A roof is a critical part of your home, stalwartly protecting it from wind, rain, and other environmental elements. Repairing or replacing a roof requires extensive materials, painstaking labor, and possibly special equipment.
It’s a major construction project that unfolds directly over your house, so it can be intimidating. It’s important to understand the basics of roof replacement before contacting a roofing professional. Visit https://www.delaware-roofing.com/ to learn more.
The type of roof material you choose for your home is one of the most important decisions that you’ll make during a roof replacement. It impacts not only your home’s aesthetic, but also its longevity and durability in extreme weather conditions. It’s best to determine your desired lifespan, as well as the maintenance requirements of each roofing material before making your final decision. Moss, mildew, and water damage are common roofing issues that you’ll want to avoid.
Metal roofs, also known as standing seam roofs, are ideal for low-slope or flat roofs and can last up to 50 years. They are very durable and can withstand heavy snow or hail. They are energy efficient and help homeowners save on heating and cooling costs. Metal shingles and shakes can be made to look like traditional asphalt shingles, wood shakes, clay tiles, or slate and are an excellent choice when appearance is a concern.
Another popular option for a residential roof is a tile roof. These are available in a variety of colors and styles and add elegance to any home. Clay and concrete tiles are beautiful, durable, and can be found in a range of prices. They are a great choice for homes that have a Spanish or Mediterranean design.
A third type of roofing is a roof membrane, which is an effective waterproofing option. It consists of several layers with an organic or glass-fiber mat in between. The bitumen that seals the membrane can be asphalt or coal tar, which must be heated to apply, or cold-applied adhesive. The latter is the most popular, as it doesn’t require heat to apply and dries quickly.
Besides the roof materials, you’ll need to have the right tools for the job. A roofing contractor will need a power drill, hammer, and ladder for installing the roof. A nail gun and utility knife can speed up the process and ensure that shingles are securely attached. A chalk line will also be helpful for creating a straight line on the roof to ensure that your shingles are evenly spaced.
Installation
The day the roofers arrive, they’ll set up protective coverings over your yard and driveway, then start removing your old roof. They’ll take off rubber or lead boots around sanitary stacks, lift up vents and carefully remove the roofing material itself. The roofing contractor will also replace any attic ventilation – ridge and roof vents and gable or soffit vents – to help keep hot and cold air flowing through your home and reduce energy costs.
You may want to talk to your neighbors ahead of time about the roof replacement and ask if they’d be willing to unlock their gates so the crew can get on and off their property. This will prevent them from feeling like they’re being invaded by a construction site, and you can also tell them to expect some shingle debris and dust blowing into their yards.
Once the shingles are removed, your roofing professional will inspect the decking and sheathing and make any necessary repairs. If sheathing is rotting or soft, it should be replaced rather than trying to fix it by placing new shingles over the top of it. That’s just a band-aid that will eventually fail and result in expensive repairs.
Next, a layer of asphalt roofing paper is applied to the sheathing. It creates an inner barrier to keep water from penetrating the sheathing and into your house. It’s then covered by a layer of granules to give it added weatherproof protection and to make the surface look nicer.
If you live in a region with heavy snow, your roofing contractor will probably install metal snow guards and snow retention systems to minimize the weight of the snow and the damage it can do to the roof. They’ll also install ice and water shields under the shingles in key areas to prevent water leaks.
At this point, your contractor will start laying the new shingles. They’ll typically start at the eaves and metal drip edge and work upward toward the peak of your roof. They’ll also add a strip of self-stick underlayment on the valleys, along the edges of the roof and in other leak-prone spots.
Inspection
Before beginning a roof replacement, the contractor will carefully inspect your existing roof. Typically, this is done in the springtime when conditions are mild and rainstorms less frequent. The inspection will look for things like curled, loose, or missing shingles; moss, lichen, and other plant growth; and buckling, bubbling, or discoloration of the roof sheathing. This is an important step, as it will give the inspector a good idea of your roof’s remaining lifespan and whether it can be repaired or replaced.
The inspection will also check for cracks or deterioration of the thin metal flashing that lines roof penetrations–plumbing vents, attic fans and vent pipes, skylights, chimneys, and so on. This is an important area to look for, because leaks in these areas can cause extensive water damage to the ceilings and walls of a home. The inspector will also examine fascia and soffit boards, the horizontal boards that run along the edges of roof overhangs. These are vital for preventing wood rot and insect infestation and help to keep the sheathing protected.
The inspector will also check for shingle granules in the gutters, which is a good indicator of how well the roof shingles are holding up. If the granules are gone, it’s time to consider a roof replacement. Finally, the inspector will examine the interior of a home for signs of a leaky roof, such as mold, mildew, or stains on the ceiling and walls.
If your roof has been through a storm, it’s especially important to have a professional inspect it as soon as possible. The pros have the equipment and knowledge to safely climb up on a roof and look for any storm-related damage. They’ll look for lifted overlaps and delaminating roof materials, as well as inspect the interior attic and ceilings for stains.
Once the inspection is complete, the roofing contractor will make a written report and provide recommendations for repairs. Then the project can begin! A well-inspected and properly-repaired roof will last for years, protecting your home’s structural integrity and preserving valuable possessions like artwork, family memorabilia, and sentimental furnishings.
Maintenance
A roof is the first line of defense against outside elements, so it’s important to keep up with maintenance procedures. This prevents small issues from getting worse and requiring expensive repairs. Regular inspections can help identify potential problems before they become a major issue, such as leaks or mold.
Roofing companies often offer programs that include regular inspections, cleaning and standard repair work. These services can maximize the life of your new roof and save you money in the long run. They can also keep your home safe and protect your investment.
The most obvious difference between a roof replacement and a roof repair is the extent of damage. A repair is limited to the affected area, while a replacement includes replacing all damaged materials. The choice between repair or replacement depends on a variety of factors, including the age of the roof and the extent of damage.
During a roof inspection, the contractor may check for missing or curling shingles or tiles. These should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible to prevent water penetration. They will also inspect the flashing, which is metal material that seals the intersections of the roof, such as around chimneys and vents. Leaks can occur when the flashing isn’t in good condition. They will also check the valleys of the roof to ensure they are free from debris and that water is flowing properly through the system.
They will also look for stains on the ceilings of the house, which can indicate a roof leak. Stains in the attic or on the ceiling of the living room are particularly concerning because they indicate water penetration and can cause serious structural damage. The contractor will also look for signs of mold, fungus or algae, which can cause the shingle materials to break down and leak.
In some cases, the contractor will replace the fascia, which is a long wooden board that protects the bottom edges of the roof. The contractor will re-stain or paint the fascia to match the color of the new roof. They will also replace the gutters if they are damaged or clogged with debris and clean up any debris that has fallen onto the roof surface.