Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home. It protects you and your family from the elements and improves curb appeal.
However, a healthy and functional roof requires regular maintenance and replacement. This process is called roofing installation. Roofing Absecon NJ is experienced in roofing and follows strict guidelines for our products.
The preparation process is the first step in a roof restoration project. The goal of this stage is to get the roof ready for shingles and other roofing materials. This step is performed by a professional contractor who will ensure the surface of the roof is free of any contaminants or debris that can interfere with coating adhesion. This is an important step, as adhesion is the foundation of a successful roof coating system.
During this process, you will hear and feel vibration from several crew members transporting roofing material and hammering and sawing on the roof. This can disrupt the peace and quiet of your home and make it difficult to sleep. In addition, the vibrations can cause dust to fall through light fixtures, A/C vents, and other ceiling penetrations, which could be dangerous to family members with allergies or asthma. If you have children or pets, it is best to arrange for them to stay at a friend’s house during the roofing installation process.
If you have outdoor decorations or furniture, it’s a good idea to move them before the roofing work begins. This will help protect them from falling debris and make it easier for your roofer to get around. Also, it’s a good idea to take down wall decor that can be knocked down by vibrations, such as mirrors, paintings, and framed photos.
Another step in the preparation stage is trimming any tree branches or bushes that hang over the roof. This will prevent them from being accidentally ripped off during the roofing process and can help ensure your new roof is as beautiful as possible.
Once the roof deck is prepped, the roofer will begin installing underlayment. This is a waterproof layer that protects the deck from water infiltration. It’s typically installed in layers, with the first row being nailed closer together near the edges of the house and then spread out further towards the center.
The last step in the prep stage is adding flashing, which is a protective metal material that’s installed around chimneys, joints, and other vulnerable areas of your roof. This is a critical step that will help keep water out of your home and improve its durability.
Installation
Roofing installation is the process of installing or replacing an existing roof on a building. It is typically carried out by professional roofing contractors who have the knowledge and skills required to perform the work safely and effectively. Prior to beginning the installation process, a roofing contractor will take several precautions to protect the property from damage and debris. These include covering sensitive areas of the yard and home with tarps, having a dumpster delivered to dispose of the old materials, and using wooden boards to protect appliances like the air conditioning unit from the debris.
Once the roof deck is protected, the contractor will begin installing shingles. Depending on your preferences, you can select dimensional shingles for added curb appeal, three-tab shingles to save money, wood shakes for a natural look, or metal sheeting for durability and easy maintenance. Once the shingles are installed, the contractor will cover the drip edge with flashing and valleys with ice and water sheathing. The sheathing will be sealed with roofing cement in these leak-prone areas as well as around chimneys, wood stove pipes, certain vents, and along hip roofs.
If the re-roofing project includes additional vents, these will be drilled into the roof and then covered with a metal cap. The contractor will also add shingle vents to the eaves and ridge for increased attic ventilation and energy efficiency.
Inspection
Once the installation process is complete, it’s time for a thorough inspection. This is a significant step that helps ensure that every aspect of the roofing project meets the desired quality, functionality and aesthetic standards. This comprehensive assessment is a chance for both the roofing professional and the homeowner to examine the roof and its components. It’s also a good opportunity to spot potential issues that can be addressed before the project is considered complete.
During this inspection, a contractor will walk the roof and check for any issues that aren’t readily apparent from the ground or through a window. They’ll look for shingle placement that may not be up to standard, sagging areas and other signs of structural damage. They’ll also inspect the condition of the soffit, fascia and gutter system and check the integrity of the chimney. In addition, they’ll check for proper ventilation that prevents heat and moisture buildup.
Since a roof leak can cause serious water damage to the interior of your home, the inspector will also examine the attic and interior walls for mold, rot or water stains. They’ll also look for improper workmanship that could increase the risk of leaks in the future, such as shingles that aren’t properly secured or flashing that isn’t installed correctly around roof penetrations.
If there are any issues discovered, the roofing contractor will make a note of them. Then, they’ll provide a plan for how to repair them. The plan should include a timeline and cost for the work. It should also identify any potential hazards that could interfere with the repairs, such as debris in a gutter or a broken electrical wire.
Once the roof is inspected, it’s usually safe to proceed with the construction of the rest of the building. However, a second post-construction roof inspection is usually conducted to ensure that the roofing contractor has addressed any issues and that the materials and workmanship meet the manufacturer’s standards. This is a critical part of the roofing process, and a sign of a contractor that stands by their work.
Final Walkthrough
A final walkthrough is one of the most important aspects of the buying process as it verifies that what you’ve agreed to purchase and pay for is in fact what you are getting. The last thing you want to do is be stuck with a home that has new issues that you weren’t expecting. For example, you may discover that drywall has been damaged by dozens of wires for speaker and TV boxes that were placed through the walls before your home was moved in.