Before the roofing team begins working, they will set up tarps around your property to protect landscaping and keep debris off of your lawn and driveway. They will also move vehicles and furniture away from the house to prevent damage.
Next, the crew will lay underlayment. This layer of protective material is usually made from felt or a synthetic material and it helps to keep moisture out. Reach out to Roofing Companies Greesboro for expert assistance.
The roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It keeps water out, and it helps prevent cold air from seeping into your home during the winter. It’s also a big part of the overall look and value of your home.
If your roof needs to be replaced, a professional roofing contractor can take care of it for you. But before they start working on your roof, they’ll need to prepare the area. That means covering your plants, putting up scaffolding if necessary, and removing any old roofing materials. This allows the roofing crew to work safely and makes sure that the new materials will adhere properly.
Next, the roofing crew will cover the ground around your house with tarps to keep debris from getting into your yard and driveway. They’ll also place a dumpster in your driveway and sweep the area to remove any debris from the previous roof. If you have any potted plants or movable sculptures, you might want to move them inside your garage or other protected areas before the roofing crew arrives.
Your roofing contractor will then inspect the structure of your roof and determine what material it needs to be covered with. They’ll discuss the different options with you, including dimensional shingles for added curb appeal, three-tabs for savings, wood shakes for a natural look, and metal sheets for extreme durability. After you choose your material, the roofing crew will prepare the roof for the new shingles. They’ll lay down the first row, overlapping it with the last by at least six inches and nailing each shingle in a staggered pattern with close nails at the edge and more spread out towards the middle. They’ll continue this process until they reach the ridge of your roof.
Next, the roofing crew will install flashing and drip edges to protect the eaves, chimneys, wood stove pipes, joints, and other areas of your roof from leaks. They’ll also waterproof the valleys, which are the areas where two slopes of your roof meet. They’ll use felt paper and underlayment to do this, as well as roofing cement to seal the materials in place.
Materials
A good roofing job requires quality materials, as well as the proper framing and installation techniques. The type of roofing material you choose is also important, as it can add value to your home and communicate its style and character.
There are many different roofing materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most popular residential roofing material is asphalt shingles, which are available in a variety of styles and colors to complement any home. They are also lightweight and easy to install, making them a cost-effective choice for homeowners.
Another popular roofing material is clay tiles, which provide a more traditional look to the roof. They are also long-lasting and fire resistant, but they are much heavier than other roofing materials and may require a stronger framing system to support them.
Rolled roofing is another low-slope roofing option that consists of large rolls of mineral-impregnated and asphalt-impregnated material topped with mineral granules. It’s one of the cheapest roofing treatments, but it doesn’t offer much aesthetic appeal. It’s usually installed with a torch-down method or with roofing nails, and it can be backed by either plywood or oriented strand board (OSB).
For flat or low-slope roofs, single-membrane systems like EPDM or rubber roofing, or thermo-polyolefin or PVC roofing are often used. While these are durable, they must be professionally installed to avoid leaks and other problems.
When choosing a roofing material, homeowners should consider the climate in their area, as some materials may not perform well in certain weather conditions. They should also think about their budget and maintenance concerns, as some materials are more expensive than others.
Other roofing materials include metal, wood, tile and solar shingles. Solar shingles harness the power of the sun to help reduce energy costs, but they aren’t yet widely available and can be more expensive than other types of roofing.
Tools that every roofer should have include a tape measure, ladder and safety goggles. The goggles are especially important, as they protect the eyes from flying shingle fragments and wood splinters during the roofing process. A chalk line tool is helpful for marking straight lines on the roof. It’s a lot easier and more precise than doing it by hand.
Installation
When your roofing contractor arrives, the first thing he’ll do is set up ladders and walk around on the roof. This helps him assess the overall condition and size of your roof, making sure it’s structurally sound and ready to accept a new covering.
He’ll then explain your roofing material options. Depending on your preference and the needs of your home, you can choose between dimensional shingles for curb appeal, three-tabs for affordability, wood shakes for a natural look, metal sheets for easy maintenance, or clay tiles for extreme durability.
Once the underlayment is in place, your roofing contractor will begin laying shingles. He’ll start with the starter strip, overlapping the first row and nailing it in a pattern that starts with close nails near the edges and spreads out farther in toward the middle. He’ll continue laying rows until he reaches the roof’s ridge, at which point he’ll cut the shingles if necessary for them to fit.
The cleanup phase involves removing all roofing debris, trash, and materials from the property, tending to landscaping and shrubbery, and ensuring pathways are clear of shingle remnants. This ensures your home and garden remain safe and free of hazards while also allowing you to restore any areas that may have been affected by the roofing work.
Final Inspection
The final inspection is a critical part of the construction process. It is often required in order to obtain a certificate of occupancy, which is needed before residents or tenants can occupy the building. It is also a required step before work permits can be closed.
The inspector will check to see that the roofing installation is complete and that the roof has been properly sealed. They will also examine the condition of the exterior walls, flashings and gutters. The inspector will look for signs of sagging, and they will walk the top of the roof to inspect the overall condition of the roof.
In some cases, the final inspection will be preceded by a pre-inspection. This will allow the inspector to visually check the condition of the sub-roof, validate nailing patterns and determine if a mid-roof or 2nd inspection will be necessary. This will help to speed up the final inspection process.
During the final inspection, it is not uncommon for the inspector to find some issues that need to be addressed. These may be minor and easily corrected, or they might pose a safety risk. In either case, the contractor will need to assess how quickly and affordably this can be done in order to stay on schedule.
If any code violations or structural issues are found, they will need to be fixed before the CO can be issued. For instance, if wiring or plumbing is not up to code, it will need to be fixed before the building can be used. This may require the services of a general contractor or an electrician.
It is always a good idea to prepare for a final inspection by reviewing the checklist that will be used by the inspector. This can be found on the website of a local building department or by contacting the inspector directly. The list will typically be organized by system, such as electrical or plumbing, and can include a detailed description of what needs to be checked.
It is important to understand the inspection process so that your project can stay on schedule and avoid costly delays. By being familiar with a building authority’s requirements and what to expect during a final inspection, you can ensure that your project will pass with flying colors.