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How to Prepare for a Roofing Installation
Roofing services can manage the entire roof installation process, including selecting materials that fit your goals, architecture and budget. They also provide safety equipment and will ensure the job is done correctly to protect your home, garden and surrounding property.
They will cover sensitive areas with tarps and position garbage cans to catch stray nails. They will also clean up debris and complete a final inspection to check for compliance with building codes. Contact Boston Roofing CO for professional help.
A new roof is an excellent way to protect your home and improve its design aesthetics. While a roofing installation is an involved process that involves the work of several experts, homeowners can prepare in various ways to ensure the job goes as smoothly as possible.
One of the first things a homeowner should do is clear the attic. Even conscientious roofers will kick up a significant amount of dust while they are working, and you don’t want your valuables to get dirty. It is a good idea to move any items that are stored in the attic and to cover them with plastic sheets or drop cloths.
Another thing to do is clean up the yard and patio. Ensure there is at least 15 feet of clearance all the way around your house, and remove any outdoor furniture or lawn ornaments. This will allow the roofers to easily walk past these items without tripping on them or having them fall and become damaged.
It’s also a good idea to have kids and pets stay elsewhere during the roofing process. The noise and vibrations associated with a new roof can be disruptive to children’s sleep schedules, and it is safer for them to stay with friends or family members who can keep an eye on them and take care of them until the job is complete.
Finally, it’s a good idea to look at the weeklong forecast and try to schedule the roofing process during cool weather. This will allow the roofers to finish their work before temperatures start rising in the afternoon, which can make hot work uncomfortable for them. It will also help them avoid the risk of rain, which can interfere with their work and cause delays.
Underlayment
A layer of underlayment is installed over the roof deck to provide an extra protective barrier against water and ice. This is also an important step in making sure the roof meets local building codes and shingle manufacturers’ warranties.
A few different types of underlayment are available, including asphalt-saturated felt, sheathing paper, and synthetic materials. Owens Corning and Henry are a couple of brands that offer long-term warranties for their underlayment products. Felt underlayment is usually made from recycled materials, providing basic moisture resistance and sound absorption. You can also choose a heavier felt option for additional insulation and fire resistance.
Most roofing companies prefer to use self-adhesive underlayment, as it requires less labor than shingle installation and is easier for the roofers to work with. The adhesive on the back of the underlayment makes it easy to adhere to the roof deck, creating a waterproof seal.
Once the underlayment is in place, you can start installing your new roof materials. For shingles, the roofers will start with the bottom row and stagger each one as they go up to ensure that the shingle seams don’t leak. They will also install a drip edge along the sides of the roof, which helps prevent water from running directly down the fascia boards and into your home.
Some houses may have a valley where the roof slopes meet, which needs to be waterproofed as well. These areas are especially prone to leaks, so it’s important that the underlayment and sheathing is properly installed.
Shingles
The shingles are the outer layer of your roof, covering the roof deck and protecting your home from rain, hail, and sunlight. They can be made of wood, asphalt, clay, or slate. The shingle is a flat, rectangular piece of material that’s designed to be overlapped in a series of courses. Each shingle is covered with a variety of materials, including colored granules that reflect the sun’s heat, or black streaks to reduce thermal transfer.
When installing shingles, always use proper nail placement to ensure your roof is secure. Nails should be positioned at the center of each shingle, with four nails per shingle (six is preferred in regions with heavy wind).
Start by nailing down the first row, known as a starter course, along the eaves. This layer protects the underlayment and ties together the first full course of shingles. The starter course should overhang the sides and leading edge of the roof by about 1/2″.
For the second course, position a new shingle in place so that it is offset by 1/2 tab from the shingle below it. On the sides of each shingle, there are little cuts, which you can bend upward to help “butt” it against the shingle below. Also, there is usually a line on the top of each shingle that you can use to align it with the previous one.
Continue laying the rest of the shingles, working left to right across the roof and snapping horizontal chalk lines for straight rows. When the shingle is in place, nail it down using 4-6 nails per shingle as recommended by the manufacturer. Be sure to check the shingle’s warranty to make sure you’re following the appropriate installation guidelines.
Flashing
Flashing is a layer of durable material that reinforces the weakest parts of a roof system. Without it, water could easily seep beneath the shingles and into the home. Water damage can result in rot, mildew, mold, and pest infestation. Flashing is made of pliable, corrosion-resistant metal that can be bent into place to cover gaps in the roofing system.
Most flashing is installed over areas where roof leaks are most likely to occur, such as the roof valleys and any protrusions from the roof like chimneys, vents, and skylights. Roof flashing is typically made of galvanized steel, which means it has been coated with zinc to prevent rusting. When installing roof flashing, a layer of roofing sealant is first applied to help create a watertight barrier.
There are many different types of flashing. Some are designed for specific areas of the roof. For example, chimney flashing is a two-part flashing unit that includes base flashing and counter flashing. The base flashing covers the bottom of the chimney, while the counter flashing is placed above it. This prevents water from flowing down the chimney into the house. Other types of flashing include step flashing, which is a series of short pieces of flashing that are installed to overlap the flashing course below it, and sill flashing, which is concealed under windows and doors.
While it is possible to do a repair on your own, roof flashing should always be handled by professional roofing contractors. The process is complex, and even the best flashing can be damaged by improper installation or extreme weather conditions. The weight of someone standing on roof flashing can also cause it to break or deform.
Ventilation
Ventilation is a key part of any roof. Without ventilation, the attic can get hot and trap heat inside your home, causing your air conditioning to work harder to keep your house cool. Proper ventilation allows the hot attic air to escape, and cooler, fresh air to enter through intake vents in your soffits or eaves. This keeps your attic and your entire house cooler in the summer, saving you energy costs.
Moreover, it prevents the buildup of moisture in your crawl spaces and attic space. When warm air from occupied spaces migrates to the attic, it can come into contact with cold ceiling sheathing and cause condensation that can result in mold growth. Without proper ventilation, this moisture can soak into the insulation and drywall, leading to costly water damage in your home.
Roof ventilation also works to lower the attic temperature in the summer, which can help prevent the formation of ice dams in the winter. In addition, ventilation can also improve the air quality in your home by removing the pollen, dust, and other contaminants that can accumulate in the attic space.
There are several types of ventilation systems that can be used during your roofing installation, including roof ridge vents and soffit vents. The roof ridge vents are placed along the ridge line and function to exhause out hot attic air, while the soffit vents provide the intake for fresh air. Other forms of exhaust vents include gable vents, roof louvers, and power attic ventilators, which use motors to remove the air from your attic. Other intake vents are turtle vents, air hawks, and mushroom vents. They are placed on the soffit area of your roof with a wide open space and work similarly to other exhaust vents in the same way that they draw air in.
Roofing Maintenance Essentials
Performing roofing maintenance regularly helps prevent small problems from escalating into serious damage. It’s important to check the soffit and fascia, pipes, skylights, roof vents, and equipment curbs.
Also, a regular inspection can help you spot shingle damage. Repairing these issues promptly can save you thousands down the road. Contact Kalispell Roofing Pro’s for professional help.
When debris is left on a roof it can trap moisture, damage the sheathing or allow moss and other plant life to grow. This can lead to serious issues with the structure of the home and lead to expensive repairs. Debris can also clog gutter systems and cause water to flow into areas of the roof it shouldn’t. This can cause rot, mold and even leaks into the home itself.
It’s important to regularly check for any debris that has piled up on the roof, especially after a storm or high winds. This can include tree branches, leaves, twigs and more. It’s also a good idea to check for animal droppings, nesting materials and food hordes that squirrels or birds may have tucked away. Animal droppings can eat through asphalt shingles and metal roof coatings, while nesting materials and food hordes can cause damage to the substructure of the roof.
If you’re comfortable climbing a ladder to visually inspect the roof, then this is something that can easily be done on a regular basis. Look for any obvious damage or wear and tear, buckling shingles or granule loss. Also, look for any areas of the roof that appear dark or discolored as these are signs of moisture buildup and could be a sign of a potential problem.
Alternatively, you can always call in a professional who will be able to check the condition of your roof and clean any debris that has accumulated. They will also be able to check the condition of the gutters and make sure they are working correctly to remove excess water from your roof.
For those who don’t feel comfortable getting on a ladder to visually inspect the roof, it’s recommended that you use a pair of binoculars from the safety of the ground. This will give you a close-up view of the roof and help identify any problems with flashings or vent pipes that may need to be replaced. If you do spot any water damage, use a piece of chalk to mark the area so that it can be easily identified when you check again after rain.
Inspect the Flashing
The flashing is a crucial element that creates a watertight barrier and directs water away from areas where your roof is susceptible to leaks. It is placed at intersections between different roof planes, valleys, chimneys, skylights and any penetrations or interruptions in the roof’s surface. It is usually shaped and customized to fit the area and then sealed with caulk or roofing cement.
Like other roof components, flashing requires regular maintenance to prevent water intrusion. Leaking flashing can result in wood rot, crumbling walls and even mold growth. Typically, the source of the leak is due to a faulty seal between the flashing and the roof or wall.
Inspecting the flashing is best done from a ladder with the use of safety equipment, including a sturdy ladder and fall protection gear. Begin by examining the areas where the flashing meets other materials or around roof protrusions, such as chimneys, skylights and dormer windows. Look for cracks, gaps, missing sections or signs of rust or corrosion. Inspect the surrounding caulk or roof sealant for deterioration and ensure that it is still intact.
Check for any areas of ponding water or water stains on the interior walls and ceilings. These are indicators of a damaged flashing and must be addressed immediately. In some cases, the flashing may need to be replaced or resealed.
In most cases, the flashing is made of aluminum. This material is known for its anti-corrosion properties and has an advantage over steel, because it doesn’t rust. However, even aluminum can fail if not properly maintained and can deteriorate and develop cracks if not caulked regularly.
If you notice that the flashing is in need of repair, it is a good idea to schedule yearly maintenance with a professional roofer. This will help catch small issues early and avoid more costly problems down the road. Lyons Roofing can perform a full inspection of your roof and its components, including the flashing, and make any necessary repairs before they become major problems. We can also advise you on a maintenance schedule to keep your home protected year round.
Inspect the Caulk
Caulking is essential for keeping water, air and pests out of the home. It’s important to examine and replace it regularly, especially after extreme weather events.
A common issue with old caulking is water infiltration, which can damage the building structure and cause costly repair bills. A building envelope inspection identifies these issues and prevents them from deteriorating further, saving the property owner money in the long run.
Ideally, the caulking around the chimneys and vent pipes will be inspected on an annual basis to make sure it’s not cracked or leaking. This allows a professional to quickly diagnose and fix the problem before it can worsen.
It’s also a good idea to check the caulking in and around windows and doors on a regular basis. A cracked or damaged window or door can allow air and moisture to enter the building, which may lead to mold, mildew and rot. It can also be a source of pests entering the space and causing further damage.
When caulking becomes dry and brittle, it will crack and become dislodged from the surrounding area. This can cause further damage by allowing moisture and air into the building, resulting in a lack of structural support, mold or mildew. It is a simple task to re-caulk these areas. The best time to do this is between spring and fall, so the caulking has time to set before the cold weather hits.
It is also a good idea to look for broken or missing gutters, clogged drains and debris that has fallen from the roof. It is important to clean the gutters and downspouts at least twice a year before a big storm. This will help to prevent water from backing up and causing the fascia to rot. It’s also a good idea to trim overhanging tree limbs regularly, to avoid them crashing into the roof and causing damage.
As the weather starts to turn, it’s a great idea to call in an expert to inspect and clean the gutters and downspouts on your home or business. This will keep the rainwater from flowing over the roofing surface, preventing damage and reducing moisture build-up inside your home.
Inspect the Soffit
Your fascia and soffit play a vital role in your roof’s overall function. They protect the rafters from water damage and pests, ventilate your attic, and create a finished look. While they aren’t usually visible from the street, these elements require frequent inspection and repair to prevent extensive damage or costly complications. It is crucial to keep your eyes peeled for signs of rot, pest infestation, and damaged wood when inspecting your soffit and fascia.
Often, the first sign of a problem with your soffit is faded or discolored paint. This may indicate moisture damage or the presence of fungus. If the condition of your soffit deteriorates to the point that it allows water to enter the structure of your home, you will need to have it repaired immediately.
It’s important to perform a visual inspection of the soffit regularly, especially after bad weather and during gutter cleaning. This will help you identify and address any problems before they worsen.
Another common sign of soffit damage is the appearance of mold growth and musty odors. Mold typically grows in damp and poorly ventilated areas, making soffits and fascia susceptible to infestation. If left unchecked, it can spread to the rest of your home and cause major structural damage and health issues.
Soffits are also a favorite nesting site for squirrels, rodents, birds, bees, and wasps. If you see any signs of pests nesting in your soffit, including droppings or chew marks, it is critical to have it looked at and promptly repaired. These pests can cause significant damage to your roof and attic, and if they gain entry, they may even access electrical wiring.
It is essential to inspect your soffit for these and other warning signs on a regular basis. Many of these issues will only get worse with time, and if left unchecked, can lead to serious problems that require extensive repair or replacement. When you need soffit repairs, call a professional roofing contractor to ensure that the job is done correctly and to your satisfaction. These professionals have the experience and expertise to ensure that your soffit will last for years to come.