Roofing is one of those aspects of home-making that can be incredibly aggravating as well as gratifying. The term basically refers to any one of a wide variety of structural constructions designed to provide protection from the elements (usually rain and/or sun), which typically means that one would ideally want to find the best roofing materials for the job as well as the best way to install them. It also involves aesthetics, which refers to the ways in which roofs present a visual aspect for the property. Roofing is a specialized craft, requiring both skilled labor and technical know-how. A roofer therefore needs to know how to do a variety of jobs, such as preparing the materials to be installed, nailing down the structure, placing the materials in place, and cleaning up afterward.

Different Types of Roofing System

Roofing is actually comprised of many different components, such as clapboard, tile, metal, and wood, with each serving a specific purpose. A roofing material is a roofing membrane, such as asphalt shingles, felt, slate, or metal. A roof membrane serves a number of purposes, protecting the underlying roof materials from weathering, preventing water penetration, and adding aesthetic value. A roofing material also called a cap, as in asphalt shingles caps, has a flat top edge and two to three vertical side grain seams. There are different types of cap designs, including pointed, flat, broom, and other configurations.

Flashing is a crucial component of the new roof construction, as it prevents water from leaking onto the underlying structure. Common roofing materials include asphalt shingles, metal, tiles, gypsum, and cellulose fiber board. Other important components include flashing, which seals the seams and directs the water away from the structure, as well as coverings, which provide insulation from snow and rain. These various components work together to prevent leaks and promote a clean, dry, and smooth surface.