Anatomy of a Roof

When it comes to exterior remodeling, the more you know about your home the better. Before investing in any roofing services, it's important to be informed of the components that make up the structure. From the sheathing to the edge cap, every part of your roof serves a crucial purpose to its overall performance and longevity. Let's go over the general anatomy of a home roof:

• Sheathing: The first component of a roof is the sheathing which is also referred to as the decking. Plywood or an alternative material is attached to the roof rafters or trusses to create a smooth surface to hold the rest of the roofing system and evenly distribute weight.
• Ice/Water Shield: The ice and water shield is a waterproof membrane that is applied directly to the roof sheathing. This component of the roofing system can stop any water from penetrating below the roof shingles and into the attic space.
• Underlayment: The roof underlayment is another layer that is added to the sheathing to prevent water damage that makes it past the shingle layer. This product is also crucial for attaching the shingles securely to the roofing system.
• Starter Shingles: Starter shingles are the first layer of shingles applied along the eaves of the roof. Starter shingles create a secure first row of shingles to help prevent rain and wind from getting underneath the roofing materials.
• Shingles: The roof shingles are the final, outermost layer of the roofing system and can come in various materials. From the edge of the roof on top of the starter shingles, the rest of the roof shingles are overlapped to create a watertight finish.
• Drip Edge: The drip edge is a metal strip installed along the eaves and rakes of the roof to protect underlying wood from water damage.

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Owens Corning Asphalt Shingles

​Owens Corning asphalt roofing systems are a top choice for homeowners looking to maximize their home's curb appeal and resale value. They're available as double-layer shingles which feature two layers of asphalt, resulting in a thicker profile and more textured appearance than single-layer. Triple-layer shingles are three layers of asphalt that offer more durability and weather resistance. Quadruple-layer shingles have four layers of asphalt which offer a high level of resilience and are less commonly chosen because they're expensive and offer a high-end appearance.

Owens Corning shingles are also offered in a variety of color palettes including browns, greens, blues, purples, blacks, and reds. Each color can enhance a home from modern to traditional to historic exterior design styles. The color of your roofing system can also play a role in its appearance over time as solid-color shingles show dirt and damage easier than blended colors. If you have an idea of what shingle layers and colors you want, our Central Indiana roofing company can help with the design.

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The Importance of Roof Vents

Roof vents are extremely important to the health of your roof, attic, and indoor air quality. When roofs and attics aren't properly vented, they can allow condensation to build up, resulting in mold, mildew, and water damage as well as destructive ice dams in the winter. A great roof design should feature the proper roof vents for air intake and exhaust. A well-rounded ventilation system can include ridge vents, soffit vents, gable vents, and electronic vents.

Ridge vents are located along the ridge of the roofing system which allows hot air and water evaporation to flow out of the attic space. Soffit vents are installed in the soffits which are located on the underside of the roof overhang to allow fresh air to enter the attic space. Gable vents are located underneath the gable of a roof, more easily understood as the triangle-shaped portion of the wall under the point of the roof. Electronically powered vents are wired into your home and can be turned on and off to accommodate more intense seasons of humidity.

When working with your roofing contractor, it's important to explain any issues with airflow that you've experienced in your home previously. They can recommend an optimal roof ventilation design to keep your home in great condition over the years. Roof ventilation not only affects the longevity of your roofing system but also the quality of air that you and your family breathe every day.

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What Influences a Roof Cost

The costs associated with roof replacements and repairs can vary significantly based on many factors. As a homeowner, it's important to understand the difference between getting ripped off and getting a great deal. One of the most effective ways to receive a more accurate roof estimate is to schedule a roof inspection so your roofing company knows exactly what they're up against.

When requesting roof replacement estimates, it's always a good idea to get a complete breakdown of costs to ensure you don't pay for services you don't need. Typically, the cost of a roof should be based on a square or a 100-square-foot area in addition to labor. Let's go over some of the most common factors that influence roof costs:

Roof Material/Type: One of the most influential expenses associated with a roof replacement is the cost of materials. This can change dramatically based on your preferences for style, durability, and performance. On average, asphalt roofing is the most affordable followed by metal, cedar, and specialty tile.

Roof Size/Complexity: Another important factor in roof cost is the square footage and complexity of your roofing system. A less expensive roof will have minimal square footage with a single roof peak while a more expensive roof can have thousands of square feet to cover and a dynamic roof design featuring many steep pitches.

Labor Costs: Labor has to be calculated into the cost of a roof replacement and can vary depending on the difficulty of the roof removal and installation. Higher labor costs are typically synonymous with old, worn-down roofing systems that have been patched multiple times and require more intensive labor to remove.

Added Features: Added roof features can include elements like roof ventilation, gutter systems, and skylights. These features can increase the cost of a roof replacement.

Disposal Costs: Disposing of the existing roofing material can vary depending on the amount of material that has to be recycled or brought to a landfill.

Pros and Cons of Roof Replacements by Seasons

The benefits and pitfalls of roof replacements can vary drastically by season. In spring, moderate temperatures and lower humidity create the optimal weather for the application of materials and adhesives. This advantage is combated by the variable weather that can shift at any moment, stranding the project until the weather improves. Arguably the best time to have your roof replaced is during the summer when the weather is most consistent but your roofing company may be fully booked without availability.

During the fall, roofing contractors are more available and can often accommodate last-minute requests. However, shorter daylight hours and unexpected snow can push the project into the winter. Lastly, winter roofing offers a more flexible schedule however, materials like asphalt become more brittle in the cold, and application can be an issue. No matter what time of year you're considering a roof replacement, contact Rees right away to get on the schedule.