While some home improvement projects can be completed by DIY enthusiasts, a new roof requires the skills of a professional. Roofing installation is complex, and it can be dangerous. It also involves a lot of heavy materials.
Before starting a roofing project, homeowners should prepare their property. They should remove wall decorations and fragile items. Hammering vibrations may damage them.
Cost
Roofing costs can vary greatly depending on the type of roof you have, its size and location. For example, a tile roof will cost more than an asphalt shingle roof. Also, the price can increase if you have any special features on your roof such as skylights, chimneys and dormer windows. These can add to the total cost of a new roof because they require additional flashing and are difficult to access.
Typically, about 60% of the total project cost is labor-related. This includes removing the old roof, making any necessary structural repairs and installing the new materials. Labor costs can range from $1.50 to $3 per square foot for basic products such as asphalt shingles, and up to $4 per square foot for premium materials such as slate or tile.
Another factor that can influence the total project cost is your geographic location and cost of living. For example, if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, the roofing job will take longer and may cost more than a home in a milder climate.
When choosing a roofing contractor, look for one with excellent references from other homeowners in your community. In addition, make sure that the company is licensed and insured. You should also be aware of any building codes in your area. Most areas require that you obtain a permit before altering or replacing your roof. This can increase the total cost of the project by $500 or more.
Materials
There are a lot of different roofing materials to choose from. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are more energy efficient than others, while some are easier to work with and have better durability. It’s important to discuss your options with a roofer and consider how the weather in your area will affect each material over time.
Depending on the style of your house, you can select from wood shingles, clay tiles, metal sheets, and more. Roofing materials can add texture to the exterior of your home and make it more appealing. Some are also more durable than others and have longer life spans.
Wood shingles are attractive and pair well with Cape Cod cottages and cozy Craftsman-style homes. They’re made from thin slices of cedar or redwood that can be stained any color. However, they don’t hold up well in wet climates and are a fire hazard in areas that experience wildfires.
Rolls of tarpaper are an inexpensive option that’s easy to install and can be used on flat or low-pitch roofs. They can be hammered into place or glued. However, rolled roofing is not ideal for hot climates and can cause water leaks.
You’ll need a ladder and a set of tools to get on the roof. Using safety goggles is a must, as you’ll be exposed to wood splinters and nails. Also, a pair of tin snips is a must for trimming metal flashing and gutters.
Installation
The roofing installation process is a daunting task. It requires a lot of skill and is best left to professional roofing contractors. If you are thinking about doing it yourself, you should first consider the size of your roof and whether or not a permit is required. You should also look at the type of shingles you want and check if your community has specific homeowner associations or architectural review boards. Once you have all the necessary permits, it’s time to start the project.
You can expect the roofers to take several days to complete the job, so it’s a good idea to prepare your home ahead of time. If you have a garden or water feature on your property, mark it and let your roofing professionals know so they don’t accidentally step into it. Likewise, make sure there is a 15-foot clearance around your home so they can access the roof without tripping over toys or furniture.
You should also remove wall decor and other items that can get knocked off by vibrations. The same goes for your patio furniture and outdoor kitchens. If you have children, it’s a good idea to have them stay at Grandma’s or at a friend’s house during the roofing work. The last thing you want is for them to get injured by falling shingles or debris.
Maintenance
In addition to repairing existing roof leaks, it’s important to perform routine maintenance and inspections by trained roofing professionals. These inspections will help identify and correct small problems before they deteriorate into major problems that require expensive repair.
A comprehensive roof inspection includes looking for water stains and rotted sheathing. Sheathing is the plywood-like material that covers the underside of a roof, and rot can cause structural damage to your building. You can check for sheathing rot by visiting your attic with a flashlight and carefully inspecting the boards.
The roof inspection also includes looking at the flashing (the metal pieces that seal joints, valleys, and corners) and drip edges. These areas tend to be the source of leaks, and it’s important to get them properly sealed. Flashing is typically made of copper, zinc, or aluminum and can last the lifetime of your roof.
Other areas of concern include the soffits and fascia, which are the horizontal boards that run under a roof’s overhang. They support gutters and are a potential entry point for leaks.
Lastly, the roofer will inspect the ridge cap. These are special shingles designed to seal the highest points of a roof, and they require a different type of flashing than other shingles. They’re also more vulnerable to UV degradation than the rest of the roof.