Roofs are present almost everywhere but people seem to know far too little about them, leading to mishaps either in the long run or immediately under certain circumstances. They are among the most important parts of the home, depending on where you live and what kind of weather and security needs you have. Maintaining them can be a handful but is always worth it no matter the space you own is used for commercial purposes. In a similar notion, not taking steps to maintain them is the greatest cause of accidents apart from environmental stressors like storms or fires.

In this blog, we shall look at a few popular types of roofs and how they are created, to help you understand their respective maintenance practices and why they are the respective ways they are. We shall also go through some advantages on consulting with professionals while installing such roofs and while doing their repair work, as opposed to doing it yourself. Please note that there are types of roofs available in the market for commercial purposes that may not be listed in this blog, and this article lists only the most popular residential roofs and their manufacturing process.

Different types of roofs and how they are prepared

Following are the different popular types of roofs and how they are prepared, and how to maintain them.

• Asphalt shingles 

Asphalt shingles are made from a fiberglass mat that is coated with asphalt and then covered with granules made from crushed rock. The shingles are then cut into the desired shape and size, usually by pressing machines. This method of creating shingles is quite old and relatively inexpensive, because of the ease in which the raw materials are procured and processed. However, they tend to be quite brittle and become weak over time. Experts use careful cleaning techniques to maintain it and repair/replace them, with specialized tools and machinery in their disposal.

• Metal roof deck

Compared to some other types of roofs mentioned here, most metal roofs have a simplified manufacturing process. Be they steel, aluminum, or copper, sheets of them are purchased directly from casting and are rolled out and cut to size, then formed into the desired shape using specialized machinery. The sheets are then coated with protective finishes which may include anti-UV paints and further coats of paint may be applied. They are more durable than asphalt shingles, but may be difficult to repair and moreover their installation costs are higher. However, some metal alloys are becoming more popular as roofs because of their strength

• Slate roofs 

Slate roofs are made from thin sheets of slate that are quarried from the ground. The slate is then cut into the desired shape and size using specialized machinery. The individual pieces are then drilled and nailed into place on the roof. They are popular because of their natural beauty and long lifespan. However, they are quite heavy, so the roof structure must be strong enough to support them. They also require regular maintenance, including cleaning and inspection to prevent cracking.

• Clay tile roofs 

Clay tile roofs are made from clay that is formed into the desired shape and size using specialized machinery. The tiles are then dried and fired in a furnace with enough temperature control to harden them evenly. The finished tiles are then installed on the roof using mortar. Clay tile roofs are very durable and can last for several decades with proper maintenance. However, they are heavy and may require additional structural support during installation. Moreover, they may be prone to cracking during extreme weather conditions.

• Cedar roofs 

Cedar roofs are made from natural cedar wood that is cut and processed into shingles or shakes. Shingles are sawn while shakes are split from the wood. They are then treated with a preservative to protect against moisture and insect damage. Cedar roofs have a unique look and are very durable, lasting up to 50 years with proper maintenance. They do require periodic cleaning and re-treatment to maintain their longevity.

• Rubber roofs 

Rubber roofs are made from synthetic rubber that is formulated to withstand exposure to the elements. The rubber is usually produced in large sheets that are cut to size and installed on the roof using specialized adhesive. Rubber roofs are very durable and can last for several decades. They are also lightweight and easy to install. However, they may require occasional repairs and may be prone to punctures from sharp objects.

Why should you consult professionals?

Now that you know how complicated the creation processes are in some of these roofs, it is important to appreciate the maintenance aspects that go along with it. This is helpful with respect to both safety and cost saving mechanisms. It can also come as no surprise that working with roofs, especially the more fragile ones in the list, is best left to the professionals. For one, it is dangerous to work on roofs as the position itself may bring safety hazards, and then there is the inherent skill that is required to fix most of the issues that many roofs may face/endure with time, sometimes inevitably. Professional consultation is necessary to inspect, repair and install anything related to roofs, an DIYing any of those processes is not recommended. Plus, if you hire professionals the work usually gets done fast and without mistakes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the process of creating different types of roofs can be complex and requires professional expertise to ensure the best results. Whether it's a traditional gable roof or a more complex hip or mansard roof, professionals are well-versed in the techniques and materials necessary for a successful installation. DIY roofing projects can result in costly mistakes and even safety hazards, so it's important to trust experienced professionals for all your roofing needs. With years of experience in the field, Worldwideservices provides high-quality roofing services(both installation and repair) at competitive prices. Our expert team has years of knowledge that they use to ensure every job they do is without mistakes and is reliable. Contact us today to get a quote.