You probably do not climb up onto your roof very often. (We roofing professionals generally do not encourage it.) Since you are not up there, you likely do not have intimate knowledge of what is up there. No worries! We have you covered. Here are six things you might not know about your roof.
1. 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.
2. 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 shingle. It is usually made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB).
3. 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. A double-layered roof is too heavy, though, and just covers up the rotting material, which lets the problem worsen.
4. Different Roofs Work in Different Climates
Places where it snows often call for Gable roofs, which are made from two triangles forming a right angle. These Gable roofs work well with attics. Places that have high winds are better suited to a hipped roof, with four equally long sides. And dry climates call for flatter roof systems.