subject: Understanding Insulation And The Roofing System [print this page] Understanding Insulation And The Roofing System
At some point in the life of a home, you are going to have to replace or repair your roof. While some men are not willing to try the task themselves fearing that they may do further damage and cost more dollars along the way, others are confident with their abilities to handle certain tasks in a do it yourself manner. These DIY buffs must understand before they begin, however, that a roof is about more than just the tiles on top of the house. A roof is instead an entire system that works for the good of the structure. This roof system depends on proper ventilation, water barriers and insulation to survive. If you are wanting to learn DIY with roof replacement and repair then you need to first become a master in these three general areas: Insulation. How energy efficient your home is will be determined by the amount of insulation in the attic under the outer tiles and house framing. With an abundance of insulation, you can save hundreds of dollars each year in heating and cooling costs. Water vapors generated by the average 4-person family can total anywhere from 2 to 4 gallons each day. Without proper insulation, it would be easy for these vapors to get to the roof itself and cause damage to the tiles. By keeping proper insulation in your attic, you have a strong water barrier to prevent this from happening. Ventilation. In addition to water damage that results from improper insulation, poor ventilation can also create a breeding ground for damaging molds that grow on the structure and compromise the quality and integrity of your home. Mold can also be dangerous to individuals living within the home, who suffer from severe allergies. In order to keep your home and your family safe, you need to make sure that air has a strong through-way to prevent mold reproduction. In your DIY journey, you will encounter a variety of problems that may be fixed by consulting your building codes. These codes will tell you what the proper amount of air circulation and insulation is for protecting your roof from damage. Ensure that you have met these criteria, and you have gone a long way in protecting the integrity of your roof and saving money over time. You should also be mindful of ice and heat buildup that may occur as a result of extreme weather conditions. Heat can cause fire hazards while ice may create more than the average amount of moisture that is healthy for a roof's lifespan. Once you know the basics of roof care you can focus on protecting it so that any repairs incurred along the way are not major ones.
