subject: To Roof or Not to Roof by Randy Mate [print this page] To Roof or Not to Roof by Randy Mate To Roof or Not to Roof by Randy Mate
With the recent series of heavy rains we've had it has shown many roofs in the Southern California area in need of repair or replacement. You may have experienced water leakage yourself due to a failing roof. Don't give up hope!
When it comes time to replace the roof, many homeowners know very little about the materials used, or what to ask for when getting an estimate.
One way to better your own knowledge in this area is to become familiar with certain common roofing terms so that you and your contractor understand each other.
Here are some of the more basic roofing terms that are good to familiarize yourself with before repairing or having a new roof put on your home -
Deck The structural surface of the roof, usually plywood or some other type of board to which the roofing materials are applied. A good roofing job starts with a roof deck in good condition.
Flashing Pieces of metal or other roofing materials used to prevent water seepage into a building at points where the roof intersects or meets a projection, such as the chimney, vents pipes, dormers, etc.
Granules Ceramic-coated crushed rock or mineral granules applied to a shingle's surface. These protect a roof from the sun's ultraviolet rays and provide important water-shedding qualities.
Hip The external angle formed where two slopping roof planes come together. Hips are the opposite of valleys. Special shingle caps at a roof's hip and ridge plane give a finished look.
Valley The internal angle or "valley" formed where two sloping roof planes come together. Valleys serve as water-draining channels and require proper flashing to ensure proper drainage and to prevent leakage along the valley joints.
Square A measure of surface area equal to 100 square feet (10 feet by 10 feet). Roof materials are usually measured in squares.
Underlayment or felt A sheet of asphalt-saturated material (often called tar paper by laymen) used for moisture and additional protection between the roof deck and the shingles.
Please Note: Do not walk on your roof it is dangerous. Check your roofs' condition from the ground. If you're having trouble seeing the roof surface, use some binoculars. Got more questions or ready to start call me at 1-800-694-2639
