Anatomy of a Roof
You might be spending more time than usual looking up at your roof. Are you wondering what exactly goes into the construction of your roofing system? Whether you’re just curious or want to communicate more easily with your roofing contractor about an upcoming roofing project, having some basic roofing knowledge is a good idea. The construction of a standard shingle roofing system includes:
- Sheathing: Also called the roof decking, sheathing is installed on top of the roof’s rafters or trusses. This serves as a base support for the roofing shingles.
- Underlayment: Underlayment is installed on top of the roof decking to provide a waterproof barrier while adding insulation to the roof.
- Starter Shingles: These are the first shingles that are installed. They are placed along the bottom edges of the roof, providing a strong base that ensures the rest of the shingles are aligned properly and held firmly in place.
- Shingles: The focal point of your new roof is the shingles. There are a variety of shingle materials to choose from, which we will go over in the next section.
- Ice and Water Shield: The roof is guarded against pooling water and the formation of ice dams with this protective rubber membrane.
- Drip Edge: A metal flashing is installed along the roof’s edge to redirect water away from the roof and to the gutter system.
Roofing Material Options
The type of roof that you choose affects the curb appeal of your exterior, how long your roof will last, and impacts the overall energy efficiency of your home. These are important factors to consider when planning your roofing project. You’ll also want materials that work well in a humid climate that experiences distinct seasons including hot summers and snowy winters.
Common Iowa roofing replacement options that can provide the protection that you need include:
- Asphalt Roofing Shingles: When you want a traditional roof that’s strong, stylish, and cost effective, then you can’t go wrong with an asphalt shingle roof. These roofs last for 20 years on average, and there are numerous styles to choose from.
- Synthetic Slate Roofing Shingles: Synthetic slate roofing shingles provide the beauty of real slate, but they are made from a lightweight material that’s easier to install and more affordable. This is a relatively new roofing option, so the lifespan is yet to be fully determined.
- Metal Roofing: A quality metal roof lasts for 50 years or more while protecting your home from wind, fire, and more. Metal roofs also reflect heat and sunlight, which can go a long way toward curbing energy costs. However, not all metal roofs are equal. For example, a low-grade aluminum roof can dent and rust. A steel standing seam metal roof is one of the most trusted options.
- Tile Roofing: Tile roofs are strong, naturally energy efficient, and can provide a charming aesthetic with options in clay, slate, or concrete. Tile roofs also last for decades. However, tile roofs are heavy, so your roof might need some extra prep work before they can be installed.
- Cedar Wood Shingles: The traditional, classic appearance of cedar wood shingles is timeless. They also provide notable protection against wind, rain, and pests. However, the cost of installation is higher compared to asphalt shingles, and cedar shingles extensive maintenance.
More About Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingle roofs are easy to install, affordable compared to most other roofing options, and they provide a timeless aesthetic that complements a wide range of home architectures. It’s no wonder that many homeowners opt for an asphalt shingle roof. Here’s more information about your options:
- Double Shingles: This style features two layers of shingle that are held together with a strong sealant. Double shingles are resistant to wind damage and water damage.
- 3-Tab Shingles: Three tabs are cut into the bottom edge of the shingle, creating the appearance of three distinct shingles after installation. This is one of the most affordable shingles, and they are easy to install and repair. However, some 3-tab shingles are more prone to wind and hail damage when compared to other options.
- Class 4 Shingles: Class 4 shingles are also called impact-resistant shingles. This is the highest impact rating possible, offering impressive protection against damage from hail and fallen debris.
Choosing Your Shingle Color
If you decide to move forward with a shingle roof, you will want to choose a shingle color that complements your home’s exterior. While there’s nothing wrong with selecting a color simply because you like it, there are some other things that you might consider:
- Light colors reflect heat and UV rays, keeping your home cooler in summer months.
- Choosing a color that contrasts with your exterior, such as a darker roof with a lighter siding, can improve your home’s curb appeal.
- If you’re choosing shingles for a Victorian or Colonial style home, go with traditional colors. For rustic or ranch style homes, earth tones work best.
Gutters, Drains, and Downspouts
It’s important to keep rainwater from puddling on your roof. Otherwise, it’s only a matter of time before you’re dealing with water damage and leaks. For this reason, many homeowners replace their gutters, drains, and downspouts when getting a replacement roof. If yours aren’t in the best condition, then there are several options for you to choose from, including:
- PVC: This is a relatively new option that is growing in popularity because of its corrosion- and dent-resistance. However, PVC can crack after a few years of extreme temperatures and freeze/thaw cycles.
- Aluminum: This lightweight material is easy to install and cost-effective. There are traditional and seamless gutter style options with multiple colors available. The only downside is that aluminum gutters are prone to dents from hail and other impacts.
- Galvanized Steel: While one of the more expensive options, galvanized steel is also one of the most durable. They can stand up to harsh, freezing temperatures, scorching heat, and impacts for years.
- Copper: Copper can last for decades without rusting or requiring repainting. However, copper does oxidize overtime, resulting in a blue-green hue.
The Importance of Roof Vents
A fully ventilated roof will do two things at once: let stale air out and bring fresh air in. Both are essential for the overall health and longevity of your roofing system, making this a key component of any quality Iowa roof installation.
Roof vents regulate your attic’s temperature, help prevent mold, and contribute to healthy indoor air quality. On the other hand, improper roofing ventilation can overwork your HVAC system, contribute to water damage and mold in your attic, and leads to dry rot of roof sheathing. The most frequently used roof venting systems include:
- Ridge Vents: This is the most installed exhaust vent. Ridge vents are installed at the peak of the roof and run across the entire roofline. Since they are positioned at the highest point and span the whole roof, they are highly effective at expelling the hottest air in the attic.
- Solar Powered Attic Vents: This is a newer ventilation method that comes with some pros and cons. As for benefits, they do not require the use of electricity to operate properly. However, the drawback is that they are often too powerful or not powerful enough, so their dependability is often called into question.
- Off Ridge Vents: Far less popular than ridge vents, off-ridge vents are much smaller and are positioned lower on the roof. Because of their size and position, they are not as effective for homes with hot and humid climates.
- Soffit Vents: This is the most popular form of roof intake venting. Soffit vents are often paired with ridge vents, providing both intake and exhaust that is required for a fully ventilated roof. Soffit vents are installed on the roof eaves, which is directly underneath the roofline. There are multiple styles to choose from, all of which feature small holes that let cool air into your attic which pushing the hot air out through an exhaust vent.
- Box Vents: Box vents are similar to ridge vents, but with a square design. There are several sizes available, with the most common being 18 inches by 18 inches. While the size can be a drawback for some homes, they do offer more versatility than a ridge vent. For example, box vents can be installed in small areas that require ventilation.
- Gable Vents: This is an old style that is not widely used today. Gable vents are comprised of horizontal or cross-ventilation that keeps air moving. Air flows in on one side and then out the other. They are available in multiple shapes and sizes, but a triangular shape that is positioned directly below the peak of the roof is the most common.
- Hard-Wired Powered Attic Vents: As the name suggests, these vents are powered by electricity. Electric-propelled fans pull stagnant air out of the attic space. They are highly effective, but they will increase your energy costs.
- Drip Edge Vents: These vents are installed underneath the first row of roofing shingles, and is usually made of a malleable metal. They are designed to direct water away from the roof and to the gutters. Small holes are either drilled into the drip edge or attached to the drip edge to provide ventilation.
Roof Replacement vs. Roof Repair
There’s no room for compromise when it comes to the structural integrity of your roof. If there is any reason to believe that your roofing system isn’t performing as well as it should be, then reach out to a trusted Iowa roofing company right away.
Postponing the roofing service that you need will only make matters worse, leading to further damage to your shingles and adjacent structures. Many times, homeowners wait too long to get a simple roof repair completed, so they wind up needing a completely new roofing system instead.
Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Roof
You might be wondering whether you can extend the life of your roof with a repair. Or is it better to invest in a replacement roof? The answer depends on a few factors. Here are some warning signs that it’s time to replace your roof:
Severe Storm Damage
If there are sections of your roof that are visibly damaged after wind, hail or other extreme weather events, then it could mean that a new roof is needed. Maybe a repair will do the trick, so the best course of action is to get a professional roof inspection to find out for sure.
Ice Damming
Do you have frequent problems with ice dams? Ice dams cause water pooling on your roof, leading to water damage and leaks. Investing in a roofing system that is made to prevent ice dams is a smart choice for Iowa residents.
A Sagging Roofline
If your roofline is sagging, then you are probably dealing with significant structural damage. This can result from water damage or the natural wear of time, but in any case, the only way to restore your home is with a roof replacement.
Signs of a Roof Leak
Do you have a visible drip that’s coming from your roof, or have you noticed more subtle signs of a leak like dark spots on your ceiling? There’s no safe amount of water damage, and the problem escalates quickly. Get the new roof that you need as soon as possible.
Rising Energy Costs
Have your energy costs gone up consistently overtime? While costs rise for many reasons that have nothing to do with your roof, it could be that an outdated roof, old insulation, or poor attic ventilation are to blame.
Your Roof is Decades Old
Most asphalt shingle roofs need to be replaced every 20-30 years. If your roof is decades old, then it probably makes more sense to invest in a new roof rather than sinking time and money into ongoing repairs.
Roof Maintenance & Inspections
A replacement roof is a significant investment, so you’ll want to get the most value for your money possible. Choosing quality roofing materials is important, but even the best roof will fail if it is not maintained. Here is what goes into proper roofing maintenance:
- Clean Your Gutters: Ensure that the gutters and downspouts are working properly so that standing water does not damage your roof. Either clear your gutters manually or invest in gutter leaf guards.
- Trim Overhanging Branches: If there are any trees near your home, ensure that there are no branches hanging over the roof. Strong winds can cause these limbs to break off and crash into your roof.
- Have Your Roof Inspected Annually: One of the best ways to protect your roof is to hire a roofer for routine inspections. If damage is found early, then a repair can be made easily before the problem worsens.
- Make Necessary Repairs: If your roof is only a few years old, then it’s simpler and more affordable to repair your roof than it is to replace it. There is no safe amount of roof damage, so if damage is found during an inspection, it’s best to deal with the matter as quickly as possible.
Roofing Warranties
It’s important to keep rainwater from puddling on your roof. Otherwise, it’s only a matter of time before you’re dealing with water damage and leaks. For this reason, many homeowners replace their gutters, drains, and downspouts when getting a replacement roof. If yours aren’t in the best condition, then there are several options for you to choose from, including:
While warranties can provide you with some much-needed peace of mind, they don’t all offer the same level of protection. So, take some time to learn about the types of warranties that are out there, and ask the roofers you are researching about the warranties that they offer. The most common include:
- Manufacturer Warranty: This warranty comes straight from the manufacturer and provides protection against product defects. Most roofing manufacturer warranties are good for 20 to 50 years, and sometimes they can be transferred if you sell your home. However, there are conditions that can void your warranty, like failing to maintain the roof properly.
- Workmanship Warranty: This warranty is provided by the roofing contractor to cover any problems that might arise due to defects in the installation process. If repairs are needed during the warranty period, be sure to use the original contractor. This warranty usually lasts for 5-10 years.
Most reputable roofing companies offer both manufacturer and workmanship or labor warranties, but the terms can vary. For example, there are lifetime warranties, limited lifetime warranties, and warranties that are transferrable or non-transferrable. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the warranties offered by your roofer during your consultation to make sure that your investment is adequately protected.
Calculating Roofing Costs
When homeowners are researching their roofing options, one of the most common concerns is cost. In the most basic terms, the cost of your roof is calculated based on the cost of the materials used times the square footage of your home’s roof plus the labor costs. The materials make up about 40% of the total cost and the remaining 60% goes toward installation. However, there are factors that affect the material cost and the labor cost. These factors include:
- Roofing Brand and Material: The cost of your roof largely depends on the materials that you choose. For example, an asphalt roof costs much less than a metal roof. The cost can also vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Just be aware of so-called “bargain” products. When it comes to roofing, you truly get what you pay for.
- Roof Architecture: The architecture of your roof affects the time and difficulty of the installation. If the roof has multiple levels, a steep pitch, or if you’re choosing heavy shingles that are more difficult to install, then the cost will be higher.
Are You Looking for a Reliable Roofing Contractor in Iowa?
Are you ready to start planning your roofing project with the help of a top Iowa roof installation pro? Contact Recon Roofing & Construction—an A+ BBB rated and accredited business that you can trust. We will be more than happy to answer all your roofing questions and provide you with an accurate project cost estimate for free and without obligation! Call us to begin or submit our online form.
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