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When it comes to roofing and Doing it Your self, It’s best to take a moment to become familiar with the basics.

Please, before you begin, familiarize yourself with our disclaimer above!

To begin, it is important to understand that roofing is comprised of many parts, or components, and we provide the following information to help you to become familiar with the various aspects:

5 basic Steep Roof Components

these are meant for roofs with a slope of 25% or more.

1Roof covering: shingles, tile, slate or metal and underlayment that protect the sheathing from weather.

2Sheathing: boards or sheet material that are fastened to roof rafters provide a surface to which the roofing product is attached.

3Roof structure: rafters and trusses constructed to support the sheathing.

4Flashing:sheet metal, or other material, is a component of the roof system, at strategic points, to prevent water intrusion, or “waterproofing”.

5Drainage: a roof system’s design features, such as shape, slope and layout that affect its ability to shed water.

When Choosing a roof…

It helps do know about some of the basic aspects

click on the terms below and to the right to learn more

Ventilation & insulation are key

Technically, Ventilalation and Insulation are apart of the Roofing System Considerations – However because of how important these two aspects are we made a separate tab to Emphasize this point.

Ventilation and insulation are an essential part of your re- roofing system considerations – Because of the importance of these two aspects, we have provided a separate tab to emphasize this point.

One of the most critical factors in roof system durability and function is the use of proper ventilation. Without ventilation, heat and moisture build up in an attic area, and combine, to cause rafters and sheathing to rot, shingles to buckle, and insulation to lose its effectiveness, along with contributing to the growth of mold, and mildew.

Therefore, it is important to never block off sources of roof ventilation, such as louvers, ridge vents or soffit vents, even in winter, unless a roofing manufacturer instructs as to changes in the original design. Ventilation and insulation science has continually evolved to improve conditions. Proper attic ventilation will help prevent structural damage caused by moisture, increase roofing material life, reduce energy consumption and enhance the comfort level of the living space below the attic.

In addition to the free flow of air, insulation plays a key role in proper attic ventilation. An ideal attic is designed with the following in mind:

• A gap-free layer of insulation on the attic floor to protect the house below from heat gain or loss.
• Enough open, vented spaces to allow air to pass in and out freely.
• A minimum of 1 inch between the insulation and roof sheathing.

The requirements for proper attic ventilation may vary greatly, depending on the part of the United States in which a home or building is located, as well as the structure’s conditions, such as exposure to the sun, and shade and atmospheric humidity. Nevertheless, the general ventilation formula is based on the length and width of the attic. The NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association),recommends a minimum of 1 square foot of free vent area for each 150 square feet of attic floor—with vents placed proportionately at the eaves (e.g., soffits) and at or near the ridge.

Important considerations when thinking of re-roofing

• Sun: Heat and ultraviolet rays cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time. Deterioration can occur faster on the sides facing west or south.
• Rain: When water can migrate underneath shingles, shakes or other roofing materials. It can work its way to the roof deck, and cause the roof structure to rot. Extra moisture encourages mildew and rot elsewhere in a house, including walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems.
• Wind: High winds can raise the shingles’, or its components, and force water and debris underneath them. Extremely high winds can cause extensive damage.
• Condensation: Condensation can result from the build up of relatively warm, moisture-laden air. Moisture in a poorly ventilated attic promotes decay of wood sheathing and rafters, possibly destroying a roof structure. Proper ventilation can help to prevent condensation problems.
• Trees and leaves: Tree branches touching a roof can scratch and gouge the roofing materials when the branches become wind blown. Falling branches from overhanging trees can damage, or even puncture, shingles and other roofing materials. Leaves on a roof system’s surface retain moisture and cause rot, and leaves in the gutters block drainage.
• Missing or torn shingles: The key to a roof system’s effectiveness is complete protection. When shingles are missing or torn off, a roof structure and building interior are vulnerable to water damage and rot. The problem is likely to spread-nearby shingles can also be ripped, and easily blown away. Missing or torn shingles should be replaced as soon as possible.
• Shingle deterioration: When shingles are old and worn out, they curl, split, and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. Weakened shingles easily are blown off, torn, or lifted, by wind gusts. The end result is structural rot and interior damage. A deteriorated roof system only gets worse with time-it should be replaced as soon as possible! Ideally, replacement should be performed before problems begin!
• Flashing deterioration: Many apparent roof leaks really are flashing leaks. Without good, tight flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights and wall/roof junctions, water can enter a home or building and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems. Flashings should be checked as part of a biannual roof inspection and gutter cleaning.

The many enemies of Your Roof…

Yes Even the inanimate Roof has a plethora of Foes, or enemies. The most important aspect of working out a roofing project is to consider which foes you have to deal with in your respected area.

Below are a slough of Enemies but if some of these have zero chance of affecting then just skip past those.

Heat and ultraviolet rays

cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time. Deterioration can occur faster on the sides facing west or south.

Rain

When water gets underneath shingles, shakes or other roofing materials, it can work its way to the roof deck and cause the roof structure to rot. Extra moisture encourages mildew and rot elsewhere in a house, including walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems.

Wind

High winds can lift shingles’ edges (or other roofing materials) and force water and debris underneath them. Extremely high winds can cause extensive damage.

Snow and ice

Melting snow often refreezes at a roof’s overhang where the surface is cooler, forming an ice dam. This blocks proper drainage into the gutter. Water backs up under the shingles (or other roofing materials) and seeps into the interior. During the early melt stages, gutters and downspouts can be the first to fill with ice and be damaged beyond repair or even torn off a house or building.

Condensation

Condensation can result from the buildup of relatively warm, moisture-laden air. Moisture in a poorly ventilated attic promotes decay of wood sheathing and rafters, possibly destroying a roof structure. Sufficient attic ventilation can be achieved by installing larger or additional vents and will help alleviate problems because the attic air temperature will be closer to the outside air temperature.

Moss and algae

Moss can grow on moist wood shingles and shakes. Once it grows, moss holds even more moisture to a roof system’s surface, causing rot. In addition, moss roots also can work their way into a wood deck and structure. Algae also grows in damp, shaded areas on wood or asphalt shingle roof systems. Besides creating a black-green stain, algae can retain moisture, causing rot and deterioration. Trees and bushes should be trimmed away from homes and buildings to eliminate damp, shaded areas, and gutters should be kept clean to ensure good drainage.

Trees and leaves

Tree branches touching a roof will scratch and gouge roofing materials when the branches are blown by the wind. Falling branches from overhanging trees can damage, or even puncture, shingles and other roofing materials. Leaves on a roof system’s surface retain moisture and cause rot, and leaves in the gutters block drainage.

Missing or torn shingles

The key to a roof system’s effectiveness is complete protection. When shingles are missing or torn off, a roof structure and home or building interior are vulnerable to water damage and rot. The problem is likely to spread-nearby shingles also are ripped easily or blown away. Missing or torn shingles should be replaced as soon as possible.

Shingle deterioration

When shingles are old and worn out, they curl, split and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. Weakened shingles easily are blown off, torn or lifted by wind gusts. The end result is structural rot and interior damage. A deteriorated roof system only gets worse with time-it should be replaced as soon as possible.

Flashing deterioration

Many apparent roof leaks really are flashing leaks. Without good, tight flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights and wall/roof junctions, water can enter a home or building and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems. Flashings should be checked as part of a biannual roof inspection and gutter cleaning.

We have prepared a list of “Roofing Terms”

It’s helpful to learn a few of these to better understand what your contractor is talking about. Knowledge is power.

Remember, “Raneri and Long makes it simple”.

Deck/sheathing

The surface, usually plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), to which roofing materials are applied.

Dormer

A small structure projecting from a sloped roof, usually with a window.
Image Here

Drip edge

An L-shaped strip (usually metal) installed along roof edges to allow water run off to drip clear of the deck, eaves and siding.

Eave

The horizontal lower edge of a sloped roof.
Image here

Fascia

A flat board, band or face located at a cornice’s outer edge.

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

System for classifying the fire resistances of various materials. Roofing materials are rated Class A, B or C, with Class 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 system, such as vent pipes, chimneys, valleys and joints at vertical walls.
Image Here

Louvers

Slatted devices installed in a gable or soffit (the underside of eaves) to ventilate the space below a roof deck and equalize air temperature and moisture.
Image Here

Oriented strand board (OSB)

Roof deck panels (4 by 8 feet) made of narrow bits of wood, installed lengthwise and crosswise in layers, and held together with a resin glue. OSB often is used as a substitute for plywood sheets.

Penetrations

Vents, pipes, stacks, chimneys-anything that penetrates a roof deck.

Rafters

The supporting framing to which a roof deck is attached.
Image Here

Rake

The inclined edge of a roof over a wall.
Image Here

Ridge

The top edge of two intersecting sloping roof surfaces.

Sheathing

The boards or sheet materials that are fastened to rafters to cover a house or building.

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 of horizontal distance.
Image Here

Square

The common measurement for roof area. One square is 100 square feet(10 by 10 feet).

Truss

Engineered components that supplement rafters in many newer homes and buildings. Trusses are designed for specific applications and cannot be cut or altered.

Valley

The angle formed at the intersection of two sloping roof surfaces.
Image Here

Vapor retarder

A material designed to restrict the passage of water vapor through a roof system or wall.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you need more help, call us or send us an email!

Q:How can a home owner recognize when a roof system has problems?

A All too often, roof system problems are discovered after leaking, or other serious damage occurs. Periodic, (twice-a-year) inspections, often can uncover cracked, warped or missing shingles, loose seams and deteriorated flashings, excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts, and other visible signs of roof system problems. Indoors, look for cracked paint, damaged wallboard, peeling wallpaper, and any watermarks. All can be signs of water intrusion problems.

Q:What are my options if I decide to reroof?

A You have options: You can choose a complete replacement of the roof system, involving a complete removal of the old roof, or, under the right conditions, re-covering of the existing roof system. Usually, with an older roof, it would be desirable to remove it, which would allow for inspection of the roof deck, to check for damaged wood, termites, etc. Remember, if is not a good idea to nail brand new roofing materials to old, damaged wood. If you’ve already had one re-cover installed on your original roof system, check with Raneri and Long, a professional roofing contractor! In many instances, building code requirements allow no more than one roof system re-cover before a complete replacement is necessary.

Q:My roof leaks. Do I need to have it replaced completely?

A Not necessarily. Leaks can result from flashings that have come loose, or a section of the roof which has become damaged. A complete roof system failure, however, generally is irreversible, and in this case must be replaced. Call Raneri and Long, 800-564-3110, for an honest, professional assessment of the conditions. If it can be repaired we’ll tell you. If it needs a new roof, we’ll tell you. Remember,” we make it simple”.

Q:Can I do the work myself?

A Roofing is a complex, difficult, and dangerous job. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace roof systems. You can easily damage your roof system by using improper techniques, and at the same time severely injure yourself by falling off or through the roof. Don’t take a chance, call Raneri and Long for competitive pricing, the very best in quality, and unsurpassed service. 800 564 3110.

Q:How long can I expect my roof system to last?

A Your roof’s life can be affected by a number of factors, not limited to weather extremes, sun exposure, wind strength, foot traffic, etc. With top of the line materials, professional installation, purchase of an actual “roof system”, including components, an actual lifetime, labor and material warranted system is available to approved contractors. Raneri and Long, a listed Master Elite Contractor, can provide this type of warranted roof. 800-564-3110.

Q:What will a new roof system cost?

A The price of a new roof system can vary widely, depending upon such things as the type of material selected, whether the roof needs to be removed, the degree of difficulty, location, and a number of other factors. Pricing is interesting; if a price is way up in the stratosphere, something is wrong, conversely, if a price is so low it seems to be “too good to be true”, something is also wrong. Raneri and Long will always provide you with reliable, unsurpassed service, and the utmost of quality in labor and material, at a price which is competitive. If you ever have a question, or care to talk to us about another bid, please feel free to call us. We will always do our best to earn your business. For over 25 years we have provided San Diego top roofing services!

Q:How can I determine my annual roofing cost?

A When considering your roofing options, the following formula may help:

Total Cost Formula:
(Materials and Labor)
---------------------  = Annual Roofing Cost
Life Expectancy of
Roof System (years)