Before starting a roofing project, it’s important to hire professional roofing contractors. Check out online reviews and look for credentials like insurance, licensing, and certifications.
When you choose a roofing contractor, consider whether you want a roof replacement or re-roofing. Re-roofing is less expensive and can extend a roof’s lifespan, especially with moderate damage.
Roofing is dangerous and messy work, so homeowners should make preparations before the start of the job. The most important step is to remove anything that might interfere with the roofing process. This includes debris, branches and other obstructions that can fall and damage your home or hinder the roofers as they work.
Next, the homeowner should clear the attic of any items and cover fragile knick-knacks or paintings. The pounding of hammers and the use of nail guns create vibrations that can damage your belongings. Putting those items in storage or covering them is much safer for them and protects them from being impacted by dust and debris that will be kicked up during the roof installation.
It is also a good idea to remove any decorations or items hanging from the walls, especially those that are vulnerable to knocking. The vibrations caused by hammering can cause these items to fall and break. Also, if there is anything on the roof such as satellite or TV dishes, they will need to be removed.
In addition to removing any obstructions from the roof, the homeowner should also inspect the yard and outdoor areas. Ensure that the garage door is open and that vehicles are not blocking access to the house. If possible, it is best to park vehicles on paved surfaces so the roofing crew does not have to walk through wet grass, which damages the lawn.
Finally, pets and children should be kept away from the work area. They can be spooked by the noise from the hammers and nail guns and can be injured by falling debris or by being trampled on by workers. Consider arranging for them to stay with friends or family during the roof replacement so they can play in another part of the house.
Materials
Choosing the right roofing materials is a critical part of a successful home improvement project. The selection process requires weighing roof cost, durability and aesthetics as well as local climate factors and building code requirements.
Typical residential roofing materials include asphalt shingles, wood shakes and concrete tiles. Each offers unique benefits. For example, shakes are split logs of cedar or redwood that offer a natural and rustic appearance that complements many architectural styles. However, they are also more expensive than shingles, which are sawmilled to uniform length, width and thickness to create a smooth, clean line.
Shingles are the most popular roofing material due to their affordability and ease of installation. They are available in a variety of colors and styles to suit different architecture designs. Additionally, shingles can be reinforced with fiberglass or organic material to add additional strength and protection against harsh weather conditions.
Other common roofing materials include concrete and clay tile, which are long-lasting and highly versatile. They are heavy, however, so it’s important to evaluate the structure of a home to ensure it can support the weight of these options.
Other roofing materials to consider include single-layer membranes, which are commonly used on commercial roofs. These are available in neoprene, EPDM rubber, chlorinated polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride sheets as well as modified bitumen cap sheet roofs. Regardless of the chosen roofing material, it is essential to select high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting performance and a watertight seal. Additional materials that should be considered include drip edge flashing, pipe vent flashing, ice and water shield and other reinforcement materials to protect against leaks or intrusion at vulnerable points such as chimneys, skylights and roof penetrations.
Installation
After the underlayment is down, it’s time to start laying shingles. The roofing contractor will start with a row at the bottom of the roof and work upward, overlapping each row by about four inches. This will help to prevent rain and snow from blowing underneath the shingles. The contractor will also install new flashing on the drip edge and around chimneys, vents and valleys (where two roof planes meet). The first course of shingles will have cap nails that are closer together along the edges than they are in the middle, and the contractor will continue this pattern until just below the ridge. He or she will then cut the last shingle to fit.
During this process, the roofing contractor will cover sensitive areas of your home and yard with tarps and use boards to protect things like air conditioning units.
Cleanup
When the roofers are done, they will leave the area clean and take away all of the old materials. They will also replace any damaged flashing and vents.
It is important to protect your yard and driveway from debris by covering them with tarps and having a dumpster delivered to dispose of the old materials. It is also a good idea to trim your lawn and bushes before the roofing project begins. This will enable the magnets to more easily reach nails and other debris that fall during the replacement.
During the roofing replacement, there will be vibrations in your home which could cause damage to items hanging on walls or stored in the attic. It is a good idea to remove items from walls and store them temporarily in a safe place.
Roofing is a demanding job that requires considerable strength and stamina to carry heavy materials, climb ladders, and work in all kinds of weather conditions. Moreover, it can be dangerous for those who are not properly trained and equipped with the right tools. As a result, there are many roofing-related accidents that can occur. Fortunately, reputable roofing contractors have strict safety protocols and policies to ensure the safety of their employees.
