Roofing is an essential part of every building structure, protecting the interior from rain, snow, sunlight, and wind. It can also be an aesthetic feature of a home.
There are a wide variety of materials, styles, and colors to choose from for roofing. This article will provide an introduction to the basics of roofing.
Since the first primitive shelters, people have used various materials to create a protective layer over their heads. Early roofing materials like woven lattices of sticks and straw or mud were often limited to what was available in the local environment. In tropical areas, palm fronds have long been a popular choice. Historically, people also constructed roofs from wood, stone and metal.
Today’s homeowners have a much wider selection of roofing materials to choose from. These materials are designed for both esthetic appeal and critical functions. For instance, shingles are a very popular roofing material and they come in many colors, shapes and sizes. They can be made from natural wood or synthetic materials. The same goes for shakes and slates.
There are also flat roofing types that utilize durable ethylene propylene diene monomer or thermoplastic sheets to make a watertight barrier. You might see this type of roofing on commercial structures or in flat or low-sloped residential areas.
Materials
There are many materials that can be used for roofing. The type that you choose depends on the climate in your area, the aesthetics of your home and your budget. Roofing is one of the most important aspects of your home and can really make or break its visual impact on the neighborhood. Choosing the right material can add value to your home and also communicate your personality.
Some of the most popular roofing materials include shingles, shakes and slates. They are available in a wide variety of colors, shapes and textures that will compliment almost any style house. They are also quite durable and can last for up to 100 years or more if well maintained. They are ideal for a variety of different climates and are also fire-resistant and mold-resistant.
Those who are looking for more of a green approach to their roofing can opt for rubber. This roofing material is made from engineered polymers that are combined with recycled plastic and rubber. It is durable and can be molded to imitate other more expensive roofing materials like slate and wood. It does have a distinctive odor that some people may find unpleasant.
Built-up roofs (BUR) are another common roofing type that can be used on flat or low-pitch roofs. This roofing material is made up of several layers that are bonded together with hot tar or asphalt. The ply sheets are typically reinforced with either an organic or a glass-fiber mat and the bitumen is applied in overlapping layers. Generally, the bitumen is made from coal tar or asphalt and is heated before being spread over the top of the ply sheets.
Other roofing materials include clay tiles which are extremely durable and work well in a variety of climates. They are fire-resistant and have a natural beauty that adds to the overall look of your home. They are very heavy and will require additional framing support if you want them installed on your roof.
Metal roofing is another durable roofing option that can last for a very long time and resists rust and corrosion. It is also a great choice for those who want to reduce their energy bills as it is very efficient at insulating the building.
Installation
Roofing is a meticulous process, and one that should be left to the professionals. Your roof takes a lot of abuse from the elements-wind, rain, hail, snow, harsh sunlight and extreme temperatures. A quality roof will protect your home from all of these, providing energy efficiency and beauty for years to come.
The installation process starts with tearing off the old roof and cleaning the area where the new roofing will go. This will expose the roof deck, allowing it to be inspected for damage and to decide whether it is capable of supporting a new roof.
Next, the underlayment is placed on the roof and nailed down in a pattern that includes close nails along the edge and spread out nails farther into the middle. The contractor will then place a second layer of underlayment, following the same nailing pattern. This will be followed by the shingles, which are then nailed down with close nails and spread out for even coverage.
There are a variety of shingle styles to choose from, and some may require special installation methods. For instance, if your home has valleys that are formed where two slopes of the roof meet and form a “V” shape, special waterproofing materials may be used to prevent water from seeping into interior rooms.
When choosing a roofer, check to make sure they are certified by the manufacturer of the roofing material you are purchasing. Also, ask for local references and check for licensing, bonding and a Better Business Bureau rating.
Maintenance
Like any part of your home, the roof is assaulted by wind, rain, hail, hot sun, bitter cold, and extremes of temperature. While a well-constructed roof can hold up to these conditions, it still needs some care and maintenance. Regular inspections and repairs can prevent small problems from becoming big ones. A good maintenance program will be tailored to the needs of each building. Checking shingles for signs of excessive wear and tear should be done on a seasonal basis, as each season brings its own specific weather challenges that can damage the roofing material.
In addition to looking at the shingles themselves, it’s important to look at the flashing, the strip of metal that is placed where two sections of the roof meet, as well as around chimneys, vent pipes, and skylights. Replacing or repairing the flashing can help to prevent leaks. Also, the caulk around these areas should be checked regularly. If it is starting to crack or peel, the caulk should be scraped off and replaced.
Other common maintenance tasks include trimming tree branches so they don’t hang over the roof, and checking the seals on all roof penetrations such as vents and skylights, as well as the chimney. Chimneys should be cleaned of a soot-like substance called creosote, and the chimney mortar should be inspected for damage. Checking the soffit and fascia for any evidence of moisture or mold is another important maintenance task.
Maintaining a well-functioning roof is an investment, and one that can save you money in the long run by extending the life of your existing roofing system. The cost of a new roof, however, can be prohibitive for some homeowners, especially if they are re-roofing an older home.
Granules
Granulation is a mechanical process that changes the physical properties of a powder or powder blend. It improves flow characteristics, increases density and reduces component segregation and particle size distribution. It is used when the raw material exhibits behavior properties that hinder other production processes, such as caking and clumping. It also allows the product to be more easily compressed into tablet form during manufacturing.
It can be done in two ways: dry granulation or wet granulation. In dry granulation, the powder is fed into a roller compactor that compresses it to create granules. This is commonly used in the production of directly compressible excipients and drugs. It is also useful for drying herbal materials and immediate/sustained-release formulations.
Wet granulation uses liquid binder to link individual particles together, forming a granular mass that can be further processed into tablets. This method is often preferred for complex formulations, as it produces granules with superior flowability and dissolution characteristics. However, it can be time-consuming and requires a downstream drying process.
Pneumatic dry granulation (PDG) is an innovative alternative to traditional methods. It utilizes roller compaction and a proprietary air classification method to produce granules with outstanding flowability, density and particle size distribution. This new granulation technique can also reduce energy costs, and it is suitable for a variety of powders.
In addition to improving the performance of fertilizers, granulation also helps to reduce waste management costs and prevent run-off into water bodies. It turns organic waste into a more readily marketable and easier-to-handle product, which can help reduce the need for landfills. It can also be beneficial to soil health, as granules improve water infiltration and promote a healthier microenvironment for plants. Additionally, it reduces the odor associated with raw manure and makes the product safer to handle. For these reasons, it is an ideal solution for a wide range of applications.