You probably do not climb up onto your roof very often. (We roofing professionals generally do not encourage it, so please don’t.) Since you are not up there, you likely do not have intimate knowledge of what it is like up there. No worries! We have you covered. Here are four things you might not know about your roof, that might be good for you to know. (And we’ll save you the risky trip up there to look for yourself!)
Your Roof is Not Flat
Some parts of your roof may look flat. They are not! Any roof needs at least a slope of ¼ inch per foot. The slope of your roof is essential to guiding rain and snowmelt (and acorns, and leaves, and anything else that’s up there) towards your gutters which collect the water and debris and help to guide them off of your roof, down the downspouts and away from the foundation of your home. Without a roof slope, water would collect and pool on your roof, eventually causing moss, mold, and mildew growth, and causing serious damage to your roof over time. (There are rare exceptions to this, but if the roof of your home or business is flat, you almost certainly already know that, because it requires special drainage and maintenance.)
The Roof Decking is Significant
The roof decking needs to be strong, because it supports the weight of the entire system of the roofing. It is the base that sits on the trusses – the structural bones of your attic. The roof decking covers the rafters and supports the weight of the shingles. It is usually made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). The materials that most people think of as the “roof”, such as shingles or tiles, are actually laid on top of your roof’s decking. This decking is what the tiles, shingles, or other rooftop materials are protecting.
We Cannot Build Over an Existing Roof
It may seem obvious to put more material on top of your current roof in the event of a leak, with the thinking that adding a solid layer on top should do the trick. It’s a nice idea, but it’s a bad practice. A double-layered roof is too heavy, and just covers up the rotting material, which lets the problem worsen over time. You’ve made it look better, but not solved the (literally) underlying issue. In some cases, a second set of shingles can be put down over an existing layer of shingles, but it simply isn’t the best practice.
Different Roofs Work Best in Different Climates
If you think of the “classic” look of a home from a particular climate, you’ll start to see a pattern. And that pattern often reflects the intersection between weather and roof design. Places where it snows a lot often call for steep Gable roofs, which are made from two triangles forming a right angle. (Think Scandinavia.) These Gable roofs encourage snow and ice to slide off, rather than accumulating on top of the roof, which would place much too heavy of a load on a roof that collects heavy snowfall. Places that have high winds (think Florida coastline) are better suited to a hipped roof, with four equally long sides. And dry climates call for flatter roof systems (think desert southwest), because they aren’t so worried about snow, water or leaves collecting on the roof surface. Your area will have a type of roof that suits it best – if you look around your neighborhood, you’ll probably see the same shape of roof repeated again and again. This isn’t accidental, it’s by design, and a great local roofing company will be able to advise you on the best type of roof in your area.
Here in Cincinnati, your best bet for a reliable, trustworthy roofer is Harper Siding & Roofing. We’re from the local area, and we have the experience and expertise to install or repair the roof that your Cincinnati area home needs. We’ve built our business by providing excellent service at a good value across the region, and we look forward to showing you what we can do for you and your home’s roof.