Roofs 101
What is a roof? A roof is any structure covering the upper portion of a building or vehicle. Roofs provide protection from the elements including rain, snow, heat, and wind, which is why it is important to pick a roof that performs. Generally speaking, how a roof performs is dependent upon three things: materials, construction and durability.
Materials
Materials depend largely on the building, the local climate and the general architectural design and purpose of a structure. Common roof materials include:
- Asphalt
- Metal
- Rubber
- Tile
- Thatch
- Coal
- PVC
- Wood shake and more
How well a roofing material insulates is an important consideration. Common forms of insulation include plastic sheeting and felt. “Cool roofs”, or roofs that are both reflective and insulative, are also experiencing a major boost in popularity.
Choosing the wrong roof material for the climate could lead to problems such as ice dams, buckling/pitching and other serious, costly issues. This is why it is important to partner with a trusted roofing contractor to help guide you in the process of choosing an appropriate roof material and expertly installing it.
Construction
According to Wikipedia, the construction of a roof is “determined by its’ method of support and how the underneath space is bridged and whether or not the roof is pitched”. The pitch of a roof is the angle of slope from its’ highest to its’ lowest point. For practical reasons, pitched roofs have traditionally dominated the US market. But the increased use of drainage pipes have given prominence to flat, mono-pitched and other types of non-pitched roofs. Other roof construction types include:
- Pent-roof
- Multi-pitched
- A-Frame
- Hidden roof and more
Durability
By virtue of where they are located, roofs are often the least accessible structure on a building. For this reason, it is important to choose a roof material and construction that is both durable and climate-appropriate.
Affordable Roofing in Ypsilanti
CertainTeed and GAF are two of North America’s largest manufacturers of residential and commercial roofing materials. In order to have the distinction being a CertainTeed and GAF-certified installer, roofing contractors must undergo rigorous training and education. Since 1987, A.H. Construction & Roofing Company has been CertainTeed and GAF-certified, which means we deal only in products of high caliber, durability and affordability. Our experts are always available to guide you in choosing the best CertainTeed and GAF roofing materials for your home or commercial property.
Give us a call today at 734-481-1983 for a free inspection, or for more information on CertainTeed and GAF-certified roofing materials.
