A roofing contractor should take several steps to protect the property before he or she starts on your roof. This includes covering sensitive areas of your yard and home, using a ladder that is stable and safe to climb, and taking measures to prevent falls.
It’s important to know the dimensions of each section of your roof before calculating the total area. It’s best to make a diagram on the ground to keep track of these measurements. Visit https://www.corpuschristiroofingco.com/ to learn more.
A strong roof provides a shield from the elements and adds value to your home. Upgrading your roof with new materials not only improves its appearance but can help you save money on your energy bill, too. A quality roofing installation requires excellent workmanship and the right materials. Choosing the best roofing material for your home depends on its weight and structural needs, how much it costs to maintain and how it fares in your local weather conditions.
The most popular residential roofing material is asphalt shingles. These are available in a variety of colors and styles to complement any home. They are also relatively lightweight and easy to install. Wood shingles are another choice, but these require extra framing and are not as durable as other roofing materials.
Adding insulation to your home during a roof replacement can help you cut your heating and cooling bills significantly. You should also consider the ventilation requirements of your roof and whether you want to add ridge vents, soffit vents or an attic fan to promote airflow and prevent moisture buildup.
Other important roofing materials include underlayment, which protects the roof deck from moisture and precipitation during construction. It also keeps debris from falling into the house and helps prevent attic leaks. Felt paper underlayment is affordable and easy to work with, while modified bitumen or synthetic underlayment is more durable and offers better water resistance.
You’ll need a hard hat, protective eyewear and gloves when working on a roof. These safety items help protect you from falling objects and debris, as well as dirt, dust and sharp edges of roofing materials. You can purchase these items at any hardware store.
A pry bar is used to remove nails, staples and other fasteners that hold down old roofing materials. You’ll also need a ladder to get onto the roof for preparation and installation. A sturdy ladder should be equipped with handrails and a secure footing system, such as angled brackets or toe boards.
Galvanized roofing nails, which are coated in zinc, are ideal for use with asphalt shingles. These nails resist rust and corrosion, which can occur when metal comes into direct contact with rain and snow.
Preparation
The roofers must prepare the work area, which means ensuring they can access the rooftop, getting their tools and materials ready, putting out generators, and taking other measures to ensure a successful outcome. They will also make sure they have a safe work zone and that everything is protected, including any landscaping around the base of your home. Tarps are placed on the ground to protect any plants or lawn ornaments from falling debris and garbage cans are positioned so any trash that falls from the roof will fall directly into them, eliminating the need for workers to carry it down the ladders.
Roofers must tear off the existing shingles and underlayment, which is messy and dangerous work. Old shingles can often have nails protruding from them and these must be removed or pounded flat before the new underlayment can be installed. Similarly, any shingle strips sticking up are removed as well. Once this is done, a layer of ice and water shield or felt paper is laid down to protect the underlayment from moisture damage.
Next, flashing is added around chimneys, windows, and joints. This is crucial to keep water from seeping in these areas and prevent leaking in the future. Finally, the ridge of the roof is covered with a protective cap to keep out the elements.
Once the roof is fully prepared, a crew of roofers will begin the installation. They will need to find an accessible power outlet and they should avoid using extension cords if possible. This is because the vibrations from hammering can cause them to come loose and could hurt anyone who touches them. It is a good idea to have children stay with grandparents or friends during the roof replacement to avoid them being injured.
In addition, it’s important to take precautions to prevent pets and children from straying too close to the work zone. It’s also a good idea to move anything movable that you don’t want to get damaged, like vehicles or patio furniture. Lastly, be sure to remove wall decor and any other decorations that might get knocked down by vibrations or falling debris.
Installation
Before the roofing process begins, your contractor will take multiple precautions to protect your property and make sure it’s safe for workers to work on. This includes covering any sensitive areas of your yard with tarps and having a dumpster delivered to dispose of the old materials. They will also use boards to cover your air conditioning unit and any other items you don’t want exposed to the elements.
Roofing shingles come in a variety of styles, colors and sizes and are designed to withstand different weather conditions. The contractor can help you select the right materials for your home based on climate, aesthetic and budgetary needs. Some of the options include dimensional shingles that add curb appeal, three-tab shingles for cost savings, wood shakes for a natural look, clay tiles for extreme durability and ridge vents for roof ventilation.
The roofer will install drip edge flashing, valley flashing and ice and water sheathing to protect the eaves, roof valleys and other leak-prone areas of your home’s roof. They will also use roofing caulk to seal any raw edges of the underlayment and shingle layers.
Final Inspection
The final inspection is a crucial step in the construction process. It ensures that all building codes and laws have been adhered to and that the building is safe for occupancy. Passing the final inspection is usually a prerequisite to receiving a certificate of occupancy and closing work permits. In many jurisdictions, a failure to pass the final inspection can result in fines and other penalties. The final inspection is also a critical point in the resale value of a building, with future owners often preferring buildings that have a documented history of passing inspections.
The exact focus areas and requirements for a final inspection will vary depending on the local code and jurisdiction. However, there are some common elements that every inspector will look for. Contractors should ask their inspector what specific areas of the building they need to pay close attention to during the penultimate inspection. They should also inquire about any documentation that will need to be prepared and submitted before the final inspection.
For example, in the case of a new roof installation, the inspector will want to walk the entire roof, validate the nailing pattern and look at any flashing that needs to be installed. If the inspector determines that a mid-roof or 2nd inspection will be needed, this is also a good time to perform one.
Another common element of the final inspection is the verification that all fire safety and egress requirements have been met. This includes checking that all doors have been opened and closed, all stairways are complete and clear of obstructions, all fire extinguishers have been tested and marked as tagged and all exit signs are visible.
A thorough final inspection will also include a review of the interior framing, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems. The inspector will check for proper sizing and spacing of mechanical venting and ductwork, the presence of hazardous materials and the removal of temporary construction equipment.
A final inspection is a big deal, and it’s important that builders, contractors and subcontractors prepare for it well in advance of the day of the inspection. A good contractor should schedule regular updates with the inspector and be able to communicate clearly about any issues that may arise. They should also proactively schedule city sign-offs and be respectful of the neighbors, especially in attached buildings.