Roofing Installation Is a Dangerous Job For Homeowners
Experienced roofers work to minimize the dust and commotion that comes with any heavy construction project. However, it’s a good idea to move furniture and other objects in the vicinity of your house into a garage or shed until the job is complete.
The contractor will roll out underlayment, which is a felt material that prevents ice or rain from seeping into the home. It has a self-stick surface that the roofer peels off and applies as flat and straight as possible to the sheathing.
Roofing is one of the few home improvement projects that can be considered dangerous for a homeowner to take on themselves without proper preparation. This is why many homeowners choose to have their new roof installed by professional roofing contractors.
Before any work begins, the roof surface needs to be cleaned thoroughly. This is to ensure that the roof coating adheres to the surface and prevent any leaks from occurring. A professional roof cleaner will use a high-powered pressure washer to remove dirt, oil, and other debris from the surfaces of the roof. The pressure washer can also remove mold or mildew from the surface.
After the cleaning process is complete, a waterproof layer known as underlayment is then applied to the roof surface. This is to protect the new shingles from rain and other water-related issues. The underlayment is then nailed into place along the edges of the roof. It is also nailed around any vents and chimneys, as well as other areas that might be vulnerable to water intrusion.
Another component that is installed in the roof during this time is ice and water protection. This is a sheet of material that is placed over any nooks and crannies that might not have enough coverage to keep out water and ice. It is also placed in the valleys of the roof, which are the v-shaped areas that run down each slope.
Once the underlayment and ice and water protection are in place, the roofing crew can begin placing the shingle layers. These are placed in a precise pattern and then nailed into place. This is a labor-intensive job that can depend on the size and complexity of the roof, as well as weather and other factors.
It is important to note that the pounding of hammers and impact of nail guns will cause vibrations throughout your home. This can cause wall-hung pictures to fall, so you should consider moving delicate mementos and knickknacks from the walls and into storage during the roofing process. It is also a good idea to cover items in the attic to avoid damage from vibrations.
Materials
A sturdy roof protects your home and the people in it from rain, snow, extreme temperatures and other elements. A new roof can also increase your property value and help you save on heating and cooling costs. With a variety of styles, materials and colors available, you can find a roof that complements your home’s architecture and your personal style. Additionally, most roofing materials come with a manufacturer warranty that can save you money on repairs and replacements in the future.
The types of roofing materials available for your home vary by region and climate. For example, wood shingles and shakes offer natural beauty that is durable, while asphalt shingles are inexpensive and easy to install. For homes in extreme weather conditions, you may want to consider roof systems that provide extra insulating properties or reflect solar energy.
Sheathing, or decking, is the wood foundation that contractors use to attach shingles and other roofing materials. It’s important to have a good quality sheathing in place to ensure that your new roof will last a long time and stay in good condition.
Roofing materials can be made from a wide variety of substances, including wood, steel and various metals. The type of roofing material you choose will depend on your budget, climate, and installation process. Many homeowners choose to have their roofs covered in shingles or other forms of fabricated sheeting that are nailed or fastened to the sheathing.
Metal roofing is typically made from galvanized iron, copper, aluminum or tin plate. Copper is one of the most expensive roof options, but it’s also extremely durable and aesthetically pleasing. Metal roofs can withstand heavy rainfall and snow, as well as a range of temperatures.
Membrane roofing systems are also popular for modern roofing applications. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membranes, for example, are durable and resistant to bacterial growth, industrial chemical atmospheres, root penetration and extreme weather conditions. In addition, PVC membranes are watertight and can be loose laid, mechanically fastened or fully adhered to either nailable or nonnailable decks. Many PVC membranes feature a factory-applied coating to enhance weather resistance.
Installation
Roof ventilation removes moisture from the attic, regulates temperatures in the house, and saves energy costs. We will install soffit vents, ridge vents, and gable vents as needed to provide proper airflow in your roof. We will also install hip and ridge shingles to give your roof a finished look and added protection from weather elements.
The roofing contractors will begin installing your shingles in rows, starting at one end of the roof and working their way to the other. They will overlap each shingle with the previous row by at least six inches, and then nail it down using a pattern that alternates close nails near the edges and wider nails in the middle of the row.
Roofing is not only difficult work, but it’s also dangerous for untrained individuals to attempt on their own. Your roof will be installed by a team of experienced professionals who are trained in safety and quality installation. They will follow all local and state codes regarding the roofing materials used and proper installation techniques. This will ensure that your new roof is watertight and secure, protecting your home from the elements and increasing its value.
Final Inspection
Streamlining the final inspection process is one of the best things a general contractor can do to help keep projects on schedule and within budget. During the closing stages of construction, it’s easy to overlook little things that can cause costly delays down the road. Passing the final inspection is a crucial step in closing all work permits and getting a certificate of occupancy.
Getting to this point takes diligence and commitment throughout the entire building process. It starts with reviewing and approving building plans that meet codes and regulations, then checking at every stage of construction to make sure the plan specifications are met. This includes checking for items that are easily overlooked, like faulty wiring that’s hidden behind walls.
The final inspection is often a long process as the building inspector needs to look at many different areas of the project. It’s best for the contractor to prepare for the final inspection by giving the inspector all available information including previous inspection results, what is still outstanding, and any problems that have been identified with the project. This can save the building inspector time on site and also ensure that the work being done is in compliance with the approved construction plans.
Generally, the building inspector will inspect a roof by looking at the sheathing material (shingles or metal), checking that it is properly secured to the framing members, and ensuring there are no holes or open gaps. The inspector may also need to inspect the flashing around roof openings, chimneys, and gutters.
For interiors, the inspector will need to examine joists to ensure that the material and layout match the approved structural plans, check that all underfloor plumbing, electrical, and ductwork is installed and properly insulated, and confirm that all sheathing materials are securely fastened to the structure. The inspector will also need to verify that exterior wall sheathing and cladding is securely attached to the framing, and that all required hardware is installed.
A final walk-through will typically be conducted once the construction is complete. The inspection will confirm that the work has been completed to the approved construction drawings and that the building is ready for occupants.
