Get the most out of their new roof installation

A new roofing system is a big investment and should not be taken lightly. Here are some tips on how to get a quality roofing system installed on your home, or multi-family complex. Maximize your investment so that you can be proud of the results and your home.   

There are six basic components of a roofing system:

  1. Roof cover: shingles, slate, tile, etc. and an under layer that protects the sheathing from weather.
  2. Roof sheathing: boards or sheet material, such as plywood or particle board which is connected to roof rafters as a base for shingles.
  3. Roof structure: rafters, trusses, ridge boards, joists, etc. constructed to support sheathing.
  4. Roof flashing: sheet metal or other material installed into a roofing system to prevent water seepage. Flashing is placed in joints and valleys and around chimney.
  5. Roof drainage: this is a roof’s shape, slope, layout and its ability to properly drain water.
  6. Roof materials: each is listed and described below.

Choose the best roof system for your home 

The primary concerns for homeowners are roof cost and durability. Secondary, are architectural style and aesthetics. We list the following roofing materials choices:

  1. Asphalt shingles: reinforced with organic felts or fiberglass materials. Organic shingles are made up of cellulose-fiber (wood) that is saturated with asphalt and coated with mineral granules and most carry a Class-C rating which signifies a lowered fire resistance. On the other hand, fiberglass shingles are made of a fiberglass mat, covered in asphalt and mineral granules and most carry a Class-A fire rating which signifies the highest fire-resistant rating.
  2. Wood shingles and shakes: are made from natural woods such as cedar, redwood, southern pine and others. Wood shingles are machine sawn, whereas shakes are hand-split for a rustic and raw look. Many have a (lower resistance) Class-C fire rating. However, Class-A fire ratings are available on certain wood brands and products and are available in a specially formulated, factory-applied, fire-resistant treatment.
  3. Sate: is quarried from the northeast region of the United States. A very heavy, durable and aesthetic roofing material. It is virtually indestructible and a skillfully installed slate roof can be expected to last for over 100 years! A slate roof is fire proof.
  4. Synthetic roof products: mimic various traditional roof coverings such as wood shingles, shake and slate. Many are lightweight, weather resistant, and have offer a Class-A fire rating with underlayment.
  5. Clay or concrete tiles: these are very heavy and durable roofing materials. A roof’s structure must be able to support the load of a clay or concrete tile roof.  This roof type maintains a Class-A fire rating though-out its life.
  6. Metal: a roofing alternative growing in popularity for homes and building owners. It offers longevity and greater resistance to weather and is lightweight. Can simulate some traditional roof coverings such as wood shakes, shingles and tile. Some have Class-A fire ratings.

When you are ready to make a buying decision, we recommend you look at the following:

  • Actual samples of the roof product
  • Manufacturers’ manual
  • Visit a structure and take a look at the roofing material 
  • Call PRO Home 1