Month: August 2023

How to Go About Roof Installation

Daren Rios Roof Services , , , ,
How to Go About Roof Installation

Roofing installation is a big job that takes time to complete. You must hire reputable Johns Creek Roofers with experience in your chosen roofing materials. Ensure the contract has a 72-hour right to cancel, escrow, start and completion dates, payment schedule, warranties, and specifications. You should also check for dump fees.

roof

A roof is one of the most visible elements of a home and can make or break its appearance. Upgrading the roofing material can greatly improve a house’s overall appeal. But before deciding on what materials to use, you should consider the environmental conditions of your area. This will help you decide on a roofing material that can resist the harsh weather conditions of your region.

Asphalt shingles are the most common residential roofing material in the United States. They are lightweight, affordable and easy to install. They can withstand severe weather conditions and are warranted for 20 to 25 years. However, this type of shingle is not good for cold climates.

Tile roofing adds texture and elegance to your home’s exterior. Genuine clay or concrete tiles are long-lasting and noncombustible, but they can be expensive. A less expensive alternative is fiberglass or cementitious tiles that look similar to their genuine counterparts.

Metal roofing is another option. Galvanized iron, aluminum and terne plate are the most commonly used metals. Metal panels are soldered or welded together and are best for flat roofs. They are also designed to respond to thermal movement.

Membrane roofing is made from EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or other synthetic rubber. It is usually reinforced with fabric or coated with mineral granules. It can be loose laid or mechanically fastened to nailable or nonnailable decks. It is highly resistant to degradation from chemicals, ozone and ultraviolet radiation.

Underlayment

While much attention is given to the type of shingles, tiles, metal or other roof-covering material to be used, underlayment — which protects the roof deck before the actual roof-covering materials are installed — is just as important. The underlayment acts as a secondary barrier against leakage and moisture intrusion, providing protection between the roof deck and the final roof-covering material. In areas that are more prone to leakage or water intrusion, underlayment may be made of waterproof materials.

Underlayment is typically constructed of felt or a similar material, and it can be fastened to the roof deck using staples or plastic caps. Felt underlayment is often referred to as roofing felt, and it is available in many different thicknesses and grades. For example, thirty-pound felt is more resistant to tearing and damage caused during roof installation, which means that it will protect the roof deck longer. In high-wind areas, it may be advisable to use underlayment fastened with plastic caps instead of staples because they offer better resistance to wind damage.

Felt underlayment must be inspected regularly and repaired where necessary, particularly in areas where moisture can cause problems such as water leaks or condensation. It should also be inspected for signs of wear and tear, such as holes from a nail gun. In addition, it should be re-fastened to the roof deck as needed.

Another option for underlayment is a synthetic peel-and-stick membrane product, which usually includes a rubberized asphalt or butyl-based adhesive that’s mounted on a polyethylene carrier sheet. This type of underlayment offers some advantages over felt underlayment, including superior performance in low-temperature environments and greater flexibility on uneven surfaces. However, it can be difficult to install correctly. Like all roofing materials, it is essential that underlayment is installed in accordance with OSHA and other workplace safety standards. Workers should be equipped with fall protection devices and work shoes designed for traction on roofs.

Shingles

Once the sheathing and underlayment are in place, it’s time to start laying shingles. The process is a little different for every roofer, but most follow the same basic approach. First, lay a course of starter shingles that are designed for that purpose. These shingles are thicker than standard shingles, and their tabs overlap the shingle courses above them by about half an inch. Nail these shingles in a grid pattern, using four roofing nails per shingle as recommended by the manufacturer and extending the nails out over the eaves by about half an inch.

Next, install a piece of aluminum drip edge that is designed to protect the fascia board. It should sit flush with the bottom of the fascia board, with a half-inch gap between it and the gutter. A drip edge is especially important in cold climates, where ice can build up behind the membrane and shingle layers, and create an interior drip.

If you live in a particularly snowy area, it’s a good idea to install an ice and water barrier that is applied to the underside of all the shingle layers. This type of membrane can prevent ice dams from forming on the slopes of the roof, and help keep water shed properly.

Finally, it’s time to finish the roof with a cap of ridge and hip shingles. This step is a bit trickier, as the shingles must be bent to straddle the peak and shed water down either slope. This is usually done by hand with a shingle bender, and the result should be a clean, sharp peak that resists wind uplift. Also, the ridge should be flashed with metal step flashing that is at least 125 mm high and 125 mm wide (5”’ high and 5” wide). This helps prevent leaks around plumbing stacks and vents.

Flashing

A roof needs flashing to prevent water leaks and direct the flow of rainwater into walls. It is made of a flat, thin material and placed at important junctions where building materials intersect. These include roof hips and valleys, joints between the wall and the roof, and where the roof intersects with projections like chimneys, vent pipes, window openings, etc.

Flashing is a vital part of any roofing system, but it’s often overlooked or poorly or incorrectly installed during roof installation. This can lead to premature roof deterioration, water damage, mold and mildew, and pest infestations.

Roofers use several types of flashing depending on the location and extent of water sealing required. The most common type is a continuous piece of metal that carries rainwater down to the shingles below. This is called apron flashing. It’s also possible to use two-part flashing for some features such as chimneys. This allows the two pieces to flex as the home expands and contracts throughout different seasons, which can reduce the likelihood of breaks in the flashing.

Valley flashing is another type of flashing that helps to protect the area where a roof’s slopes meet. It consists of multiple overlapping pieces of flashing that resemble fish scales and is usually made of aluminum, although copper is a better option due to its durability.

Kickout flashing is used in the corners of a roof where the edge of a gable or dormer meets the roof. This bridges the gap between the step flashing and the gutter to keep out water, which can cause rot and other problems. To install it, a roofing professional must cut the metal to fit the shape of the corner, then bend it in a V-shape and fasten it with a nail or screw.

Ventilation

Ventilation is a key element in roof installation and helps extend the life of your roofing system. It also keeps your attic cooler in the summer and lessens the strain on your air conditioning. Without adequate ventilation, your attic can overheat and trap moisture that breeds bad-smelling mildew and mold. This moisture can damage the wood framing and sheathing and cause rot. If it drips onto a ceiling, it can damage the carpet and require expensive professional cleaning or replacement.

To ensure adequate ventilation, your roofing contractor will probably install a mixture of intake and exhaust vents. Exhaust-style vents like ridge and box vents take advantage of natural convection to move hot, stale attic air out of your home. However, they are only half of a good venting strategy. Intake vents in the soffit bring in cool, fresh air to help push the old hot attic air out.

Typically, a roofer will mark the spots for the vents with a nail and then use a saber saw to cut the holes into the attic underlayment and decking. They will then remove the shingles in the area around the marks and apply a flashing sealant to the underside of the vent flange on all sides. Then they will slip the vent flange under the shingles at the upper part of the hole and rest the lower part on top of the shingle.

Some homeowners opt to use turbine vents that include motors to power fans and create updrafts. These are generally used in attics that have low pitch roofs and need more ventilation than a passive system can provide. The installation process for these is similar to that of the static vents.

Roofing Maintenance Essentials

Jerry Bridges Roof Maintenance , , , ,
Roofing Maintenance Essentials
roofer

Many homeowners forget about their roof until it needs major repair. Maintenance is crucial to keeping your home safe and looking great. Aim for biannual inspections and preventative maintenance to catch any problems before they cause major damage.

For example, moss growth on the surface of a roof can be unsightly and cause water damage. Trimming trees and removing limbs over the house can also help protect the roof from squirrels and other critters looking for entry points into the home.

Check the Soffit and Fascia

Soffits and fascia are an important part of roof construction, but they’re often neglected unless something goes wrong with the roof. This is a shame, as these boards are designed to protect the home from water damage, and they can be quite beautiful, too. A well-maintained soffit and fascia board can add to the overall beauty of your house, so it’s worth taking the time to inspect them regularly.

Once a homeowner notices that the fascia or soffit is deteriorating, it’s important to act quickly to get them repaired. This will help prevent the moisture buildup that can cause rot and other issues, and it will also help ensure that the gutters and downspouts can do their job properly.

The soffit is a structure that sits beneath the roof eaves and provides ventilation for the attic space. It can be made from wood, aluminum or PVC. It’s important to keep in mind that the soffit can be easily damaged by pests, so it’s a good idea to check for insect or rodent nests every now and then.

When a homeowner neglects to check the soffit for pests, it can lead to water damage and other issues. This can include mold growth, which can affect the health of a family. It’s also a good idea to periodically clean the soffit, especially in areas that tend to collect dirt and dust.

A soffit is an essential part of the roof, and it can be found in most homes. It is a piece of lumber that’s installed underneath the shingles and connects to the edge of the roof. It is important to look for rotting or other signs of deterioration, and it’s also a good idea to have the soffit and fascia checked for leaks. If they’re leaking, it’s best to have the repairs done by a professional to avoid further problems.

Check the Flashing

If your roof has chimneys, vent pipes, skylights, or dormers, the flashing is a key element that helps prevent water damage. It is a thin sheet of metal that wraps around these features to direct water away from the areas where shingles are vulnerable. The flashing is made from copper, steel, or aluminum, but it should always be sealed with a good-quality caulking.

When a leak occurs near these areas, it can cause serious damage that extends well beyond the roof. It can affect the structure of your home, causing rot in walls and ceilings and even weakening beams. In addition, it can cause mold and mildew to grow in the attic and other rooms of your home. If you have a leaky roof, it is critical to have the flashing repaired immediately to avoid extensive water damage.

The most common signs of flashing damage are water stains in your attic or on the ceilings of rooms in your home, a visible gap between the roofing and the wall, or cracks in the flashing. You should also look for any dents or bends in the flashing, as well as signs of corrosion or rust on the metal.

A professional should always inspect the flashing, as it is difficult to repair yourself. Since the flashing is usually installed under a layer of shingles, it can be difficult to get access to. A professional can inspect the flashing and make any necessary repairs before a leak causes major problems in your home.

Another thing that a roofer should check is the condition of the flashing around chimneys, vents, dormers, and other features on your roof. The flashing is usually made of two different pieces, step and counter flashing. The step flashing is an L-shaped piece of metal that is placed under the shingles and along the chimney, while the counter flashing is set into a groove that is cut into the chimney bricks. The counter flashing is then caulked to the step flashing to create a seal. The counter flashing should be checked for rust and corrosion, as well as any gaps or holes that need to be repaired.

Trim Tree Branches

Trees are lovely additions to any yard, but they must be regularly trimmed or they can cause damage to your roof. Branches that hang over your house can scrape the siding, retain moisture and promote mold growth, and allow pests and animals to invade the interior of your home. Tree limbs that are too close to your roof can also damage the structure of the roof itself, leading to leaks. In some cases, trees need to be removed completely if they are unstable or dead.

You should hire a professional to trim the branches and limbs around your house. In some cases, a residential tree trimming company can perform this service, but in others, you may need to hire a landscaper or gardener who is experienced with working on and trimming trees. In unique circumstances, an arborist may need to be consulted as well.

Whenever you are pruning tree limbs, it is important to make the cut on the outside of what is called the branch collar. This is the swollen area that sticks out from the trunk and has rougher bark. If you cut inside the collar, it will not heal properly and can lead to rot later on. Instead, you need to find a spot on the underside of the limb that is several inches out from the collar, and cut into it there. Then, move up to the top of the limb and cut several inches farther out again, until it breaks off on its own.

Before cutting any limbs, you should always check with local city bylaws and your arborist to ensure that it is okay to do so. In some areas, certain types of trees are protected and cannot be trimmed, while in others, it is illegal to remove any limb that is within a specific radius of power lines. In any event, a professional will be able to help you safely and effectively prune your trees and keep them clear of your roof.

Inspect the Gutters

Gutter systems are designed to channel water away from the roof. They can also protect siding, foundations and other areas of a home from water damage. But they can only do this if they’re free of debris and functioning properly. And that’s why it’s important to inspect gutters regularly, especially following a severe storm.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a commercial property owner, it’s essential to have your building’s gutter system inspected for damage and in need of repairs on a regular basis. The best time to do this is during the spring, just after a harsh winter but before the summer rains start.

In addition to checking for the common problems like clogs and sagging, it’s important to pay special attention to the downspouts. Downspouts can get clogged by leaves, moss or even animals’ nests. If this is the case, they may be unable to properly channel water and may need to be cleaned or replaced.

Downspouts should be placed so that they are at least 4 to 6 feet away from a house’s foundation. This helps to prevent oversaturation of soil around the foundation and minimizes moisture problems in basements and crawl spaces. Additionally, it’s important to check for any leaks in the gutters themselves or a downspout that’s leaking at the seams of two sections.

When performing an inspection of the gutters, make sure you’re not too high up and are using a ladder that isn’t leaning on any gutters or other parts of your building. It’s also a good idea to bring binoculars for better visibility as well as a ladder leveler to ensure the most accurate assessment of your gutters’ condition.

These inspections are the most effective for identifying potential problems before they cause major structural damage or rot to your home or building. By adding these roof and gutter inspections to your maintenance program, you can be sure your roofing and gutter system are functioning the way they should and protecting your investment. In addition, you can also feel confident that any issues found are addressed promptly and professionally.