If your roof has any leaky areas, the crew will replace flashing and drip edges. The crew will also install new underlayment (also known as roofing felt).
This material sheds water to protect the wood sheathing underneath, helping your roof withstand damage and deterioration. The underlayment will also be nailed into place and sealed. Contact J&M Elite Contractors for professional help.
The roof over your head is a critical design feature, a bulwark against the elements, and an investment in your home’s longevity. With a wide variety of roofing materials to choose from, selecting the right roofing for your house requires careful consideration of cost, durability, aesthetics, climate, and other factors.
While shingles remain the most popular option in residential roofing, other options include clay tiles and concrete. Clay tiles are molded and fired for durability, making them a great choice in warm climates where high temperatures can cause other types of roofing to degrade. Concrete, on the other hand, offers a more versatile option that can mimic different roofing styles and is suitable for most climates. However, unlike clay tiles, concrete is a heavier material that can place a significant amount of stress on the structure of your home.
Regardless of the type of roof you’re choosing, your project will need to start with a strong foundation. This is known as sheathing, and it serves to create a solid surface for your roofing materials to be attached. Sheathing is generally made from plywood or oriented strand board (OSB), which are engineered wood products designed for strength and longevity. Other options, like exterior gypsum board and concrete sheathing, are available for specific applications and budgets.
To prepare for a roof installation, you’ll also need a wide variety of other materials. This includes the shingles themselves, which come in various thicknesses and colors to match your taste. You’ll also need the nails, which must be of a high quality to secure the shingles. Additionally, you’ll need a nail gun to make the process of attaching the shingles faster and more efficient.
Other important items to keep in mind when preparing for a roofing project include the fascia boards and gutters. These components can be installed either before or after the sheathing is put in place, and they help protect the rafters or trusses from water damage. It’s a good idea to consult a roofing contractor when deciding how to install your gutters, and they can even help you select the best location for them on your home’s roof.
Getting Started
Your roof is a complex structure, protecting your home from the elements and keeping water out that could otherwise damage your interior. Our roofing guide explores the components of your roof, from materials and structures to installation methods and common problems.
The first step in a new roof installation is getting the site ready. This isn’t just courtesy; it makes the job safer for everyone involved. It also ensures that your valuables and landscaping aren’t accidentally damaged during the process.
First, move any vehicles out of the driveway and clear a zone around your house for the contractors to work in. This creates space for their trucks and equipment, making it easier for them to maneuver and work safely. It also prevents your cars from getting hit by debris or getting stuck under a fallen ladder.
Likewise, it’s smart to move any patio furniture or other items from your yard into the garage or a covered outdoor area. Similarly, it’s best to cover any plants or movable sculptures with tarps for easy protection. You should also cover any open drains to keep small pieces of roof from clogging them.
Before the actual roof tear off begins, your contractor will lay an ice and water barrier (if there isn’t one already in place), as well as underlayment and felt paper. The underlayment and felt are important because they provide waterproofing to the areas of your roof that get the most water, like the valleys. Once these are in place, the shingle and roof covering can be installed.
The tear off process of your old roof is noisy, vibrates the house and can cause dust and other debris to blow inside the home. Before this starts, you can protect your belongings by moving fine art into a closet, taking down hanging light fixtures that might be impacted by vibration and packing up fragile decor items. It’s also a good idea to back up files on computers and put electronics in a safe place. This precautionary work will help you enjoy your new roof without worrying about the contents of your home being damaged during the installation process.
Installation
Your roofing contractor will bring in a team to remove your existing roof covering. This process can be messy, but your contractor will take precautions to protect your property. They will cover sensitive areas like gardens with tarps, place dumpsters in the driveway to haul away debris, and use wooden boards to shield items like air conditioning units from dust and debris. Vents for things like sewer ventilation and curve vents are sealed with a bead of roofing cement.
Final Inspection
The final inspection is a major milestone in any construction project. It ensures that the entire building has been completed and meets all local codes and regulations before a certificate of occupancy can be issued. It is also a great opportunity to identify any issues with the building that can be addressed before they become more costly problems down the road.
It is important to be well-prepared for your final inspection. There are many things that can be done to help streamline this part of the closeout process. Having extensive documentation, from checklist items to supplemental documents and photos, is key. This will help to ensure that any question or issue can be answered quickly and accurately, helping the inspection to go smoothly.
During the final inspection, the inspector will walk around the building to inspect all of the finishes. They will be looking for things such as:
While this might sound daunting, there are a few things that a general contractor can do to help prepare for the final inspection. The first step is to thoroughly review the building plans and specifications for the project. This will give the general contractor a better understanding of what exactly is required for a successful inspection. The next step is to take thorough and consistent photos throughout the build, especially of areas that might be difficult to see, like behind walls or in ceilings. These will serve as a valuable record of what was done and prove to be a tremendous asset in the event of any disputes or claims in the future.
Another important thing to do is to communicate with your inspector regularly and keep them updated on the progress of the project. This will help to avoid any surprises on the day of the inspection and will allow the inspector to provide helpful insights and feedback, resulting in a smoother and more successful inspection.
The last and most important tip is to hire a reputable general contractor that is familiar with the local building authority’s requirements for final inspections. This will help to alleviate the stress and uncertainty of this crucial stage in the process and make it a much more enjoyable experience for all involved.
