Roofing, also known as roof repair and restoration, is one of those general contractors’ duties that can be done quickly and inexpensively. A roof is usually the first covering of a structure, often including all construction materials and structures needed to support it on top of downright, giving protection from the elements, rain, sun, extreme temperature, and winds. A roof, unlike other parts of a building envelope, is rarely subjected to daily wear and tear. However, in storms, water can penetrate through some roofs, causing damage to the structure.
Architectural Roofing: Roofing Systems
When problems with a roof arise, whether they are minor and can be remedied by simple repair or major failures that may require roof replacement, a contractor must first assess the damage to the roof, taking into consideration such factors as pitch, shear, rafter, and roof angle. Then, he must decide which type of roofing material will work best in the affected area. Roofing professionals generally use one of three types of roofing materials: slate, shingles, or tile. Although there are other types of roofing materials available, such as metal, plastic, and clay tiles, these are the most common roofing materials in North America.
One of the common roofing materials in North America is asphalt shingles, which have become more popular in recent years as an economical and energy-efficient alternative to other traditional roofing materials. Asphalt shingles roofing can provide the advantages of fire resistance, as well as noise reduction, due to the absence of silanes in asphalt shingles, making them ideal for use in warm, tropical areas like Florida and the Caribbean. Unfortunately, asphalt shingles also have disadvantages. Asphalt roofing is susceptible to deterioration from hot weather and extended exposure to the sun; however, asphalt shingles are great at keeping heat out of a house, which is important in the summer months when temperatures are often high. Finally, asphalt shingles roofing can be quite flammable, with the risks of fire and explosion far greater than with other roofing materials, making it an unsafe choice for roofing on mobile homes and other types of buildings that can easily be blown over.
