Tag: roof maintenance

What You Should Know About Roofing Replacement

roofing replacement

Your roof is an important part of your home. It protects your property, and it adds to its value if you decide to sell it.

A full roofing replacement is a major job that requires professional training and equipment. Some factors that affect the cost include the pitch (angle) of the roof, features like chimneys and skylights, and the size of the top. Visit Website to learn more.

A roof replacement can cost as little as $9,194 or as much as $46,000 depending on the roofing material and installation fees. The cost will also vary based on the size of your home and the materials you choose for the roof. Your house’s structure and features, such as chimneys, skylights, plumbing pipes, and vents, will also affect the final cost. For example, the more penetrations in your roof, the higher the cost of the project will be. These feature often require special materials or extra time to seal properly. A good quality chalk reel and some replacement chalk is essential for snapping lines, which will help your contractor ensure accurate installation and alignment. Also, rotting timbers and supports may need to be repaired or reinforced before the new roof is installed.

Materials

A roofing contractor will have a range of roofing materials to choose from. You may want dimensional shingles for curb appeal, 3-tabs for cost savings or wood shakes for a natural look. Other options include clay tiles, which can withstand high-temperatures and have a distinct aesthetic. The type of shingle chosen will also depend on your roof pitch and climate.

In addition to a roof covering, your roof needs underlayment to protect against water and ice damage. This protective layer can be made of felt paper, ice shields or synthetic underlayment. The underlayment prevents precipitation and moisture from reaching the roofing deck and causing attic leaks.

Other items a contractor will use for a roof replacement include nail guns, utility knives and chalk lines to create straight marks on the rooftop. The roofing contractor will also replace flashing, which is the material around chimneys and where roofing planes meet, to prevent leaks. If the current flashing is made of copper, you might consider replacing it with another material that will resist corrosion. Lastly, the contractor will inspect the roof deck from the attic and repair any soft areas with plywood or oriented strand board.

Installation

When roofing replacement is performed, the roofer removes any existing covering and re-roofs over it. In the process, he installs new vents for attic ventilation, ridge and gable vents, chimney flashing, wood or metal sheeting, valley flashing, sheathing, and drip edge flashing. The roofer also replaces or installs skylights, if needed. He may add gutters if the originals are damaged or worn. In addition, the roofer might add cupolas for aesthetics and function. They help draw cool air in through soffits and open windows, then vent the warm air out through the roof ridge vents. They can also be fitted with louvers and fan kits to control attic ventilation.

If you have pets, be sure to keep them at a friend’s house or kennel service during the process. The hammering and strangers can stress them, and they may step on a nail.

Maintenance

As a homeowner, it can be easy to forget about the importance of your roof. After all, it’s not an area of your home that you interact with on a daily basis. However, neglecting your roof can lead to serious problems down the line. That’s why it’s crucial to schedule regular inspections with roofing professionals. By having your roof checked biannually, you can catch any issues before they become major headaches. And if you do spot damage, it’s important to address it right away. Water leaks might seem like a small issue, but they can quickly lead to costly repairs and long-term structural damage. Don’t let your roof fall by the wayside – prioritize its health and longevity with regular inspections and prompt repairs.

The maintenance procedures include cleaning and disposal of all debris, repairing leaks, replacing damaged caulk and re-flashing cracks in the field of the roof and/or wall flashing. In addition, all vents and penetrations will be checked for proper seals. Chimneys and vent pipes will be inspected for leaks, and the flashing around these features will be replaced as needed. The roof valleys and sheathing will also be inspected and, if necessary, repaired.

During a repair or replacement, it is recommended that you keep pets indoors. Hammering and strangers can disturb dogs, cats and other domestic animals, causing them to hide or panic. They may also step on a nail or other sharp object. If you must leave them outdoors, give them a safe place to go or arrange for someone to watch them.

If your roof is not replaced, it is possible that the underneath layers will suffer additional damage over time. Eventually, the new layers of shingles may need to be removed, resulting in a total roof replacement cost. Reroofing is a less costly option than complete roof replacement, but it can be more difficult for the second layer of shingles to conform to the ridges and valleys of your old roof.