A roof is an important structural part of a building that protects against rain, snow, sunlight, and extreme temperatures. Roofing contractors install new roofs and re-roof existing ones.
Roofing materials include asphalt shingles, wood shakes or shingles, and tile roofs. Some are insulating and durable, while others provide homes or buildings with a rustic look. Contact Metal Roofing Missoula now!
Wood is one of the most versatile building materials and an especially great choice for roofing. It’s easy for builders to sculpt into unique shapes, so many buildings with intricate designs feature timber roofs. Wood also provides a warm, comfortable environment for living spaces. It’s also a sustainable product if sourced from ethical sources, and it can provide excellent insulation when paired with other roofing materials like glass and metal.
Wood can offer a traditional look for any home, and it’s available in two different styles: shakes and shingles. Shingles are typically machine-sawn, with cuts varying from being along the grain to against it. Shakes, on the other hand, are hand-split, which gives them a more rustic appearance and makes them better at resisting the elements. Both options require regular maintenance, though.
Choosing the right wood for your roofing will depend on a few different factors, including your budget and climate. Cedar shakes, for example, are a popular choice because they’re both water- and fire-resistant. However, they are heavier than shingle roofs, and may increase your cost. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider pine shakes. They’re also moisture-resistant but have a much lighter color. Another option is to choose teak shingles, which are made from a premium exotic wood that was once used for shipbuilding. Teak is durable and extremely resistant to water damage, which makes it a great choice for coastal areas with strong winds and rain.
Timber roofs can offer a beautiful, natural look for any home. They’re ideal for homes with intricate design features, and they come in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes. However, they’re also more expensive than other roofing materials and require more regular maintenance. They’re also more susceptible to mold, mildew, and fungus. Additionally, they’re prone to insect infestations and can be harmed by termites and wood borers. They also fade over time, making them less appealing to homeowners who want their roofs to maintain their original color.
Despite the higher price tag and maintenance requirements, wood is still an excellent roofing material for those who are looking for a more traditional look. When crafted by a skilled roofer, it’s possible to create a durable, attractive, and functional roofing system that will last for decades. Just make sure to do your research and find a roofer who can work with the type of wood you’re interested in. Also, be sure to ask about the company’s shingles and other products to ensure you’re getting the best quality for your money.
Plywood
Plywood is a popular roofing material, as it is affordable and durable. However, choosing the right type of plywood for a roof can be difficult. The best choice depends on the weather conditions in your area, as well as your budget. You should also consider the environmental impacts of the plywood you choose. For example, traditional plywood manufacturing relies on establishing trees, which has an impact on the environment. Fortunately, the industry has made significant progress in promoting sustainable forestry practices. Another important consideration is the adhesives used in plywood production. Historically, many types of plywood have used formaldehyde as an adhesive, which has been linked to health issues. However, newer versions of plywood have eliminated the use of toxic chemicals.
Plywood comes in various thicknesses, and each provides a different level of performance. The thickness of the plywood determines its strength and allows for adequate insulation. You should choose a thicker plywood for a heavier roof, and a thinner plywood for lighter roofs. You can also opt for multi-ply plywood, which consists of several layers of veneers glued together. Multi-ply plywood is more durable than single-ply wood. However, it can be expensive.
In addition to plywood, Lowe’s also stocks OSB plywood and MDF boards. OSB stands for oriented strand board, and it’s similar to plywood. It has the advantage of being more environmentally friendly, as it uses less timber and produces fewer emissions. It is also more resistant to moisture and has better load-bearing capacity. OSB has replaced plywood as the preferred sheathing and subflooring material for new homes.
The thickness of the plywood you choose depends on your rafter spacing and the amount of weight that will be placed on the roof. For a typical residential roof, a 4 by 8 foot sheet of CDX plywood is ideal. This type of plywood has a C grade on one side and a D grade on the other, and it is made with moisture-resistant glues.
Regardless of the type of plywood you choose, it is essential to select high-quality materials. High-quality plywood has been treated with preservatives and is resistant to insects and mold. It can also be stained or painted to match your home’s style. It is also easy to work with, and it holds nails or staples easily.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in the United States, with four out of five homes utilizing this durable, cost-effective option. They are available in a variety of colors and styles to complement the aesthetic of any home, and they are easy to install for a quick, hassle-free roof installation. This versatility makes them an attractive choice for homeowners who want to add value and curb appeal to their property.
These roofing shingles are available in two standard designs: architectural shingles and three-tab shingles. The former are a popular and economical choice for residential properties, with three separate tabs that give the roof a consistent and uniform appearance. They are also lightweight, reducing the cost for both the material and the installation process. However, they do not last as long or offer manufacturer’s warranties as long as architectural shingles do.
In contrast, architectural shingles are manufactured with a double-layered structure that resembles the look of other roofing materials, such as cedar shake and natural slate tile. These shingles are generally more expensive than three-tab shingles, but they offer superior weather protection and enhanced curb appeal. They also tend to have longer lifespans, and some types offer a 50-year non-prorated warranty.
Regardless of the type of shingle, all asphalt shingles are designed with an organic or fiberglass base mat that is saturated and coated in asphalt for waterproofing. They are then covered with ceramic-coated opaque mineral granules that give them color and further protect against UV rays.
In addition to these benefits, the waterproof coating that covers the underside of asphalt shingles is beneficial in preventing mildew growth and other issues related to moisture buildup on a roof. In fact, regular cleaning by a roofing company will help keep these shingles in optimal condition and prevent premature wear and tear.
Another key benefit of asphalt shingles is their fire resistance. This is thanks to an innovation in the 1970s, when fiber-glass shingles were introduced. The resulting product offered greater durability, improved lifespan, and a class B fire rating compared to their organic counterparts. This improvement has made asphalt shingles the preferred choice for many properties, as well as helping to lower homeowner’s insurance rates.
Cedar Shakes
Cedar shakes are an attractive and durable roofing material that add rustic appeal to homes. Their natural insulation properties help to keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter, cutting down on energy costs. Cedar shingles are also environmentally friendly, since the wood is a renewable resource and can be harvested without harming the tree. While cedar shingles have many advantages, they do require periodic maintenance to keep them looking their best. A regular debris removal routine is important, as moisture that infiltrates the shingles can lead to wood rot and other structural issues. In addition, the high upfront cost of a cedar shake roof can make it difficult for some homeowners to afford.
Homeowners should look for a contractor that offers a labor warranty for their cedar shake roof installation project. This type of warranty provides protection against installation errors that can lead to costly repairs down the road. Homeowners can also seek out a roofing contractor that uses premium cedar shakes, as these are generally more durable and longer-lasting than lower-quality alternatives.
During the installation process, roofers should use a high-quality shingle jack to remove and install each cedar shake. These jacks are more expensive than standard roofing jacks, but they provide greater durability and safety. They have a flat head and a large handle that can grip the underside of a shake, allowing it to be pushed up and pulled down with ease. They are available at home improvement centers for about $75 a pair.
When installing a cedar shake roof, it is important to use proper ventilation to reduce the risk of water damage. Traditionally, shakes were nailed to skip sheathing, which is a substrate of narrow 1x boards that are nailed perpendicular to the rafters and spaced 4 in. to 8 in. apart. This spacing allows the shakes to dry on both sides. Modern shake installations often use a plastic mat called CedAir-Mat, which promotes ventilation and helps to prevent rotting and cupping of the shakes.
Both cedar shingles and shakes are susceptible to fungus and mildew growth, which can affect their appearance and durability. The presence of these fungi can increase the amount of maintenance required to keep a shake or shingle roof in good condition. Using preservatives or other treatments is an excellent way to protect your cedar roof from mold and fungi growth, keeping it looking its best for years to come.