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There are many different factors when it comes to roofing, and the most experienced ones have familiarized themselves with all of them. Whether you are a roofer or you plan on hiring Utah roofers, it is a good idea to learn the basic vocabulary and be able to understand all the factors involved. 1. Roof Structure: The roof structure includes all of the rafters and trusses constructed to support the sheathing. 2. Deck/Sheathing: The deck or sheathing are the boards or sheet material that are fastened to the roof rafters to cover a house. 3. Underlayment: This is commonly known as the sheet of asphalt-saturated material used a secondary layer of protection for the roof deck. 4. Roof Covering: The roof covering can include shingles, tiles, or anything that protects the sheathing from the weather. 5. Drainage: Drainage includes any of the roof’s features, such as shape, slope or layout, that allow it to shed water. 6. Flashing: Sheet metal or other material laid into the various joints and valleys of a roof system to prevent water from seeping through. 7. Sun: The sun puts off heat and ultraviolet rays that cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time, especially on the west or south sides. 8. Rain: If rainwater gets underneath the roof covering (shingles, tiles, etc.) then it will eventually rot the roof structure. Extra moisture causes mildew and rot in other places of the house, such as damaged walls, ceilings, insulation, and electrical system. 9. Wind: Strong winds can lift the edges of shingles or other roofing materials and force water and debris underneath them, causing extensive damage to the roof structure. 10. Condensation: The buildup of relatively warm, moisture-laden air can cause decay of the wood sheathing and rafters, which will eventually destroy the roof structure. One way to prevent this is to increase attic ventilation by using larger or additional vents so the attic air temperature will be closer to the outside air temperature. 11. Moss and Algae: Moss grows on wood shingles and shakes if they are kept moist by poor sunlight conditions or bad drainage. In fact, moss holds more moisture to the roof surface, causing rot and decay. Algae grows in damp, shaded areas on wood or asphalt shingle roof systems, also causing rot and deterioration. Trim away excess trees and bushes away from the house to eliminate damp, shaded areas. Gutters should also be cleaned to ensure good drainage. 12. Trees and Leaves: Any branches touching the roof can scratch roofing materials as they are blown back and forth by the wind. Large branches can fall and puncture the roof. Leaves retain moisture and can cause rot and block drains. 13. Missing or Torn Shingles: Complete protection will ensure your roof’s effectiveness. When your roof is missing shingles, the roof structure and interior of your home are vulnerable to water damage and rot. Replace missing shingles as soon as possible to keep the problem from spreading. 14. Shingle Deterioration: Shingles that are old and worn out will curl, split and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. They are easily blown off, torn or lifted by the wind. As a result, the roof structure and interior of your home could become damaged. 15. Flashing Deterioration: The common roof leaks are flashing leaks. Without proper flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights, or roof junctions, water can get into the house and cause damage to the walls, ceiling, insulation, and electrical system. Have your flashing checked twice a year by Utah roofers.
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