Installing a new roof can make an impact on the appearance of your home as well as your energy costs. The right roofing materials can also help protect your home from damage and deterioration.
It is important to choose the right contractor for your roof installation. 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
The underlayment is the layer that protects the roof deck from water and other weather elements, before and while the shingles are being installed. 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. It is also used to help the roof meet a fire rating and must be compatible with the roof coverings.
Asphalt felt is the most popular and cheapest underlayment for roofing. This tar paper product is often referred to as “roof felt” and can be found at any home improvement store. It is easy to cut with a utility knife and fastens easily with roofing nails. 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. This underlayment is usually replaced before the metal roof itself.
There are other options for underlayment that are more resilient and will last much longer. Materials like polypropylene or polyethylene are used to make synthetic underlayments. 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. They can also be used to cover any metal flashing edges that might be installed on a roof. 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. Just be sure to follow all safety precautions and consult your shingle manufacturer`s instructions. Remove any old shingles in poor condition and lay out the underlayment. Ask someone in your local hardware shop for assistance if you are unsure of how to proceed.
Once the underlayment is in place, it`s time to install the shingles. Make sure you have enough bundles. Add the area of all the sections of your roof, divide it by 100 and you`ll get the number of squares. This is the amount of shingles you`ll need to buy.
Before starting to shingle, make sure you`re working in good weather conditions. 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. Use your chalk line and snap horizontal guidelines about every five inches. You can mark the place where you want to put your shingles. Start at the bottom of your roof and work up toward the ridge. Most pros begin shingling at the left rake edge, but check your shingle package for specifics.
Overlap each shingle by about half its width, and lay them in a course (row) across the roof. Then, lay down the next row and overlap it by about a quarter of its width.
Flashback
Professional roofers use flashing to protect critical roof areas, such as corners, intersections, and projections. These include chimneys, vent pipes, and skylights. The flashing is also installed along walls, such as door and window openings. It prevents moisture from entering your home.
The flashing is usually made from aluminum, galvanized or copper. It seals moisture out and directs runoff. Installing the flashing requires a layer of cement and shingles 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.
When installing the flashing, we must consider the size of the pipe or vent entering the roof. The flashing collar that goes around the pipe must be correctly sized to match the pipe diameter and allow a snug fit. 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.
We also install gutter apron flashing on the bottom of your roof where it meets the gutter line to prevent water from seeping underneath the shingles and into the house. This flashing fits over the vent or boot of the piping. We`ll use a rubber compression fitting to wrap around the pipe and create a secure, water-tight seal.
We`ll also use cap flashing in areas where the roof slope meets a wall or projection such as a chimney, dormer or skylight. This flashing forms an L with the step flashing and a drip edge to help prevent water penetration and guide it away from the building. We`ll finish the end of step flashing by using kickout flashing. 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
The ridge cap is used to seal the intersection of two roof slopes. The cap can be vented or solid to let hot air escape and to prevent moisture from entering your home. The vent can be decorative to enhance the appearance of the roof. It is important to choose a color that matches the rest of the roof. If you have architectural shingles on your roof, use the same type for the ridge caps as well. 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. The shingles must be flexible to 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. Work your way down the ridge, overlapping each shingle by 6″. Once you get to the end of the ridge, trim the last piece of ridge cap to fit and install closure strips. These strips prevent water and debris from leaking under the ridgecap. Closers are available in solid, vented or hip tape and can be fastened to the ridge cap with either screws or roofing nails.
If you are using a vent, fasten the vent to the ridge before installing the ridge cap. Place the vent above the cap, but not in the way of any ridge ventilation. The baffled ridge vent is the best type to use, as it allows air to escape while keeping moisture out.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is an important step in roof installation and ensures that your building can withstand 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. The most common are bituminous membranes that come in liquid and roller form. They are designed to protect flat and low-sloped roofs. To improve their durability and strength, they are usually reinforced with polyester or fiberglass. These are resistant to thermal shocks, 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. You should also choose a material that is compatible with the existing surface. It is not recommended to use a liquid membrane for waterproofing on a roof coated with acrylic elastomeric, as the solvent contained in the urethane could cause the acrylic to re-emulsify.
A properly installed waterproofing membrane can last for 20-40 years, depending on how it is used and maintained. 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. They should also not bring anything sharp or heavy onto the roof, and they shouldn`t climb over the edge or gutter system.