Roofs are one of the most important parts of your house. They protect you and your family from the elements. They provide a comfortable living space, keep out the heat during the summer and cool in the winter.

A properly installed roof will last for years. The materials used in roofing construction vary according to climate, type of building, and cost. Roofs can be constructed of a variety of materials including wood, metal, or asphalt shingles. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Wood is a natural product that has been used for centuries. Wood is a good insulator, and it can withstand heavy snow loads without rotting. However, wood requires regular maintenance and can be prone to fire damage. Wood is also more expensive than other materials. Metal roofs are usually made of aluminum, copper, or steel. These materials are lighter and more durable than wood. Aluminum and copper are both corrosion resistant, and steel is fire resistant. Steel is also lighter than other metals. Metal roofs require less maintenance than wood, but they do need to be painted every few years.

Asphalt shingles are made from recycled rubber and are extremely durable. They can be installed over existing shingles, and they are resistant to fire and rot. Asphalt shingles are easy to install and require very little maintenance.

Shingles should be installed in such a way that they overlap each other by at least 2 inches. The shingles should also overlap the edges of the roof deck. This is called a drip edge. Shingles should also be installed so that they overlap the roof rafters by at least 1 inch. This is called a ridge cap. The ridge cap provides a watertight seal between the shingles and the roof deck. If the shingles are not installed properly, water can seep into the roof deck and cause serious damage.

If your roof is leaking, you should immediately contact a professional roofer. The best time to have a roof inspected is before the first heavy snowfall. Once a roof has been damaged by heavy snow loads, it may take a professional roofer several days to remove the snow and make the necessary repairs.