Whether you’re replacing an old roof or building a new house, roofing installation is an essential part of construction. It involves working on the structural components of your home, installing sheathing or roof decking, and installing underlayment.
During this process, it’s important to protect your property by covering sensitive areas with tarps and placing boards over movable items. It’s also important to wear safety gear, such as a helmet and harness.
Before starting a reroofing project, you should research different roofing contractors and choose one that has a good reputation. The Better Business Bureau offers a database that can help you find local companies in your area. Look for companies that have a good BBB rating and that are accredited by the roofing industry. You also want to make sure the roofer has years of experience in the business. This will play a big role in the quality of work, installation process, and overall customer service. An inexperienced roofer might cut corners by using cut-rate materials or splicing old underlayment and flashing together to save money, which will cost you big in the long run.
Preparing the Roof
Your roof is more than just a covering that protects your home from the elements. It is a complex structure that combines different materials to keep your home protected from weather and harmful UV light, and it also includes gutter systems and venting to steer water runoff away from your house. The type of roofing material that is best for your home will depend on a variety of factors, including climate, aesthetic, and home design. A top-notch roofer will help you decide what is best for your home and budget.
Before the roof installation process begins, the contractor will take several precautions to protect your property and possessions. They may cover sensitive areas of your lawn and plants with tarps, and have a dumpster delivered to dispose of the old roof. They should also use boards to protect items like garden beds and air conditioning units, and clear the yard of toys and furniture that could get swept off the roof or knocked over by workers.
The first step in the roof replacement process is removing the existing shingles and preparing the area for new roof installation. The contractor will use a pry bar to loosen the nails on the eastern side of the roof and then slowly work their way across the roof to remove the shingle panels. The roofer will also remove the metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and other areas that can let water in. This metal is usually trashed, but if it is in good condition it can be saved for the ridge cap.
Once the shingles are removed, the roofer will lay down an underlayment that acts as a barrier against moisture. This is usually felt paper, but it can also be a special waterproof underlayment, such as a self-healing membrane. The underlayment will be stapled down, starting at the bottom edge and working upwards. The contractor will overlap the first row by at least six inches and staple in a pattern that starts with close nails near the edge of the roof, then spreads out more as it goes up towards the ridge.
Getting Started
If you’re looking to start a roofing business, you have some important decisions to make. First, decide how you want to structure your company. There are many options, including a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or limited liability company (LLC). It’s a good idea to consult with an attorney and discuss what type of entity best suits your needs.
Once you’ve decided how you want to run your roofing business, it’s time to get started. Getting licensed and insured is a must. Check with your state or provincial licensing authority to see what the requirements are for your area. You will also need to obtain any necessary permits from your city or town. You should also take the time to read up on building codes, especially if you will be doing new construction or re-roofing.
Depending on the type of roof you need, it may be better to re-roof instead of replacing the entire roof. Re-roofing requires less labor and can be a more cost-effective solution. However, a full roof replacement might be necessary if there is significant damage or deterioration. In addition, some communities require re-roofing as part of an architectural review process.
Safety is the top priority for every roofing contractor, but it’s especially crucial when working at heights. Be sure to wear a hard hat and harness and follow all ladder safety guidelines. The contractor should also take care to protect the ground and walls from any debris that could fall during the installation process. It’s a good idea to move any furniture or decorations away from the house during the roof work. This will prevent them from being knocked over or damaged by falling nails and other debris.
Another important aspect of the roof installation process is proper sequencing and attention to detail. Moisture control depends on the right sequencing of components, and details such as flashing and roof-to-wall intersections need to be installed properly to prevent moisture from entering the wall system. A good roofing contractor will use a science-based sequencing method, and communicate well with the home owner to understand and comply with these requirements.
Getting the Job Done
Getting the job done means more than just laying down new shingles. It also involves removing installation debris and leaving your property clean, safe, and in as good or better condition than it was before the roof installation process began. This includes tending to landscaping, ensuring pathways are free of roofing trash, and restoring any items that were on the roof before the project began, such as satellite/TV dishes or skylights.
If you have children, be sure to arrange for them to stay at Grandma’s or with a friend during the roofing process. This is because vibrations from hammering could knock pictures, wreaths, or other decorations off of walls. Also, the roofers will be on top of your roof and may need to remove any ceiling fans or other equipment. In these cases, you will be informed ahead of time. Also, the roofers will need to access the attic to inspect and remove any old shingles or other debris that may be left from the previous roof.
