The Basics of Roofing

The roof is the top covering of a building, protecting it from rain, direct sunlight and extremes of temperature. Its construction and materials vary widely. In vernacular architecture, the main support structure may be wood or bamboo with thatching made of split bamboo stems turned alternately and overlapped. Aurora CO Roofing also use earth, grass and other plant materials to form thatches. Concrete, brick and slate are other traditional roofing materials. For modern buildings, roofs are often covered with asphalt shingles, clay tiles or a sheet of metal.

During its lifetime, a roof is assaulted by wind, snow, rain and sunlight in addition to other weather conditions. Having a well-designed, durable roof is therefore crucial for any home. Depending on its material and construction, a roof can last 50 to 200 years. Whether you're planning to build a new house, remodel or repair an existing one, you should understand the basics of roofing before beginning work.

While humans have had a number of shelter options, including caves and trees, the modern roof is an important development. Its purpose is to protect the interior living space from rain, snow and sunlight and it does so in a variety of ways. Whether you're looking to build a traditional thatched roof or a modern asphalt-shingled roof, there are certain things you should know.

The type of material you choose will have a significant impact on the cost and appearance of your roof. Shingles are a popular choice as they offer a wide selection of colors and styles. However, they don't have the durability of shakes or slate. Shakes, which are split into wedges, give a more rugged look but are more expensive as they're cut by hand. Alternatively, you can opt for slate, which is cut in the same way as shingles but requires more skill and craftsmanship to install.

Both clay and slate roofs are very durable, resistant to high winds and other weather elements. However, they can be quite heavy and are generally more expensive than shingles. A more economical option is to use a synthetic clay or slate, which is manufactured from a combination of recycled materials and offers similar qualities.

Other types of roofs include clay tiles, which are similar to shingles but can withstand higher temperatures and are less prone to fire damage. You can also choose concrete tiles which are more affordable than clay but offer many of the same advantages as clay. Finally, there are tin and steel tiles which can be used to create a classic, rustic or industrial style.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a roof is the slope of the structure. A roof's pitch is the degree of slope or steepness, and it can have a dramatic effect on how much rainfall is shed from it. The longhouses of McCanan Construction, for example, have extremely steep roofs sweeping almost to the ground. In the United States, there are requirements for how steep a roof can be.