Regular roof inspection, maintenance and repair extend the life of your roof and allow you to save on the overall cost of roof replacement. To ensure you’re able to give your roof the right care it needs, a detailed checklist and information should be done. Inspection and roof repair in Avon Indiana can be best performed by professionals who have the expertise and experience to ensure your roof stays at its best. They generally check for the following:
Visible Damage
The initial step to efficient roof inspection is to look for apparent indications of damage, which include deformations in the structures, dirt and debris. Roof repair specialists will also check for broken or blocked gutters and downspouts,as well as stagnant water. These kinds of damages, just like all the others, should be given immediate attention. You can ask your contractor to take a photo or video of the damages he finds.
Exterior Structural Damage
Chimneys, drip edges, vents, fascia and decking are all members of the external structural components of the roof. Roof specialists check for rust and rot and makes sure that there are no missing components. When leaks start to form around chimneys, skylights and vents, they can also affect the underlayment, sheathing, and joists which will lead to a more expensive repair or replacement costs.
Interior Structural Damage
Interior structural damages become an issue when roofs are not regularly inspected. These are the first to occur when regular maintenance aren’t performed. Sloped roofs require a comprehensive inspection because the location of the damage doesn’t usually directly point to where the leaks come from. Instead, it is directed to the path of least resistance and is not usually above the visible damage.
What’s Your Roof Type?
There are various types of roofs, each one is unique from all the others. When you pay a closer attention to roofing, you will realize that there is more to the usual flat and pitched roofs. They can actually come in different gradations and styles and knowing how one differs from another will allow you to know the benefits of a certain type of roof, specially the type that your home currently has. It should also guide you if you’re thinking about renovating your home.
1. Mansard Roof. This is a French style of roof which is composed of four slopes, two on each side of the home. The lower slope is more elevated and vertical than the upper slope. The upper slope is usually not visible from the ground. The benefit of this type is that it allows wider living or storage space.
2. Gambrel. This Dutch-inspired type of roof is noticeably similar to the mansard roof, but what makes it unique is that it has vertical gable ends. It is also recognized as a “barn roof” because it is commonly used on barns. Today, it is gaining more popularity in residential construction. This roof type also hangs over the facade of the home and provides a useful amount of space.
3. Saltbox. This type of roof posses a very interesting exterior. It is an asymmetrical long pitched roof with a neat design. It has one short side and a very long one.
4. Pyramid Roof. As how it is called, this type is a pyramid-shaped roof.
It is usually suggested on small structures such as a pool house or the garage.
5. Hip Roof. Hip roof and the pyramid roof somehow looks alike, but the difference is that its four sides meet at a ridge or a flat spot. Its benefit is that it is architecturally more practical.
6. Bonnet Roof. The two slides of the bonnet roof slope out an angle. This is usually the best choice for covering outdoor porch areas like verandas.
7. Flat Roof. This type of roof is the most prominent and apparently the easiest to identify. The most significant advantage of a flat roof is easy constructions. It is also the safest if one will step on it, most likely for the purpose of inspecting the roof. However, this type requires the most care and maintenance because debris will be collected, without a way for them to fall to the ground.
8. Cross Gabled Roof. They appear to be a perfectly shaped triangle in the front of the home. Cross gabled roofs are perfect for homes which have extra wings as it adds visual appeal.
9. Arched Roof. This type of roof is used at a single portion of the home, but definitely brings a stunning visual appeal to the property’s architecture.
10. Skillion Roof. Just like the arched roof, this type is also used in just a single part of the home. It appears to be a triangular roof or a flat roof that has been inclined on a small scale. It is also highly recommended to achieve a home’s visual appeal because it gives exclusive shapes and patterns for the home’s exterior.
11. Butterfly Roof. This roof style is rare. Its benefit is that it allows plenty of light, as well as ventilation. However, it is not highly suggested when it comes to water drainage.
Bottom-line
The different roof styles are created with their own unique designs, styles and shapes. Each one is meticulously created to attend to the needs of the structure they should cover. Choosing the best roof type results to the best protection from the weather, overall design rapport with the current structure and storage of internal elements which include piping, electrical wiring, ventilation and insulation.
If you are thinking about replacing your roof with a different style, keep in mind that not all types of roofing can complement the structure of your home. The slope of the roof, strength of the frame and the roofing materials are also essential factors to be considered. If you are living in a hurricane-prone area, choosing a roof with a good wind resistance in a must. On the other hand, if you reside in a location that is prone to wildfires, a roof with a high fire rating can best benefit you. Also, consider these types in picking one that can best complement the style of your home.
