Here is is a primer on residential roofing and how you can tell it’s time for some necessary repairs.
Residential roofing isn’t all that hard to understand. Every kind of residence has something that serves as a roof. A roof can keep the elements at bay, and when ferocious summer storms kick up suddenly, you’ll be grateful for that. Understanding the fundamental elements of how residential roofing works is also critical for identifying problems with your roof. Such problems include leaks, holes, and damaged shingles. Here is is a primer on residential roofing and how you can tell it’s time for some necessary repairs.
Support Structures
When it comes to residential roofing, there are two primary support structures: trusses and sheathing. Trusses help prevent the roof from caving in when it is too overloaded with snow or other weather debris. Depending on where you live, especially in Pennsylvania or the Delmarva region, you can expect high winds and heavy rains year round.
Once the trusses have gone up, there’s another support structure used alongside them. Sheathing made of plywood is often attached to your roof shingles. Plywood sheathing can make it easier to detect a leak because if water infiltrates the shingles, the sheathing will begin to bend. However, because of the design of the roof, the truss, and the sheathing, water will not infiltrate your shingles all that often. Another way to prevent water infiltration is through a layer of reflective paper.
Reflective Paper
Reflective paper protects new roofing and new siding during installation. The paper is meant to prevent water from infiltrating the new roofing and siding before they are complete. Although this paper isn’t all that thick, if there are no holes present in it, water can’t get through.
Roofing Shingles
Roofing shingles are the most visible element of your home’s roof. You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to choosing a material for shingles, whether they’re made of wood, asphalt, or metal, just to name a few. Depending on the type of shingle you want, there are different methods for installing and securing them.
Leaks and Other Problems
If you’re looking to buy a home, be sure to find out the date of the most recent roof replacement. Insufficient roof ventilation could cause lingering damage from past winter snowstorms. The snow damage can cause the shingles, sheathing, and reflective paper to all be less effective in protecting both your roof and your new home. You should also be on the lookout for leaks in your roof. Fallen trees, hailstorms, and broken nails can present possible hazards to the integrity of your roof and cause leaks that might go unnoticed until it’s already too late.
Contact Topper Construction Today!
If you’re interested in having a roof system or siding installed in your home, or would like a free estimate, contact Topper Construction. With Topper Construction, you’ll see the benefit of nearly three decades of experience. Contact Topper Construction at 301-874-0220 or email us at info@topperconstruction.com if you are interested in learning more. We can help you with projects in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Northern Virginia.
