Having an updated, sturdy roof protects the inside of your home from rain, snow and extreme temperatures. It also increases your home’s value.
The first step is to clear the area around your house for easy access. This includes moving vehicles, covering pools or patios, and covering anything that could get ruined by roofing debris.
A sturdy roof protects a home and its inhabitants from wind, rain, snow, extreme temperatures, mold, mildew and other dangers. Roofing materials are not only essential for protecting the interior, but they can also improve the look and style of a home, adding value to the property. When it comes to re-roofing, homeowners want durable, attractive materials that will last for years and will comply with local building codes.
Roofing materials vary and include everything from clay tiles to concrete and asphalt shingles to slate and wood. The type of material chosen will depend on factors such as weight, cost, durability, maintenance needs and availability in the homeowner’s region.
In addition to the roofing materials, other necessary supplies for a successful roofing job include a ladder, safety equipment and tools. A sturdy ladder is essential, and one with a locking mechanism to ensure that it stays secure while workers are on the roof. Workers should wear protective goggles during the entire roofing process to keep their eyes safe from debris and shingle pieces.
Additional protective materials include underlayment, a moisture barrier that prevents precipitation and wood rot from penetrating the roof decking and shingle layers. Underlayment is available in both felt paper and synthetic materials, with each providing unique advantages. Felt underlayment is typically more affordable, while synthetic options offer more flexibility and ease of installation.
Insulation is another important component of a new roof, keeping homes cooler in the summer and warmer in winter. This helps lower energy bills and reduces the risk of weather damage, such as leaks and ice dams.
A leak barrier, such as GAF’s WeatherWatch mineral-surfaced leak barrier, is important to install in vulnerable areas of the roof, including eaves, valleys and around protrusions, to help prevent damaging water intrusion.
A chalk reel and some replacement chalk is necessary for snapping lines that mark where shingles should be cut to size. This is an important tool for roofing, especially on complex roofs that require precise measurements. In addition, a high-tech laser measuring device can be useful for some tasks, but it is not as accurate as a standard metal measuring tape.
Preparation
The first step in the process is to prepare your home and yard. Since roofing can be a dusty job, you will want to minimize any dust or debris that may damage your furniture or other items near the house. It’s a good idea to move outdoor toys into the garage or shed, and to cover any patio furniture with tarps or plastic sheeting. You will also want to trim any bushes or trees that may interfere with the roofers’ work.
You will also want to mark any plants that are particularly delicate or expensive. This will ensure that the roofers don’t accidentally damage them when they’re walking around on your roof. It’s also a good idea to mark any hidden water features, like natural pools tucked behind reeds or koi ponds covered in foliage. You will want to notify your roofers of these, as they can use netting or tarps to protect them from dropped shingles.
It’s a good idea to inform your neighbors of the upcoming roof installation, as it can be noisy and disruptive. This will also allow them to make plans accordingly, minimizing inconvenience. You will want to provide them with a clear path to your driveway, and you should also consider arranging for alternate parking for vehicles.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the hammering and banging associated with roof restoration can cause vibrations throughout the house. This can affect artwork, mirrors and framed photos on the walls. You will want to remove these prior to the start of the project.
It’s also a good idea to make arrangements for children and pets during the re-roofing process. This will prevent them from becoming distressed by the noise and strangers, and it will also ensure that they are not wandering away from the work zone. In addition, if you have very young children, it may be a good idea to arrange for alternative child care during the renovations. This will also help to ensure their safety and give them time to nap during the noisiest parts of the project.
Installation
There are a few things to keep in mind when evaluating the installation process for your roofing replacement. First, you will want to make sure that the contractor has all the necessary permits from your local building department and any community HOA or architectural review board permits if applicable. Also, your roofing professional will want to ensure that they have all the proper equipment and tools for the job. This includes standard roofing tools like hammers, nail guns, ladders, shingle cutters and hard hats. In addition, larger jobs may require construction equipment like forklifts or tractors.
The tear off and removal of the old roof will be performed first. This is a critical step that must be completed carefully to avoid damaging the house and underlying structures. The contractor will take multiple precautions to protect your property, including covering sensitive areas of your home and yard with tarps and having a dumpster delivered to dispose of the old materials. In some cases, the contractor may even use wooden boards to protect things like your air conditioning unit or garden.
During the installation of the new roof, the contractor will install your underlayment. The underlayment is installed over the entire surface of the roof and nailed down with a pattern that includes close nails along the edge of the underlayment and more spread out nails toward the center. This will help to defend your home from moisture intrusion and provide a smooth surface for the shingles to be installed over.
Roofing professionals will then begin installing the new shingles. The shingles will be nailed down in a similar fashion with the closer nailing pattern near the edges and more spread out as they move towards the middle. A shingle cap will then be placed over the top of each shingle to seal it and give the roof its finished look.
Cleanup
After the roofing crew has removed all of the old materials from your roof, it is time for a thorough clean up. This process includes sweeping the area and disposing of all debris, along with properly storing tools and equipment. This helps maintain a clean work site and reduces the risk of injuries, tripping, or property damage from loose nails or other debris. In addition, it is important to remove any tar stains from the side of your home, gutters, windowsills, and sidewalks. Leaving these stains can lead to water leaks, insect infestation, and rot in the wood.
During the clean up process, it is essential to wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) such as rubber gloves, safety goggles, and work boots with non-slip soles. It is also recommended to keep children away from the area to avoid getting hurt by sharp-edged debris or falling shingles. If you can’t take your children to Grandma’s house, consider having them stay at a friend or neighbor’s for the duration of the project.
It is important to keep in mind that the cleanup process is just as crucial as the actual roofing job. It is vital to make sure that the roofing contractor you choose makes clean up a part of their contract. This will ensure that they do a thorough job and leave the worksite in a clean and tidy condition.
While cleaning up, the roofing crew will inspect their work to ensure that everything has been done correctly. They will look for areas where the shingle edges have been exposed or nails are sticking out of the roof. They will also check the vents, flashing, and other components for proper installation. Finally, the crew will complete a final clean-up of the work site, removing any debris or tools and ensuring that all surfaces are free of tar stains and other contaminants.
Including the cleanup process in the contract will help prevent homeowners from being left with extra costs after the roofing job is completed. In addition, it will put the responsibility for the cleanup on the roofing contractor, reducing the likelihood of environmental issues or violations of waste disposal regulations.