Investing in a new roof improves your home’s appearance and can address mismatched patches and visible wear and tear that may be turning off prospective buyers.
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Plywood is a popular roofing material, as it is affordable and durable. However, choosing the right type of plywood for a roof can be difficult. The best choice depends on the weather conditions in your area, as well as your budget. You should also consider the environmental impacts of the plywood you choose. For example, traditional plywood manufacturing relies on establishing trees, which has an impact on the environment. Fortunately, the industry has made significant progress in promoting sustainable forestry practices. Another important consideration is the adhesives used in plywood production. Historically, many types of plywood have used formaldehyde as an adhesive, which has been linked to health issues. However, newer versions of plywood have eliminated the use of toxic chemicals.
Plywood comes in various thicknesses, and each provides a different level of performance. The thickness of the plywood determines its strength and allows for adequate insulation. You should choose a thicker plywood for a heavier roof, and a thinner plywood for lighter roofs. You can also opt for multi-ply plywood, which consists of several layers of veneers glued together. Multi-ply plywood is more durable than single-ply wood. However, it can be expensive.
In addition to plywood, Lowe’s also stocks OSB plywood and MDF boards. OSB stands for oriented strand board, and it’s similar to plywood. It has the advantage of being more environmentally friendly, as it uses less timber and produces fewer emissions. It is also more resistant to moisture and has better load-bearing capacity. OSB has replaced plywood as the preferred sheathing and subflooring material for new homes.
The thickness of the plywood you choose depends on your rafter spacing and the amount of weight that will be placed on the roof. For a typical residential roof, a 4 by 8 foot sheet of CDX plywood is ideal. This type of plywood has a C grade on one side and a D grade on the other, and it is made with moisture-resistant glues.
Regardless of the type of plywood you choose, it is essential to select high-quality materials. High-quality plywood has been treated with preservatives and is resistant to insects and mold. It can also be stained or painted to match your home’s style. It is also easy to work with, and it holds nails or staples easily.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in the United States, with four out of five homes utilizing this durable, cost-effective option. They are available in a variety of colors and styles to complement the aesthetic of any home, and they are easy to install for a quick, hassle-free roof installation. This versatility makes them an attractive choice for homeowners who want to add value and curb appeal to their property.
These roofing shingles are available in two standard designs: architectural shingles and three-tab shingles. The former are a popular and economical choice for residential properties, with three separate tabs that give the roof a consistent and uniform appearance. They are also lightweight, reducing the cost for both the material and the installation process. However, they do not last as long or offer manufacturer’s warranties as long as architectural shingles do.
In contrast, architectural shingles are manufactured with a double-layered structure that resembles the look of other roofing materials, such as cedar shake and natural slate tile. These shingles are generally more expensive than three-tab shingles, but they offer superior weather protection and enhanced curb appeal. They also tend to have longer lifespans, and some types offer a 50-year non-prorated warranty.
Regardless of the type of shingle, all asphalt shingles are designed with an organic or fiberglass base mat that is saturated and coated in asphalt for waterproofing. They are then covered with ceramic-coated opaque mineral granules that give them color and further protect against UV rays.
In addition to these benefits, the waterproof coating that covers the underside of asphalt shingles is beneficial in preventing mildew growth and other issues related to moisture buildup on a roof. In fact, regular cleaning by a roofing company will help keep these shingles in optimal condition and prevent premature wear and tear.
Another key benefit of asphalt shingles is their fire resistance. This is thanks to an innovation in the 1970s, when fiber-glass shingles were introduced. The resulting product offered greater durability, improved lifespan, and a class B fire rating compared to their organic counterparts. This improvement has made asphalt shingles the preferred choice for many properties, as well as helping to lower homeowner’s insurance rates.
Cedar Shakes
Cedar shakes are an attractive and durable roofing material that add rustic appeal to homes. Their natural insulation properties help to keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter, cutting down on energy costs. Cedar shingles are also environmentally friendly, since the wood is a renewable resource and can be harvested without harming the tree. While cedar shingles have many advantages, they do require periodic maintenance to keep them looking their best. A regular debris removal routine is important, as moisture that infiltrates the shingles can lead to wood rot and other structural issues. In addition, the high upfront cost of a cedar shake roof can make it difficult for some homeowners to afford.
Homeowners should look for a contractor that offers a labor warranty for their cedar shake roof installation project. This type of warranty provides protection against installation errors that can lead to costly repairs down the road. Homeowners can also seek out a roofing contractor that uses premium cedar shakes, as these are generally more durable and longer-lasting than lower-quality alternatives.
During the installation process, roofers should use a high-quality shingle jack to remove and install each cedar shake. These jacks are more expensive than standard roofing jacks, but they provide greater durability and safety. They have a flat head and a large handle that can grip the underside of a shake, allowing it to be pushed up and pulled down with ease. They are available at home improvement centers for about $75 a pair.
When installing a cedar shake roof, it is important to use proper ventilation to reduce the risk of water damage. Traditionally, shakes were nailed to skip sheathing, which is a substrate of narrow 1x boards that are nailed perpendicular to the rafters and spaced 4 in. to 8 in. apart. This spacing allows the shakes to dry on both sides. Modern shake installations often use a plastic mat called CedAir-Mat, which promotes ventilation and helps to prevent rotting and cupping of the shakes.
Both cedar shingles and shakes are susceptible to fungus and mildew growth, which can affect their appearance and durability. The presence of these fungi can increase the amount of maintenance required to keep a shake or shingle roof in good condition. Using preservatives or other treatments is an excellent way to protect your cedar roof from mold and fungi growth, keeping it looking its best for years to come.
Composite Shakes
Cedar shakes have a timeless beauty that is unmatched by other roofing materials. They offer a unique rustic appearance that adds a beautiful dimension to the natural landscape of any home. Cedar shakes are known for their durability, and they are resistant to harsh weather conditions and the elements. However, they are prone to organic degradation over time and require periodic chemical treatments to extend their lifespan.
Additionally, wood roofs are a fire risk and may be subject to some building code restrictions in high-risk areas. Composite shakes are an alternative to natural cedar and offer the same rustic charm with the added benefit of being more resistant to rot, mold, mildew, fire, insect, water absorption, cracking, and damage caused by extreme weather changes.
Composite shingle roofs are made from synthetic materials that include recycled plastic, wood fibers, and elastomers (rubber). They can be manufactured to look like traditional cedar shakes and shingles with a wide selection of color options. They are also lightweight and do not require a heavy-duty roof deck for installation. This means they can be installed on a variety of roof types and are more affordable than cedar shakes or other traditional roofing materials.
PlyGem offers a composite shake product called Engineered Cedar Shake that is molded to look and feel like real cedar. It is available in a variety of colors and features a lifetime warranty. This is a great option for those looking to upgrade their homes without spending the money and effort required for a new cedar roof.
DaVinci Roofscapes has a line of simulated cedar shakes and shingles that are incredibly realistic. They come in a wide range of colors and can be custom blended to match the existing roofing on your house. These shingles are resistant to rot, mold, mildew, and insects, as well as easy on the eyes for anyone who looks at your home.
Ludowici manufactures two faux shake products – Century Shake, a thick-profile heavy-weight tile for new construction and Ludoshake, a lighter-weight product that is used in remodeling projects. Both of these are made from Terra Cotta, one of the world’s oldest and most durable building materials, and are available in a number of standard and custom colors. They are also impact rated and class A fire rated, meaning they can be installed in high-risk or mountain communities without the need for structural weight modifications or additional reinforcement of the roof structure.