10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Roofing

Written by Posted On Tuesday, 11 June 2019 10:11

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How much do you know about roofs, really? Most people know the basics, which is that a roof keeps you warm in winter, and dry when the weather turns wet. You also understand that there are different types of roofs, and you might even know what some of them are made of. There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to this complex structure, so here are ten facts about roofing provided by roofing contractors in Auckland.

1.    Your Type Of Roof Depends On Where You Live

You don’t always get to choose the roof you want for your home. For some places, certain types of roofs are used because they work better in the area’s climate. For colder and wetter climates, gable roofs are best as snow and water can slide off to the ground. On the other hand, you’ll see flat roofs more often in areas that don’t get much rain at all. If you’re having a home built, your Auckland roofing contractor might have better roofing options for you to choose from that would suit where you live, even though you might have something else in mind.

2.    Flat Roofs Aren’t Actually Flat

Flat roofs are called flat because they aren’t curved or sloped. To the naked eye, they look entirely flat and horizontal. However, they aren’t. Flat roofs actually have a very slight slope, which measures at least ¼ inch per foot. It’s not much of a curve, but it’s still there.

3.    A Roof Is Made Of More Than Wood And Shingles

If you’re installing a sound roofing system, it won’t have less than seven components to its construction, and all seven parts are vital. The roof decking supports the weight of the entire roofing system, which means it has to be durable and sturdy. There’s a water or ice barrier, which helps prevent damage from ice damming if you live in a climate that snows in winter. There’s also a waterproof membrane, metal flashing, drip edge, shingles and ventilation. Although you only see shingles and wood, there’s more than goes into building a roof than meets the eye. Each component is necessary and performs a specific function.

4.    You Can’t Cover An Existing Roof

Double-layered roofs can cover up significant issues, but they don’t address the source of the problem. They might be cheap to install and seem like a quick fix, but they don’t address underlying issues that haven’t been dealt with. A double-layered roof also adds more weight onto the structure and hides the damage. If this damage is hidden, it’ll get worse, which means the repairs will be more expensive and extensive when you finally attend to them.

5.    You Can’t DIY A Roof

It might have happened in cartoons, and you might have even found videos on the internet that say you can DIY your roof. However, it’s challenging. Firstly, you need permits and licensing to work on a roof in Auckland. Secondly, the roof is a very complex system of constructed layers, and these layers need to be installed by a professional who knows what they’re doing. If you DIY your own roof, you might get hurt or cause more damage to the roof, walls, attic, electrical systems and wooden frames. You might as well skip the part in the middle where you try to DIY, and call in a professional roofing contractor.

6.    Roofs Breathe

Roofs need sufficient ventilation. The flow of air underneath the roof deck is critical for the rest of the roofing system. If your roof is adequately ventilated, it will allow warm and moist air to escape and cooler air to come into the attic. If you don’t have proper ventilation in your roof, condensation will build up and cause water damage to the wood, insulation and walls.

7.    Your Roof Could Be Good For The Environment

You can install what’s called a “cool roof”. Cool roofs are environmentally friendly and reflect infrared and UV rays from the sun away from the building. This makes the building cooler, curbing energy consumption and reducing your energy bills. They also reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases by lessening how much heat is radiated into the atmosphere.

8.    You Can Actually Get Your Roof Cleaned

Your roof is open to the elements, so of course, it gets dirty. Most people know that sometimes gutters and downpipes need to be cleaned, but not the roof. The fact of the matter is that often things like moss, algae and fungi grow on roofs, and can go unchecked for years. Fortunately, there are businesses which specialise in cleaning roofs with techniques, products and tools that don’t damage shingles or roofing systems.

9.    A Faulty Roof Can Decrease The Resale Value Of Your Home

Broken roofs are a problem. They need to be repaired, and it can be costly if it’s been left for long enough. If you were looking to buy a house, you’d want a reduced rate if you found that the roof needed repairs or a replacement, because it will cost you money. You don’t buy things that are broken, so why would you buy a house with a broken roof? Unfortunately, a roof in disrepair will decrease your resale value, and even hinder the chances of your house selling at all, if the disrepair is extensive enough. In short, get your roof fixed!

10.  Your Roof Can Last Longer Than How Long You’ve Lived Under It

The typical lifespan of a roof that’s been maintained well, and has been constructed with high-quality materials is between 20 – 30 years. Some roofs, such as shake style shingle roofs, can last almost 50 years. Therefore, your roof could very well last longer than you do in your own home. However, if you leave it to go to ruin, you might have to replace it sooner.

Roofs are essential to the home, which is why they should be looked after. Constructed out of various complex and necessary systems, your roof has more to it than being a structure that keeps you dry. When the time comes for a new roof to be installed on your home, call Archer Roofing; they are Auckland’s ideal roofing solution.

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