With hurricane season upon us, homeowners in the Sarasota area are turning their eyes upon their roof. IS it structurally sound enough to handle another season of blistering heat, driving rain, and tropical force winds?
While you may think your roof will be compromised if it is missing a few tiles or shingles, in fact those materials reflect only one layer of your roof. And while it is recommended that any necessary roof repair is executed before the storms hits, because a minor problem can quickly become catastrophic – you may gain some peace of mind knowing how your entire roof structure is put together to protect you.
Your Roof Structure is More than Tile or Shingle
Your roof is comprised of three layers of materials. While we are all familiar with the topmost layer, be it tile, shingle or metal, there are two “unseen layers” which go a long way to protecting your roof.
- Sheathing is the first layer applied to your roof structure, and is typically made of plywood or particleboard. Sheathing is laid on top of the rafters and creates a rigid surface which will be capable of supporting the subsequent layers. The materials used for sheathing provide a safe and functional surface for attaching nails.
- The underlayment is the next layer applied to the roof. If your roof is at the end of its 30 year life, underlayment may not have been used. However, in the case of a more recent roof or a new roof installation, underlayment is generally required by building codes. Underlayment is made of heavy felt or a felt-like material. This later attaches to the sheathing and provides a watertight barrier between the exterior and interior layers of the roof structure.
- Asphalt shingle is the most commonly used exterior roofing material across the country, with 80% of residential homes have asphalt or asphalt composite shingles. However, here in the Sarasota area, clay or cement tiles are also very popular for energy efficiency and aesthetics. Whatever the roofing material used for the exterior layer, it will have its own qualities which will help it to withstand the water, sunlight, and wind is will be subjected to.
These three layers to the exterior roof work in conjunction to keep your home from suffering water intrusion. As mentioned, a missing shingle in and of itself may not cause a roof leak, as the underlayment will shield the sheathing from the moisture. However, neglecting to replace that tile may allow water to seep underneath the exterior layer of the roof, and work its way to the path of least resistance into your home. That is why roof inspections and roof repair is so important.
Other Parts of Your Roof Structure
- Flashing consists of metal pieces affixed to the roof around vent pipes, chimneys or roof valleys. Flashing is designed to seal off these roof openings and protect them from water damage.
- The key role of a roof is to protect your home from water intrusion. This gutter system consists of hollowed-out metal pieces surrounding your entire roof, periodically affixed to downspouts which direct rainwater off your roof and away from the foundation. The most important maintenance issue with your gutter system is cleaning and unclogging the passages regularly.
- Some homes have dormers around windows which protrude from a roof, which you sometimes see on the second floor of a home. A dormer is essentially a wall and roof which completely surrounds the window.
No matter which part of your Sarasota roof needs repair or replacement, you can trust the roofing experts at Avery Roof Services to provide quality installation, construction and customer service.
Your Local, Trusted, Sarasota Roofer
