Installing a new roof can be a tricky project for homeowners. It requires proper training and equipment to do it right.
Before installing shingles, your contractor will lay an ice and water barrier and drip edge. Next, they will run underlayment over the drip edge and ice and water barrier, fastening it down with cap nails. Visit https://www.ellingsonroofing.com/ for more information.
Choosing the right roofing contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your home improvement project. A reputable roofing contractor will have extensive experience and a solid track record of quality workmanship.
The best way to find a roofing contractor is by asking for references and requesting a detailed bid from each candidate. Compare the estimates and choose the best one based on your budget, but remember that price alone is not an indicator of quality. In fact, it’s often a red flag to avoid contractors with extremely low prices; they may be cutting corners or using cheap materials that will not hold up under heavy weather conditions.
A good roof is your first line of defence against the elements, so you should only trust it to a professional roofing company that is licensed and insured. You should also ask about the roofing company’s financing options if you are not able to pay for your new roof up front.
It’s a good idea to check with the Better Business Bureau and local chamber of commerce for information on contractors in your area. You can also ask your friends and neighbours for recommendations, but it’s even better to see the work for yourself by visiting job sites of the roofing companies on your list. This will help you to spot potential mistakes and inconsistencies, and it’s a great way to get a feel for the personality of the contractor.
Removing the Old Roof
Roofing contractors will almost always recommend that the old roof be torn off during a reroofing project. This gives the roofers a clean slate to work with and eliminates the problem of trying to hide existing problems by installing new shingles over an older or damaged substrate.
In a tear off, the roofing contractor will go section by section tearing off the shingles and components from the roof decking or sheathing. This is a messy undertaking, but it is crucial to the integrity of the new roof.
The sheathing must be in pristine condition, without any sagging or holes, and of the correct thickness to allow for the installation of new materials on top of it. The sheathing is the base layer that all of the other layers are installed on, including the underlayment and shingles. If the sheathing is not pristine, any bumps or gaps will show up on the new shingles and may lead to serious problems in the future.
Replacing an old roof is one of the most important home improvement projects a homeowner can undertake. It protects everything and everyone inside the home from the elements, which is a basic human need. A good-quality, sturdy, and durable roof will provide peace of mind for years to come. It will also increase the resale value of your home and may help it to sell more quickly in the future.
Underlayment
Underlayment is one of the most important parts of any roof, whether it’s being replaced or built from scratch. It’s the layer that goes right under the outer roofing material and provides a backup defense in case the outer layer gets damaged or punctured. While not always visible, this important building material shouldn’t be skimped on or overlooked.
In some areas, underlayment is required by local regulations to ensure the integrity of roofs. Even without regulations, however, it’s still a vital part of any roof installation project because it prevents leaks and other damage while the new materials are being installed.
There are several different types of underlayment, each designed to partner well with specific roofing materials. The most common are asphalt-saturated felt, rubberized asphalt underlayment, and non-bitumen synthetic underlayment. Each offers a unique set of properties and protects against various weather conditions and elements.
For example, rubberized underlayment features a sticky backing that helps it adhere to the surface of the roof. It is also highly flexible and durable and can resist tears. This underlayment is especially useful in areas of the roof that are at risk for water damage, such as valleys and penetration points. It’s also great for preventing the formation of ice dams, which can cause serious damage to your roof and house. In addition, many rubber-like underlayments are fire-resistant, a critical feature in certain climates.
Shingles
Shingles are the exterior layer of your roof that protects it from rain, sun and wind. When shingles aren’t installed correctly they can cause serious damage to the rest of your home. To avoid costly mistakes like these make sure to hire a roofing contractor that knows what they are doing when installing shingles.
One common mistake is not using a drip edge. This is an essential piece of metal that is placed at the very edge of the roof. Its job is to redirect moisture away from your walls and into your gutter. Without a drip edge your roof can leak quickly and lead to mold and mildew.
Another mistake is nailing a shingle too low or too high. This can lead to a number of problems including the formation of holes in your roof that water can seep through, and a greater chance of blow off during stormy weather. A good roofer will use a nailing strip under the first course of shingles that lines up with the tar strip on the shingle and reduces the chances of blow off.
A roof is only as strong as its weakest link. By not using proper accessories such as Ice & Water guard, Hip and Ridge cap, and starter strip you could turn your 50 year shingle into a 25 year roof. By using the correct accessories you will get a lot more life out of your shingles and add resale value to your home.
Flashing
A crucial component of a roof, flashing helps prevent water infiltration that can lead to structural damage and leaks. Made of a durable, weather-resistant metal, this material seals vulnerable areas like joints and corners where a roof meets walls, chimneys, vents, skylights or dormers. Flashing and drip edges also help direct rainwater away from fascia boards and roofing materials, preventing moisture-related problems later on.
During the roof installation process, high-quality roofing professionals will carefully inspect your flashing and drip edges to ensure they are in good condition. They will replace any that are corroded, damaged or missing. They may also add or replace flashing to cover the exposed areas of your roof, such as at the ridge, valley or around chimneys and other penetrations.
There are several different types of flashing, all designed to protect vulnerable areas of your roof from water infiltration. Chimney flashing, for example, includes a series of steps and saddles that run along the base of your chimney. Step flashing is similar to a flight of stairs, with each piece of L-shaped metal fitting into the next and forming a waterproof seal. Counter flashing, which is used with masonry walls and structures, covers and protects step flashing and forms another waterproof seal.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that roofing companies may reuse old flashing instead of installing new material during a roof replacement. Using re-used flashings can significantly reduce the lifespan of your roof, and it can also affect the overall appearance of your home.
Gutters
Gutters are a vital part of your home’s roof. They collect and direct rainwater away from the foundation of your house and prevent damage to your soffit, fascia, shingles, and siding. Without gutters, water can seep through the soffit and fascia and settle around your foundation, which causes moisture to damage your walls and windows. This moisture can also cause mold and mildew in the soffit and fascia and contribute to soil erosion around your foundation. Gutters prevent this by channeling the rainwater into downspouts, which are then directed away from your home.
Gutter installation is a complex process that involves determining the correct gutter size and location. The right size gutter should be proportionate to the average amount of rainfall in your area and the size of your roof. A gutter that is too small will not be able to handle the amount of water from a rainstorm and will overflow. On the other hand, a gutter that is too large can be unsightly and may be prone to clogging and other issues.
In addition, gutters must be regularly cleaned to ensure proper drainage. This can be a difficult task, as it requires climbing a ladder to access the gutters and may be dangerous for homeowners who are not familiar with working on the roof. This is a job best left to professionals who will not only clean the gutters thoroughly but will also ensure that they are properly installed to avoid costly repairs in the future.