What Roofing Contractors Do

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Roofing is an exciting and challenging form of building construction. Roofers build, repair, and replace a wide variety of practical roofs.

The basic structure of a house or building’s roof is a frame of rafters or prefabricated trusses. The sheathing is then fastened to the rafters or trusses.

While the roof of a house may look like an insignificant covering that protects the inside from precipitation, there is far more to it than meets the eye. It has an internal structure, often called a truss, that creates a skeleton for the rest of the roof to build on top of. A few different types of trusses are used in the framing of a roof, and the type will determine the ability to add a loft or attic space later on, as well as ceiling height options for rooms inside.

The most common and familiar kind of roof structure is a gable roof, which has two planes of sloping walls that meet at a peak in the center, called a ridge. There is a gap where the rafters meet at the ridge, and this is covered with ridge tiles to help prevent rainwater from getting in through that space.

A more complicated roof structure is a lattice truss, which has wood strips on the outer side of the joists to hold up the shingles or tiles. A lattice roof can also have skylights to allow natural light into rooms below.

Another option for a roof is a rafter-beam truss, which has rafters based on the walls and a central joist, called the collar beam, to support them. This joist can be set higher than the joists around it, which can give a vaulted or tray ceiling appearance in certain rooms.

Other parts of a roof include drip edges, flashing and sheathing. Sheathing is a layer of material placed over the joists to provide additional insulation, as well as fire resistance and water protection.

Roof Deck

Just as the foundation is your home’s structural backbone, your roof deck (also known as sheathing) provides a solid base for the rest of your roof. The flat, sturdy sheets go over the rafters and joists of your roof framing, and from there, roofers secure all the other components that protect your home from the weather (like leak barriers and shingles).

Traditionally, roof sheathing was made from planks of wood, but today, most new homes are built with sheet sheathing. This is made from a flat, rectangular material that can be either plywood or OSB, and it comes in varying thicknesses, depending on the span of your rafters.

When constructing a new home, we typically use sheathing made from structural panels like plywood or OSB, because they help to transfer lateral loads from the roof plane to the walls of your house. We also offer sheathing made from solid wood tongue and groove boards if you’re building a custom home or have a preference for an exposed ceiling, but these don’t provide the same level of lateral load stability as panel sheathing.

If your home has old plank decking, it might be time to replace it. Water stains on interior walls or rafters, a drooping roofline, or curling or buckling shingles are all telltale signs that you need to have your decking replaced, and the sooner the better to stave off further damage. If you’re building a new house or doing a reroofing project, we recommend choosing either 3/8″ CDX plywood or 7/16″ OSB for your sheathing. Both are strong, durable, and cost-effective. They also meet code requirements for moisture protection.

Underlayment

A layer of underlayment protects the wood boards that make up your roof deck. This is important, since water can infiltrate a home’s structural wood, which leads to rot, mildew, mold and other problems. It also helps to prevent moisture from becoming trapped under shingles, which can lead to the formation of ice dams and a host of other issues.

Typically made from either asphalt-saturated felt or synthetic materials, roof underlayment acts as an extra barrier to prevent water that rises during a rainstorm from infiltrating the roof structure and into your home. In addition, it provides an additional insulation layer and reduces condensation that can contribute to roof damage, poor energy efficiency and even health issues for occupants.

While a variety of underlayment options exist, traditional felt underlayment is still common and meets most building code requirements. It is generally available in 15- and 30-pound thicknesses for different types of roofing pitches. Felt can be fastened using staples or nails, though in high-wind areas and with synthetic underlayment, plastic caps are often used because they offer better wind resistance and help to prevent leakage through holes created by the fasteners.

Synthetic underlayment is more resistant to fungal growth, less likely to wrinkle and has superior water resistance than felt. It’s lightweight and easier for workers to work with, reducing physical strain on them and allowing the installers to get a job done faster. It’s available in a wide range of colors to match or complement the color of your roof shingles, and it’s often used under premium designer, architectural and performance shingles.

If you live in a cold climate, it’s recommended that an ice barrier underlayment be installed. This is a self-adhering, waterproof underlayment that helps to limit the flow of melt-water back up under shingles, which could cause ice dams and other water damage.

Roofing Materials

Choosing the right roofing material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when building or restoring a home. It has a big impact on the style of your roof, as well as the durability and energy efficiency of your home. You’ll also want to consider environmental friendliness, cost and local code requirements when selecting your roofing materials.

Roofing materials vary widely, from natural products like thatch and slate to manufactured options like asphalt shingles and metal tiles. They’re designed to protect a home from the elements, and a good quality roof will help keep your family comfortable and safe.

Low Slope Materials

Many types of roofing materials are suitable for use on low-sloped buildings, including single-membrane systems like EPDM, PVC or TPO and corrugated galvanised iron (also called Corro) or steel coated with a coloured alloy. Rolled roofing material is an economical choice for low-sloped residential roofs and outbuildings like sheds. It consists of long rolls of mineral-impregnated and asphalt-impregnated material topped with granules, and it’s often used on buildings where appearance isn’t important.

Tile roofing is a popular and attractive option that’s available in a wide range of colours and styles to complement any architecture. Clay and concrete tiles are molded into rolled or interlocking shapes and fired to hardness, making them a durable roofing material that can resist water infiltration and changes in temperature. They’re heavier than other roofing materials, however, so they require a strong roof structure. Slate is another high-end roofing material that’s available in a variety of shapes and sizes to complement any building style. It’s also highly resistant to fire and weather damage, but it’s expensive and difficult to install, so it’s usually reserved for prestigious homes or historic restoration projects.

Installation

The roof of a building provides protection from sun, rain, snow, and wind, as well as insulation and structural support. A properly installed and maintained roof can last a lifetime. During the roofing process, it is important to keep open communication with your contractor and make sure you understand all the costs involved.

During the inspection and estimate process, your project manager will discuss everything with you, answering any questions and addressing any concerns you may have. You will then receive an estimate for the work that needs to be done, and you can decide if this is within your budget. If you are re-roofing because of damage, your project manager will also review your insurance policy and help you through the claim process.

Once the contract has been agreed upon, your project manager will set up an appointment to begin the job. Prior to starting, the crew will prepare your property for roofing by setting up protective measures. Tarps will be attached to your roof line and wooden boards will cover anything around the base of your home to prevent debris from falling and damaging your plants or belongings. The crew will also cover your pool, move things from the deck or patio, and ensure vehicles stay on paved surfaces to avoid any damage.

After the underlayment has been installed, your roofing shingles will be installed in a pattern of rows that overlap one another by six inches and are nailed down with a nail gun. The nails will be close together near the edge of the roof and spread out more towards the middle to keep your roofing watertight. Roofing caulk will then be applied to any raw edges of your roof to make it weatherproof.

How Pressure Washing Can Improve the Appearance of Commercial Buildings

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Over time, commercial buildings tend to accumulate dirt, mildew, moss, mold, and other debris that detract from their appearance. Regular cleaning and maintenance with professional pressure washing help keep a building looking great and can increase its value in the real estate market. Click here to Learn More.

The forceful blast of water carries kinetic energy that helps break bonds with unwanted substances, making them easier to remove. The water temperature and the distance the nozzle is held from the surface also matter.

Concrete surfaces are prone to stains and buildup from dirt, grime, oil, and salt. These substances cling to concrete and cause it to break down faster than normal, leading to cracking and crumbling. Using a pressure washer is the most effective way to clean concrete surfaces. The forceful water blast carries kinetic energy that helps break the bond between the surface and the unwanted substance, allowing it to be removed. The water temperature also plays a role in the cleaning process; hot water melts grease and oils, making them easier to remove. The turbulence created by the water’s movement further aids in the removal of contaminants.

If your concrete is heavily stained, it may require pre-treatment with a chemical before being cleaned with a power washer. A degreaser, bleach or tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) can be used to treat stubborn spots. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety warnings when using these chemicals.

To use a pressure washer to clean concrete, start by choosing the appropriate nozzle and setting the PSI (pounds per square inch). A yellow 15-degree spray tip is ideal for most cleaning jobs, as it offers maximum control over where the water is directed. A higher PSI may damage the surface, so it’s important to test the pressure washer on a less visible area first.

When you’re ready to begin, start at one corner of the concrete and work your way across, overlapping each stroke by about 6 to 8 inches. For tougher stains, you can switch to the higher-pressure red 0-degree nozzle for a more concentrated stream of water. Remember to move slowly and change the direction of the nozzle as necessary, so you don’t damage the surface or leave etchings behind.

Once the concrete is clean, it’s a good idea to apply a concrete sealer to protect it from future staining and damage. Be sure to rinse the concrete thoroughly after applying the sealer, and direct the water flow away from storm drains so it doesn’t wash pollutants into nearby waterways. If you’re not comfortable operating a power washer, or would like to avoid damaging your concrete, consider hiring a professional for the job.

Cleaning Brick

Brick is a popular construction material that elevates the appearance of homes and buildings while offering durability. But it’s not a maintenance-free material and, just like any other surface, brick needs regular cleaning to remove dirt, grime, mildew, mold, bird excrement, grease, oil, and other pollutants that can stick to or grow on its walls. Luckily, cleaning brick with a pressure washer is a simple and effective way to restore its luster and extend its lifespan.

Prior to beginning the cleaning process, homeowners should ensure their pressure washer is properly equipped with a detergent tank that holds an eco-friendly, brick-safe cleaning solution. It’s also important to test the spray setting on an inconspicuous area of the brick surface to determine the right amount of pressure to safely clean the wall. Finally, homeowners should prepare their work area by removing furniture, decorations, or other objects that could be damaged by the power washer’s high-pressure stream. Also, they should trim back plants and bushes that touch the brick wall to prevent harming them with detergent solutions or water sprays.

Once the work area is prepared, homeowners should start the cleaning process by hose-down the surface to thoroughly soak it. Next, they should apply the cleaning solution using a delicate spray pattern that is appropriate for the style and condition of their brick walls. Then, they should begin washing the surface from the bottom of the wall and work their way upwards. Allow the cleaning solution to remain on the brick surface for several minutes before rinsing it off with clean water.

Once the brick surface is completely rinsed, it’s important to let it dry completely prior to attempting to paint or apply a sealant. Brick is very porous and requires a lot of time to fully dry out. As such, it’s crucial to schedule this project for a day of mild weather that can give the surface plenty of time to absorb moisture and completely dry. If this isn’t possible, the homeowner should allow three to four days for proper drying time. This will ensure the brick is free from any remaining moisture and allows it to fully absorb and cure any paint or sealant applied to its surface.

Cleaning Wood

Pressure washing is an effective way to clean wood. However, the technique must be used carefully to avoid damage. If the water pressure is too high, it can strip away the natural oils in wood, which makes it dull and brittle. In addition, it can also remove any paint that has been applied to the surface of the wood. Therefore, it is best to hire a professional that understands how to use the right amount of pressure on wood surfaces.

The force of pressurized water is effective on wood because it carries kinetic energy and creates turbulence that breaks down and dislodges dirt and grime from the surface. The water temperature also plays an important role, as some contaminants can be removed more easily when it is hot.

Regular cleaning with a pressure washer can keep your deck or other wooden structures looking their best. Over time, exposure to sunlight grays the wood, and the occasional power wash will brighten it back up. In addition, it can help to eliminate stains caused by mildew and mold, and it will also prevent the wood from rotting.

If your deck or other wood structure is in poor condition, you should consider using oxalic acid to treat it before you pressure wash. This chemical can be found at most hardware stores and is safe for most types of wood, but it may splinter the surface of some types of wood. If you notice signs of splintering, sand the surface of the wood lightly with medium-grit sandpaper to reduce the risk of further damage.

Before you start pressure washing, test the water pressure in an inconspicuous area. Ideally, you should use a quick-connect nozzle that has a wide fan and is set to 25 degrees. This nozzle will allow you to spray the surface evenly without damaging it. It’s also a good idea to move the nozzle around constantly to prevent uneven spots or lap marks.

When you’re finished, it’s important to let the wood dry for 24 to 72 hours. This will give the pores of the wood a chance to open and release any moisture absorbed during the cleaning process. After the wood has dried, you can apply a stain or sealant to protect it from the elements.

Cleaning Metal

One of the most common issues that people face with their exterior metal surfaces is rust stains. These unsightly orange stains are often the result of oxidation and can quickly eat away at any metal surface they’re on, including outdoor furniture, fences, doors, roofs and even cars. Fortunately, the right pressure washing equipment can help eliminate these ugly stains and restore the look and function of your metal property.

For the best results, you’ll want to use a high-pressure washer with a nozzle that can handle at least 5000 psi. You’ll also need a wide-angle hose attachment to ensure that you can get all of the cracks and crevices that are so difficult to reach with traditional cleaning methods. A metal-safe cleaning solution can be used to loosen up the rust and corrosion, and the power washer can then blast it away.

The great thing about using a pressure washer to remove rust is that it’s relatively safe to do so, even for inexperienced home owners. However, it’s important to always wear appropriate protective gear like a hat, goggles and rubber gloves when operating a power washer.

Regularly cleaning your metal surfaces with a pressure washer can make them last longer and increase their overall value. Not only will they look better, but they’ll be less susceptible to damage and decay. And if you do decide to repaint your property, a good pressure wash will ensure that the new coat of paint adheres properly and looks great.