A roof is a critical part of any building, acting as its main shield against the elements. But it’s not invincible – it can be damaged or even destroyed by storms or improper construction.
To price a job accurately, it’s important to take precise measurements from the ground or from a ladder. You’ll also need a digital angle finder and calculator to calculate square footage. Contact Roofing Murfreesboro for professional help.
As green building trends continue to gain popularity among homeowners, there is a growing emphasis on natural materials used in home construction and remodeling. From natural slate roofing to wood shingles, there are numerous options available for those who want to go eco-friendly with their roofs.
Natural slate is one of the greenest roofing materials available and offers luxury and durability. It is formed by geological processes and requires minimal processing, making it an environmentally sustainable choice. Slate is a long-lived material, easily reaching 100 years or more with regular maintenance, and is resistant to fire and water damage. However, the heavy weight of slate imposes a structural load on a building, which may require additional framing to support it.
Another popular natural roofing option is wood shingles or shakes, which are made from cedar or redwood. These natural roofing materials provide a rustic look and offer natural insulation to reduce energy costs. They are renewable, biodegradable, and can be used to match a home’s architectural style, but they do require more hands-on maintenance and have a shorter lifespan than other natural roofing materials.
Clay tiles are also a traditional roofing option, crafted from earthen clay and molded and fired for durability. They are popular in hot climates and can withstand high winds, tornadoes, and hurricane forces. However, the mining, manufacturing, and transporting of clay tile is resource-intensive, which can be a deterrent to many homeowners.
Other natural roofing options include thatched roofs, crafted from straw, reeds, or palm leaves, which offer a unique aesthetic and are durable in dry climates. Thatched roofs are often more expensive than other modern roofing materials and have a short lifespan, but they are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Other modern green roofing materials include recycled asphalt shingles, which are made from recycled tires and other sources. They can be cut to match unconventional or intricate roof shapes and are often used on Victorian or Queen Anne homes. There are also rubber and polymer roofing systems that are designed to mimic the appearance of other natural shingles and can be cut to fit the roof shape.
Clay Tiles
The beauty and durability of clay tiles are a popular choice for many homeowners. They provide excellent weather resistance and are durable enough to withstand high winds. Clay tile roofs can last up to a century and are available in a wide range of colors and styles.
Clay roofing materials are made from earthen clay that is specially processed for the durability and reliability required for a roof. The clay is carefully mined to ensure it is free of rocks, sticks and other debris. Once gathered, the clay is sent to a factory where it undergoes rigorous quality testing and inspection before being mixed with other materials and fired in a kiln. The firing process is key to ensuring the tile can withstand moisture, freeze/thaw cycles and other environmental conditions.
Once installed, clay tiles can be highly durable and require very little maintenance. However, like other types of roofing, clay tiles should be regularly inspected for signs of damage or wear. Regular maintenance can help reduce the risk of costly repairs. A professional can recommend the appropriate cleaning and treatment regimen for your clay tiles.
Compared to other types of roofing, clay tiles are relatively heavy. This can affect the structural integrity of a home’s frame and may require additional reinforcement. It’s important to have a qualified roofing contractor evaluate your home’s structure before installing clay tiles.
A clay tile roof requires a watertight underlayment to protect against leaks. This layer is typically fastened with nails or clips, and can be bonded to the surface of the tile. Flashing is also installed around chimneys, skylights and other roof protrusions. A qualified roofing contractor can install a variety of waterproof underlayment systems, depending on the climate and installation conditions.
When choosing a supplier for your clay roofing, look for a company with experience and a solid reputation in the industry. Look for a company that offers a full range of services and is financially stable, so you can trust they’ll be around when you need them. Also, make sure to select a company that offers a warranty on its products and services.
Asphalt
Asphalt has long been a popular roofing material for its durability, longevity and value. Today, however, new roofing materials have entered the market to challenge the traditional asphalt built-up roof (BUR). The most prevalent of these single-ply membranes include EPDM, PVC, and spray polyurethane foam. Nevertheless, even these new materials are often not able to match the longevity of asphalt. This is because a building’s roof must be properly installed and maintained in order to achieve its maximum lifespan.
First, the site needs to be graded in order to establish the desired slope and profile of the pavement. This process also helps to remove poor-quality soil or unsuitable materials. Afterwards, the appropriate amount of aggregate is added to the asphalt mix. The aggregate serves as a load-bearing component of the pavement and is crucial to its overall strength and stability.
After the aggregate is blended, the asphalt is heated in order to make it more fluid and to facilitate coating the aggregates with bitumen. Once the asphalt is prepared, it is transported to the construction site. There are several different types of asphalt used in road paving, each with a specific recipe designed to accommodate its intended loads and environmental conditions. For example, hot mix asphalt (HMA) is heated before blending to remove moisture and ensure proper mixing and application, while cold mix asphalt (CMA) is blended in a similar fashion but is not heated beforehand.
In addition to road paving, asphalt is also used for many other purposes including waterproofing and roofing. For instance, asphalt shingles are a popular roofing option due to their durability and cost-effectiveness. Asphalt shingles consist of a layer of tar, an underlayment felt and an outer surface composed of mineral granules.
Another important use of asphalt is its ability to line tanks, reservoirs, and other waterworks. The waterproofing capabilities of asphalt are derived from its aliphatic hydrocarbons, which help it to resist deterioration and corrosion. This property is particularly useful for lining underground storage facilities and other structures that are exposed to a wide range of chemicals, such as waste disposal sites and drinking water reservoirs.
Flat Roofing
Flat roofs aren’t the sturdiest of roofing options, but they can still serve as an excellent solution for some commercial buildings. When choosing a flat roofing material for your Wright building, it’s important to consult with a knowledgeable expert to ensure compatibility and maximum longevity.
Contrary to their name, flat roofs do have a slight slope — between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch per foot. This allows water to shed and drain away from the structure rather than collecting. It also helps to prevent ice dams in winter. However, because of this low incline, flat roofs must be constructed with a different type of material to stay watertight and durable.
A lot of the time, these roofing materials are referred to as EPDM or TPO. These are synthetic rubber membranes that have great durability and flexibility. They’re also resistant to UV rays and other elements like ozone. As well as being long-lasting, these materials are also highly cost-effective.
Another popular option is bitumen. This is a heavy, black waterproof coating that’s layered onto a strong base layer and then covered with gravel for added durability. This is an extremely cost-effective roofing material, too — as low as $2/square foot.
One of the reasons that flat roofs tend to have a bad reputation is because they can often develop leaks and other problems. This is usually because they aren’t being properly maintained or installed. This is why it’s crucial to work with a reliable roofing contractor for flat roof installation, maintenance, and repair.
Whether it’s for an office space, retail outlet, or warehouse, some buildings opt to have flat roofs to make use of extra space. This allows for rooftop gardens or a place to relax, as well as HVAC units and ventilation systems. Flat roofs can also offer a cost-effective alternative to sloped roofs, although significant changes to the slope of a historical building’s roof can cause damage and diminish its value.
