ResidentialThe Well-informed Portland Home Owner: Roofing Guide
Is your Portland home or commercial building in need of a new roof or roof repair? Choosing the best roofing materials and the most qualified Portland roofing contractor to work on your home will make all the difference between a sinking money pit and worry-free protection. It is very important to become a knowledgeable Portland roofing consumer when making a choice between the large variety of roofing materials, repair options, warranties, and selecting a qualified roofing contractor in the Portland area. A new roof is a huge investment to make when a new roof is needed for your Portland area structure. Thus, it is important to make an informed decision when choosing a qualified professional to perform a Portland roof replacement or repair.
Becoming an informed Portland roofing consumer requires only a little time and education regarding the language of roofing, and attention to detail when choosing a reputable, honest roofer. Spending the most money possible does not always equal receiving the best quality product or workmanship, nor does taking the most expensive bid provide a seamless, worry-free roof repair or Portland roof replacement. It is most important to receive a high quality, well-installed roof at a satisfactory price from a qualified Portland roofing contractor. Taking the time to learn a few basic roofing terms, understanding the components of a Portland roof system, and knowing the right questions to ask when choosing a roofing professional for your home or commercial building will help you to meet all of your Portland roofing needs and goals.
The following sections include a few basic terms and define roof system components that will aid you in becoming a well-informed Portland roofing consumer. Remember to ask your professional Portland roofing contractor many questions and always get authentic references before starting any roof replacement or large roof repairs. A qualified and professional Portland roofing contractor will always be licensed, insured, and bonded. Never allow an unlicesensed Portland roofer or a roofing contractor without liability insurance to work on your home or commercial building!
Understanding Portland Roof System Components:
When a qualified Portland roofing contractor meets with you to make a roof repair or to replace an entire roof, they will speak a slightly mysterious language with terms like sheathing, flashing, roof drainage, valley treatment, underlayment, ventilation systems, drip edges, decking, trusses, and shingles. Understanding these terms will allow a Portland roofing consumer to make the best choices to fit the needs and goals for the roofing project. Being able to speak the same language as your Portland roofer will help you get the best materials and the best value for your next roof repair or entire roof replacement.
Whenever you have questions or simply need clarification on roofing components or terms, a qualified Portland roofing expert should take the time to help you, the consumer, feel more comfortable with the basics of roofing. Always remember that you are the paying customer and that the Portland roofing contractor needs your business to survive in a competitive market.
Portland Roofing Elements Defined:
• Trusses — Trusses are the backbone of a roof system. Usually built from wood, this framed structure is comprised of triangle shaped joints, which provide a Portland roof with stability and a rigid structure to support the roofing system. A framed truss provides the strength and overall shape of a home or commercial building’s roof. The durability and strength of a truss will hold up to heavy amounts of snow and rain.
• Roof Deck — This is the layer of material used to cover the trusses, and is then treated with weatherproof layers or insulation prior to receiving a layer of tile or shingles. The roof deck acts as the link that unites all of the roofing components together. In Portland, the roof deck can be made of plywood, OSB sheathing, wood tongue and groove, corrugated metal, or a variety of high-quality materials that a professional Portland roofer may recommend.
• Underlayment — The underlayment is an essential piece of the roofing system, as it keeps water and other forms of moisture from penetrating the roof. Shedding water is the primary function of this roofing component. With high winds, snow, and ice, a Portland roof must have a high-quality underlayment to defend against the elements.
• Flashing — Flashing is sheet metal or another rigid pliable material used to waterproof a Portland roof system’s various joints and valleys and keep from moisture leaking in. All vents, jacks, and fireplaces that penetrate the roof should have a flashing layer.
• Drainage — All Portland roofing systems should have shapes and sloped features to drain water off of the roof. Having the ability to shed water will keep a Portland roof system functioning for many years. A proper drainage plan will also protect against snow and ice build-up.
• Ventilation — A roof breathes in cool fresh Portland air and also will exhale warm, moist air as part of a healthy functioning roof system. A series of vents, pipes, and screened openings are used to all air to flow in and out of a roof’s attic space. A qualified Portland roofing contractor can explain all of the building codes and requirements for a home or commercial building’s ventilation system.
• Roof Covering — This is what will cap off a Portland roof system consisting of shingles, tile, slate, or metal. The materials used to cover a Portland roof can largely determine the durability of a roof. The look and feel of a Portland roof will also be decided by choosing from a variety of different shingles, tile products, slate surfaces, or metal roofing.
• Wood Shingles/Shakes — These may be made from cedar, pine, redwood, or other natural or synthetic materials. Wood shingles or shake is a popular look, but it may also have questionable fire resistance for a Portland home.
• Asphalt Shingles — These are made from both organic and fiberglass materials and are coated with asphalt. Asphalt shingles have excellent fire resistance and offer a variety of textures and colors. The quality of asphalt shingles varies greatly, as well as their life expectancy.
• Tile — Made from either concrete or clay, tile provides the highest level of durability. Roof tile comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. A professional Portland roofer will verify if the roof structure can hold the heavy weight of tile before installing this option as a structure’s roof.
• Slate — A very attractive and expensive natural roofing material, slate requires special skills to install. This is also a long lasting roof covering.
• Metal — Made from a series of panels or shingles, a metal roof offers a steep pitch the highest level of durability and protection from the elements. This is often an expensive, yet attractive Portland roofing option.