The roof is a composite structure designed to prevent nature from ruining a building. The typical residential roof consists of a decking placed over joists and covered with water resistant materials such as asphalt, slate, baked clay tiles or metals like steel and copper. The material which covers the roof can greatly affect the way the building looks. Consider the case of a house with an aging asphalt roof. This issue can add years to the appearance of the home.
Roofing contractors in Joplin MO recommend replacing this old covering as an excellent way to improve the value of the property. However, it isn’t always easy to decide which material to replace the roofing with.Most people stick with asphalt shingles because they are familiar with them. This is fine if the shingles are of decent quality. Unfortunately, budget grade roofing shingles tend to have a short service life. Alternatives such as laminates and composites provide a better option because they can last for decades. In fact, many manufactures warrant these products for 50 years. Of course, the length of the warranty does not guarantee the product will last that long, but it can serve as an excellent indicator.
Alternately, roofing contractors in Joplin MO can install a metal roof over the aging asphalt. This option may actually be more cost effective because there is little debris to deal with. The task is handled by placing battens over the existing roof and anchoring the steel to them. Common steel roofing types are stamped steel, which is available in a variety of styles and colors and standing seam steel panels. The latter provides a more industrial appearance that some people actually prefer.The most common cause of roofing failure is a leak. Leaks can occur for various reason such as old or damaged shingles, but one of the more frequent causes is poor seals around attic details.
For example, leaking around the flashing can allow rain to saturate the underlying materials. Wood and water don’t mix well and often result in rot. This can be avoided by having a professional inspect the roof occasionally. This is especially useful after major storms when damage is suspected. Contact us for more information about roof repairs, replacements and inspections.
