Have you ever been puzzled by the idea of how your roof works? Don’t worry. This is a normal for homeowners. The complexity of the entire roofing process is puzzling. So, one important topic we believe you should understand is rolled roofing. It is important to educate yourself about the proper planning and implementation of a rolled roof. Once you do that, the advantages and disadvantages of it should be evident. We have provided an information guide on a Rolled Roof to make sure you understand it completely. Additionally, it will help you carry out your next big project.
Let’s step into the world of roofing by first understanding what a rolled roof is;
What is Rolled Roofing
Roll Roofing is mineral-surfaced, oil-based asphalt that you use to cover your roof. A rolled roof is just shingles that are cheaply priced. So, you can use this cost-effective material for your next roofing project. The best characteristic of this material is the low price and aesthetics that will overall enhance your home. The only downside is thinness. Therefore, they aren’t as durable as other materials.
You can classify a roll roof into three finishing categories: mineral finish, smooth finish, and saturated rolled roofing. You will not a rolled roof used much in residential buildings because they are more suitable for shops or garages. As the name suggests, a rolled roof comes in rolls. These rolls come in 100 square feet rolls and are light weight. Their vulnerability to various elements and harsh weather conditions make the material prone to damage and deterioration. They are ideally suitable as roof coverings, and their durability is crucial.
Advantages
Rolled roofing provides the best covering for your roof. They are famous for their prominent features and economical pricing. If you are debating whether using them would be beneficial or not, know that it has long-standing proven benefits with smooth functionality. The numerous advantages of this roof covering provides the best enclosure for your roof. Additionally, those who want to shield their roofing perfectly should trust this material.
In the next section, we will cover the advantages and disadvantages of rolled roofing so you can make an informed decision for your upcoming projects;
Ease of Installation
The easy installation and the light weight traits of rolled roofing make it perfect for your roof. You can enjoy how efficient the material is and the cost-effectiveness of it as well. If you hire a profession, you can get this installed in one day. If you install it yourself, it can take a week at maximum.
Best for Sloped Roofs
The essential features and great uses of this roofing cover demonstrates its popularity. You have to use rolled roofing for your sloped roof.
Aesthetic Appeal of the material
the roll roofing comes in various colors and shapes. Therefore, you have flexibility in choosing your favorite roll roofing color. Add this bold look to your home and protect your building.
Minimal Upkeep
this material is best for low-slope roofs, and they don’t demand much maintenance.
Style Suitability
using them will automatically add a more traditional appearance and look to your roof.
Easy Transportation
the portability aspect of the roll roofing makes it an ideal option to carry during and after construction.
Disadvantages
One cannot deny the disadvantages of rolled roofs compared to other roofing materials. So, these are some of the disadvantages of rolled roofs you will be dealing with;
Limited Lifespan: compared to other roofing materials, rolled roofing has a shorter lifespan, and you can enjoy approximately 20 years of service life.
Lack of Durability: the roll roofing material is very durable compared to other roofing materials. Therefore, you may have to replace them sooner as they can deteriorate quickly.
Not resistant to winds and high temperatures: know that the roll roofing is not very resistant to cold, heat, and weather conditions.
Repairing Rolled Roof Yourself
Another way of gaining durability and enjoying a longer life with your rolled roofing depends on how well you maintain roll roofing. However, no matter how much you follow the guidelines, wear and tear are inevitable. So, the damage to your roofing should not surprise you. However, you must be familiar with the quick repair methods;
You will start repairing the roll roofing by identifying the extent of the damage and the area. It will allow you to fix the damaged part quickly. However, ensure whether the damaged area is small or big. Then, you may systematically cover the tears and cracks with tar or concrete.
On an immediate basis, you may remove the damaged rolled roofing material and replace it with new patches. However, be a bit careful before applying the new pieces of roll roofing. Now, ensure you clean the area well, and then you can proceed with the next step.
Create an overlap of the new role with the existing ones by sliding its top edge. You can now apply cement or tar to the roof surface and drive nails to the corners of the new material. You will need drill for this. As a result, you get secured rolled roofing. Lastly, you can apply the cement to the parts with new and existing rolled roofing meet.
Nailing the Rolled Roof
This is another essential aspect of a roll roof since it ensures the performance and stability of the roof. So, be careful with the nailing process. You must know the correct type, size, and nail grade suitable for rolled roofing. Likewise, nails must resist corrosion to ensure intact roll roofing and adequate stability. In addition, you should know how many roof nails to use per roll.
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Cost Estimation in Various Situations
We already discussed how rolled roofs are a cheaper option than others. However, we still have to consider some factors to estimate the total cost of it. Several factors affect the entire roofing cost. Therefore, the materials, supplies, tools, labor, and roof surface area all determine your final expense.
Suppose you have a low slope, simple shape roof layout, contractor-grade material, low labor cost, and a roof surface area of 590 square feet. Then your expenses would be ranging from $3,330.46 to $ 4,437.81. On the other hand, if your surface is big, let us take it as 1030 square feet with a low slope average shape roof. Moreover, if you use better value grade material and bear a labor cost of medium level, your total expense should not be as high as $9286.03.
Likewise, your cost will increase for a greater roof surface area. Let us suppose there is a roof with a surface area of 3430 square feet and a low slope, complex shape. Additionally, if you use expensive labor with superior-grade material, your overall cost will go as high as $43,986.71. So, factors like labor cost, material quality, and roof surface area play a prominent role in deciding the pricing of the roll roofing.
Roofing Materials and their Types
Let us now discuss some of the roofing materials you have for sloped roofs; they provide flexibility in choosing your favorite roofing material.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt Shingles are a common material seen in rolled roofs. People use them both for residential and commercial buildings. Additionally, they are reinforced with organic material, wood fibers, and fiberglass surfaced with mineral granules. You can order them in different styles or colors. They can also can last you up to 20 years.
Tile Roofing
Clay, concrete, and rubber usually makeup tiled roofing and are ideal for stable roofing. That type of roofing can serve your home for a good 50 years. The durability of this roofing type is the wow factor everyone loves. Additionally, the weight of this material provides a significant support system significantly. And lastly, they are a bit more costly compared to asphalt shingles.
Wood Shakes
Cedar wood shakes have many properties suitable for roofing and other purposes. The quality of cedar is its ability to resist and prevent termites. Their installation is a bit complex, but the material works for a good 30 years.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is ideal for commercial buildings. Your metal roof can be made of steel, copper, or aluminum. Many property owners choose them because they can last for 50 years. They also make a good choice because they can withstand hailstorms and other weather conditions. Their average cost is also three times as high as asphalt shingles, so you should consider your needs and cost before investing in metal roofing.
Final Remarks
You should not ignore the roofing part of your home’s construction. Roll roofing makes a significant impact on your home. That is why we have discussed the ins and outs of it in this article.
For any repairs, installations, builds, or questions; We recommend you to hire a professional. Find A Pro Near You Here!
Frequently Asked Questions (Roll Roofing)
Does Roll Roofing have a great lifespan?
Rolled roofing is your best friend if you don’t want to bear heavy expenses. So, the lower price means a relatively lower life span than other materials. On average, the material will serve you for a good 20 years.
Can I install roll roofing on a steep-slope roof?
Technically, roll roofing is an ideal option for low-slope roofs; therefore, we don’t recommend using it for steep-slope roofs.
Should I repair minor damages of roll roofing on my own?
When the roofing has minor issues with roll roofing, you can replace the portion with a new one.