Whether you’re building a new home or replacing an existing roof, proper roofing installation will protect your home from the elements and add to its curb appeal. Choosing the right materials is crucial for your project to succeed.
Before shingles are installed, roofers install underlayment and flashing. These protective materials prevent leaks and damage to your roof decking.
A roof installation project requires a variety of materials to ensure the job goes smoothly. Among the essentials are sheathing, which is made from plywood or OSB and serves as a base for shingles or other roofing materials. It is crucial to install sheathing that is water-resistant and strong enough to support the weight of a roof covering and resist damage caused by harsh weather conditions, snow, hail and other hazards.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the States. They are affordable and easy to install. They also come in a wide variety of colors and styles to match the look of any home. Other roofing materials to consider include clay tiles, which are non-combustible and can last upwards of 50 years. Concrete tiles are durable and mimic the look of a variety of other roofing materials, including slate and wood shingles. These tiles may be more expensive than asphalt shingles, but they are energy efficient and offer superior longevity.
Rolled roofing is a cost-effective option for low-slope residential roofs and outbuildings like sheds and workshops. It consists of long rolls of fiberglass mat doused in asphalt and covered with mineral granules in a variety of colors. This roofing material is the least aesthetically pleasing, but it offers superior durability and an average lifespan of 8 to 10 years.
Other roofing materials to consider include a roof leak barrier, which is installed along the eaves, valleys and around penetrations. This prevents water from seeping through the roofing material in colder climates and helps protect the interior of the house from water damage.
Leak barriers are available in different thicknesses and styles to meet the needs of any roofing system. One of the most popular options is a mineral-surfaced product from GAF called WeatherWatch Roof Leak Barrier, which is highly effective at preventing leaks from ice dams and wind-driven rain.
Other roofing products include a variety of tools and accessories that make the work easier, safer and more efficient. Pry bars are useful for removing nails, staples and other fasteners from the old roof before installing the new roof. Other useful tools include a hammer, nail gun and roofing caulk. A hard hat, protective eyewear and gloves are also essential for working on a roof.
Preparation
Roof preparation is one of the most important aspects of a roof restoration project. It is a process that involves making sure that the surface of your roof is free from dirt, grease, contaminants, tools, moisture, loose debris and other things that can prevent proper adhesion. This step also involves removing the existing roofing materials and preparing the area for the new coating system.
In addition to laying out tools and materials, this phase also includes preparing the workspace and organizing it for optimal workflow. For example, it is a good idea to cover items inside the house with plastic sheets, and remove wall hangings, such as mirrors or paintings. This will prevent them from getting damaged by vibrations and debris that might occur during the installation.
A good roofer will also install a protective underlayment, usually felt paper or some other material that is durable enough to protect your roof. It is especially important to waterproof the valleys, which are the areas where the different sections of your roof meet and form a V-shaped angle. The underlayment is installed in the same way as shingles and should be overlapped and nailed with a special cap nail that is designed to hold up against weather elements.
Another important aspect of the roof restoration is to install vents, such as ridge vents, soffit vents and gable vents. These are important for a number of reasons, including preventing mold and regulating the temperature in your home. They are also useful for removing excess moisture and reducing energy costs.
Lastly, the roofer will install flashing around chimneys, windows and other joints, as well as on the ridge of the roof. This is an important step in preventing leaks and protecting the roof from extreme weather conditions. The flashing is generally made from metal and should be staggered so that the joints don’t line up directly with each other, which can cause leaks.
Once the underlayment and other preparatory work are complete, it is time to install your new shingles or other roof covering. If you choose asphalt shingles, the roofer will add them in layers and stagger them for a decorative look. If you choose a metal roof, the panels will be screwed into place. Finally, the ridge of the roof will be covered with a specialty shingle that will protect it from wind uplift and water intrusion.
Installation
Before any roofing work starts, your contractor will take multiple steps to protect the rest of your home and yard. They will cover plants, lawn furniture, air conditioning units, and anything else they can’t move. They’ll also lay down tarps to catch any nails they may drop and have a dumpster delivered to dispose of old materials.
Next, the roofer will put down the underlayment and begin laying the shingles. They will overlap the first row by at least six inches, nail it close to the edge and spread out more as they go along the ridge. They will also apply flashing in roof valleys, around chimneys and wood stove pipes, over certain vents, and along hip roofs. They will then put down a ridge cap shingle for a waterproof seal and to prevent wind uplift.
You can also add additional shingles to your roof for increased curb appeal, extra protection from the elements, or to increase your home’s energy efficiency. These are referred to as accent shingles and can include things like dimensional shingles for an attractive appearance, three-tab shingles for cost savings, or wood shakes for natural beauty.
Maintenance
As a homeowner, there are many maintenance tasks you can do on your roof to keep it in top condition. It’s important to inspect your roof on a regular basis to catch any issues before they become major problems. These include checking shingles for damage, rot, mold and mildew, water stains, cracking or chipping. Additionally, you should also inspect your attic insulation, which helps regulate temperatures and prevent energy loss. Also, you should regularly clean drains and gutters to avoid clogs. Finally, you should regularly trim tree limbs that overhang your roof to eliminate the risk of falling limbs during storms.
With a re-roof, your roofing material doesn’t matter nearly as much as it does with a new roof installation. However, you should still regularly inspect your roof for any areas that need repair or replacement, such as flashing (a thin piece of aluminum or galvanized steel installed over joints in the roof where it meets other surfaces like vents, chimneys and dormers) and the rubber seals around chimneys, skylights and vent outlets.
Other roof maintenance tasks include cleaning off accumulated dirt and debris, which can clog the drains and shorten the life of your shingles. You should also regularly clean out your chimney to remove the flammable creosote that forms inside, as well as examining attic insulation for any cracks, holes or areas where the material is missing. Lastly, you should regularly check the seals around roof penetrations to ensure they’re not cracked or damaged, as these are commonly where leaks originate.
If you’re concerned about your home’s safety or energy efficiency, contact us to schedule a free roof inspection. Our experienced professionals will examine your roof for any repairs and determine if a full replacement is needed.