A roof is an integral part of your home that protects it from harsh weather. If you want to ensure your roofing contractor performs a high-quality installation, here are some things to look for.

Install a drip edge, which guides water away from the fascia boards. This is also where the roofer will lay the ice and water barrier, then felt paper. Contact Kalispell Roofing Pro’s for professional help.

A roof is an essential part of any home, protecting the structure from weather and other elements. Upgrading or installing a new roof offers an opportunity to enhance the aesthetic of a house as well. While framing, preparation and proper installation are the foundation of a good roof, the type of roofing material selected can really bring your home’s exterior to life.

While asphalt shingles are the most common choice for many homeowners, there are a variety of other options to consider. Clay tiles, for example, offer a distinctive look and can last over 100 years, but they are expensive. Concrete tiles are a more affordable option and come in a wide range of colors, styles and textures.

There are also a number of different types of synthetic roofing materials that offer an attractive appearance while providing some level of durability. These products are growing in popularity because they tend to be less expensive than natural options and can withstand extreme temperatures.

When choosing a roofing material, it’s important to take into account the style and structure of the house as well as the climate where you live. For example, a wood roof is beautiful but not suitable for damp areas and can be susceptible to fire damage. A metal roof, on the other hand, can be a great option because it resists water and fire damage and is highly durable.

Whether you choose to use shingles, clay tiles, metal or some other type of roofing material, it’s important to have the right tools and safety equipment on hand for the job. A pry bar is a valuable tool that helps remove nails and staples from old roofing material. Other necessary tools include work gloves, protective eyewear and a hard hat. Having these items will help ensure the safety of all workers on the project.

Before beginning the actual roof installation, contractors will usually put down a layer of underlayment to protect the deck from moisture and prevent any leaks during construction. The underlayment is typically made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) and should be fastened to the sheathing with roofing nails that are long enough to penetrate through the top of the shingle. It’s important to note that the underlayment should overlap both the first row and the ridge of the roof by six inches on each side, and be fastened with nails that are closer together at the edges and more spread out towards the center.

Professional roofers will also use a piece of galvanized steel called roof flashing to direct water away from any areas of the roof that connect to vents, chimneys, skylights and dormer windows. This will prevent water from seeping into the home and causing damage or health problems.

Preparation

Depending on the type of roof, some preparation needs to be done. If you have a metal roof, this step may involve installing metal flashing around chimneys, windows and joints to prevent water leakage. It also involves adding ridge caps and shingles or metal panels to the top of the roof, creating both protection and a beautiful finish. Other preparation tasks might include removing satellite or TV dishes and solar panels from the roof, or if your roof is an old asphalt shingle roof, the underlayment needs to be cleaned of debris.

It’s important to be aware that during the roofing process, there will be vibrations in the house. These vibrations can damage or knock items off the walls, especially if they’re on the top floor of your home. You can avoid this by taking down wall hangings, including mirrors, framed pictures and wreaths, and packing away loose items on shelves. If you have fragile mementos or knickknacks, you should pack them away as well.

If you have children, it’s a good idea to plan for them to stay with a friend or family member during the roof replacement. This is because a typical roofing job creates a temporary construction site that can be dangerous for children. There are sharp tools like hammers, nail guns and ladders; as well as hazardous materials such as metal flashing that can cut just as easily as a razor blade. If your children want to be present, talk to them about the dangers and remind them to stay away from the work area at all times.

Keeping pets and kids inside during the roofing process can also be a good idea. The noise from hammers and nail guns can make dogs anxious, and naps will probably be interrupted for the younger members of the household. It’s also possible that debris can fall through light fixtures and A/C vents, so you’ll want to cover or move them if necessary.

Before beginning the roof installation, you should clear off your porch and patio of furniture, barbecue grills, potted plants and other movable items. Keeping these items outside can cause them to become covered in dust, and they might get damaged by the constant movement of the crew on your roof.

You should also prepare your home by cleaning out the attic, if applicable. This is because a lot of dust and fine particles will blow through your attic during the roofing process, making it difficult for people with asthma or allergies to breathe. It’s also a good idea to remove children’s toys and a/c vent covers from the attic so they won’t be disturbed. You should also take down any drapes or blinds, and cover your furniture with blankets or sheets to protect it from dust and other particles.

Installation

Whether you’re replacing an existing roof or putting a new roof on a newly built structure, roofing installation is a meticulous process that requires expertise and careful execution. For your own safety and peace of mind, it’s generally best to let a professional roofing contractor handle the work, especially if you’re not comfortable on a ladder or working at heights.

During the installation process, your roofer will inspect the roof deck and repair any areas that are damaged or rotting. He’ll also install drip edge and valley flashing to protect the edges of the roof from water damage. He’ll also place ice and water sheathing around any vents, chimneys, wood stove pipes, or other roof penetrations. Finally, he’ll install flashing and a layer of underlayment to protect the roof from leaks.

Once the underlayment and flashing are in place, your roofer will begin laying the shingles, starting from the eaves. He’ll work his way up, overlapping each row as he goes to create a weatherproof barrier.