Roofing contractors use powerful tools that can cause injuries if used improperly, such as air compressor nail guns and utility knives with hook blades. Insist that a contractor provide proof of liability and workers’ compensation insurance before hiring them. Contact Roofing In Evansville for professional help.
The first step in the re-roofing process is to tear off the old roof materials. This includes removing shingles, underlayment and sheathing.
A roof is more than just a bulwark against the elements; it’s a design feature that conveys your home’s aesthetic. And as such, it’s important to choose the right roofing materials for your building project, balancing cost, energy efficiency and durability.
Depending on the roofing material you choose, you may need specific tools and safety equipment. For instance, a sharp serrated knife is a must-have for cutting asphalt shingles and roofing underlayment. It’s also recommended to wear a pair of protective eyewear to shield yourself from shingle splinters and nails. A chalk line tool is useful for marking straight lines on a roof.
One of the most popular roofing materials, asphalt shingles are affordable and easy to install. They are available in a variety of colors and styles and can withstand scorching summers and freezing winters. They are prone to moss and plant growth, however, and require regular treatments to prevent moisture absorption.
Another roofing option, wood shingles are made from split logs and provide a natural look that’s perfect for rustic or historical homes. They’re more expensive than composite or metal shingles and must be treated regularly to protect against moisture absorption and pests.
Fibre cement sheets are a great choice for rural areas and domestic builds. They have one of the longest life expectancies of all roofing materials and are available in a range of colours to suit your home’s style. They can, however, be more expensive to fit than other roofing sheet options.
Rolled roofing is ideal for low-slope residential roofs as well as outbuildings like sheds and shops. It consists of long rolls of mineral-impregnated and asphalt-impregnated material topped with mineral granules. It can be hammered into place on a sloped roof, but it shouldn’t be hammered on flat roofs as this can cause water leakage.
The last roofing option is a PVC membrane, which is perfect for flat and low-slope roofs. It is lightweight and offers energy-efficiency, and it’s highly customizable. It can be installed over an existing roof, but it’s best to replace the old underlayment before installing this material.
Preparation
Before beginning your roof replacement, the roofing contractor will walk around the perimeter of your home and remove any vehicles that might block their way or interfere with the work. They will also clear the area of any kids’ toys, lawn ornaments, grills, and patio furniture that could get damaged by falling shingles or debris. This will allow them to work quickly and efficiently without having to stop repeatedly to move items out of the way.
It’s also a good idea to take down any wall decorations, such as mirrors, paintings, and framed pictures, to prevent them from getting knocked off during the hammering process. This will also protect more fragile objects, such as china plates or vases. Finally, it’s a good idea to cover any furniture that you want to keep protected from dust and dirt. It’s a good idea to have an outdoor table and chairs covered in plastic or in a shed, and to cover indoor furnishings with sheets or blankets.
During the roof replacement, your roofing professional will use several tools, including a caulk gun to seal any raw edges of your new roof and to apply a waterproofing material to the valleys of your roof. These areas are the most prone to leaks, as they form a v-shaped angle between sloped sections of your roof. It’s important to properly waterproof these areas, as the roofing materials used on them are not designed for rain exposure.
In addition, the roofing contractor will need to use a hammer to tear off your old roof and nail your new roof in place. This will generate vibrations that can damage the interior of your home, especially if you have ceiling fans or loose wallpaper. It’s a good idea to remove any wall decor, such as hung pictures and mirrors, or to secure them to the frame with heavy tape before the work begins.
The noise and commotion involved in a roof replacement can be stressful for pets and children. If possible, you should make arrangements for them to stay with a friend or at Grandma’s during the work period.
Installation
Roofing is dangerous work, especially for the untrained eye. Your contractor should take multiple steps to protect your property, including covering sensitive areas with tarps and having a dumpster delivered for disposing of the old materials. For large projects, a crane may be needed to lift the shingles onto the roof deck. Standard roofing tools include hammers, ladders, shingle cutters, nail guns and gloves. They should also have the appropriate safety equipment, such as hard hats and harnesses.
Re-roofing can increase the value of your home and improve its energy efficiency. A properly ventilated roof reduces moisture and heat, prevents attic damage and regulates the temperature inside your home. Ventilation options include ridge vents, gable vents and soffit vents. Ridge cap shingles cover the top of the ridges and hips of your roof for a finished look and additional protection from weather elements.
Final Inspection
The final inspection process is a crucial step to ensure that a project is complete and that it meets all local codes and regulations. It also validates the quality of the work and protects you from legal issues down the road. To streamline the process, make sure that your contractor is fully aware of what you will be looking for and when. This can help reduce the number of discrepancies that are found by the inspector, and will ultimately result in a faster inspection process.
To ensure that everything is prepared for the final inspection, it’s best to prepare a list of all outstanding items and have your inspector review this prior to the final inspection. This can save a lot of time on the day of the inspection and may uncover issues that have been missed by other inspectors. Providing this list in advance can help reduce code violations like notches, cuts, or penetrations in structural frame elements and lack of accessibility for safe egress.
Ideally, you’ll have established a good rapport with your inspector before the final inspection is scheduled. This will allow you to discuss any revisions that are necessary, and it’s important to establish clear communication with your inspector throughout the process. During the final inspection, your inspector will examine a variety of items to ensure that they have been completed. This includes walking the roof, validating the nailing pattern, and checking that all flashing is installed in proper locations. It is also common to examine the foundation of the building, making sure that there are no cracks or gaps in the walls and ensuring that the plumbing is finished.
Having a well-defined final inspection checklist promotes accountability and encourages meticulous work. This is a critical aspect of any construction project, and it can greatly enhance the overall experience for all stakeholders. By leveraging the power of the final inspection checklist, you can deliver projects that are on schedule and within budget. If you are ready to improve your project management practices, consider integrating the final inspection checklist into your workflow.