Tag: roofing company

How to Prepare for a Roofing Installation

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against rain, snow and nature’s elements. An expert roofing contractor can recommend options that match your goals, architecture and budget.

Roofing

Your project’s preparation is critical. Accurate measurements ensure that you’ll get the right materials and avoid waste. The underlayment you choose (such as an ice and water barrier or a moisture barrier) helps prevent leaks. Contact Five Star Roofing and Contracting for professional help.

The preparation process is the first step in a roof installation. It consists of removing the old roof, covering plants and setting up safety measures. It also involves inspecting the roof deck for damage and making necessary repairs to ensure a stable base for the new roofing materials.

Next, the underlayment is installed. This layer serves as a barrier between the shingles and the roof deck, protecting against moisture infiltration. It is typically made of asphalt-saturated felt or a synthetic underlayment. The underlayment is nailed to the roof deck in horizontal courses, and it should overlap the ice and water protector and valley membrane flashing by 4 inches.

Once the underlayment is in place, the shingle installation begins. A top-tier roofer installs shingles in layers and staggers them for a more attractive look and improved attic ventilation. Metal ridge vents are also installed for a more energy-efficient home. In addition, a roofer will add drip edge and valley flashing to protect the eaves from leaks. Flashing is also needed around chimneys, wood stove pipes, certain vents, and along hip roofs.

Before the roofers arrive, it’s a good idea to cover valuable items in your attic with plastic tarps or have them temporarily moved elsewhere. Vibrations caused by the hammering of shingles and the movement of construction equipment can cause items on the walls to fall. This can include framed pictures, mirrors, and artwork. It’s also a good idea to remove any breakable decorations from the ceiling.

If you have pets or children, it may be best for them to stay with friends or family during the roof replacement. Keeping them inside will keep them out of the way and prevent them from running through the work area and getting hurt by falling debris. You should also move any lawn ornaments, patio furniture, grills, or potted plants away from the work zone.

Materials

A new roofing installation can add value and curb appeal to your home. It can also improve energy efficiency and protect your home from the elements, such as harsh UV rays. Today’s roofing materials come in a wide range of styles, colors and textures to suit any home design. Your roofing contractor can recommend the best products to meet your needs and budget.

The roof sheathing, or roof decking, is the base layer that supports shingles and other roofing materials. It also safeguards against leaks. It can be installed using two main techniques: plank sheathing, which uses elongated wooden boards nailed to the rafters; or sheet sheathing, which is favored in modern construction because it provides a more uniform surface that’s easy to install.

Traditionally, wood shingles have been the most popular choice for roofing due to their affordability and versatility. However, advances in technology have made other materials more durable and stylish. For instance, metal shingles can be made to mimic the look of traditional shingle designs with greater durability and weather resistance. Concrete tile roofs are another durable option. They provide excellent waterproofing and have long lifespans, although they may require more frequent maintenance than other types of roofing.

There are also many options for flat and low-slope roofs. Single-ply membranes like EPDM and TPO are a good choice for flat roofs. They can withstand up to 120 mph winds, significant shingle uplift and ongoing freeze-thaw cycles. They can also reduce cooling costs thanks to their reflective properties.

Rolled roofing is a cheap option for low-slope roofs. It consists of long rolls of mineral-impregnated or asphalt-impregnated material topped with granules. It’s also available in fire-resistant versions for added safety.

Another roofing option is slate, which is quarried in various states. Its rugged texture and natural beauty can enhance any building. Its longevity and durability, however, depend on proper care and maintenance.

Installation

Roofing a house requires more work and materials than roofing a shed or barn, but the same basic processes apply. Whether you are replacing an old roof or installing a new one, the first step is to remove any existing shingles and underlayment. Park a dumpster close to the house and put tarps down on the ground near it to catch falling shingle debris. Protect plants and other movable items in the area with tarps as well. If you have a garden or other things in the yard that might get ruined by rain from a new roof, move them for the duration of the roofing project.

After removing the old roof, install drip edge flashing along the entire eave to protect the eaves from water, and, depending on your climate, possible ice dams. You may also need to install valley flashing and/or ice and water sheathing in places where the roof meets walls or chimneys.

Start at the bottom corner of the roof and begin installing metal panels, overlapping them by at least one ridge or as instructed by the manufacturer. Trim the panels to fit around vents, skylights and your chimney, if applicable. Use tin snips or a metal saw to cut the panels as needed. Remember the old adage, “measure twice and cut once.” Safety is also important when working up high with potentially dangerous tools, so another adult should be present to help keep an eye on things.

Inspection

When the roofing installation is complete, your contractor will conduct a final inspection. This helps ensure the work meets industry standards and your expectations. The inspector will look for issues like sagging areas, water damage and missing shingles. They will also check the gutters and flashing for rust or cracks. The inspector will inspect the shingle alignment and make sure that they are secured to the roof with proper nails. They will also check that the attic ventilation is adequate to prevent moisture problems that can lead to mold growth, insulation damage and structural damage to the building.

The inspector will also look for ponding water on the roof and check that drain lines are clear of debris and clogs. If there are ponding areas, the inspector will recommend creating a solution to get rid of the water and prevent further damage. They will also look for pests like termites, ants and rodents. They will look for signs of infestation and recommend treatment if necessary.

During the inspection, the inspector will use tools like binoculars, a camera, a moisture meter and a tape measure to collect information about the property. They will also take pictures of the exterior, interior and roof structure to document any defects or damages discovered during the inspection.

A home inspection is an important step in the process of buying a new house. It can help you understand the condition of the property and make an informed decision about whether to buy it or not. However, it is not a substitute for a professional engineering evaluation or a Phase 1 environmental assessment.

Having a professional perform the inspection is critical to making an accurate and fair assessment of the property. This will allow you to have peace of mind about the purchase and avoid any surprises down the road. A home inspector will also give you helpful advice about maintaining and repairing the property, including the roof and other components of the structure. They can also assist with obtaining any necessary permits or approvals.

What You Need to Know About Roofing Materials and Techniques

The word “roof” means the top covering of a building. It encompasses all constructions and materials that cover the top surface of a building. Its function is to protect a building from the elements. Roofing is also an important part of the building envelope. Roofing materials and techniques are crucial to the structure’s overall safety and appearance. Here are some things to know about roofing materials and methods. Read on to learn more.

roofing

Roof measurements vary. A gable roof is fairly easy to measure, while a mansard or gambrel roof may require specialized tools to accurately determine the size. When comparing roofing materials, keep in mind that there is usually waste involved since shingles need to be cut to fit the spaces between them, and they must be nailed in even rows on the roof deck. In addition, not all square feet are created equal. This is where the term “roof square” comes in handy.

A failing roof isn’t necessarily bad, however. You may just have a few missing shingles or worn shingles. A reroofing job can reduce the amount of time and money spent on the job. And reroofing can be done to match an existing or new house’s style. You can even opt to use a different material for the shingles and the roof covering. In this way, you’ll be able to maintain the original roof while reducing the cost and time.

A good choice for your roof depends on its shape. There are two main types of roof, shingles, and shakes. Among these, shakes are generally cheaper but require more maintenance and are not as fire-resistant as shingles. Wood shakes are especially popular in rural areas and historic homes. While shakes are attractive, they’re not long-lived. They need to be replaced periodically. Whether your roof is pitched, flat, or asymmetrical, there are several types of roofing material to choose from.

Roofing is physically demanding work. Whether you’re looking for a creative career or an opportunity to build a home with a new roof, it’s important to be physically fit. If you have a fear of heights, a roof is not for you. Make sure you’re physically fit, and don’t forget to practice climbing ladders and carrying a bundle of shingles. Roofing jobs often require extensive knowledge and experience, so be sure you’re ready for them.

During cold winters, ice dams can form on the roof and allow water to enter the house. The resulting water can cause a variety of problems, including damage to the interior of your house. It can also cause ice to collect in the downspouts and gutter. You may need to hire a professional to repair these problems, but you won’t regret it. This job can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Metal roofs are another popular choice for roofing materials. This material is relatively inexpensive and durable but can be noisy during rainstorms. Depending on the type of metal used, metal roofing can be as old as 1840. It’s also environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. Metal roofs are light and durable but can range from $100 to $600 per square foot. It’s important to choose the right type of metal roofing for your home.

A roof’s external covering must be waterproof. The waterproof membrane acts as a barrier against the penetration of precipitation. A tar-like material called tar repels water. In addition, pieces of waterproof material are arranged so that water cannot flow through the joints. Examples of such pieces include shingles made from different materials, tiles made of baked clay or slate, and corrugated sheets of metal. The materials used for roofing are classified as Class A or Class B.

Flat roofs can be made from big sheets of roofing material, such as felt or cloths impregnated with asphalt. As with any flat roof, fewer joints mean a lower risk of leaks. Typical types of asphalt roll-roofing are 3 feet wide and contain a protective granule layer. The membrane is held down by mechanical fasteners, glue, or rock garden ballast. If you have an old house, this type of roof is the best choice.

Depending on where you live, attic ventilation requirements vary. They recommend a minimum of 1 square foot of free vent area per 150 square feet of floor space. Vents should be located at the eaves and ridge. While roofing materials deteriorate over time, ultraviolet rays accelerate the process. In addition, concrete tiles are excellent insulators. Moreover, they reduce solar heating. For all of these reasons, they’re important.