Whether you own a commercial building or a residential home, the roofing system is one of the most important components of your property. A & J Reliable, Inc., as your local Rockland County roofer, is pleased to provide the following information to help you understand how to keep your roof in the best possible condition.

Understanding Your Roofing System

A roof is essentially a protective, waterproof membrane. A complete roofing system consists of a combination of products, including ventilation, hip and ridge shingles, underlayment and attic insulation. These elements all work together to repel water, wind, sun, cold and other natural elements.

Roof Components: 

  • Underlayment. The underlayment of a roof is a waterproof material that is laid directly on the roof deck. This component of a roofing system offers an additional layer of protection from damaging elements, such as rain, snow and ice. The ice and water membrane is effective against snow and ice buildup. 
  • Flashing. Roof flashing is a piece of sheet metal that’s used to divert water from vulnerable points in a roofing structure, such as a valley or hip. Flashing can be made from a variety of metal materials, with copper strongly recommended. This roof component adds additional protection against natural elements.
  • Shingles. Roof shingles cover the very outside of the roofing structure and are positioned directly on top of the underlayment. Shingles create the outermost protective barrier to your home and help to maintain proper insulation. They can be made from a variety of materials, including asphalt, wood, fiberglass, metal, slate, and tiles.
  • Ventilation. Proper roof ventilation helps preserve the lifespan of a roof by controlling temperatures within the attic and eaves. Its intended purpose is dependent directly on climate conditions. In cooler climates, ventilation helps maintain a cold roof temperature to prevent ice dams from forming when snow melts. In warmer climates, ventilation relieves heat from the attic and roof to improve cooling efficiency, reduce the potential of mold, and protect the shingles from too much heat.
  • Insulation. The primary purpose of insulation is to create a barrier around the roofing structure. Insulation helps maintain temperatures inside of the building and reduces energy costs by resisting heat flow. Where you include roof insulation will be dependent on whether you want a warm or cool inside temperature. 

Types of Roof Design: 

  • Roof Truss – Roof truss is the structural framework of the roof.
  • Ridge – The ridge of a roof is the highest point on a roofing structure.
  • Valley – A valley is an internal angle formed when two downward sloping sections of the roof meet.
  • Hip – A hip is an external angle formed when two sloping sections of the roof meet.
  • Pitch – The roof pitch refers to the angle or slope of the roof.
  • Eaves – The eaves (or soffits) are the edges of the roof that hang over the walls of the building.
  • Gables – Gables refer to the triangular sections of walls located between eaves and the peak of the roof.
  • Dormer – Dormers are sections that extend outward from the roofing slope, such as an attic window.

Commercial Roofing Systems

Commercial roofing systems are generally divided into these three basic roofing structures:

1. Flat Roof

Flat roofing is a type of commercial roofing system that does not possess any peak or slope in the roofing structure. This type of roofing has the potential to be of concern to business / building owners in certain climates, as snow and water can easily accumulate on the roof’s surface. 

2. Low Slope Roof

Low slope roofing is a type of commercial roofing system that gradually slopes down from the peak of the roofing system. The slope of the roof is usually no more than 3:12 (or 14 degrees); meaning the slope has a decline of 3 inches per foot. 

3. Steep Slope Roof

Steep slope roofing is a type of commercial roofing system that has a more elevated and inclined pitch. The slope of the roof is usually greater than 3:12 (or 14 degrees).

Residential Roofing Systems

Residential roofing systems can generally be categorized into these three basic roofing structures:

1. Single Pitch Roof

A single pitch roof is a roof that has a single slope pointing in one direction. This is the most economically efficient roof type available, and is commonly used for residential homes throughout New York and New Jersey. Single roofs have the simplest construction, making them extremely easy to build. They can be built on a variety of different angles and pitches – anywhere from a steep slope pitch to almost flat. However, single-sloped roofs are limited and can only be used for smaller areas.

2. Double Pitch Roof

A double pitch roof can be described as a roof that forms a triangle and connects two surfaces at the highest peak of the roof (ridge). This traditional style is the most popular residential roofing system used for homes today. Double roofs can be made in a variety of different styles and designs to match just about any architectural style. Keep in mind that how a double pitch roof is built will be dependent on the shape and area of the ground floor plan of your home.

3. Trussed Roof

A roof truss is a triangulated wooden structural framework used to provide support to the roof. Trusses are durable, affordable, and can be installed quickly. They are extremely customizable, and can be built in a variety of different shapes and sizes to match the needs of your property. There are many different types of materials available for roof trusses, such as wood and various types of metals. Modern double pitched roofs can also be built entirely out of lightweight roof trusses (or trussed rafters). 

Types of Roofing Materials

The types of roofing material that you select for your commercial or residential roofing system will have a tremendous impact on the performance of your roof. Aside from aesthetic considerations, your choice in roofing materials is influenced by environmental and practical factors. For example, a synthetic material such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) might be the ideal roofing material for a cold-weather climate. An asphalt / fiberglass-based shingle roof is a common option where cost is an issue.

Energy-Efficient Roofing Systems

Using Energy Star® rated products can enhance the performance of your roofing system. For instance, you can use certain shingles to reflect the sun’s rays and keep roofs cooler, which can result in a more comfortable environment. This can also translate into lower energy costs.

Regardless of which types of roofing materials are used, your roofing system should be constructed with the highest quality products and workmanship for the best performance.

 

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