Residential Roofing Contractor
Roofing Associates has been building high quality roofs since 1994. When it is time for a new roof, all home owners want an aesthetically pleasing, high quality roof replacement that will protect them from the elements, at a price that suits their budget. At Roofing Associates we use only top quality roofing products that will improve the looks and longevity of your home. We are so confident of the quality of our work that we offer a minimum ten year complete warranty on all new residential roofs. We pride ourselves not only on the expert workmanship of our roofers, but also on our excellent customer service. From providing an estimate and answering your questions to a thorough cleanup throughout the job. Our residential roofing and siding experts primarily service the Ocean, Monmouth, and Middlesex counties of New Jersey. If you would like to learn more about the different roofing systems, shingles, slate, shakes etc. Please read further.
Residential Roofing System
All steep-slope roof systems have five basic components:
Roof covering: shingles, tile, slate or and underlayment that protect the sheathing from weather.
Sheathing: boards or sheet material that are fastened to roof rafters to cover a house or building.
Roof structure: rafters and trusses constructed to support the sheathing.
Flashing: sheet metal or other material installed into a roof system's various joints and valleys to prevent water seepage.
Drainage: a roof system's design features, such as shape, slope and layout that affect its ability to drain water.
Choosing a roof system
There are a number of things to consider when selecting a new roof system. Of course, cost and durability head the list, but aesthetics and architectural style are definitely important, too. The right roof system for your home or building is one that balances these five considerations. The following roofing products commonly are used for steep-slope structures.
Asphalt shingles possess an overwhelming majority share of the U.S. steep-slope roofing market and can be reinforced with organic or fiberglass materials. Although asphalt
shingles reinforced with organic felts have been around much longer, fiberglass-reinforced products now dominate the market.
Organic shingles consist of a cellulose-fiber (i.e., wood) base that is saturated with asphalt and coated with colored mineral granules.
Fiberglass shingles consist of a fiberglass mat, top-and-bottom layers of asphalt, and mineral granules.
Asphalt shingles' fire resistances, like most other roofing materials, are categorized by Class A, B or C. Class A signifies the most fire-resistant; Classes B and C denote less fire resistance.
Generally, most fiberglass shingles have Class A fire ratings, and most organic shingles have Class C ratings.
A shingle's reinforcement has little effect on its appearance. Organic and fiberglass products are available in laminated (architectural) grades that offer a textured appearance. Both types of shingles also are available in a variety of colors.
Wood shingles and shakes are made from cedar, redwood, southern pine and other woods; their natural look is popular in California, the Northwest and parts of the Midwest. Wood shingles are machinesawn; shakes are handmade and rougher looking. A point to consider: Some local building codes limit the use of wood shingles and shakes because of concerns about fire resistance. Many wood shingles and shakes only have Class C fire ratings or no ratings at all. However, Class A fire ratings are available for certain wood shingle products that incorporate a factory-applied, fire-resistant treatment.
Tile-clay or concrete-is a durable roofing material. Mission and Spanish-style round-topped tiles are used widely in the Southwest and Florida, and flat styles also are available to create French and English looks. Tile is available in a variety of colors and finishes. Tile is extremly heavy. If you are replacing another type of roof system with tile, you will need to verify that the structure can support the extra heavy load.
Slate is quarried in the United States in Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. It is available in different colors and grades, depending on its origin. Considered almost virtually indestructible, it is, however, more expensive than other roofing materials. In addition, its application requires special skill and experience. Many old homes, especially in the Northeast, still are protected by this durable long-lasting roofing material.
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