Every building, no matter what type has to have a roof in order to keep the elements out. However, not many people really understand their roof, however, we should! Different roofs will have different maintenance needs, and if you live in an area susceptible to extreme weather, then some roofs will be better designed to deal with this. Roof’s protect you and everyone inside, however, the style can define the style of your home, and some roof types will actually provide you with more space!
Let’s learn about roofs, so you can better understand what yours is giving you right now, and if you are looking for a remodel, which to pick out!
Types Of Roofs
Firstly, let’s look at the different roof types. Understanding roof types is the first step to having a better understanding of how this structure helps your home. For more information though, why not check out https://www.kiddroof.com/austin-roofing/ if you live in Texas!
Bonnet Roof
Bonnet roofs or ‘kicked-eaves’ are a double sloped style that has one side sloping more than the other. A lower slope hangs over the side and makes for a great cover for a porch beneath. This is uncommon in modern homes, but you can see them in Mississippi and Louisiana. They give more living space and ward off water damage, however, they require more materials so are more expensive. They also need extra waterproofing where the slopes meet.
Butterfly roof
Butterfly roofs are made from two pieces that are angled on the outside. This looks like a butterfly’s wings-hence the name. It is a popular style in eco-friendly, modern homes, thanks to its futuristic look. This type gives you space for bigger windows, and the valley in the roof allows for water collection in areas prone to drought. These are the best for solar panels. Again, this type is expensive to build and maintain. You will also need to check for clogs and leaks in the drainage.
Combination Roof
These are not very popular. It is just a combination of several proofs for one building. It depends on what you want to pick out that will dictate how expensive it is. You can add different styles to make your home more unique. However, the more complex, the more expensive, and you may pay more in labor costs.
Flat roof
Flat roofs are exactly what they sound like, although they will usually have a slight slope for water drainage. This is often found in industrial buildings or commercial buildings. You can install them in areas for low rainfall. These can add to your living space.
More
There are plenty of other roofing types available.
Here are some more;
- Dome roof.
- Curved roof.
- Gable roof.
- Hip roof.
- Mansard Roof.
- Saltbox roof.
- Jerkinhead.
- Gambrel Roof.
- Skillion Roof.
- Sawtooth roof.
Roof Layers
Roofs are made from three main layers. They will be composed of the structural deck, an underlayment, and the material. Decking is also known as sheathing, in the old days it was made from lumber, however, it is now usually plywood or OSB. Some roofing materials such as shingles, tile, or slate will still use wood. Which type of decking your roof has does not really matter, however, the health of it does matter. It needs to be free of damage and rot and must be flat and rigid. The underlayment protects whatever decking you have, and is like a barrier. Most roofs these days will typically have synthetic underlayments as they are typically more lightweight, durable, and are easier to work with. The material is the outside, the weather-resistant, hardy stuff. This is designed to provide you with a decade or five or no issues.
What Are Your Roof’s Worst Enemies?
Your roof will have two main enemies. These are nature and time. It is rare that any homeowners will escape needing to replace their roofs. Time means that wear and tear will eventually get the better of it. Sunlight, snow, rain, wind, debris, animals, and so on can eventually take a toll. Acts of nature are usually more devastating. Strong winds, hurricanes, tornadoes, falling trees, and so on can damage your roof with a more devastating effect. Let’s not forget the fire, although most roofing materials are fire-resistant to a degree, this does not mean that a house fire will not damage them. An older home will also lose its protective roof coating as well, and it will therefore be more vulnerable to damage. Time really does take its toll.
