A new roof is a big job, so your contractor will protect anything in front of and around the site with tarps. This prevents debris from damaging landscaping or clogging drains.
Next, they’ll install flashing around chimneys, joints, windows and other places where water can creep in. This step is particularly important for older homes. For professional help, contact Boston Roofing CO.
The roofing materials that you choose can have a significant impact on your home’s appearance, durability and energy efficiency. There are many different options available, and each type has its own advantages and drawbacks. You should carefully consider your climate, aesthetic preferences and budget when choosing a roofing material.
The frame of a roof is made of rafters or prefabricated trusses. It sits on top of sheathing, which is typically plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Rafters are cut on-site from framing lumber while prefabricated trusses are assembled in the factory and craned into place. Sheathing provides a stable foundation for the rest of your roof’s components and is crucial to preventing water damage during a roof installation or repair project.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials, combining affordability and versatility. They come in two main types: three-tab shingles and architectural shingles. The former are split into three-foot sections and offer a traditional slate-like look, while the latter are thicker and come in a variety of styles.
For homeowners who prefer the look of natural wood, there are wood shakes and shingle tiles. Both are made from natural wood, either cedar or redwood. They have a unique visual appeal and can seamlessly integrate into rustic or historical homes. However, they are not as durable as other roofing materials and require regular treatments to prevent moisture absorption and resist mold, mildew and fire.
There are also tile roofs, which are typically made from ceramic. These provide a stylish option for homeowners who want a long-lasting and weather-resistant roof. They are extremely durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, but they are expensive to install and may not be suitable for all homeowners.
Metal roofs are another roofing option. They are highly durable and resistant to moisture, but they can be noisy during rain or hailstorms. They are also very heavy and may require added support in some cases.
Pipe vent flashing is another necessary component of most roofing systems. This seals the joints between your home’s roof and any pipes that pass through it. This is especially important for older homes, which often have unsealed joint connections. These should be resealed with a high-quality caulk.
Inspection
Roofing inspectors are trained to identify and assess the condition of a roof. They will look for a variety of issues, including the presence of missing or curled shingles, metal rust, wood rot, algae growth and water stains. They will also examine the condition of pipe boots and roof flashing. They may even take a peek at the inside of your home, examining ceilings, walls and the attic for any signs of roof damage or leaks.
Choosing high-quality roofing materials is essential, but they won’t perform as intended if they aren’t installed properly. During the inspection process, roofing experts will be looking for workmanship problems that either occurred during initial installation or were caused by previous repairs. They’ll also evaluate the structure of the roof for sagging or uneven planes, checking the gutter system, fascia and soffits for signs of wear. They will also check the chimney cap for damaged or loose grout and inspect attic ventilation to make sure it is adequate.
If they are unable to get onto the roof for any reason, including weather or structural issues, roofers will use a drone to assess the entire surface of the roof. This can provide a detailed look at the entire roofing system and provide information that wouldn’t be otherwise available to the inspector.
A skilled roofing inspector will also check the gutters, scuppers and drains to see that they are clear of dirt and debris. If these features are blocked, it could cause severe and costly water damage to the roof. They will also be looking for areas of ponding water and will create a solution to get the water to flow away from the structure.
While roof certification offers assurance and compliance in specific situations, roof inspection is a proactive step toward preventing problems, ensuring longevity and enhancing homeowner peace of mind. Both services serve their own unique purposes and play vital roles in the health of your roof. Both should be performed regularly and in conjunction with each other. With the right combination of expertise and experience, these two services will work in tandem to boost property value, provide peace of mind and safeguard your investment.
Installation
Before the roof shingles can be installed, it is necessary to apply a waterproof underlayment to the roof deck. Depending on the roofing contractor you choose, the underlayment may be a traditional felt paper or a synthetic material. The underlayment acts as a barrier against water infiltration and protects the roof from rotting. Felt paper underlayment has a lifespan of about 10 years; synthetic underlayment can last for 50 years or more.
A good quality roofing contractor will install the underlayment in a proper manner, overlapping it by at least six inches. It should then be nailed with a pattern of close nails near the edge and more spaced out towards the middle. The contractors should also tack down any stray roofing nails that are sticking out of the underlayment.
Next, a layer of rolled roofing will be placed over the underlayment. This can be done in several layers, or a single layer if the roof is not very steep. Afterwards, it will be secured with a layer of roofing cement. The shingle layer should be carefully laid to ensure no gaps or holes appear in the final product. It is a good idea to walk around the roof and look at the finished result to see how well it has been installed.
Once the roof shingles are in place, it is important to maintain a regular maintenance schedule. It is also a good idea to have a roof inspection performed after any major weather event to look for any damage that needs to be repaired.
Taking the time to do these things will help to keep your roof in great shape and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements. A roof that is properly maintained can last for up to 20 years, or more if it is made with high quality materials.
Maintenance
With proper maintenance, roofing materials can last 20 years or more. Roofs that are neglected, however, will deteriorate quickly, leading to costly repairs and even complete roof replacement. Fortunately, most roofing problems can be avoided with regular inspections and prompt action. By identifying and correcting small issues before they become major, you can protect your home from the damage that can occur to interior walls, insulation, ceilings, wood framing, and other structural components.
A professional roofing contractor will begin the work by removing any existing roofing material and clearing debris from the site. They will also clean and repair any roof vents, chimney flues, skylights, and other features that extend through the roofing material. This will prevent creosote buildup and other fire hazards, ensure proper ventilation, and prevent water leaks into attics, basements, and other interior spaces.
Once the roof is clear, the crew will inspect the flashing and drip edges. These are seals that prevent moisture from seeping through the cracks in the roof and into the interior of your home. The crew will replace any damaged or rusted flashing, and install new drip edges along the edges of the roof. They will also check the condition of the gutters and downspouts, clearing any obstructions that may cause standing water on the roof.
The crew will also check for moss, algae, and other signs of moisture on the roof. These may indicate that the roof substrate is deteriorating, and that the existing shingles are prone to lifting. This can be caused by a number of factors, including poor ventilation, improper roof installation, and weather conditions. A good contractor will advise you of these issues and recommend the most appropriate course of action.
A comprehensive roof maintenance program is essential to the lifespan of your home’s roofing system. Regular inspections by a professional can identify small issues and address them before they escalate into costly problems. These include leaks, shingle lifts, and moss growth. Leaks are especially damaging, and should be addressed promptly to avoid serious water damage and expensive repairs. If a leak is allowed to continue, it could penetrate through the roof deck and into the ceiling, resulting in extensive damage and possibly even mold remediation.