Work at heights is dangerous and falls are the number one cause of death in the workplace. Always take proper safety precautions and have someone hold the ladder when you’re climbing up or down.
Start by walking around the roof’s perimeter and drawing an overhead sketch in your notepad. This sketch doesn’t have to be exact but should include every plane of the roof. Visit https://www.delaware-roofing.com/ to learn more.
The roofing material you choose will impact the style, strength and longevity of your roof. It will also determine the weather conditions your roof will face, as some materials are better equipped to handle certain extreme climates than others. You should take your budget, energy efficiency, local regulations and maintenance into consideration when choosing a roofing material. The right choice will protect your home for years to come and add value and curb appeal.
Roofing is one of the most significant investments you will make in your lifetime, so it’s important to take your time and choose wisely. Working with an experienced roofing contractor is a great way to ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Before beginning the project, your roofing contractor will contact the city’s offices to pull all the necessary permits. This process varies from location to location, but it’s essential that it’s done correctly. Failure to do so may result in fines or forced removal of the roofing you install.
Once the permitting is complete, you’ll need to determine what type of roofing materials you want to use for your new roof. You can consult with an architectural designer to find the best fit for your home, or you can ask your roofing construction company to advise you on the types of roofing that will complement your home’s design.
When you’re considering the aesthetics of your roof, remember that it will be one of the first things people notice about your property. The right roofing materials can add value and curb appeal, as well as improve your home’s resale value.
During your consultation, be sure to ask about the warranty options available for different roofing materials. You’ll want to select a roofing material that offers a long warranty period to provide you with peace of mind. You’ll also want to consider whether or not a particular roofing material will require special framing, as this could add to the overall cost of your project. A reputable roofing company will be able to answer all of your questions regarding the various roofing materials and costs.
Underlayment
Roofing underlayment is a crucial step in the process of installing a new roof or reroofing an existing one. Without it, the roof is exposed to water damage that can cause rotting, mold, and other issues within the structure.
The underlayment acts as a barrier between the roof deck and the shingles to prevent water intrusion. It also helps protect the structure from wind-driven rain, ice dams, and other weather elements that can cause leaks and other problems.
There are a variety of underlayment materials available, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. A professional roofing company can help you determine which underlayment is right for your project.
Asphalt-saturated felt underlayment is a traditional option that’s easy to install and reasonably priced. It can provide excellent water resistance and is often used in combination with waterproof products. However, it can be susceptible to tearing and is not as durable as other options.
Synthetic underlayment is another option that’s becoming increasingly popular. It’s made of a non-bitumen base mat saturated in asphalt and reinforced with fiberglass for strength. This type of underlayment is more durable and lightweight than asphalt-saturated felt. It also provides excellent moisture resistance, but it can be more expensive than other types.
Regardless of the underlayment you choose, it should be carefully installed to ensure that your roofing system functions properly. A skilled professional will thoroughly clean the roof deck and repair any damaged areas before laying the underlayment. Then, they’ll work their way up the roof, overlapping each row as they go. They’ll pay special attention to areas around chimneys, vents, and other penetrations to make sure the underlayment is securely sealed.
When the underlayment is fully installed, the roofer will secure it to the roof deck using fasteners that are appropriate for the underlayment and roofing material. They’ll also pay close attention to the edges and field of the roof, securing each row and ensuring that any seams are properly sealed. They’ll also trim any excess underlayment at the top of the roof, and they’ll apply ridge vents and other upper roof elements.
Shingles
Shingles provide a crucial layer of protection from weather conditions like rain, hail, and snow. They are the first line of defense from external factors and help regulate building temperatures by protecting insulation materials. They are also responsible for ensuring water runoff is properly deflected and positioned on your roof, so they need to be durable. Additionally, shingle durability can play a role in reducing the amount of maintenance your roof requires over time.
Asphalt shingles offer a wide range of color options to suit the aesthetic of your home, including a variety of earth tones and hues. They can be combined in different patterns to achieve a unique, varied look or even used on historic homes to maintain their original appearance. Additionally, shingles are easier to replace than other roofing options, making them an excellent choice for homeowners who want their roof to be easy to repair and maintain.
Because shingles are the primary barrier between your home and the elements, they must be durable to prevent blow-offs in high winds or heavy storms. They should be securely fastened to the roof to minimize their risk of lifting and curling over time, which can lead to leaks or rot.
The proper installation of shingles protects your roof warranty, ensures a strong, durable, and attractive exterior, and improves energy efficiency. It also increases the lifespan of your roof, lowering the cost of repair and replacement over time.
Proper installation also reduces the potential for shingle blow-offs during high winds or storms, which can compromise your roof’s effectiveness and safety. Additionally, shingle misalignment can contribute to unsightly or uneven exteriors and detract from the overall curb appeal of your property.
If a shingle isn’t installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications, it can be susceptible to deterioration and premature wear, which may affect the structural integrity of your roof and cause damage to your home’s interior. If you want your roof to last as long as possible, make sure you choose a roofing contractor that is experienced with installing shingle roofs and uses top-quality products like those from RoofGard.
Ventilation
One of the most important aspects of a roof is proper ventilation. Without it, hot air can build up in your attic or roof space, leading to severe moisture damage, mold, mildew, and rot. A well-ventilated roof also helps regulate your home’s temperature, which can save you money on energy bills while improving indoor air quality and overall comfort.
During the roofing installation process, your roofer will determine how much venting is needed for your home. The amount of venting needed will depend on your roof structure, attic insulation, and the climate in which you live. Most building codes require 1 square foot of vent area per 300 square feet of attic floor space, although this may vary depending on your house.
There are two types of roof venting: intake and exhaust. Intake vents are installed lower on the roof, ideally in your soffit, while exhaust vents are installed at the peak of your roof. A good ventilation system utilizes both of these strategies in conjunction, allowing cooler air to enter your attic through the intake vents and then helping to push the hot air out via the exhaust vents.
A popular choice for intake vents is a ridge vent. This is a long, metal vent that is bent to fit along the ridge of your roof and then secured using a shingle cap, which will hide it from view. If you prefer a more decorative look, your roofer can use other styles of vents, such as cupola vents, which are round and have louvers around them for a traditional look.
Exhaust vents are often a combination of soffit and gable vents, which allow cool air to enter through the soffit and then flow into your attic space through the gable vents. Your roofer will install these vents at the top of your eaves, and like other vents, they must be kept clear of debris to function properly. Exhaust vents are a great way to prevent the formation of ice dams, and they can help keep your attic and roof space cooler in the summer and drier in the winter.
