Installing a new roof can make an impact on the appearance of your home as well as your energy costs. The right roofing material can protect your home against damage and deterioration.
Choosing the right contractor is essential to ensure that your roof is properly installed. A reputable contractor should be able to provide you with references from previous jobs and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of your chosen roofing product.
Underlayment
Underlayment protects the deck of the roof from weather and water before and during the installation of the shingles. Depending on the type of roof, this can be a layer of felt or an acrylic-based waterproof membrane. The underlayment also helps insulate the roof and protect the wood structure from the heat of the sun. The underlayment is used to meet the fire rating of the roof and must be compatible.
Asphalt felt underlayment is the most common and cheapest roofing underlayment. This tar paper product is often referred to as “roof felt” and can be found at any home improvement store. The roofing nails can be easily attached with a roofing knife. It`s easy to cut. It is an excellent choice in most situations, as it can withstand the weather for several days or even weeks while the roof is drying and being covered with shingles.
While asphalt felt underlayment is reliable and durable, it doesn`t tend to hold up very well in high temperatures. In most cases, a roof that uses this underlayment will need to be replaced long before the metal roofing itself needs to be replaced.
There are other options for underlayment that are more resilient and will last much longer. Synthetic underlayments are made of materials like polypropylene and polyethylene. They are usually lighter and more flexible then asphalt felt underlayment. Many can be self-adhering and will seal around roofing nails when installed properly. You can use them to cover metal flashing installed on roofs. The type of underlayment that is best depends on the weather, how long the roof will remain uncovered and if a durable material is required.
Shingles
It`s a big job to install shingles, but with the right preparation and planning, any do-it yourselfer can handle it. Be sure to read the instructions and follow safety precautions. Start by removing any old shingles that are in bad shape and laying out the underlayment. If you`re unsure how to do this, ask someone at your local hardware store for help.
Install the shingles after the underlayment. First, make sure you have the correct number of bundles of shingles. Add the area of all the sections of your roof, divide it by 100 and you`ll get the number of squares. The amount of shingles that you will need is this.
Be sure to check the weather before you start shingling. Rain and snow can force water up and under even properly installed shingles, which can lead to leaks in your home. It`s best to wait until the weather is dry before installing a new roof.
Install the drip edge in aluminum along the length of the roof. Then, use your chalk line to snap horizontal guidelines every five inches or so. You can mark the place where you want to put your shingles. Work your way up from the base of the roof to the ridge. Most pros begin shingling at the left rake edge, but check your shingle package for specifics.
Lay each shingle in a row across the roof, overlapping them by half their width. Then, lay down the next row and overlap it by about a quarter of its width.
Flashing
The flashing is a thin strip of water-resistant material that professional roofers install around critical areas of your home`s roof, including corners, intersections and projections like chimneys, dormers, vent pipes and skylights. Also installed along walls where materials meet in the plane of a wall, like door and window openings, the flashing prevents moisture from penetrating into your home.
The flashing is usually made from aluminum, galvanized or copper. It seals moisture out and directs runoff. The flashing is installed with a layer of shingles and cement on top. This is a crucial part of your roof that should be installed only by a roofing professional with experience to ensure the proper installation and protection.
We must take into account the size of the pipe entering the roof when installing the flashing. The pipe flashing collar must be sized correctly to fit the pipe and have a snug fitting. Miscalculations in this area can lead to leaks within the house. For example, using a collar that`s too large can cause the metal to fatigue over time and break. The gap can be left uncovered, causing leaks.
Installing gutter apron flanges on the bottom edge of the roof, where the gutter line meets your roof, will prevent water seeping under the shingles into the home. This flashing fits over the vent or boot of the piping. Use a compression fitting made of rubber to create a watertight seal around the pipe.
Cap flashing is also used in areas where a roof slope meets an obstruction, such as a skylight, chimney or dormer. This flashing is used to form an L along with the drip edge and step flashing in order to prevent water from entering the building and guide it away. Finally, we`ll use kickout flashing to finish off the end of the step flashing where it meets the gutter. It looks kind of like a scoop and helps redirect the flow of water to where it belongs, out the gutter and down the drainage path.
Ridge Cap
A ridge cap seals the point at which two upward slopes of the roof meet. It can be solid or vented to allow hot air to escape and prevent moisture from entering the home. It can also be decorative and enhance the look of the roof. It is important to choose a color that matches the rest of the roof. Use the same type of ridge cap if you use architectural shingles for your roof. This creates a clean, finished appearance and will enhance the overall look of your house.
It is important to install ridge caps on a warm, dry day. This is because the shingles need to be flexible so they can bend over the ridge. It is also important to have the proper safety gear, such as a harness, hard hat, work gloves, and a utility knife.
Start nailing the ridgecap at the center using a hammer, and roofing nails that are recommended. Continue to work your way down the ridge by overlapping each shingle 6″. Trim the final piece of ridgecap to fit the opening and install closure strips. These strips will keep water and debris from seeping under the ridge cap. Closers are available in solid, vented or hip tape and can be fastened to the ridge cap with either screws or roofing nails.
Install the ridge cap before attaching the vent if you`re using one. Be sure to place the vent so that it is above the ridge cap and not blocking any of the ridge ventilation. It is also important to fasten the ridge vent with the baffled type, which is more efficient at allowing air to escape but keeps out moisture.
Waterproofing
It is important to waterproof your roof before installing it. This will ensure that you can protect your building from the elements. Waterproofing protects the structure, interior, and contents of your building from water damage. Both residential and commercial properties can benefit from waterproofing.
To waterproof the roof, you can use a variety of materials. Bituminous membranes are the most common. They come in liquid or roller form. These membranes are used to protect low-sloped and flat roofs. They are often reinforced with either polyester or fiberglass to improve their strength and durability. They are also resistant to thermal shock, fatigue and punctures.
When choosing a waterproofing membrane, you should consider the climate in your area and the type of roof on which you are working. Choose a material compatible with the surface. For example, it is not a good idea to apply a liquid waterproofing membrane on a roof that has been coated with acrylic elastomeric because the solvent in the urethane can cause re-emulsification of the acrylic.
A waterproofing membrane installed correctly can last between 20-40 years depending on its use and maintenance. It can help your roof withstand harsh weather conditions and reduce maintenance costs.
During your roof installation, make sure that all workers wear hard hats and safety glasses to avoid getting hit by debris. Wear long pants, coveralls and sturdy shoes. Never stand or walk up on the ladder. In addition, they should not carry anything heavy or sharp onto the roof and never climb over the edge of the gutter system or the flashing.