Roofing is the art and science of making, fixing, and replacing roofs. There are a significant variety of practical types of roofs, but the most common are asphalt shingles and metal panels.

Choosing the right material for your home is important, and a roofing company can advise you on the best materials for your climate, age of the building, and your preferences. They can also install insulation to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Your new roof can also increase your property’s value. If you are planning on selling your home, a new roof will make it more appealing to potential buyers and could even help you sell faster.

The roof structure is a key part of your home’s architecture and is generally determined well before it is built. The roof structure is generally made of rafters which are beams or trusses that extend from the eaves to the peak of the roof.

There are a number of different elements that can be part of a roof, including purlins which span the rafters and provide a way to fasten the rafter and sheathing. Ridge beams are also a major component of the roof and provide additional support for the rafters.

Before a roof is replaced, the existing shingles must be torn off completely and the old underlayment paper must be removed. Then, the new tar paper is installed. The new shingles are then positioned according to objects on the roof like chimneys, exhaust pipes and vent stacks.