When it comes to home improvements, roofing is an area that is generally best left to professionals. This is especially true if your roof requires an upgrade or replacement.
A proper roof installation is crucial to protecting your home and its contents. It involves many steps and requires an understanding of different materials. Contact EZ Roofing of Flagler County for professional help.
The first step in the process is clearing the roof area of debris and obstructions that can interfere with the installation. This includes items like overhanging tree branches and satellite dishes that can get in the way of roofers or be knocked off the roof by wind. This is also a good time to trim back overgrown vegetation around the house. This will make it easier to keep the yard and garden clean and free of hazards during the roofing process.
Next, look for things outside that might be in danger of getting damaged during the project, such as outdoor furniture, grills, lawn ornaments and kids’ toys. Move them to a safe spot in the yard, or inside your home where they won’t be disturbed by hammers and nail guns. The pounding vibrations of a roof job can shake loose wall hangings and delicate knick-knacks, so it’s best to take the precaution of moving those away from walls as well.
Once the roofers have cleared the area, they’ll begin installing underlayment. This is a protective material that helps prevent ice and water from seeping into your home. They’ll lay a row of starter strips, then install the shingle underlayment over it. This is done by nailing the shingles in a pattern with close nails at the edge and wider ones towards the center of the underlayment. This is repeated until the entire roof has been covered.
Finally, the roofers will install the flashing. This is a metal material that seals the joints and chimneys on your roof, as well as any other points of potential leakage. They’ll also add ridge vents to help with attic ventilation.
It’s a good idea to let your neighbors know ahead of time that you’re having your roof replaced, and to ask them to please keep their dogs and cats out of the yard during the work. This is a noisy and dusty process, and pets may be upset by the noise, especially if they’re used to spending a lot of time outdoors. If possible, arrange for them to stay with friends or family during the roofing process.
Installation
Roofing installation is one of the more complicated parts of home improvement, and it’s not something most homeowners would want to try on their own. Even a small roof covering like a shed or workshop roof may be too challenging for a novice to tackle without professional help.
Before a contractor begins the process of removing an existing roof, they will take multiple steps to protect your home and yard. This can include covering plants, shrubs and other sensitive areas with tarps and putting boards around open drains to prevent debris from blocking them.
The first layer that will be installed is the underlayment, which is made of a water-resistant material that goes on the roof deck before the shingles are put down. It is nailed to the roof in a pattern that includes close nails along the edges and spread out ones closer to the center.
Cleaning up
A meticulous clean-up process is a big part of roofing replacement. It ensures that any old materials left behind are not hazardous or injuring to people or pets. It also helps prevent damage to the house and property. Ideally, the roofers will have a dumpster onsite so that they can throw away any trash or debris as soon as it’s generated. This can help speed up the entire replacement process.
When the project is completed, the roofers will conduct a final inspection to ensure that they haven’t left any old roofing materials behind. They will also ensure that any tar stains and other debris have been removed from the gutters, siding, windowsills, and sidewalks. This will result in a clean and professional-looking job.
The roofers will remove the old shingles and nails from your home and dispose of them in accordance with local regulations. They will also cover any plants, furniture, or other items that are nearby with a tarp to protect them from being damaged during the tear-off. In addition, they will have a large debris chute that will be attached to the roof and lowered to a tarp below it. This will make it easy to dispose of all the old roofing materials.
It’s important to note that shingle and sawdust can fuel attic fires, which can quickly spread throughout your home. Therefore, it’s important that you clean up the debris from your attic before the contractors leave. Also, be sure to check for loose wires in the attic. They could have been knocked loose by the roofers or by workers on the ground. If you find any loose wires, you should call a licensed electrician to reconnect them.
Maintenance
In some cases, your roof may need to be completely replaced instead of simply repaired. This is often the case when you’ve experienced extensive damage or deterioration over time. A full replacement also gives you the opportunity to install a different roofing material, allowing you to enjoy additional energy efficiency and other benefits.
Before the tear off process begins, your roofing contractor will take multiple steps to protect your property and belongings. This can include covering sensitive areas of your garden with tarps, having a dumpster delivered to dispose of the old materials, and covering any open drains to prevent small pieces of debris from blocking them.
Your roof is a silent guardian that plays a critical role in keeping your home comfortable and safe. By following these tips, you can ensure that your roof continues to do its job well into the future. From regular inspections to minor repairs and re-roofing, your roof’s story is an ongoing one. Learn more about the importance of your roof and how it works in this blog.