Roofing Companies are professionals licensed by the state to work on roofs. They may work alone or with a crew, own their own business, or be employed by a roofing company.
Roofers can also complete other exterior services, including gutters and siding. They typically work on homes with damaged or aging roofs. They can also do inspections to detect problems such as rot, mildew, and leaks.
Roofing is one of those home improvement projects that should only be done by a professional. It is a dangerous job that requires a lot of climbing up and down ladders and moving around the house. It also requires extensive knowledge about roof types, construction, and installation techniques. A mistake in this project can lead to water leaks, which can damage the interior of the house and cause other problems.
Before any work starts, a good roofing contractor will send you a contract for the project. The contract should include the details of the project, including the type of shingle, payment schedule, warranties, and specifications. It should also provide you with a 72-hour right to cancel and an escrow clause. The contractor should also have a valid building permit for the project and proof of liability insurance.
The first step in a roof installation is to remove the existing roof covering and prepare the sheathing for the new roof. Depending on the type of roof, the contractor may install a new underlayment or a layer of felt paper to protect the sheathing from moisture. The next step is to add the shingle layers, which are staggered and nailed to the roof sheathing. The contractor should use a close nail pattern at the edge of each shingle and a more spread-out nail pattern closer to the ridge.
Once the shingles are in place, the flashing is installed to keep moisture from seeping into the house. The flashing is usually made of metal and can be installed around chimneys, windows, joints, and other areas of the roof that are vulnerable to water leaks. This is a very important step in the roof installation and a sign of a quality roofing contractor.
When hiring a roofing contractor, look for one with experience, insurance, and licenses. Check out their reputation by reading online reviews and asking for references. You can also look for a local roofing contractor with a strong presence in the community.
Roofing Repair
A roofing repair is much more than just putting a few patches over some leaks. The roofing contractor will look at all aspects of the roof to determine what caused the damage and how it was done. Then the contractor will make recommendations for repairing or replacing any areas that are not up to standard. This can include things like damaged flashing, caulking, or missing shingles.
Often times, a roofing repair will involve some sort of demolition of the existing roof to get to the damaged area. This can be a little messy, but it is necessary to do it correctly. When the contractors are finished, they will clean up all of the debris and tools on the ground, blow out the gutters and downspouts to clear them of any roofing debris, and take away the tarps they used. Then they will make sure that the yard and driveway are free of any nails that may have popped up.
When a roofing repair involves re-attaching some flashing, the roofers will try to do it in a way that is similar to how the prior flashing was attached. This is to prevent water from getting under the new flashing and causing leaks. If the previous flashing was nailed in, the roofers will either use nails or sealant. Sealant is thicker and can even be poured to completely encase a piece of flashing.
Roofing repairs can be very expensive, especially when they involve replacing any of the underlayment or other protective layers of the roof. This is why it is important to carefully consider whether a roofing repair or complete re-roofing is in order before taking any action.
Roofing Inspection
Roofing contractors conduct roofing inspections on their customers’ homes to make sure everything is in good working order. This helps them determine whether the roof is due for repairs or a replacement, as well as when it will need to be done.
During a roofing inspection, the contractor will look for things like:
The condition of shingles, flashing, and fasteners If the shingles are loose, curling, or missing, this is an indication that it’s time to replace them. The inspector will also check for stains and moss. Shingle aggregate that ends up on the ground at the bottom of gutter downspouts is another sign that the roof’s nearing the end of its useful life. The inspector will also examine the rubber boots and seals around vent pipes, looking for gaps or deterioration.
Water damage, which can be caused by clogged gutters, improperly installed or damaged flashing, or storms that blow shingles off, leaves room for water to seep in. The inspector will also check for any add-ons to the roof, such as skylights, chimneys, or vents.
In addition to the main parts of the roof, the inspector will also check the soffit materials, ridge caps, valleys, and the condition of the gutters and downspouts. The inspection should also include a look at the interior ceilings and attic spaces for signs of water leaks and other problems.
It is important for the homeowner to be present during the inspection. This will allow them to ask any questions and make notes. It will also help the contractor spot anything that may not be obvious to the naked eye, such as mold or rot.
A roof should be inspected at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. This will help ensure that the roof is in good working order and that any problems are spotted early on, before they worsen.
Roofing Maintenance
A roof inspection performed by a roofing professional is an important way to catch problems before they become costly and to keep track of any damage that might have happened. This should be done on a regular basis, such as twice per year, to ensure that problems are caught early. During a maintenance visit, the roofing contractor will look for things such as:
Small cracks, leaks, and other issues can become big problems in just a few months if not addressed quickly. Roofing contractors can help with a number of roof maintenance tasks, such as re-caulking seams, addressing nail pops, and more. Many roofing contractors offer maintenance services as part of their labor and material warranties, making them a convenient option for building owners who want to avoid expensive repairs in the future. Keeping up with maintenance can reduce the likelihood of mold growth, save energy costs, and extend the life of a roof system.