Roofing is an important part of building construction. There are many types of roofs, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

In prehistoric times, primitive humans built shelters with thatched roofs. Thatch was made from straw or reeds and was very flammable. Click the Archdale Roofing High Point to learn more

During the Industrial Revolution, clay tiles became more affordable. These roofs were durable and fire-resistant, but required a robust supporting structure.

Shingles

Shingles are the outer covering of your roof that protects the interior of your home from the elements. Shingles are made primarily of several types of durable materials that have distinct characteristics to suit specific needs and climates.

The most common shingle material is an asphalt-based product called composition shingles or architectural shingles. These shingles are a composite product with multiple layers and are comprised of either fiberglass or cellulose mats, asphalt, and mineral granules. This distinguishes them from other roofing materials such as wood shingles and clay tiles which are composed of a single product.

Asphalt shingles are manufactured to be resistant to a variety of weather conditions. This resistance is achieved by coating the granules on top of the shingle with a sealant that is thermally activated when heated and bonded to the surface by the heat. This creates an airtight seal to keep water out and insulate the shingle.

A secondary waterproofing agent is added to the shingle during manufacturing, creating an additional barrier and helping to ensure that your roof stays watertight for a long time. The asphalt used in shingles is an end-product of oil refining, and it is processed to provide the high level of toughness needed for roofing shingle performance.

There are three major categories of asphalt shingle products: strip shingles, dimensional shingles, and luxury shingles. Strip shingles, also known as 3-tab shingles, have a single layer and are the least expensive shingle option. 3-tab shingles do not carry the same warranty as other shingle products.

Dimensional shingles, or architectural shingles, are the most popular shingle type in America. They are a thicker, more durable version of the strip shingle and come in an array of styles designed to replicate the appearance of natural wood shake and slate tile roofs. These shingles are heavier and offer improved warranty protection than strip shingles.

Luxury shingles are the highest quality laminated shingles available and offer a differentiated aesthetic or functionality that is beyond that of dimensional shingles. This category includes shingles that simulate old world European roof styles, such as CertainTeed’s Grand Manor and Carriage House products. Regular visual inspections of your shingle roof, ideally conducted in spring and fall, are essential to catch problems before they become serious. These inspections can reveal shingle cracking, curling, and discoloration as well as leaks or attic insulation problems.

Plywood

Plywood is a versatile and durable building material that provides many benefits. It is a composite made of thin layers of wood veneers, or “plies,” that are glued together with a strong adhesive such as phenol or urea formaldehyde resin. The plies are usually oriented with their grain running perpendicular to one another, providing strength and stability. Depending on the type of plywood, it may also have additional features that make it suitable for particular applications.

The process of manufacturing plywood starts with logs being peeled or sliced into thin veneers and then dried and sorted. The veneers are then glued together, and the layers are pressed under high heat and pressure to create a strong bond. The number of plies can vary, but higher-quality products will have five or more separate laminations glued together. This cross-grain construction allows plywood to resist bending and sagging under heavy loads, making it a great choice for roof sheathing or framing interior stud walls.

Its durability and versatility also make it an ideal material for flooring or paneling. Some types of plywood are also resistant to moisture, fungus, and insects. This is useful for projects that will be exposed to damp environments such as bathrooms or kitchens. Plywood can also be coated with a fire retardant to meet flammability requirements for use in certain projects.

When choosing a plywood for a roofing project, it is important to select the correct thickness. Typically, a 3/8″ thickness is used for standard shingle roofs, while a 1/2″ or 3/4″ thickness is preferred for heavier roofs and areas that experience heavy snow loads. Whether the sheathing will be used for a new roof or to replace existing sheathing, it is important to choose an exterior grade plywood so that it will not delaminate when it comes in contact with water.

Plywood can be painted or stained to match a home’s color scheme or add a pop of color. Generally, it is best to prime the surface before applying a finish. Once the primer is dry, it is best to lightly sand the surface before proceeding with painting. It is also recommended to apply a protective finish to the plywood, such as hard wax oil, which will help protect against moisture and fungal attacks while allowing the natural wood grain to show through.

Underlayment

An underlayment is an essential component of a roof system. It sits between the roof deck and the shingles, acting as a moisture barrier to prevent water from seeping into the home. This layer of protection protects against rot, mold, and other problems that can occur from water intrusion.

The underlayment is also an effective insulator, keeping the interior temperature stable and comfortable. This feature lowers heating costs in warmer seasons and eases the strain on cooling systems in cooler seasons. It also helps control condensation, preventing the buildup of moisture that can lead to mold and other structural issues.

Underlayments are typically made of asphalt saturated felt or modern synthetic materials. Felt underlayment is commonly known as “felt paper” or “tar paper.” It was the go-to roofing material until the turn of the century, when the industry started using synthetic underlayments instead. Felt underlayments are still used today, though, as they’re inexpensive and easy to install with common tools. They’re also relatively durable and have good tear resistance.

Synthetic underlayments are made of polypropylene polymers or polyethylene, and they offer better resilience than felt. They’re lighter in weight and can be laid flat, allowing a more seamless installation of shingles. They’re also more resistant to UV rays than asphalt, making them an excellent choice for roofs with extended exposure to the sun. Additionally, synthetic underlayments are more water-resistant than felt, meaning they won’t degrade as quickly or be susceptible to leaks.

Many of these products are also self-adhering, meaning that they can be easily attached to the roof deck without needing nails or adhesives. They’re also self-healing, sealing around fasteners to prevent water from getting into the home or damaging the underlayment.

It’s important for homeowners to understand the different types of underlayments and how they work in tandem with other roofing materials to protect their homes from the elements. Roofing contractors can help them choose the right underlayment for their new roof or reroof project, and they should follow the proper building codes and usage instructions to ensure that the underlayment is correctly installed.

Flashing

Flashing is a vital component of a roofing system, acting as a safeguard against leaks and other damaging elements. It creates a waterproof barrier in vulnerable areas of roofs where different materials or structures intersect, such as at roof valleys or around chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes. It also prevents water or moisture from seeping into the roofing structure, which can damage underlying materials, insulation, and interior walls.

Because flashing is located in these vulnerable areas, it requires careful installation and regular inspection to ensure that it remains intact. It can be made from a wide variety of materials, including aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel. These metals are chosen for their ability to withstand harsh weather conditions and resist corrosion over time. Flashings can be installed either as a standalone piece or in conjunction with other roofing components, such as shingles and underlayment.

Roof flashing is also available in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit specific roofing situations. For example, a chimney flashing is usually designed to accommodate multiple pipe diameters and can be customized with an insulated rubber collar to protect against the elements. Likewise, a standard flashing that is designed to fit over a wall penetration is typically made of flexible material and can be adapted to match the shape of the penetration or other surrounding roofing materials.

There are also several types of flashing that can be used to seal other points in a roofing structure. For example, counter flashing is a sheet of metal that slides under a run of base flashing when installing shingles or other flat roofing materials. Eave flashing is a small, L-shaped piece of flashing at the edge of a shingle roof. It is often combined with a counerflashing, which consists of an L-shaped piece of metal that fits under the top of a counter flashing.

Other flashings include apron flashing, which is installed at the junction of sloped roofs and walls to prevent water from seeping into the gap between them. It consists of a series of long, thin pieces that are laid in an ascending pattern that looks like steps. These are typically installed at the point where a dormer or wall meets a roof, with each course of flashing being covered by successive rows of shingles.