You’ve probably heard the saying, “you should be grateful for the roof over your head.” But have you ever really taken the time to take care of the actual roof over your head? The roof of your home protects the inside of the house, your belongings and the people that reside inside. It’s a good idea to be familiar with how your roof does its job, how to take care of it, and knowing when there’s a problem that requires finding the best roofer in St Louis. Read on to learn more.
The Layers of the Roof
When you admire our beautiful home from the street, it appears that the roof is just an overlapping array of shingles. However, there is much more to your roof than that. Once the builder secures the trusses to the frame of your house, a layer of plywood, called decking, is nailed down. This is the bottom layer of the roof, and it provides the structural support for the rest of the roofing materials. On top of this wood layer, a thin sheet of weather-resistant material is glued to the decking to prevent damage from the weather. Depending on weather and the type of roofing materials, builders may add additional layers of insulation or ventilation material as needed. Shingles are the outermost layer of the roof, and it’s what people see when looking at their home. This component comes from various materials, including clay, wood, or a composite of asphalt and fiberglass.
Steps To Care for the Roof
It’s a good idea to inspect the roof of your home at least once a year. If you don’t feel comfortable climbing on your house’s steep top, reach out to a local roofing company and request an inspection. While on the roof, look for any shingles that are missing or broken or have come loose. Also, look for any mold, algae, or water damage areas, as these are signs of a deeper problem. To prevent this type of build-up or growth, hire a roof cleaning service to pressure wash the roof to remove stuck-on dirt and debris to avoid the chance of future decay of the shingles.
When To Call For Help
During your inspection, it is a small task to nail down a few loose shingles. However, if you notice large sections of shingles missing, rotting or warping areas of the roof, or even holes in the decking, it’s time to call a professional.