From the caves of prehistoric humans to modern-day skyscrapers, roofs have always been a necessity for human beings. As long as they’ve had shelter from their surroundings and climatic changes- whether cold or hot, wet or dry- people have needed protection overhead.

Roofs are not just protective on one level; rather than simply keeping out rainwater and other elements that could damage homes below them, they also provide an important social function by creating boundaries between neighbors.

Beyond this, rooftops offer more opportunities like space reflective surfaces that can help keep buildings cool during warmer months while serving as solar collectors when winter temperatures drop low enough for snowfall accumulation.

For those of you who are as fascinated with roofing as we are, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most exciting facts about roofing.

 

Your Roof Needs To Breathe

That’s right, your roofing system is like a living, breathing organism; it needs sufficient airflow to function correctly. Roofing ventilation systems allow warm, moist air to escape and cold, dry air to filter in. This is necessary to prevent moisture build-up in your roof and stop the growth of mold and bacteria.

 

Your Roofing System Is Quite Intricate

Your roofing system has a lot more than shingles and gutters. It is made up of a roof deck, water-resistant underlayment, flashing, attic insulation, ceiling surrounds like soffits, and other parts that you might not even be able to name yourself – but we bet your contractor sure can!

You should always hire someone who knows what they are doing when taking care of your home’s exterior because any amateurs won’t know where or how to start with all those complicated components.

 

Thatch and Clay Are Some Of The Oldest Documented Roofing Systems

History books have recorded thatch, clay, and stone as roofing materials as far back as 10 000 BC. These simple yet effective materials kept water out of homes, they were easy to construct and replace, and they could be styled and designed according to each cultures’ preference.

 

Certain Cultures Use Unique Roof Designs

Across the globe, people have different ways of shaping their homes and roofing systems. Japanese buildings are known for having high peaks and curved roof designs, while traditional Mali roofing is made of mud with steep angles that feature protruding wooden rods. Scandinavia has a tradition of using grass on their rooftops as an additional layer for warmth and protection against weather extremes, you’ll also find many other diverse roofing styles across the world too.

 

Flat Roofing Isn’t Actually Flat

The name might be deceiving, but flat roofing is not entirely flat. When installing a flat roof, they need to be installed at a gentle slope to prevent standing water. While not as effective at draining water as sloped roofs might be, flat roofs still get the job done. Flat roofs need to be regularly maintained to get rid of pooling water.

For more exciting facts about roofing or professional roofing services, give Nextgen Roofing a call today!