When it comes to re-roofing, timing is of the essence. The longer the roofing job takes, the more inconvenience it causes for you and your family or business.
The re-roofing process includes measuring the roof and inspecting it for any necessary repairs. This information is used to estimate the cost of materials and labor. For professional help, contact Colorado Springs Roofing now!
A sturdy roof protects the people and possessions inside a building from sun, rain, snow, extreme temperatures and other environmental conditions. It also keeps water from creeping into the structure, where it can promote mold and other harmful substances. The type of roofing materials used to build a structure can influence its overall cost, durability, longevity and appearance. Updating an existing roof with new roofing materials is an opportunity to make a significant impact on the look and feel of a home while promoting its value and energy efficiency.
Roofing materials come in a wide variety of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to add a touch of individuality to their property. In addition, many roofing materials have evolved to help reduce a home’s carbon footprint. Innovative roofing technologies include reflective shingles, solar-powered panels and eco-friendly options.
The most common roofing material for residential construction is asphalt shingles. These are economical and easy to install, making them a popular choice. Many shingle manufacturers offer different warranty lengths and features to suit the needs of customers.
Other types of roofing materials include rolled roofing and tile. Rolled roofing is available in large rolls that can be quickly and easily applied to low-slope roofs, sheds or utilitarian buildings like workshops. It is one of the cheapest roofing materials, but it doesn’t provide much aesthetic appeal. Tiles, on the other hand, add texture and are a good option for Mediterranean, Mission or Southwestern-style houses. They can be more expensive than rolled roofing, but are long-lasting and highly energy efficient.
To ensure a proper installation, it is important to have the right tools and materials. Some of the most essential are a ladder, caulking gun and trowel. A caulking gun is preferable to a cement can, as it provides greater control and accuracy. Tin snips are another tool that is helpful for cutting gutter and metal flashing. You can buy tin snips that are straight or that lean left or right for curved cuts.
On roofs with a steep slope, it is important to have proper footing. This can be achieved with roof brackets or toe boards, which are 2-by-4-inch boards screwed into the roof. These are needed for safety reasons and to avoid falls, as the ground beneath a rooftop can be uneven or slippery.
Preparation
A roof installation is a major project that will create dust, noise and vibration. It is best to prepare yourself, your family and your belongings before the work begins. It is especially important to remove wall decorations and hangings from walls, as vibration will knock them down. It is also a good idea to pack away any fragile items on shelves near the ceiling to prevent them from getting damaged or broken by construction debris.
It is important to clear your attic if you store valuables in there. Even conscientious roofers will kick up dust and debris during the installation process. If you have any items in the attic that are precious to you, such as heirlooms or family photographs, it is a good idea to move them to another part of your home for the duration of the project.
The roofer will need access to your attic if they are going to tear off your existing roof and install a new one. If you have electrical wires running through the attic space, it is a good idea to wrap them in plastic sheets or put them in the garage for the duration of the roofing job. Otherwise, fasteners can penetrate the wire insulation and cause a fire hazard.
You should take down any satellite or TV dishes from your roof before the roofing project starts. If they are not removed, they will be knocked over during the tearing off process and may get stuck in your roof. Also, it is a good idea to remove any solar panels, skylights and other roof accessories before the construction begins.
A successful roof installation depends on many factors, including proper preparation of the site and good weather conditions. It is best to schedule the roof installation on a dry and sunny day. Rain and snow can damage the roofing materials, make it more difficult to complete the installation and can pose safety hazards for the workers.
You should also remove any toys, bikes, furniture and other outdoor items from the area around your house during the re-roofing process. These things can be stolen, damaged or tripped over by the roofers as they work on your home.
Installation
The roof is a complex part of any home and is one of the most important structures to protect against weather elements. It is not a project that you want to try on your own unless you have extensive experience with home renovations and are comfortable climbing up and down ladders. Re-roofing is a significant investment and you want to ensure that your new roof is properly installed to avoid costly leaks in the future.
It is essential to choose a contractor that has a solid reputation in the community and is licensed, insured, and bonded. Many states and local governments have online databases where you can check a contractor’s license status. You should also ask for references from previous customers and read reviews online. Make sure to compare prices between several contractors to find the best deal.
Before the actual roofing begins, the contractor will install an adhesive starter strip on the eaves to prevent water intrusion and help to secure the first row of shingles. The shingle underlayment is then placed over the starter strip and fastened with nails that are close together at the edge of the underlayment and spread out farther apart towards the middle. This will create a watertight seal that will defend your home from leaks.
Ventilation is an important part of your roof because it removes moisture from the attic, regulates temperature, and reduces energy costs. Depending on your roof design, you may have soffit vents, ridge vents, or both. These vents are then covered with a ridge cap shingle to add a finished look and additional protection against weather elements.
You want to choose a roofing company that uses quality materials and has a proven track record in the community. This will increase the longevity of your roof and can potentially increase the value of your home. A quality roofing contractor will be able to answer any questions you have about the re-roofing process and will keep you updated throughout the installation.
Maintenance
Roofing is the primary protector of your home or building from the elements, and it is essential that it be maintained properly. Regular roof inspections and maintenance are needed to identify problems and address them before they become serious. Having a procedure in place for doing this, ideally done on a biannual basis, can help to ensure that any problems are found and repaired as soon as possible.
The first area to inspect is the flashing, which is usually made of aluminum or galvanized steel and is installed over joints on a roof to prevent water seepage. This includes the drip edge, as well as any flashing at a chimney or vent pipe. These areas are often the source of leaks, so it is important to make sure that they are in good condition.
Next, look at the large accessories on your roof, such as skylights and chimneys. These are a common source of leaks and require special materials and extra time to seal properly. It is a good idea to regularly clean these items to remove a soot-like substance called creosote, which can damage the roof over time. Chimneys should be inspected for cracks or bricks that need repair, and the top of the chimney should be cleaned as well.
Finally, check the drains and gutters on your roof to ensure that they are working properly. This will prevent backed-up water from damaging the wood structure of your roof. It is also a good idea to regularly clean these areas to prevent the accumulation of debris, which can cause damage over time.
It is important always to be safe when doing any work on a roof, and having some kind of fall arrest protection and a harness on hand is a good idea. If you are doing any work on your roof, it is a good idea to invest in a ladder with stabilizers and use a pair of rubber gloves to protect yourself from the thousands of nails that will fall off the old shingles during the removal process. You should also invest in some large tarps to protect plants and landscaping or any movable objects near the house.