Understanding the Whole Roofing System and Its 6 Major Components
Roofers consistently have many clients asking for a new roof installation. Typical roofing issues arise, like shingles curling and deteriorating. Clients typically put it off until they badly need a new roof, and they need one very fast. A new roof system is a considerable investment to anyone and only professional roofing contractors can provide this service at a fair price. However, how much a roofer knows about the roofing system?
To provide an excellent service and satisfying results, it is crucial for roofing professionals to know every single detail of a roofing system, including the many parts it. Deploying project management software is another essential thing these professionals have to consider to achieve simplified work. But here in this blog, let’s first understand the entire roofing system, including its six major components and more.
What is a Roofing System?
The term roofing system refers to the vapor retarder or air barrier, roof membrane, roof insulation and other accessories. A roofing system must perform all its primary functions — it must have an abrasion-resistant finish, must not lose heat during cold seasons, must not absorb heat during hot climates and should look appealing. Hence, this type of system has to be built and maintained for it to function correctly.
Moreover, a whole roofing system combines various elements and components. Some buildings have flat roofs, and some usually have higher arches or peaks. There are commercial buildings that have skylights as well, and some don’t prefer such accessories. In short, there are no two roofs that are alike with one another.
Here are the six major parts of a roof system. Each piece is vital to the functionality and longevity of the system.
1. Starter Shingles
Starter shingles are considered essential for the application of roofing shingles. It is proven to increase the longevity of the roof system and can prevent a shingle blow. Apparently, they are the very first later that will be placed on the roof. In asphalt shingles, it is essential to use a shingle that has full coverage.
It might be one of the most overlooked parts of the roof system since most roofers try to utilize a cut-up strip shingle. Using a high-quality pre-cut starter-strip will tightly lock the shingles in place. This alternative is very cost-effective, and it is highly suggested.
2. Flashing or Drip Edge
The corrosion-resistant metal used to be applied to roofs at the edges of chimneys and walls is called flashing. The edges are identified as eaves that usually extend beyond the exterior walls. Flashing is typically made from materials like aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper.
Regardless of the different roofing materials, a roofer has to use, flashing is always one of the most vital components. The role of this particular component is crucial to the health of the roofs. It helps the water to run down the roofs and into the gutters. Even with the best underlayment and shingles, water can sneak in through the valleys and eaves. Thus, the insidious process of deteriorating a roof begins.
Below are the four types of flashing, and a combination of these four flashing types is being used as a part of the entire roofing system.
· Cap flashing
· Step flashing
· Valley flashing
· Drip edge
3. Underlayment
Underlayment is commonly an added layer of waterproof or water-resistant material applied openly to the roof deck. The underlayment provides blanket protection for the plywood surface area, supporting the entire weight of the system. It serves two primary purposes, and both are protective by nature. The first purpose is to protect the shingles from the sap from the roof decks. The second purpose is to add an increasing layer of protection against water.
Roofing underlayment has three common types:
· Synthetic underlayment
· Asphalt-saturated felt
· Rubberized asphalt underlayment
Note: Synthetic underlayment and asphalt-saturated felt are both water-resistant. Only rubberized asphalt underlayment is waterproof. An article published by Larry Savage provides sufficient information about the significant differences of each underlayment. Click here to read more.
4. Ventilation
One of the most critical components of the roof system is ventilation. Roofing ventilation refers to airflow on a roof deck’s undersides because of thermal and passive forces. When the roof is adequately ventilated, moist, warm air can escape while allowing dry col air to enter the space. Without ventilation, indoor spaces get moist and warm, and it’s not a good thing.
An adequately vented space has many advantages. Most occupants can enjoy experiencing fewer dramatic temperature fluctuations. Additionally, energy bills will stay lower as well. By keeping the moisture out, the roofs can be kept away from rotting inside out.
5. Roofing Deck
The structural foundation of the roofing system is called the roof deck. All other roofing materials are directly pinned to this deck. This part of the system is expected to support the snow coverage weight and the roofers or even heavy tree branches. The deck is the final layer of protection between the outdoors and the building. That is why decks have to be strong and well-protected.
Roof decking is generally made from plywood or various composite materials like OSB (Oriented Strand Board).
6. Water and Ice Barrier
Ice and water are two of the most dangerous elements that can damage the roof. Both elements contribute to wood rot and create a place for mildew and mold to accumulate. The roof system can be exposed once again to freezing temperatures whenever the runoff gets away from it. When the water freezes, it can effectively dam the gutter. When more snow melts, more water builds up. Hence, more ice will form.
That is why having a water barrier and ice is very crucial. Having this barrier will help to keep the moisture out. Thus, protecting both the entire roofing system and the building.
Even Roofing System Have Several Opponents
The roof system’s performance is greatly affected by numerous factors. By simply knowing the following listed below make you more knowledgeable and well-informed about these necessary considerations.
· Rain — it can work its way inside the roof decks causing the roof structures to deteriorate and rot.
· Sun — the ultraviolet rays and heat that come from the sun cause roofing materials to worsen over time.
· Wind — strong winds can lift any shingle edges and force debris and water underneath them.
· Snow and ice — the roof’s overhang is often refrozen because of the melting snow.
· Moss and algae — algae retains moisture, creating a green stain and causing deterioration and rot. Moss typically grows in wood shingles and shakes and holds even more moisture to the surface.
· Condensation — the buildup of moisture-laden and warm air results in condensation
· Torn and missing shingles — when shingles are either torn or missing, the building interior and roof structure will become vulnerable to rot and water damage.
· Trees and leaves — leaves on the roof can cause rot because of moisture. Falling branches from overhanging trees puncture and damaged shingles.
· Flashing deterioration — several roof leaks arise because of flashing leaks. Water enters a building when the flashings are not tight.
4 Crucial Reasons Why Roofers Have to Use a Construction Scheduling Software
One of the crucial tasks every roofing contractor should accomplish even before the start of each project is to ensure that all aspects of the roof project are correctly taken care of. Roofing contractors should have accurate measurements of a certain area where they show off their expertise, checking if all listed tasks are done on time, pooling the right crew to do the job, and so on.
Executing all of these project administrative aspects one by one is a huge challenge for roofing contractors. They need the best project management skills and the right software application to cover all the crucial tasks.
Today, the best subcontractor scheduling software in the market is Pro Crew Schedule. Here are the four crucial reasons why roofers have to deploy it.
1. It offers a more systematic scheduling
Using the application allows the crew to utilize all the materials they will get because they already know how much they need for the work. It is beneficial in a great way because they no longer need to waste money or make unnecessary purchases. More systematic scheduling is obtainable upon using the software. Resources, crew and the entire project can be systematized and organized correctly.
2. Designed for the roofing business
It is a project management application that is designed to serve the needs of various types of businesses. The application provides general project management capabilities like reminders, to-do lists, and other documenting features. The software has been equipped with all the project management tools you need to manage them more effectively.
3. It simplifies the processes and the project lifecycle
The application is not only easy to use, but it makes the entire work much simpler. The features of this software application have been designed to simplify all the processes and procedures implemented during work. Thus, it helps in saving more time. Streamlining all documents in a very easy way is obtainable.
The lifecycle of a project is best simplified and monitored using the software, including its ongoing development. Every stage is well-monitored and every participating crew is well-supervised.
4. It is easy to use
The best project management application is one that is easy to use and access. Deploying an app with confusing features, terms and a steep learning curve will only make the job harder to manage. You and your team might end up not using the software at all. Thus, every foreman in construction must take usability into account upon choosing the best software solution. Doing so will help him benefit in its features.
Key Takeaways
The past has shown that the quick introduction of new roof system designs and new roofing materials has not been easy. That is why as the roofing industry moves forward, it is more likely that there can be some essential changes to the materials used due to energy, health, environmental, and sustainability issues. It is imperative to consider first a more sustainable roofing design for a better roofing system.
