Whats The Best Roof Design
There is no simple answer as it depends on a number of factors, including the design of the rest of the house, the house location and orientation, climate, and the need to accommodate other roof-mounted equipment such as solar arrays.
The roof design will influence the range of suitable roofing materials. For example, near-flat roofs must usually use sheet metal or SIPs-type materials as tiles will suffer from water ingress, due to rain being blown back under the tile edges in high winds. It is possible to seal behind tiles for such situations, but flat roofs generally look better with sheet productstiles just dont suit a flat roof.
Roof angle should be carefully considered. Flat roofs, while simple, have some disadvantages. For a start, they often dont allow much space for good levels of insulation, although this can be solved with better design or using SIPs. However, in areas that experience high temperatures, a flat roof is rarely the best option. Flat roofs also usually require solar panels or solar water heaters to be mounted on tilting frames, which can be unattractive and add to the cost of installation, as well as substantially increasing wind loading on the roof.
Another issue with flat roofs, at least in high rainfall areas, is whether they are able to shed water rapidly enough. Steeper roofs shed rain more easily, and this results in other debris such as accumulated dirt, leaves etc being removed more readily than with a flatter roof.
Choosing A Style And Materials
How To Know What Type Of Roof My Rv Has
Taking care of your camper is essential if you want to have it serving you for a long time. Neglecting it will lead to wear and tear. However, if you do not know the type of roof you have, it will be a challenge for you to give it the best care.
So, how do you identify the type of roof your RV camper has? Lets find out.
You May Like: Adding Gable Overhang To Existing Roof
Do You Need A New Roof
There’s no denying when a roof destroyed by fire, windstorm, hail, or other severe weather needs to be fixed. But often, the need for repair or replacement is signaled by a seemingly innocent ceiling stain or drip. That telltale sign can end up being fairly inexpensive to fix or may require a costly overhaul.
Sometimes you can find the leaks source yourself if you have an unfinished attic and can locate the water trickle along a rafter or stud. However, its best to have an experienced roofer do an inspection and handle the repairs. We dont recommend homeowners navigate steep ladders and pitched roofs themselves.
The remedy may be as simple as filling in a crack with caulk, replacing a few shingles, or installing some flashinga membrane of metal that redirects water. Most leaks can be stopped if theyre limited to a few spots. But if youre experiencing recurring leaks and your roof is out of warranty, a new roof is in order. Even without obvious signs of damage, its wise to replace an out-of-warranty roof thats more than 20 years old.
What Is A Mansard Roof
Mansard roofs or French roofs are a style of roof originally designed by architect Francois Mansert that is made up of four double sloped sides that meet to form a low-pitched roof in the middle.
Valued for the extra living space referred to as a garret or loft or attic storage provided by the taller roof, mansard roofs are often used as a way to add flexibility to a home since they make it easy to build future additions.
The sloped sides may be flat or curved, but the lower slope always has a steeper pitch than the upper one.
Mansard roofs can have a range of silhouettes, such as concave, convex, or straight angle.
Keep in mind that adding dormer windows is essential for bringing in light, especially if you plan to use the garret or attic as living space.
Higher-end properties may feature decorative stonework, wood or stone quoins or similar masonry work, or other trim around the dormers.
Note that mansard roofs are typically more expensive than other types of roof, due to all the extra details that go into them, but they can be worth it for the future flexibility and the value they add to a property.
Accordingly, if you are designing and building a brand-new home, you may want to consider a mansard roof.
These types of roofs can be built out of nearly any type of roofing material, but distinctive types of metal like copper or zinc can make a real statement.
Recommended Reading: Skylight On Metal Roof
Wood Shakes And Shingles
Usually, a wooden shingle roof lasts for about 30 years with warranties that run up to 30 years. In order for wood shingles and shake roofs to last, however, you need to perform regular maintenance. Wooden roof upkeep includes yearly cleanings, as well as repainting or staining every 5 years.
Wooden shakes can last for decades if properly maintained. Image source: Westshore Roofing
The type of wood that you use will also determine how long the roof will last. Cedar shakes, for example, last longer than other types of wooden shingles because cedar is rot and insect-resistant. Cedar shakes are also able to withstand winds up to 245 miles per hour, which makes them a popular type of roofing material for coastal homes.
Signs you need a wooden roof replacement: Splitting shingles, rotting shingles, pest damage, mold, and/or algae growth.
Types Of Roof Tile: Creative Options For Your Home
If you have discerning taste, a regular shingle roof is probably not going to satisfy your urge for out of the ordinary style. Shingle roofs are functional as well as attractive, but they simply cant compare with the beauty of a tile roof. We are going to cover nine different types of roof tiles in this article and point out the advantages of specific types of roof tile over others.
Read Also: How Much Does A New Roof Cost In California
What Is A Flat Roof
A flat roof is almost exactly that a roof that has so little slope or pitch that it appears to be completely flat .
Flat roofs can be made from many types of material, although EPDM rubber or TPO and PVC roofing membranes are the most common, along with tar and gravel, roll roofing, or metal sheets.
There are many advantages to a flat roof you can use it as a deck or patio, for instance.
The outdoor living space can be a wonderful advantage in the spring and summer, or whenever the weather cooperates in your area.
Depending on the details of your property, it may also be possible to partially enclose a flat roof for a penthouse-style private deck.
You can also put heating and cooling units on top of a flat roof, which is a good way to keep them out of the way and avoid obscuring the architecture of your home with that equipment.
Another advantage of a flat roof is the ease of installing PV solar panels, which will improve the energy efficiency of the structure and of course, adding solar makes a flat roof eco-friendlier.
One note, flat roof repair can be particularly complicated if you dont have the right roofing company helping out.
You can also grow a garden on a flat roof, therefore creating a green roof which not only is good for the environment, but also adds an additional layer of insulation and helps make your heating and cooling systems more efficient and cost-effective.
Polyurethane Spray Foam Coatings
Polyurethane spray foam roofs are topped with a top coat designed to seamlessly waterproof your roof. If your roof appears reflective white or gray in color and has what looks like a sprayed-on pattern, you likely have a polyurethane flat roof. In the installation of SPF, base layers of dense polyurethane foam are sprayed onto the surface of the roof with a sprayer or wand. After this is complete, the waterproof coat is added to seal in the roof with an elastomeric foam layer.
The flexibility and waterproof seal of polyurethane roofs is enticing for many commercial building owners. Cracking and splits are less likely because of the flexibility of the materials, which can expand and contract as the outside temperature changes throughout the year. Unlike metal flat roofs, you do not have to tear off existing roof materials to make repairs a new layer of spray foam can be added on top. The downfall of having a polyurethane spray foam roof installed is that it can only be installed during specific weather conditions. SPF cannot be installed if the existing roof has any ice, frost, or surface moisture, so scheduling an installation ahead of time can be difficult. If the professionals installing your roof arent careful, SPF also poses a risk of overspray getting onto surrounding equipment, cars, and the parking lot.
Recommended Reading: Install Ondura Roof Panels
Which Type Of Roofing Material Fits My Budget
A new roof is always going to be an investment. When deciding on which type of roofing material to choose, you need to choose the one that fits your budget.
If youre looking for the most affordable option or have a tight budget, an asphalt shingle roof might be right for you. But if budget isnt a major deciding factor, you have more flexibility to choose metal or one of the premium roof systems.
If youre interested in learning how much youll have to budget for based on the type of roofing material you choose, check out The Average Cost to Tear Off and Replace Your Roof.
What Is A Dome Roof
Dome roofs are rarely seen in most residential settings, although they may be available in a prefabricated form and could fit into a contemporary design as a detail or even as the main roof.
The inverted bowl shape is striking and memorable.
This type of roof is expensive but very durable, and perfect to use for small additions to a different type of main roof think features like cupolas, gazebos, and crows nests.
Shingles, metal, or even glass will work for a dome roof, but metal requires the least maintenance and is generally considered to be the best choice for most structures.
Also Check: Trailer Roof Repair Cost
The Other Roofing Materials That Make Up An Asphalt Roof
An asphalt roof is more than just the shingles you see from the street. Its a combination of different key roofing components and materials to ensure your home stays leak-free.
While the asphalt shingles are the bulk of an asphalt roof, all the other roofing materials are just as important.
The main materials and components that make up an asphalt roof are:
- Roof decking
- Flashing
All of these materials are important to help your roof do what it does best, protecting you and your family. To learn more about the functions of each roofing component and material, read this article on the 9 materials included in your roof replacement.
What Kind Of Flat Roof Do I Have
Flat roofs are never a one-type-fits-all solution, which is why there are many different types of flat roofs. Knowing what type of flat roof your commercial or industrial building has makes a difference in what to expect for repairs and what to expect out of your roofs lifespan. Different flat roof types have different payoffs, depending on what your building needs. If youve never installed or repaired the roof on your building before, here is a rundown of several common flat roof styles and how you can tell them apart.
You May Like: Large Overhang Roof
Brava Roof Tiles Give Your Home Style And Functionality
Like most of us, you want your home to be a statement about good taste as well as an investment. Regardless of which Brava roof tile you choose, the Cedar Shake, the Spanish Barrel Tile, or the Old World Slate, you can be confident that your new roof will add to your homes increased curb appeal as well as its resale value.
Beauty isnt the only thing you need from your roof it needs to keep your home dry for years to come, and we build our roof tiles with that specific purpose in mind. We proudly offer a 50-year limited lifetime warranty on all of our roof tile products. You can be confident that you have made a wise decision when you choose beautiful Brava roof tiles. Contact us today for a sample!
Get Inspired to Order Your Complimentary Lookbook.
Composite Plastic Roof Shingles
Composite plastic shingles are generally produced from recycled plastic materials. They are a way to get more life out of plastics and other materials that would simply be tossed out in most instances so they are a great environmentally friendly roof replacement option. You can expect to pay $4 to $6 per sq. foot for plastic shingles or $400 to $600 per square installed on a standard sized single story home.Composite plastic shingles can be designed to imitate stone slate tiles or even wood shakes. They are much lighter than slate or other roofing types which make them easy to install. Composite plastic shingles are relatively affordable, but they are not as long lasting as most other shingle types. Plastic roofing lasts from 7 to 20 years depending on the type of plastic you choose to install.
Don’t Miss: Roof Overhang Extension
How Long Do Roofs Last 5 Roof Types And Their Lifespans
The age of your roof is a great way to determine if its time for a roof replacement. Image source: Advantage Roofing
Whether youre buying a new home or youre planning on staying put in your current house, you probably have an idea of the condition of your roof. But, it can be hard for homeowners to gauge exactly when they should get a roof replacement.
In this article, we discuss 5 different types of roofs, how long each different roof type lasts, and what signs to look out for when your roof needs to be replaced.
What Is An Asphalt Shingle Roof
An asphalt shingle roof is the most common type of roof you see on homes today. Its a roof system made primarily out of asphalt shingles and other asphalt roofing components.
There are three types of asphalt shingles to choose from: 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury.
3-tab asphalt shingles lay flat and get their name from the 3 tabs on each shingle strip.
Dimensional shingles give you a good looking random pattern or simulate the look of a wood shake roof.
Luxury or premium shingles are actually larger than the other asphalt shingles and are made to look like slate.
While 3-tab used to dominate the market, dimensional shingles are the most common type installed on roofs today. Luxury style shingles are just as heavily marketed as dimensional but are almost double the price.
This is just a general overview of the types of asphalt shingles. For a deeper breakdown of the different asphalt shingles, read this article on the 3 types of asphalt shingles.
Recommended Reading: How Much Does A New Shingle Roof Cost
Wood Shingle Or Shakes
Wood roofs are very attractive, but they are also quite expensive and have limitations. They are not particularly long-lived, and they are a poor choice in areas that get lots of moisture or where wildfires are a danger. Still, they are among the most attractive of all roofing materials, which makes them a popular choice for luxury homes.
Although both are made from natural wood, usually cedar or redwood, there is a difference between wood shakes and shingles. Shingles are typically thin, wedge-shaped slabs of wood that are produced by precise sawing. Shakes are produced by splitting wood and they are thicker wedges with a rougher texture.
Shingles typically cost about $4.50 to $9 per square foot, installed shakes are more expensive, with average costs of $6.50 to $14 per square foot, installed. Longevity depends very much on circumstances and maintenance. In relatively dry climates a wood shingle or shake roof can last 60 years in damp conditions, you may only get 20-30 years from the roof.
What Is A Pyramid Roof
As you might guess, this is a type of roof that is shaped like a pyramid.
A type of hip roof with no gables or vertical sides, pyramid roofs are usually used for smaller homes like cabins and bungalows, or sheds, garages, or other outbuildings.
Pyramid roofs are popular in hurricane or windstorm prone areas, since they are extremely wind resistant.
They also provide good ventilation and extra storage or attic space, or the interior can be left open for a high ceiling.
The overhanging eaves of a pyramid roof help to improve energy efficiency as well.
Note that pyramid roofs may be costlier to construct and maintain due to the complexity of the roof design, but they do provide the aforementioned advantages.
They can be crafted from nearly any common roofing material including asphalt shingles, composite shingles, metal shingles, slate, clay or concrete tiles, or wooden shingles or shakes.
Recommended Reading: How Much Does Shingle Roof Cost
