Fort Myers Roofing is the outer protective layer of your home. It helps drain water and snow, blocks sunlight, and insulates against extremes of temperature.
Roofs can be built on site from rafters or pre-fabricated trusses. Generally, they sit on sheathing—usually 1-by-4 plywood or OSB boards. Sheathing may be field-applied or factory-coated.
There are many roofing materials to choose from, and each has its own pros and cons. A professional roofing contractor can assist you in making the right choice for your home, taking into account factors like lifespan, air quality requirements, extra structural support needs, climate compatibility and aesthetics.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material for residential properties. They are easy to install and offer good durability in wet climates. Wood shingles and shakes are a more rustic option, crafted from cedar, redwood or cypress. They are expensive, but can last up to 30 years and provide excellent insulation value.
Tile roofs are often made from clay, granite or terra-cotta and can add to the architectural design of a house. These roofs are long-lasting and energy efficient, but they are heavy and require more frequent maintenance than other types of roofing.
Metal roofs are becoming more common, and there are a variety of options to consider. Steel roofing is affordable and durable, and some manufacturers use an energy-efficient reflective coating to help reduce the amount of heat that your roof absorbs. Aluminum is another lightweight metal that offers good resistance to corrosion. These roofs are sometimes combined with other materials to improve performance and aesthetics.
Built-up roofing, or BUR, is an ideal option for flat and low-pitch roofs. It uses several layers of water-resistant materials that are built up in overlapping rows. Felt impregnated with asphalt is used in the bottom layer, followed by tar and finally gravel or crushed stone.
Other types of roofing include epoxied rubber membrane, PVC, TPO and PTFE (synthetic fluoropolymer). EPDM is an affordable option for flat roofs, while TPO and PTFE are commonly used for commercial buildings. The latter two are also used for garages and sheds, where the lower roof is less exposed to sunlight.
There are a variety of roofing systems available to protect your home or commercial building. The type of roof you choose will depend on your budget and the climatic conditions where you live. Roofing materials such as asphalt, tar, rubber, clay, wood, and composite material are all designed to keep the elements out.
A popular residential roofing system is shingles, which come in many colors and styles. They are also durable and affordable. If you want a more unique look, slate or tile are good choices. These types of roofs can last up to a century and are considered a luxury for some homeowners.
Built-up roofing (BUR) is one of the oldest types of roofing for flat or low-pitch roofs. It is composed of 3-5 layers for enhanced protection, particularly in extreme climatic conditions. It can be installed in a number of ways including self-adhesive sheets, hot mopped asphalt, torch applied or cold adhesives and may be mechanically attached.
Single-ply membranes, which are either thermoplastic or thermoset, are another popular roofing option. Typically, they are made of polypropylene or ethylene-propylene rubber that is chemically fused together. They are suitable for both low and steep-slope roofs and can be heat-welded, heat-cured or adhered using cold adhesives.
Insulation is another important part of a roof system. Cellulose, mineral wool and foam are common types of insulation used in roofing applications. Extruded polystyrene (XPS, or XEPS) is an increasingly popular roofing insulation due to its high R-value and durability, particularly when compared to polyisocyanurate. For roofs where pipes are to be positioned, a fire-rated XPS insulation is recommended.
Insulation is an integral part of your roof, offering you a variety of benefits, from thermal resistance to moisture protection. It stabilizes indoor temperatures and reduces energy consumption, resulting in significant savings on your utility bills. Additionally, insulation protects against the buildup of moisture that can cause structural damage and mold and mildew growth.
There are a variety of roofing insulation options to choose from, depending on your specific needs. Fiberglass is an extremely common option, as it’s inexpensive and easy to install. It’s also moisture resistant, which is a huge plus in areas with high humidity and rain.
Other popular roofing insulation options include foam board insulation, such as extruded polystyrene (XPS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS). These rigid foam boards are highly effective at reducing energy bills, as well as protecting against moisture, fire and noise. Rigid foam insulation is also lightweight, making it easier for contractors to handle.
Another type of roofing insulation is spray foam, which is applied to walls and ceilings using a polyurethane or latex spray. This spray expands and seals, creating an airtight seal that prevents moisture and pests from entering the home. Spray foam is expensive, however, and can be difficult to work with.
A more durable option is fiber cement boards, which are made of cellulose, sand and cement. They are fire-resistant and stand up to extreme weather, making them a great choice for harsh climates. These are more costly than other types of insulation, but they offer a higher R-value per inch and can help with energy efficiency.
There are also a variety of loose-fill insulation products available, which can be blown into gaps between wall studs and ceiling joists. This type of insulation is usually made from fiberglass, but it’s also available in cellulose (which is typically made from processed recycled paper) and mineral wool. Loose-fill insulation is relatively easy to install but can be challenging in hard-to-reach spaces. It can also be prone to dust and mold accumulation. A newer form of roofing insulation is spray-in foam, which is applied using a polyurethane or latex coating and expands to fill space and create an airtight seal.
Your roof takes a beating from wind, rain, snow, sunlight, and extremes of temperature. This is why good roofing requires regular maintenance to ensure it stays in top condition. This prevents small problems from becoming big ones, and helps prolong the life of your roofing materials.
A roofing company can help with regular maintenance by assessing the areas most likely to leak or need attention. These include joints, seals, and flashing. Flashing is the metal material that seals around chimneys and where roofing planes meet, as well as at other areas like valleys and dormers. It can be made from a variety of materials, ranging from copper and zinc to aluminum, and can last up to 40 years if properly installed. The caulking that seals it however, will need to be replaced on a regular basis as it deteriorates over time.
During a maintenance inspection, your roofing contractor will also look for any damage to the underlayment, which is water-resistant paper or synthetic sheets that cover plywood sheathing on a roof. He will also examine the soffit and fascia, which are parts of the roof that support and direct water runoff. He will check for ice dam protection membranes in cold climates, and may recommend ventilated soffits or ridge vents to improve attic air flow and help prevent moisture build-up.
Trees near your roof should be trimmed regularly to eliminate the danger of falling branches during heavy storms. Debris should be removed regularly from drains and gutters, so that water can exit the roof efficiently during rainfalls and storms. Cleaning the soffit and fascia will also prevent insect infestation. And a proper drainage system will help your roof last longer, as it will not become damaged by standing water or rot.