A new roof protects your home from weather elements and enhances its curb appeal. It also provides insulation and can save you money on energy bills.
The process starts with a survey of the existing roof. This will provide insight into the challenges you may face, material options, and installation timings. Contact A. Parker Contracting for professional help.
The material you choose for your roof has a major impact on your home. Not only does it influence the look, but it also determines your home’s performance and durability. Before you begin roofing, ask a professional to help you decide which material is best for your house and region. Considerations include weather patterns, cost and durability. For example, if you live in an area with high winds, metal shingles may be a better option than asphalt shingles.
Rolled roofing is made from composite sheets of materials that are rolled out to cover the roof. It’s typically less expensive than shingle roofing and can be applied quickly. It’s most commonly used on low-incline roofs. However, it should not be hammered down on flat roofs as this can cause leaks.
Before you start installing your roofing, clean the surface thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris that can damage it. You should also be sure to wear a hard hat and work gloves when working on your roof. It’s important to avoid working on your roof when it is dark out, windy or rainy. These conditions can make it dangerous and even cause injuries.
Once you’ve cleaned the roof, you should then lay down a layer of protective felt. This will prevent moisture from damaging the sheathing. After the felt has been laid, you’ll install a layer of rolled roofing. It’s important to overlap the rolls to ensure a watertight seal.
There are many different types of roofing, including asphalt shingles, wood shakes, clay tiles and metal. Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice because they’re inexpensive and attractive. They can last 30 to 50 years. Wood shakes are a good choice for homes that want a natural look. Clay tiles are durable and can withstand harsh climates. Metal roofs are highly energy efficient, and they can last for 40 to 75 years.
Another type of roof is membrane, which uses a durable material such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or thermoplastic sheets to create a waterproof barrier for the entire roof. It’s most often used on commercial buildings, but it can also be installed on residential roofs with low-pitch slopes.
Underlayment
Roof underlayment is a protective layer that sits underneath the outer roofing materials. Its job is to shield your home from harsh weather elements that can cause damage to the outer materials and drywall. Whether you’re building your dream home or replacing the existing roof, underlayment is an essential component of your roofing system.
Different underlayment options include asphalt-saturated felt, synthetic materials, rubberized asphalt, and peel-and-stick underlayments. Each type offers distinct benefits, such as enhanced durability, superior moisture resistance, and self-sealing properties. Understanding each underlayment type empowers homeowners and contractors to choose the ideal underlayment for a specific roofing material or environmental conditions.
Felt underlayment is one of the most common choices for new roof installations. This thin, brown paper has been saturated with asphalt and is intended to prevent water from penetrating the sheathing or roof deck. Felt is affordable, easy to install, and provides a temporary solution until the roof is completed. However, this underlayment is not ideal for prolonged exposure to the sun because it can be prone to UV ray degradation and moisture absorption.
Other types of underlayment are designed to be more durable than traditional felt paper. Synthetic underlayments feature multiple layers of woven polymers that offer superior strength and water resistance. They’re also more breathable than felt, preventing condensation and moisture buildup. They’re a popular choice for homeowners and contractors who want an eco-friendly alternative to felt paper underlayment.
Rubberized asphalt underlayment is another highly durable option that offers superior waterproofing. It can be used in leak-prone areas of the roof, including eaves, valleys, vents, chimneys, and skylights. This underlayment also features a non-skid surface to increase safety for roofers during installation.
For wood roofs, a fire-resistant underlayment is critical. Without it, shingles and wood shakes can’t achieve a class A fire rating, which is required by most building codes and HOA requirements. Fortunately, several underlayment options are available for wood roofs to enhance their fire ratings and protect the structure.
Choosing the right underlayment is just as important as selecting the correct shingle color or roofing material for your home. Proper underlayment installation protects your home from physical damage during roof construction, severe weather events like hail and heavy wind, and regulates temperature to reduce energy costs.
Flashing
A roof needs flashing to divert rain away from walls and prevent water damage. This is a narrow piece of metal that’s usually made from galvanized steel and installed where the roof meets structures like chimneys, vents, skylights, and dormers. There are several different types of flashings that are used for various purposes. Homeowners can install basic flashings, but more complex applications require professional roofing expertise.
A roofing contractor will use a large clamping jaw known as a brake to fabricate the metal flashing for a particular project. It’s custom bent into the shape and profile required by the job to ensure that it will be properly fitted to the roof and wall intersections. This means the flashing will be correctly sized to expand and contract with the weather without leaking or letting in moisture.
The first step is to prepare the wall where you’ll be installing the flashing. This includes making sure that the wall is clean and free of any old flashing or other debris. It’s also important to make sure that the wall is smooth and level before you start working with it. You’ll then apply flashing cement to the wall where you’ll be placing the flashing. This helps the flashing stick and stays secure in place.
After you’ve applied the flashing cement to the wall, it’s time to install the first piece of flashing. This will probably be a small rectangular piece that will fit perfectly over the first corner of the wall where it meets the roof. It should be positioned underneath the first shingle on that side of the roof. This will help the flashing to seal against the shingles.
This will be followed by additional pieces of flashing in a weave pattern until you reach the other side of the roof. Be sure to install each of these flashing pieces in the correct position, as per the instructions on the packaging and any roofing literature that’s available for that product.
Any open valleys on your roof will also require flashing. Valley flashing is installed in the crevasse where one section of the roof meets another, and it’s designed to create a watertight seal to prevent leaks. The type of flashing you need for a valley will vary, but most homeowners choose to use an aluminum flashing that is rolled flat and then shaped into a V or U-shape.
Gutters
Gutters are a vital component in roof installation because they protect the home’s foundation, walls, and windows from water damage. Gutters route excess rainwater from the roof’s eave to downspouts that carry it away from the house. Without gutters, the rainwater would fall directly on the house’s foundation, causing soil erosion and allowing water to seep through tiny cracks in the concrete and flood basements or crawl spaces.
When you’re installing a new roof, your roofing professional will often replace your gutter system as well, particularly if it’s sagging, leaking or visibly damaged. They’ll also check the condition of your soffits and fascia boards to repair or replace any rotting pieces.
There are two main types of gutter systems: external and internal. External gutters are installed at the low end of the roof, outside the building envelope. They connect to downspouts that direct the rainwater away from the house’s foundation. Internal gutters work in a similar manner, except they’re located inside the house’s wall cavities.
Gutter materials include aluminum, copper, vinyl, and wood. Aluminum is one of the most popular choices, as it’s strong and lightweight. It’s available in a variety of colors, so it can blend with the home’s siding and trim. Wood gutters are another option, but they can rot or warp over time and require regular maintenance to prevent mold growth. Copper is a more expensive option that’s durable and doesn’t rust.
When selecting a gutter style, consider the size of your roof and how much debris it collects. For example, if you have a large roof that tends to collect a lot of leaves and other debris, you may want to choose a K-style gutter that features a downspout on both ends of the gutter run. Otherwise, you might opt for a traditional half-round gutter. These gutters have a classy look and are easier to clean than their square-edged counterparts.