Arthur’s Roofing installation is a critical part of home improvement. Having a quality roof is necessary to protect your home from harsh weather conditions and other environmental hazards.
During the installation process, the crew will prepare your property by covering anything that could be damaged from the roofing materials. They will also set up tarps and boards.
There are several requirements that need to be met for the successful installation of a roof. First, the roof must be completely clean and free of debris. Roofing contractors will use specialized equipment to remove existing roofing materials. The roof must also be prepared for the new roofing system, including laying the underlayment and preparing the shingles for installation. Once the underlayment is in place, the shingle layer can be installed. The shingles are then trimmed to the proper size and topped with ridge capping, flashing, and attic vents. During the roofing process, contractors should cover any landscaping and shrubs with tarps to protect them from falling debris. It is also important to cover any open drains to prevent them from becoming blocked by roofing material.
Depending on the type of building, local code requirements may outline specific fire-resistant roofing materials and assemblies. These requirements may apply to both new and re-roofing projects. The fire-resistance rating is determined by the IBC and IRC and is based on how well the assembly performs against various fire exposures. The assembly can be rated as Class A, Class B, or Class C.
Many local codes also require roof-to-wall and sheathing attachment to be evaluated for compliance with the latest design loads, construction practices, and materials. This evaluation is generally required when more than a certain percentage of the existing roof covering is replaced or remodeling exceeds a specific threshold. This allows the opportunity to improve the performance of the roof structure by following best practice methods of sheathing and roof-cover attachment.
In areas that experience snow, it is important to ensure that the roof and the building can support the anticipated load from retained snow. The roof structure must be able to support the additional weight of the snow in addition to construction and live loads (e.g., people on the roof and equipment). Proper snow retention systems must be installed.
It is a good idea to contact the manufacturer of the snow retention system to determine the proper number, location, and fastener requirements for the system. The fasteners are to be of corrosion-resistant metal and should be no less than 16 gage (1 mm) shank with a head diameter no greater than 3/8 inch (8 mm), and a minimum of 0.8 mm in thickness, and shall penetrate not less than 3/4 inch (19 mm) into the roof sheathing.
Materials
The roofing materials needed for the job will vary depending on what type of roof you’re having installed. There are some standard roofing materials that homeowners often choose, like asphalt shingles and metal roofs. Others are more specialized and require roofing contractors who specialize in working with those materials.
Before the crew starts installing roofing material, they’ll first lay down some underlayment. This is a waterproofing material that keeps the sheathing of your roof dry during the tear-off and installation process. It’s especially important for areas that are susceptible to leaks, such as the eaves and valleys. The underlayment will also protect the wood sheathing from moisture damage, and it should be placed all the way up to the ridge.
After the underlayment is in place, the crew will start removing any existing shingles or other roof coverings. When they’re done, they’ll cover the landscape and shrubs with tarps to prevent damage from falling debris. They’ll also cover any open drains to keep them from becoming clogged with roofing materials.
Once the old shingles are removed, the crew will install the new sheathing, which is the wooden foundation layer for your roof coverings. If your roof sheathing isn’t in good condition, it’s crucial that it gets replaced before you get a new roof.
Next, the crew will add the necessary ventilation to your attic. This is vital to reduce overheating and moisture build-up that can cause ice dams. The ventilation system must be balanced, with equal amounts of air going in and out to ensure proper functioning.
Then, the crew will add the drip edge, starter shingle, and main shingle. They’ll also install any ridge caps you’re having installed.
If you’re having a metal roof installed, the contractor will add metal flashing around any chimneys and where the roof meets other structures. They’ll also install metal drip edges.
Finally, the crew will add a metal roofing product called ice and water shield. This is a rubberized bitumen that goes over the vulnerable areas of your roof. It’s particularly important in colder climates, as it helps to prevent leaks caused by ice dams.
Timeline
The amount of time needed to complete a roofing project is an important factor that homeowners should consider. There are many factors that can impact the timeline, including weather conditions, the size of the roof, and the type of roofing material. Generally, the average roofing project can be completed in one to five days, but factors like complex roofs or weather delays may lengthen the process.
Before the work begins, your roofing contractor will inspect the roof to determine the condition and scope of work. This will help to determine the best materials for the job and give you an idea of what to expect. Then, the crew will start by preparing your property for the roofing installation. This includes laying tarps over any plants, sculptures, and other objects on your property. This will protect these items from getting wet and dirty while the roof is being replaced. In addition, the team will also park a dumpster in your driveway for easy access and sweep up any debris that lands on the ground.
Once the preparation is complete, your roofer will start by pulling any required permits. This can take some time, but once the permit is in hand, the real work begins. Your roofer will begin by removing any old shingles or other materials and scraping the surface of the roof, if necessary. This will help to remove any underlying problems that could cause issues with the new roof and ensure that the installation is done correctly.
If you’re using the same contractor for both the tear off and installation, your roofer will use one of two methods for your roofing project: re-roofing or a full-scale replacement. Re-roofing is a simple method that only requires the new materials to be placed over the existing layer, which can save both time and money. However, if you’re replacing your roof with a more expensive material like slate or natural wood, this will require a full tear off and can significantly extend the timeline of the project.
Another significant factor that can affect the time frame for a roofing project is the skill level of your roofing contractor. More experienced contractors will typically complete the work more quickly and accurately than inexperienced contractors. This can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches down the road.
Warranty
A warranty is an excellent way to reduce your risk with your roof investment. It can cover any problems with the materials or workmanship that may occur in the future, and it can help you save money if your roofing project needs repairs or maintenance. However, it’s important to understand the different types of warranties available so that you can choose the right one for your home.
Manufacturers’ or product warranties are guarantees offered by the manufacturers of the roofing materials used on your home. These can be found on the manufacturer’s website and typically only apply to the specific materials. For example, a shingle manufacturer’s warranty will only cover their shingles and not other products or accessories used on your roof. Many roofing contractors also offer their own workmanship warranties to provide additional assurances to homeowners. These can protect you from any errors the roofing contractor makes during installation.
Workmanship warranties can also be referred to as labor and material warranties, and they usually guarantee the workmanship of your roof for a specified period of time. There are a lot of variations in the warranties that roofing contractors offer, and some may even offer lifetime coverage. However, it’s important to check out the fine print as they can include exclusions such as snowfall and hail damage that are beyond the control of the roofing contractor.
A full system warranty, on the other hand, will guarantee both the materials and the installation of those materials. This type of warranty will typically cost more than a manufacturer’s or product warranty, but it will give you peace of mind knowing that your roofing system is protected for the duration of the warranty.
Enhanced warranties can be obtained from certain roofing contractors, such as those that are certified by shingle manufacturers. These warranties will give you the option to transfer them to a new homeowner when your house is sold, and they will typically pay for the full replacement of your roof (labor and materials) in the event of a failure.
Keep in mind that these are not standard or typical warranties, and it’s important to discuss your options with your roofing contractor. It’s also important to institute a routine maintenance plan for your roof, and schedule regular roof inspections. Keeping your roof in good shape will ensure that you can enjoy the protections of your warranty for as long as possible.