.  The shingles used by Florida roofers are durable fiberglass fungus resistant and carry a Class A fire resistance rating which is why they are used over organic shingles. Asphalt Shingle styles include 3-Tab are a flat, lightweight shingle that gives your roof an overall even look they are the lowest cost and carry a 25 year manufacturers guarantee. Dimensional which are heavier, thicker and stronger giving your roof a 3-dimensional look and also hide any minor imperfections in your roof deck they carry a lifetime guarantee. Designer Architectural Shingles are also a dimensional shingle that carries a lifetime guarantee but offer several different styles and shapes such as wood shake or slate, they are also the most expensive of the 3.

Metal
Metal roofs are a great alternative to many of the other roofs mentioned here, because metal roofing can be used in buildings that would normally struggle to support a heavy roof. Metal roofs come in several styles such as standing seam panels, metal shingles and tiles. They provide great weatherproofing and fire resistance, can be much lighter than other roof materials and can also be used in low slope roofing since damming isn’t an issue. Metal panels are installed over a base sheet and in some areas a fire barrier sheet is required. You also have the option of installing a peel & stick self-adhered secondary water barrier which gives added protection to your roof. 

Foam & Silicone Coating
This style of roofing is popular for various reasons. Because it is sprayed on, there are virtually no surfaces it cannot be applied to. Since there are roof shapes that can be difficult to reroof, this can make it a wise choice for those styles of roofs. It’s one of the most energy-efficient forms of insulation there is. It eliminates the need for costly roof tear-offs on low slope or abnormally shaped roofs as well as flat roofs. The foam base is sealed with a silicone coating further weatherproofing and protecting your roof, make it more sustainable, long lasting with minimal need for upkeep.

 Maintenance
Once you have invested in having a new roof installed, you want to keep your investment protected. Annual inspections should be performed to ensure the integrity and maintenance as needed to help to prolong your roof’s lifespan.

What does a residential maintenance inspection determine?
Signs of shrinking, curling or brittle underlayment, proper overlapping, flashings, roof penetrations, checking the eaves of the roof for water staining, checking in the attic for any water stains under the roof also under soffits or fascia. Your roofer, depending on what type of roof you have will also check minor exterior damages such as broken loose or slipping tiles, loose ridge caps, cracked cement on tile roofs or missing, curling, or cracked shingles on shingle roofs all which may have been caused by weather, foot traffic, heavy debris and even pests promptly will prevent costly interior repairs in the future. 

Commercial Maintenance
New roof systems should be inspected and maintained annually to locate and prevent deficiencies which can cause costly repairs. Simple things such as removing vegetation and debris from drainage points will allow water to flow properly from the roof and prevent leaks.

What do roofers look for when inspecting a commercial roof for maintenance?
Roof edges, wall and counter flashings, penetration flashings, deficiencies in the field membrane, splits and openings in seams, pitch pans and drainage points, blisters, and debris. Finding and fixing problematic areas promptly will prevent costly interior repairs in the future.

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