The construction of a roof involves a variety of components. The rafters, or horizontal members, support the roof sheathing. Some roofs are made with pre-fabricated trusses, which are fabricated in factories and craned into position on the building’s site. The shingles are attached to the sheathing, which is usually made of plywood or OSB. In addition to shingles, flashing is laid beneath the shingles. The flashing is then bent to meet the edge of the chimney.
Originally, code requirements for roof systems focused on life safety, but in the 1990s, additional provisions were added. Currently, the International Building Code has several provisions addressing roof systems, including reroofing projects. In addition, the International Building Code includes provisions on the general serviceability of the roof. However, these provisions are not sufficient to protect consumers. This is because many companies will void their warranty if they fail to adhere to the warranty requirements.
Several types of roofing materials are available, with the most popular being asphalt. Metal roofs are especially resistant to ultraviolet rays, but asphalt may be damaged by wind-driven rain. Roofing materials that resist wind-driven rain and ice buildup should be coated with a durable, UV-resistive material. A coating, such as aluminum-pigmented asphalt, is another alternative. However, this option is not recommended as it requires periodic recoating.
The most basic roofing materials used for flat roofs include asphalt roll-roofing and rubber membrane. Asphalt roll-roofing comes in three-foot wide rolls and incorporates protective granules on the top. Then a rubber membrane is attached to the roll. The membrane is then glued or secured with rock garden ballast. The final product, known as the shingle roof, is a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
Several factors contribute to the final cost of a new roof. If the shingles aren’t curled, the roof may need reroofing. This option involves less time and labor than a full roof replacement. It also means that you won’t have to deal with the shingles being removed. As a result, reroofing is a better choice if you want to save money while ensuring the durability of your roof.
A professional designer must prepare a proper set of specifications and drawings for the new roof. A roof designer must follow the appropriate codes when developing these documents. Without accurate documentation, a roof may fail prematurely or require expensive repairs. A guide specification, a MasterSpec, is an excellent resource for a master roofing specification. In addition to obtaining a guide specification, the designer must also acquire a guide document. Once these documents are ready, a roof designer can begin the process of choosing the best roofing materials for their project.
Roof systems are a critical part of any roof project. While there are numerous details available, it is important to choose a roofing system that is suitable for your building and the type of materials you’ll use. For example, a roof can be constructed of modified bitumen, BUR, asphalt shingles, slate, or metal panels. You must also consider how the roof will be attached. Depending on the type of material used, the roof can be fully adhered to its substrate, mechanically attached to the structure, or loosely laid air-pressure-equalized.