Roof installation is a complex process. It requires careful planning and precision to ensure a durable, reliable roofing structure.
The first step is to remove any existing shingles and repair any damaged areas of the decking. A water-resistant underlayment is then laid across the roof. For professional help, contact Arthur’s Roofing.
A specialized metal material is then installed around chimneys, vents and other spots to prevent leaks.
The roofing installation process involves a great deal of work, and it’s important to take the time to properly prepare your property for the job. This helps ensure that the project is completed in a timely manner and that your home is protected from debris and dust.
If you’re planning to install a new roof, it’s a good idea to speak with your contractor early on to discuss your expectations and establish an installation timeline. This will help to ensure that the project is completed within a reasonable timeframe and that you are happy with the results. It’s also a good idea to discuss potential problems that might arise during the construction process and develop contingency plans to address them.
It’s also important to be aware of the requirements and procedures for obtaining a permit if necessary for your roof installation project. This can vary from location to location, so it’s a good idea to contact your local building department for more information.
To make the installation process go smoothly, it’s a good idea to remove any items in your attic that could be damaged by vibrations during the roof replacement. You’ll want to cover any valuables with tarps or plastic sheets, and you should move any wall-mounted decorative elements like mirrors and artwork from upper levels of your house to prevent damage. You’ll also need to clear any areas where the roofers will be working and remove any vehicles from your driveway, as they will likely need to drive on the surface of the ground while the work is in progress.
It’s also a good idea to inform your neighbors about the work, as it can cause a lot of noise and may result in dirt or debris being tracked into their yards. If you have young children or elderly family members, you should consider arranging for them to stay with friends or relatives during the renovations to avoid unnecessary stress. You should also clear your yard of any outdoor furniture or grills, as they will probably get in the way of the roofers’ work and can easily be damaged by falling materials or debris.
Materials
A roofing project is not the simplest or cheapest of home improvement tasks, but for a committed do-it-yourselfer it can be rewarding and a valuable learning experience. To ensure that your roof installation goes as smoothly as possible, you will need a variety of materials, including:
Sheathing
Roof sheathing is the base layer upon which all other roof components are installed. It is a crucial element that provides support and insulation to the roof. It is also the primary barrier between the structure of the house and the elements, so the sheathing must be strong and durable. Sheathing is usually made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), which are engineered wood products that provide consistent strength for long-lasting durability.
Single-ply membranes are flexible sheets of compounded synthetic materials that are manufactured in a factory. They are available in a variety of thicknesses to suit the needs of each application.
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber) is a popular choice for low-sloped and flat roofs. It is very durable and energy efficient, and it is relatively easy to install. TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) is another popular single-ply membrane. It is very energy efficient and has a high solar reflectance to help keep your building cooler.
Built-up roofing (BUR) is a traditional system that has many advantages, especially on dead-level or very low-sloped roofs. It consists of plies of felt saturated in bitumen. The bitumen is typically derived from petroleum, but for very low-sloped roofs it can be coal tar. A vapor barrier and ballast are often installed over the bitumen to protect the underlying sheathing from water damage.
Asphalt shingles are the most common roof covering, but other types of shingle may be used in specific applications. Some are made of recycled material, which helps to conserve natural resources. Others have reflective granules embedded in them to help cut down on heat buildup in the building.
Using the right shingle type and color is important to the aesthetics of your building. You will also need underlayment, which is a waterproof sheet of paper-like material placed over the sheathing to seal it from rain and snow. You will also need flashing, which is metal or other material installed to help seal the joints of your roof where different components meet.
Installation
Once all preparatory work is complete, the roofing project can begin. First, the roofers will inspect the existing roof to determine the extent of any damage and how best to proceed. They will then remove the old shingles and underlayment and haul them away for disposal or recycling. Depending on the size of the job, this may require the use of heavy equipment like cranes or forklifts.
During this time, the roofers will also install a new ridge batten. This will help with the structural integrity of the roof. A breathable ridge membrane will then be fixed to the ridge batten with a ridge to ridge seal that offers a mechanical fix and extra strength.
Next, the roofers will add flashing to protect the eaves from water leaks and to prevent heat transfer from the roof. This step is also the ideal time to add vents for attic ventilation. In addition, some homeowners wish to have these areas insulated for energy efficiency.
When choosing a roofing contractor, ensure that they are licensed, insured and certified. This guarantees a high level of professionalism and expertise. A comprehensive installation plan should be developed, with a timeline and project milestones. A contingency plan is also advisable, as unexpected issues can occur. It is vital that the roofing contractors are familiar with local building codes and permit requirements. This will prevent delays and ensure compliance with regulations.
Maintenance
It’s critical for any roof to be properly maintained. This helps prevent small, easily repairable problems from escalating into large, costly ones, improves energy efficiency and extends the life of your roof. In addition, regular maintenance can help maintain curb appeal and avoid voiding the manufacturer’s or contractor’s warranties.
It takes special tools and equipment to perform maintenance on a roof. Standard roofing materials like hammers, nails, ladders and shingles are used, but more specialized tools such as shingle cutters, scrapers and brushes are needed to clean off debris from the surface of your roof and around the gutters and valleys.
Other tools used to maintain your roof include flashing, which is the narrow, galvanized steel material that’s installed on a roof to send water away from chimneys, vents, skylights and other features of your home’s structure. It’s important to regularly check flashing for leaks, rust or other damage and replace it as needed.