A Dry Home is a Happy Home

Your roof is a system that needs to be set up properly using all the required components for it to be functional and last longer.

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[ctt template=”4″ link=”TIfOi” via=”yes” ]Your roof is a system that needs to be set up properly using all the required components for it to be functional and last longer. [/ctt]

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Roofing Substrates

Most property owners think their roof is the basic material they see on top of their building. Roofs nonetheless comprise several layers that guarantee their functionality. The roof deck or substrate is, for instance, the material found between the structural components, and the weatherproofing and insulation layers. This is the section where your roof's parts are placed.

Other than strong material, you should ensure you pick the best roof deck waterproofing material. This guarantees that the roof deck is protected from water damage that might compromise it. This will not only cause leaks in your property but also the eventual collapse of your entire roof since the structure where it is built on will cave in. The substrate you choose for your property's roofing should be dried, primed, and cleaned before the installation of other layers to guarantee the proper adhesion of your roof.

Here are some of the materials that can be used for your roofing deck.

 

Profiled Metal

 

Profiled aluminum or steel is used in properties looking for a pitched or flat lightweight deck. This is usually used for commercial buildings. Aluminum is ideal for places with high humidity since it is rust-proof. Steel is considered unsuitable for cold roofs unless it had an OSB {orientated strand board} or plywood overlay. A minimum 0.7 mm thickness is required for galvanized steel substrates while aluminum should not be less than 0.9mm thick. Mechanical fixings rather than welding are used for the attachment of other roofing layers to metal substrates.

 

Concrete

This is common in multi-story buildings because of the material's sheer strength. The concrete is dried and cured based on a manufacturer's recommendations before the installation of other layers to guarantee an optimal adhesion.  You can use in-situ reinforced or precast concrete. When using in situ reinforced concrete, temporary drainage holes will be drilled through the slabs to drain construction water. Precast concrete comes in lightweight and dense variants. Water is drained through it using open deck joints and temporary holes.

 

Plywood

 

You can pick exterior grade structural plywood as the substrate for your pitched or flat roof. The ideal thickness of your plywood substrate depends on the anticipated weight it will hold though it should not be less than 18mm thick. Engineered plywood substrates should be marine grade to withstand various external elements and the effects of shrinking, movement, and warping.

 

 

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Solid Timber Boards

 

Solid softwood timber is the traditional deck material choice and is generally used on flat roofs. The ideal choices are those made of naturally durable species or treated with a preservative measuring at least 19mm thick. Grooved and tongued boards are preferred over the plain-edged ones since these have minimal risk of shrinking or warping.

 

When Choosing Your Roofing Substrate

 

Your choice from the above material for your roofing substrate depends on the roofing material you want to use, and the overall weight your roof will be supporting. The weight should take into account appliances like solar panels, air conditioning equipment, and harsh weather elements like heavy rain or snowfall. If you want to include swimming pools, walking decks, or a rooftop bar on your roof, the weight of these features should also be taken into account.

 

 

This is a contributed post.

 

 

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A Dry Home is a Happy Home – Roofing Substrates