A quality roofing installation starts with choosing the right materials for your home. An expert team can walk you through the options that best fit your goals, architecture and budget.
After removing the old roof, the contractor will install underlayment and flashing to protect against moisture infiltration. They’ll also inspect the decking and make any necessary repairs. Contact Cedar Park Roofing Pro for professional help.
The underlayment acts as a barrier that protects the roof decking from moisture and other potential damage. It’s installed under the primary roofing material, and it may be made from materials like felt paper or a synthetic product. Choosing the right underlayment for your roofing project is essential, as it needs to provide a waterproof seal and be compatible with your chosen flooring material.
Contractors also install a drip edge along the eaves and rakes, and they use metal flashing to prevent water from seeping into these areas. In addition, they may use a leak barrier in critical areas where water tends to collect, such as valleys and around roof penetrations (like chimneys and vents).
These barriers prevent moisture from working its way under the shingles and into the roof decking. However, it’s important to use proper installation techniques, including overlapping methods and sealing around protrusions, to ensure that these barriers work effectively.
Once the underlayment is in place, contractors can lay down the shingles or other roofing materials. This transforms the look of your home and brings the choices you made in Step 1 to fruition.
Once the new shingles or other materials are in place, contractors conduct a final inspection and make any necessary repairs. They also check to make sure that they follow manufacturer guidelines and industry standards, as well as local building codes. They will also sweep the area, removing any staples, nails, or other debris that could pose a safety hazard to residents and pets.
Shingles
The shingles are the element of your roof that will be visible to all who visit. They provide a stunning visual contrast and excellent weather protection for the building materials below. A top-tier roofing contractor will carefully set and secure these shingles to keep your home well-protected.
Many factors will influence your shingle choice, including the climate where you live and the appearance you desire for the exterior of your home. A skilled roofing team can walk you through all the options that make sense for your goals, architecture and budget.
For example, wood shingles have a rich texture and enduring appeal. However, they can be more expensive than asphalt shingles and may need regular maintenance to maintain their durability. They also require a stronger roof structure to support their weight. And, if your home is located in a wildfire-prone region, wood shingles can be restricted by local fire codes.
If you want a more environmentally friendly roofing option, there are many composite shingle choices. These shingles are made from recycled materials, which cuts down on waste and lessens your carbon footprint. However, their lifespan typically doesn’t match that of natural materials like slate or wood shakes.
Another consideration is that some roofing materials may not be appropriate for certain architectural styles or home color schemes. For example, some asphalt shingles are designed to replicate the appearance of natural slate. These shingles often have an earthy or reddish brown hue and a textured finish that pairs well with homes with brick or stone facing.
There are even shingles that meet California Title 24 cool roof requirements, which can help reduce your energy costs. These shingles are darker in color and reflect the sun’s heat.
When securing the shingles, your roofer will leave a small amount of overhang to protect roof edges and sides from water damage. In general, the shingles should extend 1/2″ to 3/4″ past the edge of the roof to ensure proper overhang and avoid wind uplift.
In addition, your roofer will install flashing around chimneys, roof vents, joints and other areas where leaks might occur. This is a metal material that keeps rain and other elements from sneaking in these vulnerable spots. Some cheap contractors will skip this step, which can lead to a number of serious problems.
Flashing
While shingles may be the most visible part of a roof, flashing is the silent defender that protects the vulnerable spots of your building. This thin protective layer is installed around structures like vents, skylights, chimneys and dormers to keep water from seeping into these crevices, where it can cause rotting wood, mold and structural weakening. Flashing is often made of metal, and comes in a wide range of shapes and sizes to address the challenges of different areas of your roof.
The main function of roof flashing is to ensure that any gaps or joints at key junctions are fully sealed and water-resistant. It is commonly used in areas prone to leaks, such as around roof penetrations (vents, skylights, chimneys and pipes), roof valleys and the points where the roof meets vertical surfaces like walls or dormers.
A variety of roof flashings are available to tackle these critical areas, including step flashing, sill flashing, base flashing, drip edge flashing and more. Each uses a unique combination of materials and installation methods to address the specific challenges of different roofing features. For example, step flashing combines overlapping metal sheets that directs water away from walls and windows. It is especially useful for dormer windows, which jut out from a roof and are more prone to leaks.
Specialty flashings are also available for use with unique roofing features, such as an electrical mast that carries wires from the utility company to your building. These specialized flashings can be colored to match your trim and provide a polished, uniform appearance to the building’s exterior.
A professional roofer can properly install and repair all types of flashing, protecting these vulnerable areas from leaks, mold and other damage. In addition to ensuring the proper seal, they will also inspect the flashing and shingle work to ensure that it is in good condition. It is important to communicate with your roofing contractor throughout the project, so any questions or concerns can be addressed promptly. This will help the project stay on schedule and allow any issues to be addressed quickly before they worsen.
Ridge Cap
The ridge cap of a roof is the final piece of the puzzle, situated along the peak or ridge of the roof. It is crafted from durable materials, such as asphalt shingles, metal panels, or clay tiles, and is designed to protect the underlying roofing system from water infiltration, deflect wind-driven rain and snow, and prevent leaks and damage.
Most roofs, including gable and hipped roofs, need ridge caps to provide adequate coverage along the ridge line and prevent water leaks, mold, algae, rotting of the rafters, and other issues. Regular shingle material won’t be able to adequately cover the ridge, and it can be blown away by the wind or break due to hail impacts.
Many ridge caps are crafted with ventilation channels or openings to allow for airflow through the attic space. This ventilation reduces moisture, regulates temperature, and mitigates rot and mildew. Ventilated ridge caps also improve energy efficiency by reducing the amount of heat that rises into the attic.
Inspecting the ridge cap for damage is crucial to the health of your roof. Visible cracks or breaks in the ridge cap indicate structural problems, while missing shingles leave the underlying roof exposed and vulnerable to water intrusion. Check for signs of mold, mildew, or rot on the ridge cap to determine whether it needs replacement or repair.
When replacing a damaged ridge cap, start with the edge closest to the existing ridge vent. Then, tuck the new cap under the preceding shingle and cover the roofing tacks with roof sealant. Continue overlapping the caps in this manner until you reach the end of the roof ridge, making sure each new shingle overlaps the one before it.
When hiring a roofing contractor to perform ridge capping on your home, research local roofing companies and read reviews from previous customers. Ask for quotes detailing the scope of work, materials to be used, and total cost. Choose a contractor that is licensed, bonded, insured, and certified to perform roofing work in your area. Also, ensure they have experience performing ridge cap installation and repair on various roof types.
