Everything You Need To Know About Residential Roof Construction

28 June 2022
 Categories: , Blog

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When it comes to residential roof construction, there are a lot of important factors to consider. Here's what you need to know about the process.

Why Is a Good Roof So Important? 

A good roof is important because it protects your home from the elements. It keeps the heat in during the winter, the cool air in during the summer, and the precipitation out year-round. You can't have a house without a good roof.

What Are the Components of a Good Roof?

A roof is comprised of many layers of materials all designed to work together to protect you and all your belongings inside.

  • Cladding. This is the outermost, visible layer of your roof. Your cladding may be asphalt shingles, a metal standing seam roof, or even clay tiles. while you want cladding that is aesthetically pleasing, you also want cladding that can stand up to the weather conditions in your part of the country.
  • Roofing felt. This is a layer of protection between your cladding and the roof deck. It's made of a mat of fibers, like paper or fiberglass, impregnated with asphalt to make it waterproof.
  • Ice membrane. Depending on where you live, your roof may need an ice and water shield along the edge of the roof. This is a self-adhesive membrane that sticks to your roof deck and prevents water and ice from seeping in around the edges of your roof.
  • Ventilation. Your roof needs ventilation to allow heat and moisture to escape. This is usually accomplished with a ridge vent or soffit vents.
  • Decking. Sometimes called sheathing, this is the layer of wood that your roofing materials are nailed to.
  • Trusses. These are the structural support for your roof. They are usually made of wood, but can also be made of metal or engineered lumber.
  • Rafters. These are the vertical beams that extend from the trusses to the eaves of your roof. They support the decking and are usually made of wood.
  • Insulation. The final layer in good roof construction is insulation. This helps keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer by preventing heat transfer. It may be installed underneath the decking, tucked up into the rafters when you have vaulted ceilings, or it may be located on the floor in your attic space.

How to Choose the Right Roofing Materials?

When it comes to choosing roofing materials, there are many factors to consider, including:

  • Climate.
  • Aesthetics.
  • Cost.
  • Lifespan.

The key thing to remember is that your roof is designed to protect you so it is important to invest in quality residential roof construction materials that allow it to do so.

If you're in the market for a new roof, contact your local roofing company today for more information.