Roofing is noisy, and a good roofing contractor should take multiple steps to protect sensitive areas around your home and yard. They should cover the area with tarps, set up a dumpster, and place wooden boards near things like your air conditioning unit.
They will then begin tearing off your old shingles. They’ll also inspect the flashing (metal sheeting in the valleys of your roof) and drip edges. Contact Corpus Christi Roofing CO for professional help.
Despite being one of the most important aspects of any home, the roof is also among the least understood. There are a multitude of options available, and choosing the best roofing materials involves balancing cost, durability, waterproof protection, insulation needs, and aesthetic appeal.
Whether you are replacing an existing roof, or building a new home, the first step is to gather all the necessary roofing materials. There are a few crucial elements to keep in mind as you shop for the right roofing materials, including:
Asphalt shingles are the most common and popular choice, favored for their affordability, ease of installation, and wide variety of colors and styles. They are typically comprised of a fiberglass or organic base coated in asphalt and mineral granules. They provide a decent level of durability, but don’t last as long as more premium roofing materials.
Wood shakes and shingles are another attractive option for homeowners, especially in rural areas where they can complement the surrounding natural beauty. They are usually made from split pieces of cedar or redwood, and provide a rustic charm that is hard to duplicate with other roofing materials. However, they aren’t as durable as other roofing materials, and can require more maintenance to keep them safe from moisture, mildew, and fire.
Roll roofing is a versatile, economical, and practical choice for sloped residential roofs and utilitarian outbuildings like sheds and garages. It consists of long rolls of asphalt-impregnated material topped with mineral granules and can be applied using the torch-down method or by nailing. It provides a solid roof covering that can be left unattractively exposed or covered with decorative shingle overlays.
In addition to the main roofing materials, it is also important to have all the right tools and supplies for the job. Ladders should be sturdy and of the proper height for working on the roof, with safety features to prevent falls. You will also need a caulking gun to apply the waterproof sealant, and tin snips to trim any metal flashing or gutter work. For curved work, consider getting a pair of curved tin snips.
Preparation
It’s important to have the right tools and equipment for roofing installation. Standard roofing tools include hammers, nail guns, and ladders. You also need a pry bar and screwdriver to get stuck material loose. In addition, you need roofing caulk to seal the raw edges of your new roof. A good contractor should use plenty of flashing around leak-prone areas, such as chimneys and eaves. You should also look at the quality of flashing materials a contractor uses. The more quality flashing used, the better the overall quality of your roof will be.
Before the roofing job starts, prepare your home by clearing any items near the work area. This will allow the workers to move safely and efficiently, reducing the chances of damaging items or landscaping. Also, make sure the contractors have access to your garage and driveway for loading and unloading of supplies.
You may also want to remove any valuables from attic spaces. The roofing process can cause vibrations that could dislodge or damage stored items. You should also cover items with plastic sheets or drop cloths to protect them from dust and debris during the roofing process.
During the installation of your new roof, you should have an open line of communication with the contractor and ask questions as needed. It’s also a good idea to discuss the estimated timeline for the project. This will help you prepare for any disruptions to your daily routine and plan accordingly.
The installation of a new roof is a major undertaking that requires a large amount of labor and time. It’s essential to find a reputable contractor with years of experience and positive customer reviews. It’s also helpful to research the contractor before hiring them, including looking at pictures of previous projects and reading testimonials.
A good roofing job will last for decades, so it’s worth the investment to hire a professional contractor. When you’re ready to have your new roof installed, contact your local roofing professionals for an estimate. They can answer any questions you have about the process and provide a free quote.
Installation
After the underlayment is down, it’s time to install the new shingles. A roofing contractor will start with the first row and overlap it with the previous one, nailing the new shingle down to each tab with close nails along the edge and spreading out towards the middle. They will repeat this pattern all the way to the roof’s ridge, making sure to cut any shingles that are too long.
They will also apply roofing caulk to the raw edges of any shingle rows, sealing them and making them watertight. Finally, they’ll install flashing around any vents, chimneys, or other protrusions on the roof.
After they’re done, the last part of the process is cleanup. Roofing contractors will take multiple steps to protect your property and belongings, including covering your lawn, plants, or patio with tarps, renting a dumpster for waste removal, and using wooden boards to cover things like your air conditioning unit. They will then roll up all the tarps, clean up their equipment and tools, and sweep your property to make sure it’s free of any installation debris.
Maintenance
Performing roof maintenance is important to help extend the life of the roof. It can also reduce energy costs by preventing leaks and other issues that require expensive repairs. Roofing maintenance typically involves preventative tasks, such as cleaning and inspections. These can be performed regularly or on an as-needed basis, depending on the environment and roof type. In addition, a home or building owner can trim tree limbs so they don’t overhang the roof and ensure that seals around roof penetrations such as chimneys and vents are intact.
Before the roofing installation begins, your contractor will cover any areas of your home or business that don’t need to be a part of the project with tarps and a dumpster will be delivered and parked in your driveway for easy access to the roof. They may also put tarps over any bushes or sculptures in the yard to protect them from falling debris and relocate any potted plants or other movable decorations inside for their safety.
The roofing installation process is loud and vibrates the structure, which can damage fragile items if they’re not moved to a safe place. It’s best to safeguard interior items such as fine art pieces with blankets or bubble wrap, remove hanging light fixtures prone to vibration damage, and backup computer files to avoid power surges during the process.
Once all the old shingles are removed, your contractor will inspect the flashing and drip edges for any wear or damage. If the flashing, which is typically aluminum or galvanized steel, is damaged, the crew will replace it with high-quality material to prevent water leaks in these vulnerable places. The drip edges will also be replaced if they’re rusted or bent.
