Saturday, 30 July 2011

Roof Repair Basics: How Your House Works

The common denominator in all roofing is that several layers work together as a system. Understanding how this system works can help you talk knowledgeably with a contractor, or help you make buying decisions to do your own work.
One of the earliest roofing materials was thatch, bundled reeds attached to rafters. Surprisingly weathertight, it is incredibly labor intensive, taking even a skilled thatcher weeks to complete. Later came roofs protected by overlapping slates, clay tile and cedar shakes (below), all of which remain in use today. But the great workhorse of the modern American roof is the asphalt shingle. Used for more than 100 years, it's a good choice for handy homeowners who want a product they can install themselves.

The common denominator in all roofing is that several layers work together as a system--each element from the roof deck on up contributes to resisting weather. Understanding how this system works can help you talk knowledgeably with a contractor, or help you make buying decisions to do your own work.

3 comments:

  1. Thanks for web page creation for home repair that beneficial for us...
    Flat Roofs Repair

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  2. These are interesting facts! Indeed, part of human progress is the constant development of his habitat. Every part of the house - the nails that bind the pieces of wood together, the concrete that provides form to the house and protection to the owners, and of course, the roof that keeps everything under it safe - is a system that works for a single purpose. It's amazing to know that the seemingly simple arrangement of shingles on roofing is actually a result of bright minds constantly at work to make our houses not just a beautiful sight to see, but also a fortress where we can be safe from the outside.

    Rolf Matchen

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  3. A little knowledge really pays off. Yes, we can hire roof contractors to do the repairs or replacement, but still, we have to know what they are doing, and even the materials they are using. This is a good way to assure ourselves that we are making a good investment.


    -Brendan Gertner

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