Roofing In Evansville is tough work that demands physical fitness. If you aren’t prepared for the ladder and roof, hire a professional.
A well-installed roof looks beautiful and keeps water out, for years. To accomplish this, the first step is waterproofing the valleys (the area that collects water). Specialty shingles are used to cap the ridge and provide additional protection.
The materials you choose for your roofing project can have a significant impact on the look and feel of your home. It’s important to consider not just what material is best for the roof, but also the specific installation requirements. This will affect the cost and life span of the roof.
Asphalt shingles are the classic choice for residential roofing. They are affordable, easy to install and come in a variety of colors and styles. They are also long-lasting, with a life expectancy of up to 50 years.
Roll roofing is a popular option for builders on a budget. It is available in a wide range of colors and finishes, and can be easily installed on flat or low-sloped roofs. However, this type of roofing should not be hammered into place on sloped roofs, as it may leak.
Slate is an attractive roofing material that can add a touch of class to any home. It is durable and long-lasting, and some slate roofs have been in service for hundreds of years. However, it is more expensive than other roofing materials and requires specialized installation techniques.
Wood shingles and shakes are natural roofing materials that can add beauty to any home. They are also long-lasting and energy efficient, with a lifespan of up to 40 years. However, they are heavy and require a lot of maintenance. They are also not as good for high-wind areas as other roofing materials.
Solar shingles are one of the newest types of roofing materials. They combine the beauty of a traditional roof with renewable energy and can boost a home’s resale value by up to $15,000 or more. They are a great addition to homes in sunny locations, but they are not ideal for shaded regions and are difficult to install, requiring special framing.
To make the job go more smoothly, you should have the following tools at your disposal:
Permits
Roofing is an essential aspect of home construction and maintenance, but it’s also one that often requires expertise, attention to detail, and compliance with safety regulations. As with any major renovation, it’s important to ensure that the work meets local building codes and requirements, which is why it’s always best to hire a qualified professional roofing contractor to do the job.
Depending on where you live, different types of roofing materials require varying permits. In most states, for example, asphalt shingles don’t typically require a permit, but other roofing materials, such as tile or slate roofs, may need a more thorough permitting process.
In some cases, it’s also necessary to get a permit if you’re adding a roof vent or skylight or changing the shape of the roof. And of course, you’ll need a permit if you’re replacing the entire roof.
The permit process usually involves submitting plans to the local building authority for review and approval, as well as scheduling inspections during the various stages of construction to verify that the work is following municipal guidelines. This is a good time to make sure your chosen roofing contractor is fully licensed and insured, as well.
While it might be tempting to try and save a few dollars by skipping the permit process, it’s worth remembering that a roofing project is high-profile, meaning anyone who sees it will know that you didn’t follow the rules. Not only will this damage your property value, but it could also jeopardize your homeowners insurance coverage in the event of a claim. Plus, if the city finds that you’ve done unpermitted work, you might face fines or even be forced to tear down your new roof and rebuild it. That’s not a risk worth taking!
Preparation
The installation of a new roof can be noisy and messy. It’s best for children and pets to stay away from the work area, so they don’t get in the way or get hurt by flying debris. If possible, it’s a good idea to arrange for them to stay at Grandma’s or with a friend while the roof is being replaced.
If you can’t move your kids or pets, make sure there’s a 15-foot clearance around the house for roofing workers to walk through. That means removing toys, moving patio furniture to the garage or shed, and covering gazebos or lawn ornaments with tarps. It’s also a good idea to clear out the attic, especially if you store valuables up there. Even conscientious roofers tend to kick up a lot of dust and may accidentally damage items stored in the attic.
Roofers will need a variety of tools to complete the job. Standard roofing tools include a ladder, hammer, nail gun, roofing caulk, and gloves. Larger jobs might require additional construction equipment like a forklift or a crane.
While a roof replacement is being done, it’s important to make sure the sheathing and insulation are properly waterproofed in the valleys. The valleys are the areas where two slopes meet and form a “V” shape. Water runs through these valleys, so they must be waterproofed to prevent leaks and mold growth.
Once the sheathing and insulation are in place, the roofing contractor will install shingles. He or she will start on the bottom row and work his or her way up to the ridge. In the meantime, you can help by removing any large or fragile plants or objects that are near the work area. Also, mark any plants or trees that are particularly delicate or expensive so the roofers give them a wide berth.
It’s also a good idea to remove any breakables from shelves and walls near the work site. Vibration from the hammering and nail gun can shake these items and cause them to fall through light fixtures or A/C vents.
Installation
After a thorough inspection, your roofer will walk you through the roofing materials available. You can choose dimensional shingles for curb appeal, three-tabs for cost savings, wood shakes for a natural look, metal sheeting for ease of maintenance, or clay tiles for extreme durability. Your roofer can also explain the benefits and drawbacks of each type of material.
Next, your roofer will cover the surrounding plants and lawn furniture with plastic sheeting to protect them from falling debris. They’ll also cover the driveway and park the car in the garage or on the street, if necessary. Then, they’ll remove old shingles and put them in a hydraulic dumpster parked close to the house. If they’re able to keep the roll-off dumpster parked on the roof, this can save time and prevent unnecessary mess.
Throughout the process, your roofer will use standard roofing tools like hammers and nail guns to cut and install new shingles. They’ll also apply roofing caulk to raw edges to make the new roof watertight. Other important tools are ladders, shingle cutters, and safety equipment including hard hats. They’ll also add roof vents for attic ventilation, which helps prevent moisture damage and reduces energy costs by regulating indoor temperatures.