Your home is one of the largest investments you can make, and keeping it in good repair is the best way to protect that investment. One way you can reduce problems with your home is to have Roofers Rockville perform a roof inspection. Some things the roofer will check for are aging shingles, damaged eaves, old sealant and water damage. The latter item may be the most important because water leaks can cause damage. For instance, a leak in the roof can ruin the decking or rot the rafters. Both of these problems can be very expensive to fix.
The roof is made up of the rafters and joists that give it strength and structure as well as a layer of decking that is normally plywood or OSB (Oriented Strand Board). Over the decking is a roof membrane that is usually roofing felt or tar paper, but may also be PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). The final layer will be the roof covering. The most common product used for this is asphalt shingles, but others are available. Asphalt has been around for decades and is one of the most budget-friendly choices available. However, asphalt shingles have a limited service life, somewhere between fifteen and twenty-five years. How long they survive will depend on the quality of the product.
Roofers Rockville may suggest alternative roofing materials like steel roofing or fiber-cement. Steel roofing is an excellent product with a long service life. This roof covering is made from a lightweight steel that is stamped to resemble a variety of other roofing products. Most manufacturers warrant steel roofing for at least fifty years because the metal is galvanized with zinc or a zinc and aluminum alloy. Fiber-cement is a less common option, but it has an average service life of about thirty to thirty-five years and can last longer in certain environments. This product is a mixture of Portland cement and cellulose. Other possible roofing materials can include wood shake, slate and metals such as copper or bronze. These items are typically more expensive because they can be difficult to install properly. If you are dealing with roofing problems, then you may wish to contact an expert such as Reliable Roofers Inc.