Types of Roofing Materials – Basic Things You Need to Know
A roof is usually the first covering of a structure, providing protection from the elements such as rain, sun, snow, and extreme temperatures, as well as all supporting materials and structures needed to support it properly on top of buildings or uprights. A roof is typically a part of the outer building envelope. It is a waterproofing system that protects your home from all types of weather conditions. While they do help improve the energy efficiency of your building, a poorly designed roof can cost you money and make it difficult to enjoy your home.
The most common type of roof in North America is the flat or pitched roof, which is more economical but susceptible to pitch issues and other problems. Flat roofs are made from either clay or concrete tiles that are slotted together to form a sort of roof, with spaces between them for drain pipes and other systems. This roofing type is cheap and easy to install, but you need to keep an eye on drains, which should be treated to prevent sewage contamination.
Pitched roofs are constructed differently, often requiring stucco Fort Myers, gravel, tile, or metal to cover the spaces between the clay tiles. They are more expensive to build because of higher costs for roofing materials, but they are longer lasting and have a history of resistance to weather conditions. The only disadvantage to this type of roofing material is that it can move when the ground shifts. This can be an issue if you are near a major road or other body of water.
There are two main types of sloped roofs: flat roof and pitched roof. A flat roof has one straight edge, which is perpendicular to the slope. With a pitched roof, the slope acts as a direction for water runoff. The water can pool under the flat roof and cause problems with your septic system if you don’t keep the water away from the slopes.
There are three main types of flat roofs: diamond, U-shaped and conical roofs. A diamond roof resembles the shape of a diamond, with the U-shape forming the corners. U-shaped roofs are the least common of these. Conical roofs have their angles formed perpendicular to the slope, with the conical roof forming the entire perimeter of the roof. The most efficient design is a diamond or U-shaped roof, due to its ability to seal off the slopes.
The final type of roofing material we will discuss is the external layer. This is usually made up of asphalt shingles. It is important to remember that the amount of coating you have on your roof depends on how much actual physical work and coverage you need. This main article gives you a good starting point for understanding roofing materials, and the types of projects you can do yourself.