When it comes to major home renovations, roofing is a tall order. But with the right contractor and an understanding of what to expect, a new roof or re-roof can be done reasonably well.

First, the contractors will lay tarps on your property and take care to cover any plants or sculptures. They will also set up their safety harnesses. Contact Ellingson Roofing LLC for professional help.

One of the most important things you can do to prepare for your roof installation is to hire a reputable roofing contractor. A quality contractor will work with you to stay within your budget and will use high-quality materials that will last longer than inferior products.

In addition, a reputable roofing contractor will provide you with a written contract that details the cost of your roof replacement, along with an accurate timeline for the project’s completion. It’s also wise to request quotes from several different contractors so that you can compare prices and services.

Once your roofing contractor has finished the contracting process, it’s time to start the actual work. Depending on the size of your roof, this process can take from 3 days to a week. During this time, your property will be protected with tarps and debris removal will be completed. Before the work begins, it’s a good idea to move any vehicles away from your home. This will prevent them from getting damaged during the tear off process. Also, it’s a good idea to cover any outdoor furniture and decorative items to keep them safe from falling debris.

Roofing is dangerous work, so it’s best to leave the installation to the professionals. There are many ways to injure yourself during a roofing job, including falling off the roof, mishandling tools or overheating from working under the sun for hours on end. In fact, it’s no wonder that OSHA considers roofing to be one of the most dangerous occupations.

To minimize the risk of injury, everyone on site should wear a hard hat and harness. In addition, all workers should be familiar with the proper operation of roofing equipment. This includes standard roofing tools like hammers, nail guns and ladders as well as specialty tools like roof caulk and small pry bars.

Underlayment

The shingles on your roof are the outer layer that guards your home from the sun’s rays, rain, snow, and wind. But what most homeowners don’t realize is there’s an entire layer of materials underneath that — the underlayment — that provides another level of protection against moisture damage.

Roofing underlayment is installed directly on the roof deck before the shingles or other roofing material is applied. It acts as a secondary barrier against moisture infiltration and provides extra protection from harsh weather conditions and usage-induced damage.

There are several different types of underlayment, ranging from traditional asphalt saturated felt to modern synthetic materials. Regardless of the type, all underlayments serve the same purpose by creating a secondary moisture barrier between the roof deck and the underlying roofing material.

For example, a roofing contractor may use 15- or 30-pound felt underlayment for a flat roof with a low slope, overlapping it by a few inches and nailing it down firmly. The underlayment is then covered by the primary roofing material. A good roofing contractor will follow the manufacturer’s underlayment requirements for proper overlap, headlap, and sidelap. They will also install a sufficient number of fasteners to ensure the underlayment remains secure, especially in high winds.

Some underlayment manufacturers recommend using button cap fasteners as they are more durable than staples and have a stronger hold in high winds. Additionally, they will install underlayment over a properly sealed flashing and drip edge. If a roof-covering material manufacturer doesn’t require underlayment, the roofer will not install it or, in the case of felt underlayment, may use housewrap as underlayment instead of following the manufacturer’s installation instructions (this is considered a defect). As an InterNACHI inspector, you won’t be responsible for verifying the type of underlayment used on a home, but understanding some of the basic properties and installation requirements can help you spot potential problems.

Flashing

Flashing is a metal strip that directs water away from the vulnerable areas of your roof, such as the edges and any penetrations. It is an essential part of any roofing system and can prevent long-term water damage to your home if it’s installed properly. Flashing is typically fabricated from sheet metal, most often galvanized steel, but aluminum and copper are also used.

A skilled Denver roofer can install the various types of flashing required to protect your home from water damage. These include ridge cap flashing, which is placed at the peak of the roof; base flashing, which is installed at the point where the roof meets a wall; counter flashing, which is used on masonry walls; and chimney flashing, vent pipe flashing, skylight flashing, and valley flashing.

Your roof’s edge and the low points or valleys where two roof planes meet are especially vulnerable to leaks. Your Denver roofer will install custom flashing pieces to create a seal at these points and prevent water from entering the home.

Drip edge flashing is placed along the roof’s perimeter to keep water from running down the fascia boards and into soffits. This is usually nailed in place and then sealed with caulk. Valley flashing is placed in the low points to stop water from seeping into the interior of your home. Your Denver roofer will use a combination of flashing, shingle courses, and eaves troughs to create a water-resistant barrier at these vulnerable spots.

A continuous flashing is a long piece of metal that provides waterproofing at the spot where a roof meets a vertical wall. It is sometimes called apron flashing and acts like a metal gutter to carry water down the wall and away from the shingles.

Shingles

Shingles are the final layer of protection that a roof receives. They are generally made of asphalt, although other materials are used in areas with extreme weather or building codes require a more resilient roof. A shingle is nailed to the roof using roofing nails, usually four per shingle but sometimes six (depending on the region). A shingle should be offset by up to 1/2 tab from a shingle below it and overlapping by up to a full tab to the side of the roof. This will prevent the shingles from rubbing against each other, which can cause problems.

Before starting the shingles, it is important to make sure the roof sheathing has been thoroughly cleaned. Large twigs, branches and plant material should be removed from the surface of the roof, along with any debris left behind by previous roofing efforts or rainwater. A professional should do this step unless it is a DIY project.

Every roofer approaches this step slightly differently. Some prefer to lay out the underlayment in a series of overlapping strips. Others use a stair-step method to better spread the shingles out evenly. Both are acceptable and will serve the same purpose, which is to create an even coating of underlayment between the roof sheathing and shingles.

Once the felt is laid, a row of shingles should be placed in the first course. A chalk line should be used to mark where the shingle ends are to help guide placement and ensure the proper overlap. The shingle should be nailed down with a minimum of four nails, and ideally 6 for wind resistance (although that is not always a requirement depending on local code). The last nail should go through the double layers of shingles and into the sheathing.

Tiles

Tiles are a highly durable construction material that is versatile and comes in a wide range of colors, shapes, and finishes. They’re perfect for high-traffic areas and can even mimic the appearance of other materials. They’re also known for being moisture-resistant, which makes them a great option in areas prone to hurricanes or other natural disasters.

There are several different types of tiles, each with its own unique design and installation process. The most common are ceramic tiles, which are typically glazed for interior use and unglazed for roofing. However, they can be made from a variety of other materials such as concrete, glass, and even wood. They can be used for floors, walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.

Tile roofs are highly insulating, reducing energy costs and protecting your home from the elements. They are also more environmentally friendly than other roofing materials, as they don’t deplete limited resources or require chemical preservatives. Furthermore, tile roofs have the lowest life cycle costs of all roofing materials, allowing them to meet LEED and Energy Star requirements.

In order to ensure a proper tile roof installation, it’s best to hire a professional. They will know how to properly install the underlayment and fasteners, as well as check for leaks and other structural integrity issues. Additionally, they will be able to advise you on the right tile for your home and take into account its specific climate. For instance, light-colored tiles show stains and debris more readily than darker ones, while thicker tiles can withstand more weight without buckling under pressure. If you’re considering a tile roof, consult with a licensed contractor for a free consultation. Then, choose the color, size, and finish that will best suit your home’s aesthetic and lifestyle.