We would tell a roof joke,

but it might go over your head. 😁

In all seriousness, your home's roof is more than just a cover and anything but a joke—it shields your biggest investment, your home, from the weather, modulates indoor air temperatures and adds to your home's beauty. Ever looked up at a house and wondered about their roof? We do all the time!

TYPES OF ROOFING

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular because they are economical and easy to install, last up to 30 years, and come in many colors and beautiful styles. A second layer of shingle is often added on top when the first layer has outlived its useable life. After a roof has two layers of asphalt shingles worn out, usually a roofing contractor will recommend a full replacement due to state restrictions. It’s good to know how old your roof is, how many layers it has and when it’s shingles were put on.

Flat Roofing

Flat roof designs are often used in sleek, modern homes and for city apartment buildings to extending living spaces into the outdoors. Some flat roofs have run off systems that divert rain water into underground or separate holding tanks. A flat roof’s lifespan is about 30 years for the most common materials; synthetic rubber, TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), and Modified Bitumen, an asphalt-based material. Flat roofs, when well-maintained, can provide extra outdoor space, support gardens, create additional living areas, and even facilitate rainwater collection in holding tanks.

Living Roofs

A living roof is typically covered in native greenery—it can transform a roof into a vibrant, eco-friendly space. These innovative roofs feature hardy native plants and offer benefits such as improved insulation, indoor and outdoor air temperature regulation, and reduced environmental impact, including reducing urban “heat islands”. If you want to try this type of roof for sustainability and biodiversity, it may be possible to retro fit an installation of a living roof onto areas of existing roof if the structure is strong enough. Living roofs are heavy during rainy season and a professional should be consulted for the weight load as well as needed waterproofing. You can contact local roofing pros in your Jack app!

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs are sleek, modern, and strong with excellent durability. They can last up to 70 years, prevent water intrusion and offer fire resistance, environmental benefits, and surprisingly save money on cooling costs in hot climates when insulated correctly.

Wood Shake or Shingles

Cedar wood shake roofs impart a high quality, significant natural beauty to a home. With proper maintenance, wood shake roofs last up to 50 years, while some well-maintained installations have been known to endure for over 50 years. However, they require significant upkeep and fire-prevention measures. Because of the high expense, some roofers use an alternative shake that gives an authentic look without the high cost and upkeep.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

Think of these as roofs from Mediterranean-style homes. Clay or concrete tile roofs can last up to 100 years or more with proper maintenance, offering exceptional longevity, fire protection, and beauty. They come in many shapes and colors.

Slate Roofing

For a superior lasting, high end roof, slate is unbeatable, especially where slate naturally occurs locally since it’s expensive to ship this heavy material to the job site. Often referred to as a "lifetime roof" due to their exceptional durability, slate lasts a 100 or more years, amortizing their initial expense. Your building needs to be strong enough to hold them but if it isn’t, there are some quality alternatives now that have the look of natural slate and are lightweight. We highly recommend “The Slate Roof Bible” written by Joseph Jenkins if you have a home with a natural slate roof.

Parts of a Roof Glossary

Chimney: A structure on the roof that channels smoke or gases from a fireplace or heating system.

Chimney Flashing: Metal pieces installed to prevent water from entering where the chimney meets the roof.

Collar Beam: A horizontal structural component connecting rafters to prevent sagging.

Downspout: A pipe that carries rainwater from the gutters to the ground.

Fascia: Vertical board beneath the roof edge, supporting the gutters and providing a finished look.

Felt Underlayment: A layer of felt material placed under shingles for added weather protection.

Gutter: A channel along the roof's edge that collects and directs rainwater away from the house.

Lookout: Support brackets attached to the roof's framing for extending eaves.

Rafter: A sloped beam supporting the roof and providing structural support.

Ridge Board: The horizontal board at the peak where opposing roof slopes meet.

Shingles: Overlapping roofing materials, often made of asphalt, wood, or slate, providing weather protection.

Skylight: A window installed in the roof to allow natural light into the building.

Solid Decking: The solid base layer of the roof structure supporting the roof covering.

Splash Block: A slab placed beneath a downspout to prevent erosion and direct water away from the building.

Spaced Sheathing: Wooden boards with gaps used as the base for roofing materials.

Valley Flashing: Metal pieces used to protect areas where two roof slopes meet.

Valley Underlayment: Layer beneath valley flashing to enhance water resistance.

Vent Pipe Flashing: Material used to seal around pipes or vents protruding through the roof.

Rake: The inclined edge of a gable roof over the end wall of a house.

Thinking about roofing, need advice, installation, maintenance, and repairs? Have a seamless and reliable roofing experience for your home improvement projects with your Jack Homes App. Jack connects you with local, professional roofers.

Your choice of roof isn't just about looks—it affects how long your roof lasts, your indoor air quality and how much energy you save. Talk to roof experts to pick the right roof for your home's needs and your budget. Keep your roof in good shape with regular checks and fixes. While the roof may be considered expensive, investing in a good roof means a safe and beautiful home for a long time, so pays off with rewards.

And if you just happen to have a roofing company and you’re reading this, join our new app for local customers to have easy access to your services!

Scan here to download

1) Open your cell phone’s camera.
2) Point the camera at the QR code as if you are going to take its picture.
3) A yellow link will pop up below the QR code,
4) Tap “Jack Homes” to be brought to the type, Apple or Android store, to download the Jack app. If you have already downloaded the Jack app, the link will bring you to your Jack Homes app itself.