A roof might seem like a simple structure that keeps out rain, but its construction has more to it than that. Learn what makes up your roof to protect your home and how the installation process works.

Before the work begins, you should move your vehicles if you need to leave the house and cover plants near the roof. Hammering and stray nails might disturb pets, too, so consider having them stay with friends or at a kennel service during the work. Visit https://suncityroofingaz.com/ to learn more.

The roof is a key part of any home, protecting it against extreme winter weather and sweltering summer heat. A well-installed roof can help cut energy costs, reduce ice damming and other roof problems, and boost a home’s overall value. But a roof installation requires more than just workmanship, it also demands high quality materials.

The first step in the roof installation process is to lay the foundation of your roofing system, called sheathing. Sheathing is typically made of plywood or OSB and provides a sturdy base for your shingles and other roof coverings. It is important to use sheathing that is resistant to moisture and insect damage and meets local building codes.

Next comes the underlayment, which protects your roof from water infiltration and keeps it waterproof. You can choose from a wide variety of underlayment materials, including natural felt paper or synthetic underlayment. Synthetic underlayment is more durable and easier to work with than traditional felt paper, making it a popular choice for contractors. The type of underlayment you choose will depend on the climate in your area and the types of roofing materials you choose.

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the States, but there are many other options available as well. You can choose from traditional three-tab shingles or architectural shingles with more dimension and thickness. You can also select a wide range of colors and styles. Some shingles even mimic the look of wood shakes and slate roofs.

Another option for a new roof is a tile roof. These are long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing and provide excellent energy efficiency. They are a good fit for Mediterranean, Mission and Southwestern-style homes. They can be expensive, however, and they require a lot of maintenance.

Finally, you will need a gutter system and fascia boards to complete your roof installation. Gutters prevent rainwater from backing up under the shingles, and the fascia boards keep water and debris from coming into the house. Fascia boards can be made of wood or composite boards, and they should be inspected regularly for signs of rot.

Installation

Roofing contractors take into account the roof’s slope, architectural plans and climate considerations when making recommendations for roofing materials that fit the property. Once a decision has been made, the roofer orders the material and arranges for delivery and installation. A top-notch roofing contractor will also have a written cost estimate for the customer and will obtain any necessary permits, if required.

Before starting work, the roofing contractor will protect surrounding landscaping by covering it with tarps and positioning garbage cans so that any debris that falls from the roof will fall directly into them. The homeowner should also move any outdoor furnishings, vehicles or other movable objects away from the home’s perimeter. It is also a good idea to cover any driveways or sidewalks with tarps, to minimize damage from falling shingles and other debris.

Once the tarps are in place, the roofer begins the roofing process by removing any existing shingles or panels. Then the underlayment (often a felt or synthetic material) is installed, and a drip edge is fastened to the bottom of the roof. This is an important step, and a quality roofer will not cut corners in this area.

Shingles are then installed in courses, with each course being overlapped and staggered to offset breaks and create a streamlined appearance. The final step is to install flashing around chimneys, vents, joints and other vulnerable areas to prevent water from seeping into these spaces. The ridge is then capped with specialty materials to complete the roof.

If you choose metal panels as your roofing material, the roofer will install an ice and water barrier (if there isn’t one already in place) and then the panel material itself. The panel is then fastened to the underlayment with cap nails, which are nailed just above the drip edge.

The roofing contractor will also add gutters and downspouts, if necessary, and then run the metal flashing along the edges of the panels to reinforce them. The edging is then caulked and sealed to provide a waterproof seal. Lastly, the roofing contractor will trim any overhanging branches that might drop onto the new roof during construction or high winds.

Inspection

High-quality roofing materials won’t perform as intended if they aren’t installed correctly. That’s why a roof inspection is critical. During this phase, the inspector will examine both the work done and the materials used to ensure that they meet industry standards. They’ll also look for workmanship problems that might cause future issues, such as a leaky roof.

Using a ladder or another means, the roofer will get on the roof and visually inspect its condition. They’ll check for shingles that are loose, curled, or missing, as well as rust stains and other evidence of damage. They’ll also assess the condition of the decking, which is the wooden platform on which shingles sit. If the decking is compromised, it may not support the shingles, and it’ll need to be replaced.

After they’ve walked the entire perimeter, they’ll focus on areas where water could enter into the home, such as around skylights, vents, chimneys, and other penetrations. They’ll also check the flashing, which is usually made of galvanized steel or aluminum and covers joints in the roof to prevent water leaks. The contractor will also check the drip edge, which is installed along eaves and ridges to keep water away from the fascia boards.

If there are any signs of a problem, the roofer will mark them with chalk. This helps them to remember the location of the issue when they make repairs later. They’ll also inspect the gutter system, looking for clogged drains and other potential issues.

They’ll also evaluate the attic space and walls inside the home for evidence of a leaky roof. If they find a problem, they’ll note it in the inspection report and send it to the homeowner.

A roof inspection is especially important before buying a new home. The inspector will help you identify any roofing problems, and then you can use the information to negotiate with the seller. If the roof needs replacing, you can ask the seller to cover the cost or add it to the sale price of the home. This process is typically completed within a set timeframe known as the “inspection period” in your purchase agreement.

Maintenance

Keeping up with regular inspections and prompt repair of roof problems will extend the life of your roof. Whether you have a few cracked shingles, deteriorating flashings around chimneys, vents or skylights, or a leaky roof that’s causing water damage inside your home, these issues are best dealt with immediately before they turn into more serious problems that will require expensive and time-consuming repairs.

During maintenance visits, check for interior signs of moisture damage, including wall and ceiling paint peeling, mold and moss growth, damp rafters or wooden beams, and a puddle of water in the attic. If you notice these symptoms, have your roof inspected by professionals to identify the cause of the problem and recommend the appropriate solution.

Another maintenance procedure is the removal of debris, which will prevent drain clogging and prevent water accumulation that could lead to structural damage. Regularly remove leaves, twigs and other material from the roof surface. It’s also essential to clean the gutters, as debris can block water flow and cause ice dams.

You should also inspect the integrity of pipes and equipment supports on your roof, as these components can weaken the structure of your roof and create entry points for water. Inspect the base of each support to ensure there are no cracks, and look for deflected hangers or supporting backings that dive into the roofing membrane. These elements should be supplanted or repaired as needed.

Lastly, inspect the underlayment and insulation on your roof to make sure that they are intact and properly installed. Inspect the insulation for bare spots or signs of water damage, which can indicate that it’s time to replace it.

You should always wear a hard hat, safety harness and rubber-soled shoes when working on your roof. Be sure to use a stable ladder that’s rated for your weight and extend it at least 3 feet beyond the peak of your roof. Also, make sure to cover surrounding landscaping with a tarp to protect it from falling debris. Finally, be sure to check that all of your tools are secure before climbing onto the roof.