Before roofing can begin, the crew will set up protective measures on your property. Tarps are placed over any belongings, and vehicles are moved to a different area so that roofing debris doesn’t damage them or anything else.
The roofer will then lay an underlayment, which is a felt material that protects sheathing and framing should water penetrate the roof covering. This is nailed down close to the drip edge and then rolled out toward the ridge.
The roof over your head is more than just a shelter from the elements; it’s a design element that communicates the style, personality and character of your home. The selection of roofing materials is one of the most important decisions homeowners, contractors and DIYers will make. There are many factors to consider, including durability, maintenance requirements, energy efficiency and aesthetic compatibility with your home’s architectural style.
The choice of roofing materials should also align with the climate in your area; a material that performs well in hot, dry areas may not do so well in cold, wet regions. Additionally, the cost of each material should factor into your decision, considering how much you’re willing to spend on a new roof as well as future costs associated with energy bills, maintenance and repairs.
Asphalt shingles are a popular roofing option because of their affordability and ease of installation. They are available in a variety of colors, styles and sizes to suit your taste. Other popular roofing options include metal roofs, which are typically heavier than shingle roofs and require more extensive framing, as well as wood shakes, which have a natural appearance that can complement rustic or historical homes.
Rolled roofing is another economical roofing option for low-slope roofs. This type of roofing consists of long rolls of mineral-impregnated and asphalt-impregnated material topped with granules. It is often used on sheds and other utilitarian structures, but can be used on residential roofs as well.
Clay tile roofs are a beautiful and durable option for residential and commercial buildings. They are molded and fired into shape, then placed over a roof frame and secured. Other roofing options include copper roofs, which are highly durable and can add a striking aesthetic to your home, as well as stone-coated steel roofs, which are expensive but provide superior protection from wind and rain.
In addition to the roofing materials themselves, you’ll need a sturdy ladder that can reach the roof as well as a receptacle for the disposal of old materials. The receptacle should be large enough to accommodate the quantity of debris that will likely be produced during the tear-off process.
Preparation
If you’re not comfortable with climbing a ladder and installing shingles yourself, it’s best to hire professionals. But even top-quality roofing contractors will need some preparation from their customers to help ensure the job goes smoothly.
The first step in the roof installation process is tearing off your old roof. The hammering, scraping and nailing involved causes vibrations that can shake or knock down anything hanging on your walls, so it’s a good idea to take down mirrors, pictures, wreaths and loose shelving ahead of time. If you have expensive or fragile items that can’t be removed, wrap them in blankets and bubble wrap for extra protection. This is also a good time to back up computer files and move valuables away from the area.
Once the old roof is removed, the roofing team can start prepping the surface for a new layer of shingles. This includes removing or relocating satellite/TV dishes, skylights and solar panels, and covering the ground around the house with tarps to protect landscaping, cars, patio furniture and other items that could be damaged by falling shingle debris.
Depending on the size of your roof, this prep phase can take up to two days. The crew will also install flashing at the chimney, window, dormers and other areas to keep water from leaking into your home. If you have a metal roof, they’ll also install specialty materials to reinforce the ridge cap and seal it against rain, snow and hail.
The shingle installation is the most visible part of the roofing project. Top-tier roofing contractors will install the shingles with precision so they look beautiful and keep your home protected from water damage.
The shingle installation is noisy, dusty and disruptive, so it’s a good idea for pets and children to stay elsewhere during this time. Young children won’t be able to sleep, and older kids may get frustrated or distract the roofers. Have them stay at Grandma’s or ask a friend for the day, and make sure they wear shoes and don’t wander into the work area.
Installation
Once the contractor arrives to start the re-roofing process, they will cover sensitive areas of your yard and home with tarps and take steps to protect your property from debris. They will also have a dumpster delivered, and use wooden boards to protect things like your garden and air conditioning unit from the debris.
The first step will be removing your old roof. The contractor will then clean the underlayment and install drip edge flashing. This is used to prevent water leaks at the eaves, roof valleys, and in certain other leak-prone areas. They will also add ridge vents to allow for proper attic ventilation. This helps keep your attic cool and dry, regulates the temperature of your home, and reduces energy costs.
They will then lay your new shingles. The shingles are secured with an underlayment, and the edges of the shingle are sealed with roofing cement. They will also add ridge vents, soffit vents, and/or chimney vents to provide proper attic ventilation. These help to keep your attic dry and regulated, which in turn protects the roof deck and insulation. These also improve your home’s resale value and overall comfort. They will then finish off the project by cleaning up any messes they made, and blowing off your gutters and downspouts to remove any remaining debris.
Final Inspection
The final inspection is a vital step before a project is deemed complete. It serves as a validation of quality and safety, and enables businesses to detect errors or non-compliance early on. It also promotes accountability and prevents disputes over who should take responsibility for a particular issue.
Using a well-defined checklist during the process helps to streamline workflow and ensures that all aspects of a product or service meet required standards. However, to maximize the effectiveness of a final inspection checklist, it is essential to carefully map your production or service process and to integrate the checklist into it. This will help to minimize confusion and eliminate miscommunications, resulting in an efficient, effective, and reliable production or service delivery.
When creating a final inspection checklist, it’s important to keep in mind that it should be updated regularly, considering changes in industry regulations and feedback from the inspection team. This will help to maintain its effectiveness, ensuring that it’s consistently used and respected by all teams.
One common mistake that many teams make is failing to properly train their team on how to use the checklist. This can lead to inconsistencies and poor inspections, which in turn will have a negative impact on the project’s outcome. To avoid this, it’s recommended to provide regular training sessions and assessments on how to effectively use the checklist.
Another mistake that many companies make is waiting until the last minute to schedule a final inspection with local building authorities. This can cause issues, such as a building’s final construction not matching the approved plans, which can delay a certificate of occupancy (CO).
It’s also advisable to plan the inspection well in advance, especially when working with local government agencies that have limited capacity and busy schedules. This will reduce the risk of scheduling conflicts and allow you to pass your final inspection without any delays. Lastly, it’s crucial to remember that a final inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of all aspects of the finished product. It can include everything from minor issues like a lack of signage to more serious concerns like soil settling that could affect the foundation.