A roof is one of the most important parts of any home or business. It protects the interior from the elements and keeps occupants comfortable.
To ensure a quality roofing installation, homeowners should hire contractors who are certified by the manufacturer of the roof material. This certification ensures that the contractor follows all manufacturer guidelines and will honor any available warranties on the full system. Visit https://erieroofingpa.com/ to learn more.
In addition to ensuring that your roof installation goes smoothly, proper preparation can help protect your home and property. It starts with clearing the area around your house to provide access to tools, equipment, and materials. Ideally, this includes removing vehicles, moving patio furniture, and covering landscaping elements with large tarps to minimize damage. Clear communication is also key during this time, addressing any questions or concerns you might have about the project.
After clearing the work area, your roofing contractor will begin removing any existing material, carefully disposing of all waste to keep your yard and home clean. Then, they’ll start on the actual re-roofing. Depending on the type of roof you’ve chosen, this step could take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.
Once the removal and prep work are complete, your roofer will install an underlayment to prevent moisture infiltration. Depending on the type of roof you have, this might include felt or synthetic membranes. They’ll also install a drip edge to help prevent water leaks along the edges of your roof. Flashing is installed around chimneys, windows, and other roof penetrations to keep water from seeping into these areas.
Because a new roof involves heavy-duty work with power tools and hammers, it’s important to plan ahead for your family members during the installation process. It’s a good idea to take young children out of the house during these times and keep pets away from the work zone as well. The noise, hammering, and vibrations from the roofing project can be stressful for pets, causing them to panic. For this reason, you might want to consider boarding them with a friend or petsitter during the re-roofing.
Materials
The roofing materials you choose will play a large role in your roof’s longevity. Some materials are more durable than others, while some offer better energy efficiency or water resistance. Additionally, some materials are more suitable for different climates. For example, concrete tiles are a popular choice for homes in hot climates since they are fireproof and can withstand high temperatures. However, this type of roofing is not ideal for cold weather areas because it can crack or become brittle in the winter.
The base layer of a roof is known as roof sheathing, or roof decking. This is made of wooden boards or panels like plywood or OSB and is affixed to the rafters or trusses of your home. Roof sheathing helps support shingles and other roofing materials, fortifies the structure of your roof, and protects against leaks. It also provides a stable surface for roof installation, preventing issues like bowing or sagging.
There are many different types of shingle materials, ranging from asphalt to eco-friendly and recycled options. Most shingles are rated for durability and lifespan, with some having an average life-span of between 40 and 70 years. Metal is another common roofing material, with the most popular option being galvanized steel. Galvanized metal roofs typically have a standard seam, while other metal roofs may mimic the look of shingles or come in long rectangles called Bermuda panels.
Other roofing materials include TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin), rubber membrane, EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) and mineral-surfaced roofing. In addition, some roofs are insulated with foam board or spray insulation. Qualified roofers are often trained by the manufacturers of the roofing materials they install, so they have a deeper understanding of how to properly and efficiently install each product. This allows them to ensure the installation adheres to the manufacturer’s guidelines, keeping your warranty valid and extending the lifespan of your roof system.
Inspection
Roofing inspections are an important part of a roof’s lifespan and should be performed regularly by a qualified inspector. During an inspection, the inspector will get on the roof and closely examine the shingles and roofing materials. They are looking for any signs of wear and tear, such as granule loss on asphalt shingles or shingle curling. If they notice any issues, the inspector will make note of them and recommend the appropriate action.
The inspector will also look at any roof penetrations, such as chimneys, vents and skylights. These areas can leak more easily than other parts of the roof, and the inspector will ensure that they are properly sealed and in good condition. They will also check for proper ventilation, which is important for reducing humidity levels in the home and preventing mold and mildew.
These inspections will take place on a day when the weather is dry and clear. It is essential to take all necessary safety precautions when working on a roof, such as wearing a hardhat, using a step ladder instead of climbing up scaffolding, and always having another adult present to assist if needed.
General contractors typically conduct several inspections throughout the construction process, including pre-roofing, first in-place, periodic and post-construction. They are checking to make sure that the installation follows the building plans and any manufacturer recommendations, such as the need for additional fasteners or how to finish edges. The GC may also send representatives from the roof’s manufacturer to conduct these inspections, which can save time and money by finding problems early, before they become more expensive to fix. These inspections can also help prevent the contractor from having to issue a warranty claim in the future for problems that weren’t corrected during the construction process.
Permits
Depending on the type of work being done, some roofing projects may require a permit from your local building department. This is typically true for full roof replacements or major repairs, and it’s important to check with your municipality before starting any construction to ensure you’re in compliance with local laws. Your roofing contractor can help determine whether a permit is necessary based on the scope of your project and other factors, such as whether your home is part of a homeowner’s association.
The process for obtaining a permit can vary slightly by jurisdiction, but most require you to submit documentation such as your project description and material specifications. You’ll also likely need to pay an application or permit fee, which can vary by location. Using permit management software, like PermitFlow, can streamline this process and increase your chances of a quick approval.
Once you’ve obtained your permit, you’ll need to schedule inspections at various stages of the project. These inspections are meant to verify that your build is in compliance with local building codes and safety standards. This step can add time to the project, but it’s important for your safety and to prevent costly violations.
One other thing to ask your roofing contractor is about their insurance coverage. You should never hire a roofing contractor who doesn’t carry proper liability and workers’ compensation coverage. This will protect you from any unforeseen accidents on the job that could result in costly repair bills or even litigation.
In addition to ensuring your roofing project is compliant with local building codes, permits are an important tool for scheduling and tracking construction progress. They’re also an effective way to improve communication between your team and the authorities that oversee your work.
Installation
Roofing installation involves applying the final roof material, ensuring that the structure is properly ventilated, and sealing all seams. It is important that qualified contractors are used because they often have manufacturer training and can ensure the correct installation techniques that will keep warranties valid.
The type of structure also influences the installation process. Barns and sheds, for example, may require less preparation than a residential house, which features more sections, ridges, and eaves. It is essential to follow proper safety precautions when working on a roof, especially when using ladders and other tall equipment. A hard hat and harness are recommended, and it is best to work with another adult to avoid falling.
The roofing panels are installed on the roof deck, starting from one end and working toward the other. Panels should be overlapped according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, and flashing is installed along the eaves, roof valleys, wood stove pipes, chimneys, and around vents.
