It is not common knowledge that a roof is among the most hard-working of all your home’s components. Or how much of a story is in the shingles above you for that matter. One has to ask why some roofs will see out decades and others do not.
We at BulletpROOF Exteriors LLC are fond of putting our roofing expertise to use in conversation. In the course of serving MD, PA and WV since 2018 we have put thousands of homeowners on to the fact that their roof is quite an interesting thing. We are at (704)-396-5381 should any questions come up; until then, here are a few facts for your edification.
Your Roof Is Older Than You Realize
There are not many building trades as old as roofing. For millennia people have been making do with what nature provides to cover themselves, well before the advent of modern shingles.
Some of the materials of yesteryear include:
- Thatch of straw or dried grass
- Shakes of wood from a log
- Sun-baked clay tile
- Slate of natural stone
- Hides of animals over a wooden frame
- Timber frames with living plants and sod on top
You will still find some of these in use. Put in and cared for, a slate or clay tile roof can be expected to endure for more than a hundred years.
More Than Just a Rain Shield
In the mind of most a roof is for weather protection, period. A fine roof is something else entirely, though it is a distinction many only make once trouble is at hand.
It is a system in its own right, one that regulates temperature and water while shielding what is below. Take a look at what is going on up there:
- The underlayment for an extra measure of moisture control
- Flashing to close off the space around a vent or chimney
- Insulation to keep the indoor climate even
- Gutters to take the water off the foundation
- Ventilation so the attic can shed its heat
With all of this in place the home is dry and energy efficient.
The Case for Color
A roof’s color is not merely cosmetic. A dark roof will take in the sun’s heat where a light one puts it back. In a warm part of the country the latter can mean lower cooling bills in summer. Then again, the material and the way it is installed are just as important in managing heat. A competent contractor will be able to point you in the right direction.
Shingles Are More Numerous Than You Would Think
An asphalt shingle roof is made up of thousands of pieces, each overlapping to send the water down the hill. Lose a couple in a storm and the integrity of the system is compromised.
That is the reason for an inspection now and then; it is better to nip a small problem in the bud than have a leak that has been festering for months. Our clients in MD, PA and WV know the weather does not go easy on a roof.
All Roofs Have Their Time
What a roof is made of will determine its lifespan. Here is a guide to what you can plan on:
- 20-30 years for asphalt shingles
- 40 to 70 for metal
- 50 plus for concrete or clay tile
- A century or more with slate
Provided they are maintained and put in correctly. Neglect and no amount of quality in the material will see a roof through.
Homeowners Know a Good Team
Roofing is a craft as much as a science. It calls for the right materials and an eye for detail, which is why a homeowner wants to be sure his contractor is in good standing and insured.
BulletpROOF Exteriors LLC has been doing just that since 2018, amassing 230 five-star Google reviews in the process. We stand behind our work with a 100 percent guarantee and are on hand 24/7 for those we serve in MD, PA and WV.
So make use of what you have learned about the roof over your head. If you are in need of a free estimate or have a concern, we are here to help. Give us a ring at (704)-396-5381 and let BulletpROOF Exteriors LLC handle the barrier between you and the elements.