The roof on your Tulsa home serves one basic purpose. It protects you and your home from the elements, therefore determining how well the roofing works is based on how it does at keeping those elements out.
In order to understand more about roofs and roofing, you must understand the various parts of the roof. The first part is the underlayment. This black paper is placed over the plywood. A waterproof membrane, vapor barrier or sweat sheet is also used on this to add extra protection from the elements. Flashing is a part of the roof. The metal pieces called flashing are attached by the roofer to certain places to divert the water from collecting. Shingles or tiles are the part the roofer installs on top of the underlayment and creates the protective barrier on the outside of the roof. The trim is used on the seams found anywhere on the roofing material and creates a protection in those areas.
It is important to understand when to replace your roof, and this is always difficult to determine. If there is obvious damage, then the repair will be more expensive. It is best to know how old the roof actually is. There are certain life spans of different types of roofing materials, so knowing this gives you an idea when you should start thinking about getting a roofer to fix or replace your roof. It is important to have a good look at your roof every year. You can do this by either going on top of your house, or finding a good vantage point so you can see all areas of your roof. Look for discoloration, rust, cracked tiles, moss growth or anything that looks suspect. It is also important to make sure that any branches that are close to the roof are cut away. That way, during wind, they will not rub on the tiles and cause them to lose their outside protection. A sure sign of aging shingles is if the granules from the shingles are showing up in the gutters. That means those shingles are getting older and possibly need to be replaced. On the inside, if you see discoloration on your ceilings, then it is a sign that moisture is getting in due to a possible leak.
When replacing your roof, you have the option of putting a new one over your existing roof. You can do this one time. You can not put it over two different roofs however. The bad thing with this is you are using old flashing, which could be where the leak is occurring, so it may save money, but it might not fix the problem.
Asphalt Shingles
Most people have asphalt shingles. The life expectancy is about 20 years, but in warmer climates, they can be 10 to 12 years. These is the least expensive roofing and can be done by an experienced DIYer or a roofer. Asphalt shingles are made of either cellulose or fiberglass between layers of asphalt. The top coat is covered in minerals that protect the shingle from damages,moss, or algae.
Wood Shakes or Wood Shingles
Wood shakes or shingles are a beautiful roofing alternative, but depending on where you live, they may not be permitted due to the potential fire hazard. It is important to check this out with the local housing authority or your roofer before you purchase these. For those that can use these, they weather to a beautiful soft gray color. Shakes are mechanically split, and this creates a rustic surface. Wood shingles are tapered and shakes may be tapered along their length, or they may have the same thickness the whole length. The wood shakes and shingles generally need a professional roofer to do the installation.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is very durable and can last for 50-75 years. This type of roofing comes in either panels or tiles, and can be in lengths up to 20 feet. These roofing panels are joined with “standing seams” which protect the roof from water damage. They are generally factory painted and come in many different colors. Metal roofs also resist rot and resist fire. They can be recycled and therefore are environmentally friendly. Metal roofing can be done by experienced DIYers or a professional roofer.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are another long lasting roofing product. They can be viable for 75 years or even more. They are fragile however, and can break or chip rather easily. The other issue is they are extremely heavy. It would be imperative to have your roof evaluated by a structural engineer before adding tiles to it, therefore having a professional roofer do the job would be recommended.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles are another roofing option that are similar to clay tiles. Again, they are very heavy and would need an inspection from a structural engineer before determining if reinforcement is needed. It would also be recommended to have a professional roofer do the job. They are very durable and are resistant to fire, bugs and rot, and are good at protecting your roof from the elements.
Slate Roofing
Slate is an extremely expensive roofing option. It is incredibly durable, and is very protective to the elements. With its huge weight, it will require a structural engineer to determine if it is a viable option. Slate certainly requires an expert roofer to install, and there are not many qualified roofers that have this specific skill.
Rubber Composite Roofing
Rubber composite shingles are a great roofing option that are made to resemble either slate or wood shakes. They are manufactured from rubber and plastic, and many manufacturers use recycled materials for this. With a 50-year warranty, they are very durable and are resistant to insects and rot. A professional roofer could be used, but is not necessary.
Three questions need to be answered in determining which roofing material is best for your project. What type of style you are looking for in your house. What cost works best for your budget. Lastly, which product works best with the climate you live in. Roofing your house is a big project, so it is important to put thought into the way that works the best for your situation.
Tulsa’s Trusted Name in Roofing & Construction
As a family owned and operated Owasso, OK based roofing and construction contractor, we have firsthand knowledge of just how important it is to have your home or business properly protected against the tough Tulsa weather that often comes our way. From roof replacement and repair, to custom construction and seamless rain gutters, home and business owners throughout the Northeast Oklahoma areas of Tulsa County, Rogers County, Wagoner County, Muskogee County, Okmulgee County, and Creek County, OK can count on Storm Roofing and Construction, LLC to consistently deliver only the highest levels of expert workmanship and unmatched excellence in customer service.
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