The home is one of the family’s biggest financial assets. As such, the homeowner needs to do everything possible to protect it and ensure it will last for many generations. Unfortunately, this can be a daunting task as the home ages because the building’s materials can break down over time and rot can set in. To reduce the possibility of nature’s elements entering the house a homeowner can attempt to seal the various surfaces. For example, painting the exterior walls will help keep the moisture from soaking into the wood. Likewise, covering the roof will protect the home from rain and wind.
However, it is important to realize that covering the roof requires more effort than simply laying a waterproof barrier over the home. Roofs are made of layers. You have the underlying structural support portion made from rafters and joists. This part of the roof gives the home strength, but it also supports the rest of the roofing materials which can place a fairly heavy load on the underlying structural support. Next is a decking material. Many Roofers use a composite material known as OSB (Oriented Strand Board) as an alternative to the more expensive plywood decking. The next layer will depend on the type of covering or shingle you will be using.
Asphalt shingles have been one of the most commonly used roofing materials in the last century. It is a very durable product, but it normally uses a substrate material to trap any liquids that might have leaked through. This substrate is typically a roofing felt made from a petroleum based tar and wood fibers. There is also a man made membrane that some Roofers prefer to use.
The final layer is the actual shingles. Asphalt shingles come in several styles, but for the most part they maintain a traditional look which many homeowners seem to favor. Plus, this standard in shingles makes it easier for experienced contractors such as H.E. Parmer to finish your roof replacement in the quickest time possible. If however, you are looking for something a little different you might want to consider an alternative to asphalt shingles. Roofing suppliers now provide a lightweight, galvanized steel roofing system that can emulate the look of practically any roofing material including the ever popular red, clay tile.
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