The protection provided by a roof is paramount to a building’s structure. After the structure’s load-bearing and exterior walls are framed, the construction of the top of the building is the next task completed by a crew. A suitable design is certain required and the total design should consist of materials, the building process and durability.
Material Choices
When a decision is being made as to which materials to use, the area’s typical weather conditions are taken into account. For instance, thatch roofs which are a mainstay on tropical islands do not work for buildings exposed to harsh northern winters. Likewise, asphalt shingles which are ideal for temperate climates is not suitable for areas close to the equator.
Pitch Importance
Pitch is another key component of building roofs. Steep peaks help buildings in cold climates shed snow and water in order to prevent damage. In southern areas, it is common to see low peaks, which help the structure withstand gales and strong winds.
Installation
The ability to install shingles on new construction should be relatively easy as well as replacing shingles on older house tops. Some of the most common materials used by roofers are rubber, metal, tile, wood and asphalt shingles. Modern technology allows for the usage of power nail guns, making the entire process a relatively speedy one. It is also true that some companies boast the “old-fashioned” hammer method as a way to ensure quality construction. The hammer-and-nail method also provides for additional control as opposed to nailing guns and stapling guns.
Wood Underlayment
Sometimes it is necessary to repair the wood underneath the shingles when the previously placed wood has deteriorated. In most cases, particle board or plywood sheets are nailed to the rafters below the covering material. After the base of wood sheets is secured, the roof is covered with some type of moisture barrier or with more common tar paper. The material that is used correlates to the cost being asked for the construction. The shingles, metal or tiles are placed on top of the tar paper. Staples or nails are used to keep the shingles or other roofing material in place.
Commercial Roof Needs
Commercial sites also require the expertise of a roofer, particularly someone who is able to construct with rubber which is typical for commercial buildings. Quite often, stones must be removed from the roof before the hefty rubber cover can be removed. The purpose of the stone is to hold down the rubber to keep it in place during high wind gusts. The sheets of rubber must be cut away to allow room for any protrusions at the top of the building such as air conditioning units, sky lights and vent pipes.
Some repair jobs using rubber material require that the roof be mopped and layered with hot, melted tar. Before placing a tar coat, all stone and debris must be swept and cleared. After the tar layer is in place, all worn areas and cracks are covered with patches of rubber.
Of course, rubber building top repair is much different than metal, shingle and tile repair. In the case of the aforementioned materials, the old shingles are stripped away, exposing the wood base underneath. Instead of melted tar, fresh tar sheets are attached with staples or nails. This method is “par for the course” on residential buildings.
Conclusion
Hopefully this article has provided some insight into the construction and repair of the structure that covers the top of every building and will allow for the owner of such an edifice to be able to provide knowledgeable input during any construction process!
Do you need the services of a Houston roofer? The experts at Schulte Roofing of Navasota provide assistance to the greater Houston metroplex and are the best choice of all types of roofing needs!