Roofing Companies
Residential Roofing Breakdown
Roofing companies know that each and every style of residential roof comes with its own number of components. Tile, asphalt shingles, Built-up Roofing, synthetics… The different types of roofing are quite vast. Best believe that we over at AABCO Roofing are no strangers to any of these forms. We are in fact a roofing company that is familiar with much more than those few examples. It may be worthwhile to know which components are common amongst different types of roofing. Also, it is important to know why turning to a roofing company is beneficial, opposed to tackling a situation from a DIY perspective.
A) Base Sheet
Base sheet such as an organic #30Lb. or # 75Lb. non-organic fiberglass felt is the material that’s installed over the wood deck. Felt is a temporary dry-in product and not designed to resist continued water exposure. It creates moisture barrier between wood decking and the underlayment. It forms a safer surface for workers to walk on.
B) Underlayment
Underlayment whether organic or non-organic is installed over the base sheet either by hot asphalt, torch applied or peel and stick self-adhered to prevent damaging elements such as rain from getting through your roof. The underlayment and base sheet work together to do the job efficiently.
C) Flashing, Vents & Lead Plumbing Stacks
Flashing refers to the pieces of material used in roofing which divert water from areas where it might collect. Various forms of flashing from different materials exist, the most common being galvanized metal. They are each designed to suit different situations, angle, mass of water and so forth. The vents are installed to alleviate hot air from the attic preventing moisture from accumulating. Lead plumbing stacks fit over the plumbing pipes that protrude thru the roof and serve to protect them from animals chewing on the PVC.
D) Valley Metal
Valley metal is a wide piece of flashing that has a channel bent into the center of it, installed in the roofs valleys to facilitate water run-off.
E) Shingles or Tile
The shingles or tiles of the roof are the most obvious part of the roof. They sit on top of the underlayment and are the outermost protection from the elements. They are also designed with the intent of looking good, as this is the component which forms a main part of the way the house looks. Concrete, fiberglass shingles or metal are also often used as the outermost part of a pitched roof.
F) Residential Flat Roof
Is commonly a base sheet such as A), 1 or 2 layers of a fiberglass ply sheet mopped in hot asphalt or torch applied over the base sheet and finished with a non-organic Modified Bitumen or Mineral surfaced fiberglass cap sheet.
There comes a point where home owners are faced with a roofing issue and are looking to tackle the project from a DIY point of view. Do It Yourself projects are all well and good but to properly repair a roof takes more knowledge and expertise. The problem, that unlike most DIY projects, is a roofing project can risk your home being overly exposed to the elements. Not tackling the issue fast enough, working on the incorrect problem first, overlooking small problems which may seem insignificant and not having expert installation knowledge are only some of the problems with tackling a roofing job on your own. Ultimately, thinking a DIY job of this will save money, unfortunately, an untrained effort could result in more harm than good.
Of course, there are ways to learn the “how-to’s” such as reading books on roofing or watching videos. However, the main thing missing which cannot be taught with these methods is common practice. It is common practice and experience which makes these jobs run efficiently and effectively. When your full-time job does not coincide with this industry, you shouldn’t put your own home at risk. It is simply not t worth it.
Ultimately, it’s prudent to understand the components of your roof what will be done and how the changes will protect your home from the outside elements. But it’s better to be wiser, and leave the roofing duties to the professionals like AABCO Roofing.
