Roofing experts will begin by measuring the roof and ordering materials. They’ll also set up a dump truck and dumpster on your property and take precautions to cover landscaping with tarps or wood boards. Contact Corpus Christi Roofing CO for professional help.
Next, the crew will remove old shingles and aging flashing from your roof. This is messy, loud and can leave debris in your driveway, so it’s best to park elsewhere.
If you’re considering buying a home, it’s wise to get regular roof inspections. This allows you to address issues before they become serious and ensures that the home is up to code.
When you hire a professional to inspect your roof, they will start with a visual assessment. They’ll check for shingles or tiles that are cracked, damaged, or missing. They’ll also look for sagging, which indicates that the roof is losing its structural integrity. They’ll also look at the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights to make sure that it’s intact and not contributing to leaks or other problems.
They’ll also examine the roof drainage system to make sure it’s diverting water away from the house. If it isn’t, it could cause flooding, moisture damage, or even foundation problems. They’ll also look at the gutters to see if they’re clogged or broken, which can lead to leaky roofs.
If they find any problems with the roof, they’ll take note of them and recommend repairs. They’ll also provide you with a detailed written report that lists the specifics of the inspection. If you’re looking for a roof inspector, it’s important to choose one with experience and good customer reviews. You can find recommendations from friends and neighbors or search online for “roof inspectors near me.” Narrow down your options to about three providers and request quotes. Make sure that they can perform the inspection within the allotted timeframe of your contract.
Underlayment
The underlayment, or “sheathing paper,” is an important layer that protects a roof from damage. It’s also an air barrier that helps the building cool and heat efficiently. While it may not be as exciting as shingles or roof tiles, it’s one of the most vital elements of a successful roofing system.
Choosing the right underlayment is crucial to the lifespan of the rooftop material and the integrity of the entire building. That’s why it’s important to choose a professional roofing contractor that understands the importance of underlayment and has extensive experience installing it.
There are different types of underlayment materials, and each has its own benefits. Felt underlayment, for example, wrinkles in wet weather and is less durable than synthetic options. Synthetic underlayment, on the other hand, is resistant to UV rays and moisture and is much quicker to install. It’s also more effective in wicking away water vapor and moisture than felt paper.
Other underlayment options include self-adhered underlayments, which have sticky backs that help adhere them to the roof deck. They are especially useful in areas that are prone to leaks, such as the eaves, valleys, vents, and chimneys. They can also contain granulated polyethylene or polyester for added weather resistance and have a nonskid surface. This type of underlayment requires a larger upfront investment, but it’s designed to last longer than felt underlayment and can be used in most climates.
Flashing
Flashing is a thin, corrosion-resistant sheet metal bent into shape to fit into a joint. It’s typically installed where roof leaks are prone to occur, such as valleys (where two downward slopes meet), and roof penetrations (like chimneys, plumbing vents, skylights and pipes).
Most flashing is made of galvanized steel to prevent rust. There are several types of flashing, including counter flashing, base flashing and eave flashing. Counter flashing is an L-shaped piece of metal that slides under a run of base flashing, which is installed along the edge of the shingle roof and runs up to the wall. Eave flashing is a small piece of metal at the edge of the shingles, and it’s usually installed after base and counter flashing have been applied.
Plumbing vents and other roof-mounted objects require specialized flashing known as a “boot.” The metal boot has a central opening for a pipe or vent, with a rubber gasket that wraps around the penetration to create a watertight seal. The boot is then affixed to the roof with flashing cement and a metal nail, which protects the membrane underneath from water seepage.
Continuous flashing, sometimes referred to as apron flashing, is another type of flashing commonly used. It’s a long, single piece of metal that carries water down to the shingles below. This type of flashing has built-in expansion joints to allow the roof to expand and contract with changing temperatures without causing damage to the flashing or roofing system.
Shingles
The shingles are the part of the roof that people usually think about when considering a new roof or replacing a damaged one. The shingles provide protection against weather conditions and, when correctly installed, offer excellent water and ice leak barriers. But there are a few important things to keep in mind when it comes to shingle installation.
If you’re reshingling over old shingles, be aware that the new shingles will need to be nailed into the roof deck underlayment. The underlayment provides a smooth surface for the nails to penetrate, and it’s crucial in determining whether the shingles will remain attached to the roof.
Roofers should also ensure that the first row (course of shingles) is properly placed. The starter course is cut from three-tab shingles and applied with the self-sealing adhesive strip facing up along the eave. Ideally, the starter course will have an overhang of 1/4 to 3/8 in. beyond the drip edge. The overhang helps protect the plywood from rain and snow and ensures that the tabs of the first full course of shingles are sealed securely in place.
Overlaying a shingle roof can prevent roofers from examining the condition of the plywood underlayment and repairing any areas that need attention before reshingling. This could result in a less effective seal and increased risk of leaks later on.
Downspouts
A gutter system’s downspouts are responsible for controlling the flow of rainwater and channeling it away from a home’s foundation. Without downspouts, excess water could erode the soil around the foundation and even leak into the basement, causing mold growth and other problems. In addition, downspouts help prevent the accumulation of rainwater on the roof surface, reducing sagging and detachment from the fascia boards.
It is important to have the correct number and placement of downspouts for your home. Downspouts that are located too close to the house can cause soil erosion and encourage moisture intrusion into siding and framing. They also can overflow during heavy rainfall and damage the gutters, soffit, and fascia boards. Downspouts should be positioned at high spots and low areas of the roof, where water tends to collect.
The size of the downspout is an important factor to consider as well. Smaller downspouts (such as 2×3) can only carry a limited amount of water. Larger downspouts are more efficient in directing water runoff from the roof.
The best downspouts are metal and have a small diameter to minimize clogs. They should be connected to the gutter system using a downspout extension and a splash block. A splash block is a concrete or plastic trough placed at the base of the downspout to help disperse the water flow and reduce the risk of soil erosion.
Valleys
Roof valleys are the areas where two sloping sections of the roof meet and create a V-shaped channel. They are high-traffic areas that are prone to leaks and structural damage if not properly constructed or maintained.
When shingling a roof, valleys require extra attention to detail because the exposed portions of the valley are vulnerable to water infiltration and rot. This is why it’s important to use proper installation techniques and to install an ice and water shield in the valley before installing the roofing materials.
There are two primary types of roof valleys: open and closed. Open valleys have visible metal flashing in the center of the roof, whereas closed valleys are hidden beneath the roofing materials for a more seamless appearance. Both types of valleys are designed to channel rainwater and melted snow away from the center of the roof to prevent water from pooling, which could lead to leaks and structural damage.
Although a closed roof valley requires more skill to install because you have to conceal the metal flashing with the roofing material, it is often recommended for new construction and commercial buildings due to its effectiveness at shedding ice and water, which can minimize granule loss. An open metal valley, on the other hand, offers a more elegant look while providing superior protection against water damage and corrosion. A professional roofer should help you determine which type of valley is best for your building and roofing system.