The term roof system refers to the air barrier or vapor retarder (if present), roof insulation (if present), and the roof membrane, flashing, and accessories. Low-slope Roof Coverings (slope less than or equal to 3:12): Steep-slope Roof Coverings (slope greater than 3:12):
What are the different types of roof systems?
The term roof system refers to the air barrier or vapor retarder (if present), roof insulation (if present), and the roof membrane, flashing, and accessories. Low-slope Roof Coverings (slope less than or equal to 3:12): Steep-slope Roof Coverings (slope greater than 3:12):
What is the anatomy of a roof?
Understanding the anatomy of a roof and roofing terms is helpful. Here are the most common terms: Decking or sheathing: the flat sheets of plywood or lumber that the roof is attached to. Dormer: a smaller roofed structure, usually with a window, that projects out of the roof line.
What is involved in the process of designing a roof?
After the roof system is selected and the specifics of the system (such as deck type, insulation type (s) and thickness, fastener patterns, and warranty requirements) are developed, it is necessary for the roof designer to determine what details are needed and to design the details so that they are suitable for the project conditions.
What is roof system design life?
Roof system design life should be a starting point in the selection of roof systems. Most buildings utilize a minimum 20-year roof design life. Since many roofing systems have not been in production for 20 years, the designer should consider proven systems as a first step in obtaining roof design life.
Which roofing system is best?
The most durable types of roofing are slate and clay tiles but they're more expensive than materials like metal or wood. Functional roofing alternatives like green roofs and solar shingles are among the most expensive types. Replacing an old roof is one of the best and most profitable ways to invest in a home.
What different types of roof systems are there?
Below are seven different types of roofing systems to choose from:TYPE #1: ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES. ... TYPE #2: RUBBER MEMBRANE ROOFING SYSTEMS. ... TYPE #3: SLATE ROOFING SYSTEMS. ... TYPE #4: CLAY TILE ROOFING SYSTEMS. ... TYPE #5: METAL ROOFING SYSTEMS. ... TYPE #6: COMPOSITE & RUBBER ROOFING SYSTEMS. ... TYPE #7: SOLAR TILE ROOFING SYSTEMS.
What is the most common type of roof system?
asphalt shinglesThe most common residential roofing material used in the United States, asphalt shingles are popular because they are economical and easy to install.
What are the three types of roofing?
3 Roof Types and Their Ideal Roofing MaterialsBonnet Roofs. The main feature of this roof is its twin slopes, which incline at different angles. ... Gable Roofs. These are also known as peaked roofs, which you can easily recognize through their triangular outlines. ... Flat Roofs. ... Get in Touch With Us.
What are 5 common roofing systems?
We can work with the six most common roof classifications, including:Built-Up Roofing (BUR) Membrane.Metal Roofing.Modified Bitumen Roofing.Thermoset (EPDM) Roof Membrane.Thermoplastic (PVC & TPO) Roof Membrane.Garden “Green” Roofing System.
What are the 5 most common types of roofing?
Here are the most common types of roofing:Asphalt shingles. “The most common residential roofing material used in the United States, asphalt shingles are popular because they are economical and easy to install,” states HGTV. ... Ceramic roofing tiles. ... Slate roof shingles. ... Wood shakes and cedar shingles. ... Metal roofing.
Which material is used for roofing?
The most common roofing materials available include asphalt, wood, metal, clay, cement and slate, glass and plastic, and plastic liquid coatings.
What are the two main types of roofs?
LEARN ABOUT THE BASIC TYPES OF ROOFSGable roof. The term 'gable' refers to the triangle spot that is formed when the two pitched areas of the roof meet. ... Hip. Hip roof is slightly more difficult to build and usually has 4 sides. ... Dutch. ... Mansard roof. ... Flat roof. ... Shed roof. ... Butterfly roof. ... Gambrel roof.More items...
What are the 4 main types of residential roofing?
There are many types of residential roofing materials available, but these four are the most popular of the bunch.Asphalt Shingles. ... Metal. ... Clay. ... Slate.
What is the purpose of a roof?
roof, covering of the top of a building, serving to protect against rain, snow, sunlight, wind, and extremes of temperature. Roofs have been constructed in a wide variety of forms—flat, pitched, vaulted, domed, or in combinations—as dictated by technical, economic, or aesthetic considerations.
What are parts of a roof called?
Ridge: This is the top or peak of the roof, where two roof planes meet. Valley: This is where two pitched roof faces connect and project inward. They are always at a lower slope than the adjoining roof planes. Dormer: This is a roof feature that projects out from the roof face.
What is the name of roof?
IllustrationsFlat roofSingle-pitched (shed, skillion) roofGable roofRidged, multi-gable or m-type roofGambrel roofClerestory roofHip roofHalf-hip roofTented or pavilion roofRhombic roof/Rhenish helmArched roofBarrel roofConical roofSpireOnion dome11 more rows
What is gable roof type?
Gabled roofs are the kind young children typically draw. They have two sloping sides that come together at a ridge, creating end walls with a triangular extension, called a gable, at the top.
Are pitch and slope the same?
Remember, slope is expressed as a ratio and in inches per foot. And pitch is a fraction derived by dividing the rise by the entire span. The International Residential Code (IRC) specifies minimum requirements for roof coverings and mandates the use of the roof-covering manufacturer's installation instructions.
How are metal roofs attached to the home?
The majority of metal roofs currently in use today hold themselves in place by means of mechanical fasteners - usually corrosion-resistant bolts or screws that anchor the roof in the underlying decking material. Fasteners generally fall into one of two categories: exposed or concealed.
Why do you need a warranty on a roof?
A warranty may have some merit if it means that the manufacturer will take steps to minimize the potential for future problems (such as reviewing the specifications and details and providing meaningful inspection during application). A warranty may also enhance the likelihood that a professional contractor will install a roof. However, rather than relying on a warranty to obtain a qualified contractor, designers should specify contractor qualification requirements as discussed in the next section.
How wide is EPDM?
The sheets are typically available in widths of 10, 20 and 45 or 50 feet [3, 6 and 14 or 15 m], and lengths up to 200 feet [61 m].
What is a vapor retarder?
Vapor retarders are materials with a perm rating of 0.1 or less and are typically sheet materials such as 6-mil polyethylene, a two-ply built-up membrane or a one-ply modified bitumen sheet. Housewrap should not be used for a vapor retarder because it has inadequate vapor flow resistance.
How long do you have to specify materials?
Materials: Avoid specifying unproven products. Specify that the manufacturer shall have produced the specified materials for a minimum of five years.
Why was CFC phased out?
CFC was phased out because of its role in global depletion of atmospheric ozone. As an interim measure, hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) blowing agents were used in the 1990s and early into the 2000s.
How to select a roof system?
This step is necessary to proceed with proper system selection as it determines roof system type. New construction allows better choice in the roof system selection and should begin with designing steep slope systems >3 in./ft. when possible, followed by low sloped <3 in./ft. where required. Generally, when a building least dimension is 75' or less, a steep-sloped system should be selected over a low-sloped system.
What is the most common type of deck?
Of the deck types used today, steel is the most common. Although prime-painted steel decks with welded connections are commonly specified, it is recommended that galvanized decks be specified in order to obtain greater corrosion protection in the event of roof leakage.
How long does slate last?
A slate roof will last up to 100 years, and it is visually appealing due to the natural variations in color and thickness of the individual shingles. Slate is very heavy, and can only be installed on a structure that is engineered to support the extra weight. It requires special skill and more time to install, so is a much more expensive roof from the labor standpoint. The cost of the slate shingles is usually about three times the cost of the most expensive asphalt shingles. Slate is fragile in some ways—you cannot walk on a slate roof—so replacing an individual shingle that is broken is difficult.
How long do asphalt shingles last?
Asphalt shingles can be applied to any roof that has a slope of a minimum 4 in 12. They can last from 10 to 30 years, come in many styles and colors, and require only minimum maintenance. Asphalt shingles can be walked on without causing much damage.
What is the term for the flat sheets of plywood that the roof is attached to?
Understanding the anatomy of a roof and roofing terms is helpful. Here are the most common terms: Decking or sheathing: the flat sheets of plywood or lumber that the roof is attached to. Dormer: a smaller roofed structure, usually with a window, that projects out of the roof line. Eaves: the overhang of the roof.
What factors affect the amount of roofing you need?
Where you live may factor heavily in your roofing needs. The amount of exposure to heat, high winds, extreme snow, hail, and fire in your area will determine some of your roofing options and maintenance schedules.
Why is slate so expensive to install?
Slate is costly to install because of the preparation needed and the highly skilled nature of the work.
What is visible roofing?
The visible roofing can be made of asphalt, tar, rubber, clay, composite material, wood, metal, cement, or stone. All these roofing materials are chosen for their ability to keep water out, but each type has benefits and idiosyncrasies and costs that run from moderate to exorbitant. Advertisement.
What is the importance of a roof?
Though it's rarely the center of attention when its doing its job correctly, the roof on your home (or more accurately, the roofing system) is a critical part of keeping you and your family warm or cool, dry, and safe.
What is a SBS Roofing System?
SBS modified bitumen roofing systems are popular among commercial or industrial buildings with flat or low-sloped asphalt-based roofs. SBS, otherwise known as styrene-butadiene-styrene, refers to the type of polymers added to asphalt. SBS is a long-lasting membrane when blended with bitumen. Its rubber composition makes the material less prone to cracking and can withstand even the harshest of elements such as ice and sun.
How long does a SBS roof last?
A key advantage of SBS roofing membranes is its exceptional lifespan. SBS on its own can last for 30 years or longer. Not to mention, an SBS roofing system can also further extend the longevity of a bituminous flat roof when it’s nearing the end of its service life. A single layer can be installed over top of the existing system, extending its lifespan.
Is bituminous roofing a popular choice?
Roofing materials are more diverse than ever, still, bituminous roofing membranes remain a popular choice. There is one among the market that has proven to be especially popular: SBS roofing systems.
Is modified bitumen flexible?
SBS modified bitumen is flexible enough to move with the building. Even after being stretched and scraped, SBS roofing membrane retains its shape.
Is bitumen good for a roof?
By using an SBS bitumen blend, your roof will be even more resilient to leaks and water damage. For roofs that hold water for long periods after it rains, SBS is an excellent material to utilize.
Is SBS a good roofing membrane?
SBS is even one of the simplest commercial roofing membranes to install. Despite how intimidating the installation process may look, SBS is both easier to install and less messy than other roofing options, like self-adhered.
Why are thermosets used as roofing materials?
Thermoset membranes are successful for use as roofing materials because of their proven ability to withstand the potentially damaging effects of sunlight and most common chemicals generally found on roofs . The EPDM Roofing Association (ERA) offers detailed information on EPDM roof resources.
What is base sheet?
Base Sheets – Saturated or coated felts placed as the first ply in some low-slope roof systems.
What is metal roofing?
Metal Roofing Systems. As one of the world’s oldest roofing systems, metal roofing began with materials like the bronze tiles on Rome’s ancient Pantheon. Lead roofing later joined bronze as a popular choice for cathedrals and castles throughout Europe during medieval times.
What is bulk asphalt?
Bulk Asphalt – A proven waterproofing material and is suitable for use in selected damp proofing and waterproofing applications.
What is the best way to restore a metal roof?
Options for the restoration of a metal roof surface include acrylic coatings made of polymers that cure to form a durable, continuous elastomeric membrane over the surface of the metal roof and can be added to metal roofing systems to address your building’s specific needs around waterproofing, rust and UV protection.
What is a low slope metal roof made of?
Many of today’s low slope metal roofs are made from corrugated galvanized steel – a steel sheet coated with zinc. Copper, aluminum, stainless steel and tin also are used in commercial metal roofing applications. Benefits to metal roofing including longevity, durability and heat resistance.
What is liquid applied roofing?
Liquid Applied and Spray Foam Roofing Systems#N#As outlined in the Manual, liquid applied membrane roofing includes hot and cold polymer-modified asphalt, single-component asphalt or coal tar-extended urethane and two-component urethane elastomer. Liquid applied membrane systems require rigorous preparation of the substrate, which must be dry and dust-free with patched cracks.
What is TPO roofing?
Thermoplastic polyolefin, or TPO for short, is a type of single-ply roofing material that is heat-reflective and energy-efficient. In laymen’s terms, TPO roofing belongs to the broader category of “ rubber roofing ” materials. It contains a blend of rubbers and other elements (fillers) that add to its durability and flexibility.
When was TPO roofing introduced?
TPO roofing was introduced in the 1990s as an economical alternative to PVC roofing. Over the last several decades, TPO has become popular due to its superior performance as a flat roof system. Primarily, TPO is touted as a more energy-efficient alternative to EPDM and PVC. And as demand for more energy-efficient roofing increases, ...
What is the most important aspect of purchasing a TPO roof?
The most important aspect of purchasing a high-quality TPO roof is choosing the right Bowie roofing contractor. TPO roofing is a relatively new product, and less experienced Bowie roofers may not have the know-how required to choose the best formulation, brand, or type for your roof.
How long has Capitol Improvements been installing TPO roofing?
Capitol Improvements has been installing and repairing TPO roofing for over 30 years. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about this popular roofing material so you can make an informed decision.
What color is a TPO roof?
TPO roof membranes are designed to meet a wide range of application and design specifications. TPO is generally associated with a white color, but TPO membranes may come in white, grey, or black. White TPO membranes offer the most benefit in terms of energy savings.
What is the best rubber roof for a flat roof?
EPDM (e thylene propylene diene monomer) is another popular “rubber roof” option for flat roofs, both residentially and commercially near Bowie. EPDM is often touted as the more affordable option, and this may be true in many cases. However, this more affordable aspect of EPDM usually applies specifically to its primary color option: black. EPDM can be purchased in white, but it is more expensive.
Does TPO roofing contain chlorine?
Unlike other roofing options like PVC, TPO roofing does not contain environmentally-harmful chemicals such as chlorine.
Material Descriptions
- When specifying roof assemblies, designers have many materials from which to choose. This section provides a brief overview of the primary roof deck, air barrier, vapor retarder, insulation, and roof covering materials used in the U.S. For further information on these materials, refer to T…
Applications
- After identifying the project's requirements a roof system should be selected that optimally responds to an integration of the project's requirements and the system selection criteria discussed in System Selection Criteria below. After the roof system is selected, drawings and specifications are prepared to communicate the roof designer's design concept to a professiona…
Drawings
- After the roof system is selected and the specifics of the system (such as deck type, insulation type(s) and thickness, fastener patterns, and warranty requirements) are developed, it is necessary for the roof designer to determine what details are needed and to design the details so that they are suitable for the project conditions. Roof Plan:A roof plan should be drawn to scale …
Emerging Issues
- The introduction and rapid acceptance of single-ply membranes into the U.S. roofing market in the 1970s was likely the most significant roofing industry change in twentieth century. Another notable development in the 1970s was the widespread acceptance of plastic foam roof insulations, although this pales in comparison with the development of single-ply membranes. It is doubtful t…
Relevant Codes and Standards
- Prior to 1990, the three model building codes (BOCA National Building Code, Standard Building Code, and the Uniform Building Code) contained few provisions pertaining to roof systems. Additional provisions were added to these codes during the 1990s. The International Building Code (IBC)has many provisions related to roof systems, including reroofing projects. Code requi…
Additional Resources
- Publications and Manuals
1. Flexible Membrane Roofing: A Professional's Guide to Specificationsby SPRI. Published by SPRI. 2. The Manual of Low-Slope Roof Systemsby C.W. Griffin: This book provides information on low-slope systems, including discussion of many fundamental design issues. Published by M… - Periodicals
1. Professional Roofing 2. RCI Interface 3. Roofing Contractor