Choosing the right roofing materials requires considering their appearance, future maintenance needs, and local weather conditions. It also helps to know how each material offers protection and longevity.
Then, roofers lay the underlayment, starting with the ice and water barrier and the drip edge. They then run the shingle underlayment, overlapping it and nailing it down. Contact Roofing Corpus Christi for professional help.
The first step in any roofing installation is getting the proper permits. Depending on the scope of your project, this may mean filing with the city’s building department. For example, a full roof replacement will almost always require a permit. A permit is needed to ensure that the work done on your roof is up to code, and that it abides by safety regulations.
While not every locale requires permits for roof replacement, most do. This is because a roof is considered part of a home’s envelope, which basically seals it off from the outside world. In other words, a leaky roof can lead to drafts in the house, which makes it less comfortable to live in.
A permit also helps weed out less-than-reputable contractors. The reason is that the building department will review plans and verify that the work to be performed meets minimum standards. That’s why you should only work with a contractor who is licensed and experienced in your area.
Permits can be difficult to obtain, especially if your project is complex. The process of obtaining the permit is different in each municipality, but it generally involves submitting a set of plans to the building department and paying a fee to have them reviewed by a building official. Some municipalities require plan review and inspections at multiple stages, while others only perform an initial check after the plans are submitted.
For roof replacement projects, you’ll likely need to submit a plan and pay an application fee to get the permit. Once the plans are approved, a building inspector will visit your property to verify that the work being performed meets all requirements.
A building permit will serve as a record of your work and will be necessary when it comes time to sell your home. It will also be useful for insurance claims and if you ever need to have your roof replaced again.
When it comes to determining whether or not your roofing project will need a permit, the best rule of thumb is that you’ll need one if the work is structural. Structural changes are defined as any work that affects the actual bones of the structure, so things like replacing a deck, rebuilding a garage or reworking joists would be structural and therefore require a permit.
Getting Your Home Ready
Once you’ve signed with a roofing company, picked your roofing options and locked in an installation date, there are a few things that you need to do to prepare your home for the project. It might be a bit of an inconvenience, but it’s necessary for a smooth process and to make sure that your belongings are protected from the weather and any other elements during roof replacement.
First, you’ll want to clear a path for the crew to work. That means moving cars away from the driveway to avoid potential damage from falling debris and making sure that there is a 15-foot clearance all the way around your house to give workers easy access. It’s also a good idea to clear out your yard of toys, patio furniture and other items that might get damaged during the process.
Next, the roofing contractor will lay an ice and water barrier (if one doesn’t already exist) and then felt paper. This layer provides the first line of defense against moisture and helps prevent mold growth, rot and other common issues that can affect your roof’s durability. Once the underlayment is in place, your roofer will install shingles. These may be asphalt or metal, but they are all designed to offer superior protection against the elements.
At this point, your roofer will waterproof the valleys. These are the areas where your roof slopes meet and they’re particularly susceptible to moisture. Your roofing professional will seal these areas with mastic or caulking to ensure that your new roof is completely watertight.
Your roofing company will also install flashing, which is a protective material that’s put in place around chimneys, windows and other openings to keep moisture from sneaking into these vulnerable areas. They’ll also install ridge vents to keep your attic cool and dry.
It’s a good idea to talk to your neighbors before the job begins so that they can expect extra noise and vehicles in the neighborhood for a few days. This will help keep tensions low and can even make the whole experience go more smoothly for everyone involved.
Getting the Roof Installed
Your roof is one of the most important structures on your home. It protects you from blazing sun, pounding rains and gusty winds. It also adds to your home’s curb appeal and value. A well-installed roof can last decades, providing you with peace of mind. However, a poorly installed or damaged roof can put you and your family in harm’s way. If you want to ensure your roof is properly installed, you’ll need to hire a roofing professional.
Before your roofing professionals start the installation process, they need to remove the old shingles or tiles and install underlayment. They’ll also install flashing around areas prone to leaks, such as chimneys and vent pipes. Flashing directs water away from these areas and prevents water seepage.
After the underlayment is installed, your roofing contractor will nail shingle bundles in place. The number of bundles required depends on the size of your roof and the style of shingles you choose. You may need three to five bundles per square foot of your roof. Each bundle should state how many square feet it covers, which will help you determine how much your roofing project will cost.
If you’re replacing your roof, it might be a good idea to replace the gutters at the same time. This will reduce the chances of clogs and water damage from debris left behind during the roof installation process. It’s also a great time to upgrade to copper gutters, which are more expensive but will last longer and provide a more attractive look.
During the roof installation process, you might experience vibrations in your house. These vibrations can affect walls, especially if they have mirrors, paintings or framed photos on them. You can avoid this by removing items hanging on the wall before your roofers arrive. You can also clear the area around your home to allow roofing professionals to safely walk through it.
If you have a garden, flower beds or other plants, you can mark them with orange tape so the roofing professionals will give them a wide berth. You can also place netting or a tarp over them to keep the plants safe from dropped shingles and other debris. You should also notify your roofers if you have a koi pond or other water feature in your backyard that might be vulnerable to falling debris.
Getting the Roof Replaced
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your house. It must withstand decades of blazing sun, pounding rains, and gusty winds. It must be able to keep water out and air in, and must look good from the street. A new roof can add to the curb appeal of your home, and it can also save you money on energy costs.
A properly installed roof can last up to 25 years, or even 50 or more, depending on the type of roofing materials used. This is why it is important to choose a contractor who stands behind their work and uses quality roofing materials. If you do not, your roof could need to be replaced well before its lifespan ends.
Getting your roof replaced involves removing the old shingles and installing a new roof. You may want to rent a dumpster to simplify the cleanup process, as it will make it easier for the roofing crew to dispose of the old shingles.
Once the old shingles are removed, the roofers will lay an ice and water barrier, and install underlayment to help prevent moisture intrusion. The underlayment is a self-stick element that is nailed to the roof decking and sheathing, and tar paper or felt is added for extra moisture protection.
If your roof has a skylight, the roofers will frame an opening, and cut a hole in the ceiling. A light shaft, built like walls, is then joined to the opening to bring natural sunlight into your living space. If you are replacing your roof, this is a great time to consider adding a skylight as part of your new roofing installation.
If you have a shed or other structure attached to the house, it is a good idea to cover it with tarps or painter’s drop sheets to protect the contents from dust during the roof replacement. It is also a good idea to move any outdoor furniture away from the house, and to cover valuable foundation plants with large tarps. You should also clear the attic of any sentimental or fragile items, and store them safely elsewhere for the duration of the roof replacement.