Curt's team installs and repairs residential roofs. A typical day starts with safety meetings and may include a walk-through of the finished product with customers.
Once the underlayment is in place, the roofer will install a row of shingles over it. The shingles are then secured with an adhesive starter strip and nails or staples. Roofers will often use an air compressor and a nail gun for faster installation, but some prefer to use a hammer. They will also add in any necessary vents or ridge caps.
Maintenance
In addition to looking at the condition of shingles and flashing, roofing professionals can inspect chimneys and vents for signs of damage or leakage, check that the rubber boots on roof penetrations (pipes, skylights, exhaust fans and chimneys) are intact and not cracked or leaking and ensure that all caps are in place. A roof inspection is also the perfect time to trim tree branches that hang over a roof and can be easily damaged during stormy weather, as well as to clean gutters and downspouts to prevent blockages and keep water flowing properly away from the structure.
Next, the roofer will prepare the existing roof for the new roofing system. This process may include removing old shingles, sanding and scraping the surface of the roof deck, and/or applying a layer of waterproof underlayment. The underlayment is a layer of heavy-duty felt or other protective material that prevents water and air from seeping into the house.
Materials
A roof is an important part of any building, protecting it from rain, snow, sunlight and extremes of temperature. Choosing the right roof for your house requires considering costs, lifespan and maintenance requirements.
Roofing Repair
The roof is a vital part of any structure that offers protection from rain, snow, direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. A wide variety of roofing materials are available that offer varying levels of effectiveness and longevity for specific climates. Some also provide a unique look and add visual appeal to the overall design of a home or building.
Installation
Roof ventilation is important to avoid moisture buildup, regulate temperature and energy costs, and extend the life of the shingles. Soffit vents, gable vents, and ridge vents are available in a variety of styles to match the appearance of your roof. Adding hip and ridge shingles provides an attractive finish to the roof and adds extra protection against weather elements.
Some types of roofing require the installation of metal flashing, which provides a seal around chimneys, valleys and areas where roof planes meet. It’s important to use flashing that matches the existing roof so that it looks seamless.
For a more traditional look, wood shakes or shingles can be used. These are available in a variety of colors and textures and have the added benefit of boosting curb appeal. There are also a range of synthetic roofing materials designed to emulate the appearance of natural products at a lower cost and weight.
It’s best to address any roofing problems as soon as they arise. Water can creep through any cracks and other weak points in the roof, causing damage to the interior of a home and potentially leading to mold or mildew inside. Fortunately, most roof leaks are fairly easy to identify and repair.
Roofing materials come in a number of different forms and styles to suit many tastes and budgets. Typical options include concrete tiles and clay tiles which are baked under high heat. These are long-lasting and come in a variety of colors to make your home stand out from the rest.
Having a solid roofing maintenance plan in place is critical to the lifespan of any roof. Regular visits by professional roofing experts can catch problems that could otherwise lead to expensive re-roofing or repairs down the road.
For flat or low-sloped roofs, single-membrane systems like EPDM membrane, PVC, and TPO are popular. They are inexpensive but can be vulnerable to leaks if not properly installed.
Slate roofs are another common choice. They offer a classic, sophisticated appearance and can add considerable value to your property. They are not only durable, but also extremely fire-resistant and a good insulator. For those looking for an eco-friendly option, rubber slates are a great alternative. These are made from recycled tyres and EPDM which makes them durable and water-proof.
Leaks around pipes and vents can be easily fixed with a plumbing vent boot, which is a plastic or metal boot that slips over the pipe or vent to seal it off from the rest of the roof. It’s important to inspect these boots regularly and replace them when they show signs of wear, like rot or cracking.
Wood is another popular option, with shakes and shingles being the most common styles available. Shakes are split into wedges to create a more natural, rugged look while shingles are sawmilled to produce clean lines. Both options are affordable but can be heavy, requiring additional framing to support the structure.
The roof of a building is designed to protect against rain, snow, sunlight, extremes of temperature and wind. It is an important structural component of the building, and it can be constructed in a variety of forms, including flat, pitched, vaulted or domed. Various materials are used to roof buildings, including felts, asphalt, tar or cold-applied adhesives.
All too often, roof system problems are discovered after leaking or other serious damage occurs. Periodic (twice-a-year) inspections often can uncover cracked, warped or missing shingles; loose seams and deteriorated flashings; excessive surface granules accumulating in the gutters or downspouts; and other visible signs of roof system problems. Indoors, look for cracked paint, discolored plasterboard and peeling wallpaper as signs of damaged roof areas.
You have two basic options: You can choose a complete replacement of the roof system, involving a tear-off of your existing roof system, or re-cover the existing roof system, involving only the installation of a new roof system. If you've already had one re-cover installed on your original roof system, check with a professional roofing contractor. In many instances, building code requirements allow no more than one roof system re-cover before a complete replacement is necessary.
Not necessarily. Leaks can result from flashings that have come loose or a section of the roof system being damaged. A complete roof system failure, however, generally is irreversible and a result of improper installation or choice of materials or the roof system installation is inappropriate for the home or building.
Most work should not be done yourself. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace roof systems. You can damage your roof system by using improper roofing techniques and severely injure yourself by falling off or through the roof.
Most new roof systems are designed to provide useful service for about 20 years. Some roof system types, such as slate, clay tile and certain metal (e.g., copper) systems, can last longer.
The price of a new roof system varies widely, depending on such things as the materials selected, contractor doing the work, home or building, location of the home or building, local labor rates and time of year. To get a good idea of price for your roof system, get three or four proposals from reputable contractors in your area. Keep in mind that price is only one factor, and it must be balanced with the quality of the materials and workmanship.