Roofing Helena MT is an important investment that safeguards your home from the elements and increases its value. But there are hidden costs that many homeowners are unaware of.
Before the crew begins, they’ll inspect your roof’s decking, a layer of plywood or oriented strand board over your rafters. If it’s damaged, they’ll replace it.
There are many different types of roofing materials, ranging from metal to shingles and everything in between. The best choice will depend on a number of factors, including your budget and style preferences. It’s also important to consider whether the material will be suitable for your location and climate.
Rolled roofing is the mainstay of low-slope residential roofs, as well as outbuildings like sheds and workshops. It’s affordable and relatively durable, offering a life-expectancy of about 20 years. It can be nailed down using either roofing nails or the torch-down method.
Clay tiles bring a beautiful Mediterranean look to your home and can last for up to 50 years. They’re eco-friendly, fire-proof and non-fading. However, they’re heavier than asphalt shingles and require additional framing during installation to support their weight.
Metal roofing provides a unique look and can add value to your home. It’s resistant to wind, rain and hail and comes in a variety of styles and colors. It can be expensive, but it’s also highly durable and energy efficient.
Insulation is one of the most underrated parts of your home, but it can have a huge impact on your comfort and utility bills. A quality insulation will keep your house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, making it more comfortable all year round. A professional can help you choose the right type of insulation for your home and ensure it’s properly installed.
When installing a new roof, it’s crucial to use the right tools and safety gear. A pry bar is used to remove nails and staples from old shingle sheets, while protective eyewear protects the eyes from dirt and debris. A hard hat is also essential and helps to protect against falling objects.
A tape measure will be useful for measuring sheets and marking lines for seams in ridges or valleys. A utility knife is also a handy tool for cutting shingle sheets to the correct length. Other essential tools include a ladder, tarps and safety vests. The right ladder will be able to safely hold the weight of your roof, while a sturdy pair of gloves and a utility knife will protect your hands from sharp edges on the roofing materials.
Installation
A good roof protects your home from the elements, increases its curb appeal and adds to its value. But a great roof doesn’t just happen; it takes skill, careful work and the right equipment to make sure all the parts are in place. Roofing is dangerous work, and only experts should attempt it. A successful roofing project also requires the correct ladders, a safety harness and the right tools to get the job done quickly and correctly.
Maintenance
A well-maintained roof is one of the most important elements of a home, protecting the interior contents from the elements. It also enhances the property’s curb appeal and value. A poorly maintained roof, however, can result in expensive repairs and early deterioration, which may void the warranty on the roofing system. Routine maintenance procedures can help prevent these problems and ensure the roof is performing at optimum levels.
Inspections and maintenance should be performed regularly by trained roofing professionals, preferably on a biannual basis. This can help catch problems before they become serious and make them easier to repair. Inspections are especially important after extreme weather events, such as bad storms or snowfall. The high winds of a storm can put extra stress on the roofing felting and cause tears that should be patched quickly, while snow and ice buildup can cause ponding water in critical areas.
A thorough inspection should include looking at the flashing (metal pieces that cover cracks and gaps in shingles) at roof penetrations, such as chimneys, skylights and vents. These are a common source of leaks. They should be examined for proper caulking and to ensure there are no cracked or rusted metal parts. The field of the roof should also be inspected for surface wear, lap integrity and any areas that are showing signs of degradation.
Other maintenance procedures include trimming trees and organic growth so they don’t overhang the roof, as well as cleaning drains and gutters before storms and rainfall. This can help prevent clogged and overflowing drains that can cause roof leaks. It’s also a good idea to remove any moss or algae growth, as these can penetrate and compromise the waterproofing layers of a roof.
Repairs
As the weather gets rougher, roofing materials are susceptible to damage from the elements. The winter storms that come with snow buildup on roofs and melting runoff can quickly degrade the materials that protect your home. This is why it’s important to have a professional repair your roof as soon as you notice damage. Otherwise, this could lead to more costly repairs in the future.
During the roofing installation process, your contractor will remove old shingles and flashing and replace them with plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). If you have a wood fascia, they will also repair it. Fascia boards protect the bottom edge of the roof and are susceptible to problems like animal infestation, water damage, cracks, and holes.
Once the sheathing is replaced, the roofing company will apply asphalt roofing paper over it. The paper creates an inner barrier to prevent water from seeping through the sheathing and into the house. Rows of the paper are overlapped as they progress upward on the roof deck and tacked or stapled in place. The roof’s valleys will be waterproofed, and any vents will be installed. The ridge of the roof will be capped with special shingles. Ridge vents help to circulate air in the attic space and are a critical part of preventing winter ice dams.
Gutters will be added around the edges of the roof to collect rainwater and channel it away from the house, preventing foundation problems. The gutters will be sealed to ensure that they are leakproof.