Expand your Knowledge of Roofing

Signs of Big Roofing Trouble
Even Roofs Have Enemies
Glossary of Roofing Terms
Components of an Asphalt Shingle Roofing System
Components of a Rubber Roofing System (EPDM)

A list of signs you should have your roof repaired or replaced immediately

Most people put off roof replacement only to sustain serious damage to the interior of their home. Very costly repairs due to roof failure can include wood rot replacement, plaster and drywall repair, painting, mold removal, insulation replacement, and electric damage repair. Your roof is the most important barrier of protection from the elements. Fill in the form below to receive your free no pressure estimate.  We can help you determine the right step of action and how to fit this important project into your budget.

  • Stains on Interior Ceilings & Walls

Possible Cause: Inadequate or faulty shingle underlayment allowing leakage, or inadequate ventilation.		 ceiling stains

  • Missing, Cracked or Curling Shingles

Possible Cause: Low grade shingles or shingles that have exceeded their expected life.

  roof shingle replacement

  •  Roof Shingle Deterioration, Cracking, and Cupping

Possible Cause: Built up heat due to poor attic ventilation.		  roof leak

  • Peeling, Bubbling, or Blistering Exterior Paint

Possible Causes:  Poor attic ventilation trapping moisture in the house.		  peeling paint

  •  Dark, "Dirty-Looking" Areas on Your Roof

Possible causes: Environmental pollutants; lichen, algae, fungus or other environmental growth; loss of granules because of low quality shingles or shingles that have exceeded their expected life.		  algae on roof

We have homeowners contact us on a regular basis with emergency roof problems that could have been avoided if they just paid attention to the signs. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you think your roof may need to be replaced. Contact Us For a Free Estimate by calling 1-888-724-6865 or filling out the form below.

Rubber Roofing for Low-Slope or Flat Roofs

Click here to visit our section on low-slope or flat roofing surfaces.

With proper installation of quality roofing materials by experienced and knowledgeable applicators and proper care, the homeowner can expect the affects of these enemies to be reduced significantly in the long run: Providing a prolonged life expectancy to the homeowner or future homeowner. United Home Experts provides a quality installation with the protection of a Rock Solid Extended warranty. Contact your Project Consultant for details.

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Glossary of Roofing Terms

Roof - Labeled Roof - Labeled
 
Deck/Sheathing:
The surface-usually plywood or oriented-strand board (OSB)-to which roofing materials are applied. The boards or sheet materials which are fastened to the roof rafters to cover the house.
Dormer:
A small structure projecting from a sloped roof, usually with a window.
Drip edge:
A flashing (usually metal) installed along the edges of the roof to allow water run-off to drip clear of the deck, eaves and siding.
Eave:
The horizontal lower edge of sloped roof.
Fascia:
A flat board, band or face located at the outer edge of the cornice.
Felt/underlayment:
A sheet of asphalt-saturated material (often called "tar paper") used as a secondary layer of protection for the roof deck.
Fire rating:
The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) system for classifying the fire-resistance of various materials. Roofing materials are "Class A," "B" or "C," with "A" materials having the highest resistance to fire originating outside the structure.
Flashing:
Pieces of metal used to prevent the seepage of water around any intersection or projection in a roof, such as vent pipes, chimneys, valleys, and the joints at vertical walls.
Louvers:
Slatted devices installed in the gable or soffit (the underside of the eaves) to ventilate the space below the roof deck and equalize air temperature and moisture.
Oriented-strand board/OSB:
Roof deck panels (4’ x 8’) made of narrow bits of wood, laid down lengthwise and crosswise in layers, held together with a resin "glue." Often used as a substitute for plywood sheets.
Penetrations:
Vents, pipes, stacks, chimneys-anything that sticks up through the roof deck.
Rafters:
The supporting framing to which the roof deck is attached.
Rake:
The inclined edge of a roof over a wall.
Ridge:
The top edge of two intersecting sloping roof surfaces.
Slope:
Measured by rise in inches for each 12 inches of horizontal run: A roof with a 4-in-12 slope rises 4 inches for every foot.
Square:
The common measurement for roof area-100 square feet (10’ x 10’)
Truss:
The engineered components which have supplemented rafters in many newer houses. They are designed for specific applications and cannot be cut or altered in any way.
Valley:
The angle formed at the intersection of two sloping roof surfaces.
Vapor Retarder:
A material designed to restrict the passage of water vapor through a roof or wall.

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Components of an Asphalt Shingle Roofing System

Asphalt Shingle Roofing System

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Components of a Rubber Roofing System (EPDM)

EPDM continues to be the roof system of choice for architects, engineers, roof consultants, contractors and building owners. EPDM offers versatility, product varieties and availability, environmental benefits, contractor knowledge and familiarity and cost effectiveness. In short, EPDM's popularity is growing because "EPDM Continues to Perform." From the arctic reaches of northern Alaska to the humid climates of Central America, from the deserts of the Middle East to the continuous wet seasons of the Pacific Northwestern U.S., EPDM's performance is living proof that quality roof system design and installation continue to stand the test of time.

EPDM is an elastomeric polymer synthesized from ethylene, propylene and a small amount of diene monomer, compounded with carbon black, processing oils and various cross-linking and stabilizing agents. As a thermoset membrane that recaptures its shape after stretching, EPDM maintains its physical properties for decades. EPDM is manufactured in large sheets varying in width from 10 feet to 50 feet, and features lengths up to 200 feet. The membrane can be reinforced and comes in thicknesses of 45, 60, 75 and 90 mils (thousandths of an inch). Back to top