The Two Styles Of Ventilation
What is ventilation, anyway? According to Oxford, ventilation is the provision of fresh air to a room, building, etc.
Its out with the old and in with the new . In roofing just like in life, this is very refreshing and important strategy to have!
Understanding how air naturally moves helps us realize why both intake and exhaust play a critical role in a roofs venting ability. And knowing how the two work hand-in-hand is important before choosing which of types of roof vent systems are best for your home and budget.
Zinc Roofing Pros & Cons
Who remembers the original Humvee? An extremely durable and dependable machine that could take you anywhere you needed to go, yet at a pretty price. This is Zinc in a nutshell.
Zinc is an amazing metal, able to use its patina to heal scratches over time, plus stay strong for over 100 years. The natural properties of Zinc make it a favorite for commercial projects due to its ability to be easily formed and manipulated into amazing shapes. While the chalking of Zinc over time is not considered an appealing aspect of the metal, it can be cleaned and controlled to an extent.
While the Humvee was not exactly a green vehicle, Zinc could be considered one of the greenest metals available for roofing. Zinc has a lower melting point than other roofing metals. This lower melting point means that processing the Zinc for use as a building material requires up to a ¼ of the energy that it takes to process steel or copper. Zinc is also 100% recyclable and available in most local markets, making it an extremely green material, even compared to Copper or Steel.
The main downside to Zinc is the chalking effect from an aesthetic point of view, and the price. Zinc is not cheap. In fact, Zinc often is comparable to Copper. Like Copper, Zinc also requires expert installation to properly make use of its advantages as a building material.
Get An Estimate Of Your Roofing Project Today
At Elevated Roofing, we are experts in roof replacement. With more than 20 years of experience, we pride ourselves in exceptional workmanship. We provide homeowners with a no-obligation roof inspection to assess whether any repairs are necessary, and we promise not to sell you anything that you dont need. Contact us through our online contact form or call us at to request a free roof assessment today.Get a Free Roof Assessment »
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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.
What Is A Saltbox Roof
Saltbox roofs are commonly found on earlier Colonial or Cape Cod-style homes, and they are characterized by their distinctive asymmetrical design.
One side of a saltbox roof is a flat roof with a slight slope, while the other side is more of a lean-to structure.
These types of roofs also have gables at each end for a triangular silhouette when viewed from either side.
The name saltbox roof comes from the original shape of boxes of salt sold in New England the sloped design was meant to be easier to pour than a cube or square-shaped box.
Theres a unique history behind saltbox roofs.
Originally, this style of roof arose organically when early settlers in the Northeast and East coasts of the U.S. added a lean-to on top of their existing gabled roofs, which gave them more space and required little additional building material.
After that type of structure became popular, it became common to build homes with that type of roof already added since it adds another story or half story of room to the houses structure.
A saltbox roof offers plenty of positive aspects on top of the increased living and storage space for instance, the slope allows for easy water runoff during snow and heavy rains.
You can use most of the standard roofing materials such as asphalt shingles, metal shingles, wooden or cedar shingles or shakes, slate, or composite shingles to build a saltbox roof.
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What You Need To Know About The Different Types Of Roofs
Roofs have a lot going for them but are often overlooked. The type of roof you have isnt only an aesthetic choice but also incredibly practical depending on what youre going for there are multiple choices to pick from.
If youre building a home, purchasing a new one or just simply curious on the different styles of roofs then look no further because in this guide youll get the low down on some of the most common.
Steel Roofing Pros & Cons
Steel is an alloy, made from iron and other elements. Used in every aspect of building, steel roofing has often been one of the most common materials found on a commercial construction site, and is now often incorporated into residential builds. While the initial creation of steel can be an energy-intensive process compared to a metal like Zinc, the recyclability and availability of the metal alloy means that most of the steel we use today is made from recycled material rather than new. In fact, steel is the most recycled material on the planet, making it an incredibly green building material to work with.
When compared to other metals, steel is also the least expensive. While also being a commodity, steel is often priced at a much lower rate than Aluminum, Zinc, or Copper. This makes steel both affordable and available at a greater amount compared to the other metals on this list.
There are three primary Steel Roof types: Galvanized, Galvalume, and Weathering Steel.
Steel Roofing has made huge advancements in the past 50 years and can now be used to mimic Copper, Zinc, and other more expensive metal roofing materials. This is done through paint systems that create a painted solution to match the natural patina of a Copper, Zinc, or even the Weathered Steel look. These solutions often carry long warranties and make ideal choices for remodels, restorations, and new builds.
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Intake Bring That Fresh Air In
Hot air leaving your attic is important for your homes health and roofs longevity, but hot air is generally pretty stubborn! It doesnt want to leave without being forced out, so we need something to act as a bouncer. Enter: cooler air.
Cool, fresh air is the other half of a great venting strategy. The cooler air comes into your attic space via intake vents that are placed lower on the roof line than the exhaust vents mentioned above. Because the cooler air enters underneath the hot air , the intake ventilation will help push the stubborn hot air out of the attic space. The cool air, by way of intake style vents acts as our bouncer.
As long as you have exhaust vents with a large enough surface area, then this cooler intake air will help thrust the hot air out of the home. In a perfect world, its all a complete cycle
Cool air in through the intake vents and hot air out through the exhaust!
Different Types Of Roofs In Florida
Florida features a unique climate that presents many challenges for your roof. The constant sun, rain, wind, and tropical storms make the weather especially hard on roofing materials. Florida homeowners should be aware of several different types of roofs and the differences between them to help choose the best roofing option.
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What Is The Best Type Of Roof For A House
If you can afford it, a metal roof is best for the following reasons :
While metal roofs have many benefits, they are not cheap costing up to 3 times the amount of shingles. Moreover, they aint quiet in the rain .
Best Types Of Roofs Are Found At Feldco Roofing
The only way to cover and protect your home is to go with the best type of roof shingles. At Feldco Roofing, we have asphalt shingles that are completely durable, water-resistant, and appealing to many customers. Theres no other asphalt shingle like ours because its made out of strong layers that will stand the test of time.
Additionally, we have licensed roofing installers that are factory-trained to finish the job from roof installation to clean up. Get started on your roofing project today by getting a free quote online and see why many people trust Feldco.
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What Are The Different Types Of Metal Roofs
Once you decide to install a metal roof on your home, youll have to determine which type of metal would work best for you.
Four types are most commonly used among homeowners. They include aluminum, copper, steel, and zinc. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The trick is to find which one would go best with your tastes and preferences. For example, if youd prefer the cheapest type, then you might want to choose steel. But if youre looking for one that can stand the test of time, then youll probably prefer copper or zinc.
For more detailed information, weve discussed the most popular types of metal roofs in the sections above. You can find their pros, cons, and relative prices. Then, give us a call at Legacy Service to schedule a free consultation for a roofing installation or replacement. Well also help you determine what you want regarding the colors and styles of metal roofing, from standing seam to corrugated metal.
Top 15 Roof Types Plus Their Pros & Cons Read Before You Build
When building a new house or retrofitting an existing one, choosing the right type of a roof shape and style can be more difficult than most people realize.
Roofs do a lot more than just serving the most basic practical purpose of protecting a house and its occupants from the outside elements.
For instance, a roofs shape plays a major role in defining the overall look and style of a house. Roofs can also provide additional living space, as well as make your home more resilient, energy efficient, and weather-proof.
This definitive guide to roof architecture and styles will help you understand and identify the best roof shape for your home, shed, garage, or a place of business. We will also explore recommended roofing materials for the common roof types.
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Types Of Roof Materials: Choosing The Best Option
The roof of your home is arguably the most important for countless reasons. It provides protection from the elements, keeps your home warm, and protects your home’s structure, among other things. The roof is also, arguably, what can boost your home’s value the mostso a quality, well-maintained roof is essential. However, there are many different types of roof materials on the market, so knowing what to choose can be hard.
What Are The Different Types Of Green Roofs
There are three types of green roofs:
1. Extensive Green Roofs designed for environmental solutions
- 3- 6 of light weight growing medium.
- low-maintenance ground-cover plants.
- ideal for large flat-roof buildings and apartments.
- suitable for low-sloped residential roofs and retrofits.
- desert grasses and succulent plants.
- after one year, they do not require watering.
- annual spring weeding of tree seedlings & weeds brought in by birds and wind.
Whistler Daycare Centre: Extensive green roofs are ideal for schools, industrial parks, large big-box stores and multi-family housing.
2. Intensive Green Roofs also known as rooftop gardens
- 8-12 inches, or more, of growing medium.
- fully landscaped roof top garden.
- require regular maintenance -similar to an at-grade garden.
- diverse plants and trees can be planted .
- walkways, railings and lighting.
- parks, playgrounds or vegetable gardens are possible
3. Semi-intensive Green Roofs elements of both extensive and intensive systems
- Semi-intensive roofs, combinations of both extensive and intensive green roofs, are typically adopted to harness both the environmental benefits of a green roof, as well as a diverse garden within a manageable maintenance budget.
Chicago City Hall: Light weight soils at 4, 6 and 18 inches in depth.
Vancouver Public Library: Semi-intensive green roofs are ideal for long-term care facilities, daycare play spaces, employee picnic areas, and urban agriculture.
Green Roofs and Walls courses
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What Is A Hip Roof
Hip roofs or hipped roofs are perhaps the second most common type of roof after gable roofs.
What is the difference between a hip vs gable roof?
Hip roofs are composed of slopes on four sides that come together to make a ridge at the top, while gabled roofs have two sides.
This variance makes hip roofs even more ideal for snowy and icy areas, since the slopes allow precipitation to run off the roof easily.
Hip roofs are also considered to be more stable than gable roofs due to the inward pitch on all four sides coming together.
Hip roofs also provide more shade than gable roofs since there is an overhanging eave on all four sides.
Hip roofs often include design elements like front gables to highlight a porch or entryway, or dormers or crows nests to add extra storage or living space underneath the roof.
They can be crafted from most standard roofing materials like asphalt shingles, standing seam metal or metal tiles, or clay or concrete tiles.
While hip-style roofs tend to be more expensive than gable roofs due to their more complicated design, they are still fairly common due to their versatility and durability.
After all, hip roof framing and overall builds require more materials and more expertise to construct, but you do end up with more stability and storage and living space underneath the roof.
And of course, regular care, inspections, and maintenance are required to keep your hip roof in the best possible condition.
Cons Of Mansard Roofs
- Requires more materials and maintenance
- The upper slope creates less-than-ideal drainage, and you can find yourself with standing water or insufficient water shed.
- Obtaining permits to increase the height of your structure can be challenging to get.
- The complex nature of this roof makes installation costs much, much higher than other types of roofs.
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Types Of Roof Designs & Styles
When designing a building, it can often be taken for granted that the roof is a one shape-fits-all affair, but this is definitely not the case. There are a huge number of roof types, all serving a different purpose and more suitable to certain weather conditions and building styles.
Need specialist roofing contractors for your domestic or commercial project? Call us on .
Knowing which roof is which, and whats most suitable for your needs can be an overwhelming process, JTC Roofing have compiled 28 types of roof designs available for a range of building styles here:
We are a leading metal roofing contractor, providing roofing in a range of styles and materials across the UK, as well as offering a roof repairs service. Weve worked on a wide variety of buildings, from industrial warehouses to ornate churches, so our team are equipped for any project.
We work with aluminium, lead, copper, zinc, and stainless steel roofing contact our team today to discuss whats best for your project and to book a contractor to survey your site.
Which Roof Type Is Best
As you can see, there are multiple styles of roofs from which to choose. Not only that, but the sheer number of building materials means there is nearly an endless choice when it comes to roofs. Moreover, depending on the house siding type, your roof choice might change as well. Keep in mind the style of your home, climate, and your budget in order to come up with the design that is appropriate for you.
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