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Preparing For Roofing Installation
A good-quality roof protects your home from weather elements, increases property value, and makes it more aesthetically appealing. Roof installation involves various steps, such as removing old materials and applying new ones.
Before the actual roofing begins, a contractor will prepare the area. This includes covering landscaping, putting out garbage cans, and using safety equipment like harnesses. Visit https://www.corpuschristiroofingco.com/ to learn more.
The process of roofing can be noisy, cause vibrations inside the house and kick up dust and debris. To minimize the impact on your family’s daily routine and to keep the crew safe, you need to make some preparations.
For example, if you have delicate flowers or expensive plants in the yard, mark them with orange tape so that the roofers know to give them extra care. You can also cover them with tarps to protect them from falling shingles or scraps of roofing materials. And if you have a small natural pool or koi pond hidden behind reeds, you should mark it so that the roofers don’t accidentally step into it.
You should also clear a path around the perimeter of your home so that the roofers can easily move materials and equipment. Remove cars from the driveway, put away a portable grill or any other movable objects, and move anything else that might get in the way of the crew.
Inside the house, you should take down wall-hung pictures and other decorations to prevent them from getting damaged by the vibrations from hammering on the roof. This is particularly important if you have young children in the home. The noise and changes to the structure of the home may be stressful for them, so it’s best to plan for them to be away during the most active periods of work.
The attic is another area that can be affected by the hammering and nailing on the roof. If you have valuables up there, be sure to cover them with tarps or move them before the roofers arrive. Also, consider covering items in the garage to protect them from debris that might fall off the roof during the work.
You should also let your neighbors know about the work being done and if you live in a quiet neighborhood, ask them to leave their gates open so that the roofers can easily access the house. Lastly, you should have a dumpster delivered to your home for disposing of the old shingles and other materials.
Materials
A successful roofing project requires two things: workmanship and the right materials. Using the right materials will ensure that your clients’ roof is protected for decades. There are many different types of roofing materials to choose from, each offering advantages and drawbacks. You’ll want to consider costs, durability, aesthetics and climate when choosing roofing materials for your clients’ homes.
A common type of roofing material is asphalt shingles, which are inexpensive and effective in most climates. They are available in a wide range of colors and styles. You can also opt for clay or concrete tiles, which add texture and elegance to a home. These are expensive but long-lasting and can complement a variety of house styles.
For low-slope residential roofs, rolled roofing material is typically used. It consists of long rolls of mineral-impregnated and asphalt-impregnated materials topped with granules. These are less costly than other roofing materials but don’t offer as much protection. They work well for sheds and other utilitarian structures, however.
Other roofing materials include wood shingle and shake roofs. The latter is split into wedges to create a more rugged, natural look. It’s often used for classic and historic-style homes and will hold up best in dry climates. Basic wood shingles are sawmilled for uniformity and cost about $1 to $2 more than shakes.
To protect your clients’ homes from water damage, you can install gutters and downspouts. You can also add ridge vents to promote airflow and prevent attic moisture build-up. Ventilation systems are especially important if you’re working on an older home with a flat or low-pitch roof.
For the job, you’ll need a ladder, safety equipment and a work vehicle. A ladder should be of the appropriate height for each roof and have handrails to make it easier to move up and down. Other essential safety gear includes hard hats, gloves and protective eyewear. A hard hat will help to shield your head from falling debris, and gloves will keep your hands clean when you handle slippery materials like shingles. Protective eyewear will protect your eyes from dust and other flying particles.
Installation
Depending on the condition of your roof, your roofing contractor will choose from a variety of options. He can explain the strengths and limitations of dimensional shingles, three-tab shingles, wood shakes, clay tiles, and metal sheeting to help you decide which material is best for your home.
The installation process begins with the tear off of the old roofing materials and the removal of any debris. Your roofing professional will take multiple steps to protect your property, including covering anything that is not being replaced with tarps, setting up a dumpster, and using wooden boards to prevent damage to things like air conditioning units or garden areas.
Next, the roofer will install drip edge flashing around the eaves, valleys, and along hip roofs. He will also install ice and water sheathing under the drip edge to defend against leaks. He will then add vents and insulation as needed for improved attic ventilation, to regulate your home’s temperature, and to cut energy costs. He will use a special shingle to cap the ridges and hips, which gives the roof a finished look and provides additional protection from weather elements. He will seal the sheathing and vents with a bead of roofing cement.
Inspection
The inspection process for a new roof is a critical step in the construction of any structure. A building inspector, who is an expert in ensuring that structures comply with local standards and codes, will examine the roofing installation to ensure it meets these standards. This is important for preventing potential problems with water damage in the future. It is also a requirement in some jurisdictions for all roof types.
The inspection will begin with a visual examination of the roof to see if there are any signs of leaks or other problems. The building inspector will look at the shingles, underlayment and flashing to ensure they are of the proper thickness and type. They will also check the seams for any gaps or cracks, which can allow water to seep into the structure. The flashing, which is a metal element fitted around the edges of the roof and other vulnerable areas like chimneys and vents, will be examined to make sure it is properly sealed.
It is important that the building inspector inspects the entire roof, including the attic area. They will look for any signs of water damage, such as mold or rot, which can cause significant structural damage. They will also look for any indications of poor workmanship, such as shingle placement or the use of low-quality materials.
The best time to perform a roofing inspection is during spring or fall. This is because the weather tends to be mild and rainstorms are less frequent. However, the timing of the inspection will depend on the size and slope of the roof and how easy it is to access.
It is important to have a professional do the inspection, as it can be dangerous to climb onto a steep or high roof. A professional will have the proper equipment and safety training to do a thorough job. They will also be able to catch any issues that may not have been noticed by a homeowner, which can save them money in the long run. A professional can also do a detailed report for the home owner, which includes photographs of any problem areas and recommendations for repair or replacement.