Re-roofing your home can increase the value and make it more appealing to buyers. It can also reduce energy costs and prevent weather damage to the home’s structure.
The roof installation process involves several different steps. It begins with preparation and ends with cleanup. The homeowner can protect the property and surrounding areas with tarps, have a dumpster delivered, and follow safety rules during this time. Contact Roofing Kalispell for professional help.
Before starting the roofing installation process, a good roofer will cover any plants and belongings in your yard that could get covered with shingle debris. They will also cover your gutters, air conditioning unit, and anything else they think is important to protect. Then they will lay down tarps to keep any debris that falls off the roof from damaging your property.
Once the tarps are in place, the underlayment is laid down. This is usually a piece of felt or synthetic material that acts as an extra layer of protection against moisture. The shingles or other roofing materials are then laid on top. It is very important to make sure that your roofer takes the time to do this correctly, because any mistakes here can lead to leaks down the road.
The shingles are laid in rows, with each row overlapping the previous one by at least six inches. They are then nailed down, using a pattern that includes close nails near the edges and fewer nail points farther up the roof. This process is repeated until the ridge of your roof is reached.
Flashing is then installed around any chimneys, vents, or other areas where water might be able to sneak in. And finally, a specialty shingle called a ridge cap is added to the ridge of your roof to provide additional protection from weather elements.
Installation
Once the roofers have a clear area to work, they’ll begin removing the old shingles and other materials. This is often the most labor-intensive part of re-roofing, and it’s essential that all workers take the necessary safety precautions. This includes covering delicate areas of the yard and home with tarps, having a dumpster delivered to haul away the debris, and using wooden boards to protect items like air conditioning units from damage. Workers should also wear hard hats and use harnesses for added protection.
After the tear off is complete, the contractors will install a layer of underlayment. They may use a standard roofing nailer or a pneumatic nailer, which can significantly speed up the process. Regardless of the type of roofing, the underlayment will be secured with a starter strip that adheres to the underside of the shingle and creates a watertight seal. Then, the shingles will be installed in rows, overlapping each other and being nailed firmly with close nails near the edges and spreading out to larger nails farther away. The final row will be a ridge cap shingle that covers the eaves, protects the eaves from moisture, and creates an attractive finish.
If desired, the roofers can also add soffit vents, gable vents, and other types of ventilation to prevent excess heat and moisture in the attic. They can also add ridge vents for increased attic insulation and energy efficiency.
Inspection
An inspection of a new roof is an essential part of the building process. The roof protects the rest of the structure from the elements and has a major impact on its lifespan. A well-maintained roof saves on maintenance costs and keeps the building shielded from water damage or pest infiltration. Inspectors follow a set of rules for new roofing installation to ensure it adheres to local safety regulations and has been put in place correctly.
The first thing a building inspector will do is a visual assessment of the roof to check for signs of leaks, poor workmanship or other issues that could result in future problems. They will look at the shingles, underlayment and gutters to see that they are in good condition and have been properly installed. They will also examine the soffits and fascia boards to make sure they are in good condition.
A building inspector will also inspect the flashing, which is strips of metal that are fitted around the edge of a roof or other vulnerable areas like chimneys and vents. These are vital to stopping water from entering the structure and causing further damage. Inspectors will check that the flashing is installed in accordance with local codes and look for any signs of leaking, gaps or misalignment.
Another area to look at is any penetrations, which include vent pipes, roof drains, media installations and other items that create holes in the roof. These are normally covered by various boots, seals or flashing to prevent water from getting into the building. The inspector will check that these penetration seals are in good condition and that the flashing is fitted properly.
A final inspection will involve the building inspector walking the entire roof and validating that the nailing pattern is correct, looking at the flashing in any areas that need it and overall ensuring the roof was completed to minimum code requirements. They will also look for sagging pipes and any structural damage on the roof, such as rust, rot or fungus.
Cleanup
A roofing project isn’t just about the installation; it also involves a thorough cleanup process. This ensures that the work site is clean and safe for the next phase of the project. Roofers follow strict safety precautions and use specialized tools to remove debris and waste materials, collecting nails and other sharp objects to prevent injuries. They then meticulously inspect the area and dispose of it properly to restore the property to its pristine condition.
The first step in the cleanup process is to cover sensitive areas of your home and yard with tarps. This protects plants, furniture, and other items from damage during the tear-off process. Additionally, it makes it easier to dispose of old shingles and other waste materials later on.
Professional roofers will often have a dumpster on site to reduce the amount of waste they produce and make it easy for you to throw away materials after the job is finished. However, if you prefer to take the lead on disposal, there are some important things to keep in mind. Make sure that you separate any recyclable materials, such as metal flashing or asphalt shingles, and dispose of them separately from other waste. You should also check with your local recycling center to see if there are any specific rules for these items.
Once the roofing team is done, they’ll sweep up any remaining debris from the work area and remove tar stains from siding, gutters, windowsills, and other parts of your property. This will help to preserve the appearance of your home and protect it from future damage caused by weather and sun exposure.
It’s a good idea to get rid of moss and algae that grow on the roof as well. Not only does this look unattractive, but it can actually affect the efficiency of your insulation. A professional cleaning can remove these unwanted growths and provide your roof with the proper ventilation it needs to function effectively.
While you wait for the roofing crew to complete their work, you can prepare for the cleanup process by removing wall decor like mirrors and pictures. The vibrations of hammering can knock these decorations off walls and break them, so it’s better to take them down ahead of time. Also, make sure that you remove any satellite/TV dishes and other roof accessories.