Roofs:
Design, Function and Maintenance
A good roof is graceful, it's good-looking, and it ages well. To realize
that end, however, you'll need to do three things: design the roof appropriately,
build it right, and take good care of it.
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Build
a strong roof
How you put the roof together is just as important as the materials
you use. When framing and sheathing the roof, for example, how many
nails you use and where you put them may determine how well your
roof stays in place. Fasten your roof incorrectly and it may blow
away in a high wind or collapse under a heavy snow load. The same
applies to the roof covering itself. Whether you install asphalt
shingles, wood shakes, slate, tile, or a low-slope membrane roof,
the fastening details can make the difference between success and
failure. Roofing details such as underlayment, flashing, and edge
detailing must all be accomplished with care for your roof job to
succeed. You must also be aware of underlying structure. Heavy materials
like slate and tile need a beefier frame under them than lighter
products such as asphalt shingles or sheet metal; so, be sure to
have the supporting structure evaluated before reroofing.
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Case-in-point:
A dramatic roofline can make a bold statement. |
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Your roof is critical
to basic house performance. It gives your house identity, shelters you from
the weather, withstands sun, wind, rain, sleet, hail, and snow, and works
24 hours a day to protect the rest of your home from the relentless forces
of nature.
A Look at Roof Design
Good roof design is as much art as science. A roof has to seem a natural
part of the building, one that helps the building relate visually to its
environment. Consequently, the best roof designs spring from the shape
of the house and mesh with the overall style of the building. That is
why certain roof shapes and roof coverings are associated with particular
historical periods and designs, and even the most creative modern architecture
selects a roof to harmonize with the overall structure. When modifying
a house or adding on, it's important to be sensitive to the way the new
roof fits into the existing design.
Function
Roof design must also work on a practical level: The structure needs to
anticipate and support expected loads, the water-shedding details have
to work, and the covering must suit the slope and climate. Roof coverings,
like roof shapes, serve double duty because their appearance and their
function are intertwined. Slate, tile, metal roofing, wood shakes, and
asphalt shingles are all associated with certain periods and styles of
home. The color and texture of the roof, its patterns of tone and shadow,
lend character and personality to the home. On a practical level, some
roof coverings are better suited to various slopes and weather conditions
than others, and some may be more cost effective in terms of installation
and service life.
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Maintenance
Even with a perfect installation, no roof lasts forever. Wind, sun, rain,
and hail will take their toll, and sooner or later your roof will have to
be replaced. You can postpone that day of reckoning for many years by taking
good care of your roof. Pay attention to roof modifications: Any change,
patch, or alteration, be it for vent pipe, skylights, satellite dishes,
or repair, requires attention to detail. Waterproofing new joints, matching
the look of the existing roof, and using proper detailing are all critical
to the success and life expectancy of your roof. Inspect the roof routinely,
clean it periodically as needed, and make minor repairs in a timely way,
and you can greatly extend the roof's lifespan. Most roof coverings allow
you to replace single tiles or pieces of flashing. In the long run, doing
these occasional small repairs will cost less than waiting for extensive
failure and subsequent roof replacement.
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