A sturdy, new roof protects your home from the elements and provides a strong return on investment. New roofing materials also improve your home’s energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight and reducing utility bills.
Getting a new roof can also ensure your manufacturer warranty remains valid. Depending on the type of materials, this could save you thousands in repair costs over time. For professional help, contact Fresno Roof Company.
The roof is one of the most important parts of a home, protecting it from moisture, heat, cold, and debris. It’s also a design element that can enhance the look of a structure and boost its curb appeal. But, a roof needs the right materials to perform its job and stand up to the elements. When it comes to choosing roofing materials, there are many options on the market, and each requires specialized techniques for installation.
A quality roofing job depends on the correct materials and a skilled team. A good contractor will have a full list of necessary materials for the job, including shingles, metal panels, flashing, and other roof coverings. Some of these materials are available in different colors, styles, and textures to complement a home’s architectural style and color scheme.
The first step in a roofing project is to install sheathing, which provides a solid base for the roofing material. This part of the roof is often made from plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Roofers examine the sheathing from the attic to see if there are any soft spots that need replacing, and they will use this opportunity to inspect the entire roof for rot and damage.
After the sheathing is in place, the roofers can start laying the shingles. This is the most visible part of the job, and a top-notch roofer will make sure the shingles are nailed properly and staggered for maximum protection. He will also apply a layer of flashing around chimneys, windows, joints, and other penetrations. This prevents leaks from ice dams and wind-driven rain.
Other essential roof components include vents, ridge caps, and fascia boards. These are installed at the ends of rafters or trusses to protect them from water damage and to support gutters. Fascia boards are often topped with a layer of caulking to provide additional water resistance.
Lastly, the roofers will install a roof leak barrier to help seal the eaves and valleys of the roof. This product, such as GAF WeatherWatch mineral-surfaced leak barrier, is a great way to protect vulnerable areas of the roof from damaging leaks.
Preparation
The roofers will lay out their materials and tools for the project, preparing the area for an efficient installation. They’ll also plan out the project and its phases, including a timeline for completion. It’s important to have this phase done before the actual roofing begins, as it will help you set your expectations for the work and prevent any misunderstandings.
The roofing contractors will remove the old shingles and underlayment to prepare for new installation. The process is noisy, vibrates the structure of your home and can kick up dust and debris. To protect your belongings and furniture from damage, put away any movable items, such as large pieces of outdoor furniture, or cover them with tarps. The hammering vibrations can knock wall-hung pictures and mementos off walls, so take down these items and store them in a safe place. Wrap fragile decor and knick-knacks in bubble wrap or move them to lower areas of the home.
Make sure to remove anything that is attached to the roof, such as satellite dishes and skylights, or could fall off during the replacement process, such as window treatments, gutters, and chimneys. It’s also a good idea to remove any awnings or decorations from the exterior of your house, as they may get in the way of the roofing crew or be damaged by falling shingles.
If you have a garden or flower beds, it’s a good idea to cover them with tarps and/or netting. This will reduce the risk of lost or dropped shingles and protect your plants from the nails that will rain down during the tear-off. You should also mark any especially delicate or expensive plants so that the roofers know to be extra careful around them.
If you have children or pets, consider making arrangements for them to stay with a friend or family member during the roofing project. The noise from hammers and nail guns can be stressful for them, and they won’t be able to play outside during the construction. Also, debris from the roof can be dangerous for them to play with, so it’s best if they stay away.
Installation
The roofers will remove your old shingles and underlayment, then install the new materials. They will use a caulk gun and roofing caulk to seal raw edges and other leak-prone areas of your roof. They will also put in flashing around chimneys, wood stove pipes, eaves, valleys, and along hip and ridge lines.
Depending on your budget and aesthetic preferences, you can choose from a wide variety of roofing materials, including dimensional shingles for curb appeal, three-tab shingles for cost savings, clay tiles for durability, or metal sheeting for easy maintenance. Your contractor can explain the strengths and limitations of each material to help you make your decision.
Your roof will need ventilation to prevent moisture build-up, regulate your home’s temperature, and reduce energy costs. Your roofer can add or replace attic vents, gable vents, ridge vents, and soffit vents to improve your roof’s performance. They will also apply a drip edge to protect the underside of your roof from water intrusion. They will also install ridge cap shingles, which cover the ridges of your roof for a finished look and extra protection from weather elements. Finally, they will install vents to help keep your attic cool and dry.
Final Inspection
A final inspection is a critical part of closing out a construction project. It confirms that everything was installed and completed correctly, mitigating legal issues down the line. A detailed checklist ensures that no item or structure is overlooked during this evaluation.
The right inspection checklist should be able to meet the unique needs of each project or process. It must be compiled with a thorough understanding of the relevant regulations and standards. This could include industry guidelines, safety requirements, or quality specifications. It is also important to include a section for recording the inspection results. This may be as simple as pass/fail or it could be more detailed, including notes and recommendations for improvement.
During the roofing installation inspection, inspectors should check for a variety of items, such as:
Penetrations, such as skylights or chimneys, create holes in the roof that must be covered by various boots, sealants, or flashing. Inspectors will examine the condition of these penetration seals to ensure they are working properly and up to code. They will also examine the flashing itself, which is thin strips of metal that divert water away from joints in walls and roofs. Inspectors will look for rust or cracks in the flashing, which can be a major source of leaks.
Finally, the inspector will examine the fascia and soffit boards. These are the horizontal boards that run along a roof’s edges and overhangs. They will look for rot, warping, and other types of damage to ensure they are protecting the roof from water and pests. Inspectors will also check the gutters and downspouts to make sure they are free of debris and functioning as they should.
A comprehensive inspection can help prevent costly problems down the road and boost resale value. A contractor can streamline this critical part of closeout by being proactive, familiar with a building authority’s requirements, and taking steps to prepare for the inspection. Preparation includes extensive documentation of the construction process, such as building plans and proof that all previous inspections were passed. A final inspection is a crucial step, so it is important to plan accordingly and request it well in advance of the desired date.