A roofer, also known as a roofing contractor or shingler, builds and repairs the structures that cover buildings. They work with a variety of materials, including shingles and metal.

Roofers use good customer service and communication skills to interact with clients. They also follow all safety standards and procedures to ensure their own and others’ safety. Contact Prestige Exteriors now!

There are many roofing materials from which to choose, each offering varying levels of effectiveness and longevity. The type of material chosen depends on a number of factors, including budget, location and aesthetic preference. The selection of roofing material also varies by climate as some materials are not ideal in certain regions.

The most basic roofing structures like woven lattices of sticks and straw or mud date back to prehistoric times, but modern roofers use a wide range of materials designed to complement and enhance the architectural integrity of buildings. Aside from the most common corrugated tin, there are asphalt shingles, clay tiles and even concrete roofs available. Many of these materials come in a large variety of colors and shapes to match any home.

For the environmentally conscious, there are natural roofing options such as shingle and shake roofs that can be crafted from pine, cedar, cypress or redwood. Shingles are milled into uniform length and thickness to provide a crisp and clean appearance, while shakes are hand split and resemble wedges for a more rustic textured look. Both require regular maintenance to prevent moss and mold growth. For a more durable option, slate roofs are also available. Typically found on luxury homes, they can last from 60 to 150 years and are fire-resistant.

Other roofing materials include a variety of flat and low-slope roof membranes such as EPDM and TPO. The former is composed of a rubber-like membrane that can be mechanically fastened to a cover board or insulation boards with seams sealed by hot tar. It is suitable for most climates and can withstand heavy snowfall and hailstorms. The latter is a popular choice for flat and low-slope roofs because it is waterproof and reflects sunlight rather than absorbs it.

Rolled roofing consists of large rolls of asphalt-based material topped with mineral granules and is a good option for low-slope roofs. It is easy on the wallet but has a relatively short lifespan of about five to ten years. Membrane roofs made from Neoprene or PVC are another affordable alternative to shingle and slate roofs. They are suitable for most climates but must be properly maintained to ensure watertightness.

It’s a roofer’s job to examine the condition of a client’s roofing system. This includes the structural support of a roof, as well as whether there are signs of leaks throughout the house or office. The inspector should also check for signs of pest infestation.

When examining a roof, the professional will walk around it from the outside to look for any problems. Then they will climb a ladder to inspect the surface of the roof. They will look for moss, algae, rust, or other damage that could affect the quality of the roof. The inspector will also note any signs of leaking and water infiltration through the ceilings or walls.

Since a bad roof can significantly lower the value of a home, it’s important to inspect it regularly. It’s also a good idea to have an inspection done before selling the property. This will allow you to negotiate with the seller about covering the cost of replacing the roof before closing.

Structural inspection includes looking for signs of sagging in the roof planes and checking the condition of the soffit, fascia, and gutters. The inspector will also check the conditions of any skylights, chimneys, vent pipes, and masonry chimneys. If they find any issues, the roofer should make recommendations to repair these items.

Many inspectors use a checklist to ensure they don’t miss any issues. This can help them save time and money, and it can also improve first-time fix rates for the company.

A good roofer should be familiar with the roofing materials that are commonly used in their area. This will allow them to detect problems that may not show up on an inexperienced inspector’s checklist. For example, if you have slate roofing, an inspector who isn’t familiar with this material might miss a shingle that’s loose or missing.

While it might be tempting to climb on the roof yourself, a qualified home inspector will not allow this. Stepping on a sloping roof can be dangerous, and any damage that you cause might void the warranty on the roof.

Repairs might include bending flashing (thin sheet metal that goes around parts of the roof, such as pipes) back into place and resealing it, or cutting away and replacing damaged shingles. Roofers also re-slate and tile roofs, fit skylight windows and replace lead sheeting and cladding. If you have pets, keep them indoors during roofing work. Hammering and strangers in the house stress them, and they might run into or step on a stray nail.

A non-combustible roof can save you money on homeowners insurance premiums, but it will require more maintenance and upkeep than a combustible roof. Besides replacing the fire-resistant roofing material, you’ll need to regularly inspect and replace the non-combustible underlayment and other roofing components to maintain the fire rating.

A fire-resistant roof can be an excellent investment for a high-net-worth client, particularly if their residence is located in an area prone to wildfires. In addition to helping lower their homeowner’s insurance premiums, these clients can enjoy a sense of security that comes from knowing that their home will be protected in case of an out-of-control wildfire or the fires caused by an electrical fault. A non-combustible roof can also help protect valuable items in the home from being damaged by wildfires.

High winds are often the cause of roof damage, whether from hurricanes or regular thunderstorms. These strong gusts can rip off a roof and leave the home exposed to all kinds of other damages. The best way to protect a house from wind-related damage is to install a windproof roofing material. Fortunately, many types of roofing materials are now available that are designed to resist wind damage. Some of these roofing materials include shingles, rubber roofs, and standing seam metal panels.

When choosing a roofing material for a high-wind area, look for one with the proper uplift resistance rating. The ratings are set by organizations such as UL and FM Approvals. These organizations conduct tests to evaluate the uplift resistance of different roof coverings, including shingles.

In general, a roofing material with a UL 2218 uplift rating of class F is a good choice. This classification means the shingle can withstand uplift forces caused by fan-induced wind speeds of 90 mph or less. Higher-rated shingles can handle wind speeds of up to 150 mph.

The design of a roof can also help with uplift resistance. A hip roof style is more aerodynamic and is inherently more resistant to the uplift forces of high winds than a gable end wall. In addition, gable end walls can be braced to reduce their vulnerability. For existing homes, a wood adhesive with a caulking gun can be applied to the intersection of rafters and decking to increase the uplift resistance of the roof structure.

Other factors that can help with uplift resistance include the use of drip edges along the eaves. This is particularly important for older shingles, which can be more susceptible to wind uplift than newer shingles. For shingle roofs, using a six-nail pattern instead of the standard four-nail pattern can also increase the uplift resistance of a roof.

A well-designed ridge vent is another important feature of a windproof roof. This is especially true for houses around Lake Michigan, which are subject to severe storms and high winds. A ridge vent with the proper wind-resistance rating can help with uplift resistance and can also prevent water from penetrating into the attic.

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against mother nature. From high winds and severe weather to the constant sun exposure, your roof takes a beating. It is important to choose a durable roofing option that can resist damage for years. Durable roofing materials are highly resistant to moisture, fire, wind, hail and rot. They are also easy to repair, which saves you time & money on repairs or replacements.