The type of roofing material you choose will have a big impact on the cost of your roof. Asphalt shingles are inexpensive and provide adequate protection, while premium materials like slate or tile add value and last longer.
An underlayment is laid, along with the ice and water barrier if needed. Then, the shingles or metal panels are installed.
The first step in roofing installation is to ensure that the roof deck is strong and stable enough to support the new materials. If the deck is damaged or weakened, it must be repaired before any other work can be done.
Next, an underlayment is laid down to protect the new shingles or metal panels from moisture. It is made of felt paper or another waterproof material. It is nailed down, with close nails at the edge and nails spaced farther apart towards the middle. This helps to prevent moisture from penetrating the new roof and causing leaks.
Flashing is then installed around chimneys, windows, and joints, to keep water from sneaking in where it shouldn’t be. It is usually a metal material, but can also be plastic or rubber.
Finally, gutters are installed along the edges of the roofline. These help to direct rainwater away from the house, which can cause foundation problems if it’s allowed to pool near the structure.
Re-roofing is a process that can be costly, but it’s one of the best ways to improve the safety and value of your home. A top-tier roofing contractor will make sure the job is done right so you can enjoy your home for years to come.
If you’re interested in re-roofing your home, contact us to learn more about our services. We can answer any questions you have and walk you through the process step by step. We look forward to hearing from you!
Materials
If you’re installing a new roof, there are many different materials to choose from. You’ll want to know what each material is capable of, as well as how it can handle weather patterns in your region. Different roofing materials also offer different features that you may find attractive or useful for your home.
One of the most common types of roofing is shingles. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours and are designed to protect the roof from rain, snow and hail. Asphalt shingles are durable and relatively inexpensive. They can last for decades.
Other materials used for residential roofs include wood shakes and slate tiles. Wood shakes are made from natural wood, typically either cedar or redwood, and have a rustic look that’s appealing to many homeowners. They are also resistant to fire and rot. However, they are not as long-lived as some other roofing materials, and may need to be replaced more frequently.
Slate roofing is a popular choice for luxury homes. This type of roofing is extremely attractive and durable, with a life expectancy of 50 years or more. However, it is expensive and difficult to install. It is also heavier than shingle roofing, and requires extra framing to support it.
Another option is a single-membrane system, such as EPDM or TPO. These systems are commonly used on low-slope flat roofs and can be installed in a single layer. They are highly reflective and can help cut energy costs.
Rolled roofing is another affordable option for low-slope roofs. It’s available in a variety of thicknesses and is usually applied with a torch down method or nails. Rolled roofing is best for sloped roofs that have a slight incline.
Metal roofs are durable and long-lasting, and they can provide good energy efficiency. They are also available in a variety of styles and finishes, including galvanized steel, aluminum and copper. They can be a good choice for regions with hot, humid weather.
Installation
Once you’ve obtained all necessary permits and your roof is ready for installation, your contractor will begin the work. Your local roofing company will provide you with a list of available options for your re-roofing project, including dimensional shingles to add curb appeal and energy efficiency, three-tab shingles to save money, wood shakes to enhance your home’s natural beauty, or metal sheeting for durability and longevity. They can also explain the strengths and limitations of each material.
They will protect the eaves with drip edge flashing and roof valleys with valley flashing and/or ice and water sheathing. They will also install new flashing around chimneys, wood stove pipes, certain vents, and along hip roofs if needed. Afterward, they will seal the flashing with roofing caulk and in other leak-prone areas of the roof with a bead of roofing cement.
The shingle installers will nail down the underlayment in rows, starting at the bottom edge of the roof and working up to the ridge. They will overlap the first row by six inches and fasten it with a pattern of close nails near the edge and wider nails farther out. They will then install the next row of underlayment, overlapping the previous row by at least four inches and nailing it with the same pattern.
They will also install gable and ridge vents to keep the attic ventilated, which protects the roof deck and insulation from moisture damage and regulates temperature throughout your home. They will then cover the vents and any exposed attic vents with a shingle called a ridge cap shingle to prevent uplift and provide a finished appearance. Your roof replacement will be complete once they clean up the debris and any stray nails or metal objects from your property. Then a final inspection is conducted to verify that the new roof complies with building codes and looks good!
Maintenance
The roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects everything inside from weather elements and adds to the curb appeal and value of your property. Whether you’re building a new house or replacing an existing roof, it’s essential to understand the maintenance process so that your roof lasts as long as possible and maintains its protective abilities.
The first step in maintenance is to clear away any debris from the work area. The roofing crew will also inspect the flashing (the metal sheets at the roof’s valleys and joints) and drip edges to determine if they need to be replaced. If they are in good shape, they will be reused under the new roofing materials.
Once the roof is free of any trash or old shingles, the crew will seal and caulk any raw edges. This will help to keep water from seeping in and causing damage to the insulation and wood roof deck. The crew will also caulk around any pipes that run through the roof, such as those for sewer venting or kitchen or bathroom fans.
Finally, the crew will install ridge caps on the peak of your roof. These shingles are designed to give your roof a finished appearance and additional protection against weather elements. The ridge cap shingles are secured with a special nail that is longer than those used on the rest of the shingle to provide a stronger hold and prevent wind uplift.
To keep your roof in top condition, you should have it inspected and maintained regularly by a professional. Regular inspections can catch small problems before they become major issues, and they can help you avoid costly repairs in the future. You should also clean your gutters frequently to prevent clogging and trim any overhanging branches that could be damaged by storms or wind.