Can You Explain How the Roof Is Built?
Building a roof is not an easy task. First, you need to ask yourself what type of roof are you going to build? Is it flat or pitched? Because of these two types, the process of installation and the materials used are different from one another.
The roof over your head is more than just for an aesthetic appeal. Though it should match with the overall design of any house, it should help keep the water away. Rain, snow, hail, sun cause humidity. When moisture enters your home, it starts doing damage on the sheath and roof membranes, which include the attic. Once the roof insulation fails, the roofing problems begin.
The roof you need will depend on your location, house structure, and climate. Regardless of how expensive or architecturally appealing your roof is, keep in mind that safety is the ultimate goal why your roof is to be installed.
Let’s begin your roof
To be able to build your roof, you should take serious consideration of the following:
- Roof style—Roof style is diverse. With the hundreds of available roof types, they should match with their specific purpose and the materials to use. The shape of your home or building will determine the style of roof you need. Below are the typical roof styles in the world of roofing.
- Gable
- Hip (pyramid)
- Gambrel
- Shed
- Flat
2. Climate—The climate in your area dictates what roof style you should be choosing. Certain environments have roof styles suitable for the amount of precipitation in that area.
- If you live in an area where strong winds are frequent, the hip roof can withstand the pressure.
- The amount of water, hail, snow, or rain will help determine the actual pitch for your roof.
- Flat roofs are not recommended for wet locations.
- Areas with four seasons use simple pitch roof
3. Materials—With the variety of types of roofs, the materials you choose will also depend on the roof type because some types are not for certain materials and are strictly not even allowable, especially when weight is at stake.
Tiles are not suitable for flat roofs. Use metal, fiberglass, asphalt with polyvinyl exterior instead.
If you live in areas with high humidity, use tiles that are algae resistant. Don’t use clay tiles for humid climates but use them instead for areas with dry climates.
If you opt for pitched roofs, you have the liberty between concrete, asphalt, wood tiles, or metal sheets. However, for these steep-sloped roofs, make sure the truss has high integrity in terms of weight-bearing. The way your truss is founded determines the type of tile materials suitable for such a framework.
4. Location—Consider the exact location of the house. If the structure is near big trees, which serve as a hazard for the roof surface, consider trimming or cutting the tree or select the type of tiles that are resistant against breakage. Also, strategically place the downpipes that attach to the gutters. The drainage system is a vital component of practical roofing. Without the correct pathway for the water to run down the intended basin, it will cause flooding on the ground and cause damage.
5. Pitch of the roof—Early on, decide on the rise and angle of your roof. Are you considering a rooftop where you could walk on? Or are you apt for the steepest roof because storms are frequent in your area? The roof with the highest slope measures 12:12, meaning 12 inches vertically per 12 inches horizontally. And such slope is the most efficient in draining water towards the gutters. Even with thick snow, when it melts, it will easily slide off to leave the roof dry again.
6. Roof measurement—why is this necessary? The size of your roof is relative to the size of your home, though some home structures have annexes and separate small houses within the premises of the property if the lot covers considerable square feet. More importantly, the size of the roof covers will determine the number of materials needed.
7. Know the steps in building the roof’s foundation.
- Construct the frame. Sometimes, the trusses can be prefabricated. This will comprise your roof frame.
- On top of the frame, lay over the sheath. The sheath is a roof membrane or material that is placed on top of the frame.
- The sheath is now covered with a protective layer called the underlayment. The underlayment is installed in an overlapping method to prevent the water from seeping through. This process is where you make the roof watertight.
- Install the flashing. Flashings are galvanized metal or PVC materials that are placed to protect the sheathing’s bottom. The water goes through the flashing that eventually leads towards the gutter.
- Install the tiles. The placement of tiles should also be in overlapping technique like the underlayment installment.
Roofers near Birmingham
Whether you are a professional roofer or a keen homeowner but has the skill in building and roofing, it is always a smart step to follow local codes in building, secure permits from the city council, and ensure that you have all the proper tools and equipment to start your roofing venture. For further information that has not been discussed here, consult the professionals in Roofers Birmingham. We have certified roofing contractors to handle your project. Call us now for a free quote on your roofing needs.
