How to Install Your Home’s Roofing
Roofing is an essential component of your home’s exterior. Although many of the traditional roofing materials are durable and affordable, several modern options are available. For example, green roofs can be installed on existing roofs to save energy and money. Traditional green roofs can be adapted to modern designs, and they are becoming increasingly popular as a way to “green” the Earth. Moreover, soil and vegetation act as living insulation, reducing building temperatures.
Once you’ve selected the materials you’ll need with the help of Roofing professionals; you can begin installing the roofing. When installing the shingles, use a utility knife with a hook blade. The hook blade fits easily into any standard utility knife. It would be best if you staggered the seams between each shingle to avoid leakage. In addition, remember to measure the reveals horizontally. Then, measure each row to match the other row. The last row should cover the peak.
If you’re not ready for a complete roof replacement, reroofing may be a good option. If your home has two shingles layers, you may not want to reroof. A new layer would weigh down the roof and cause it to deteriorate faster. Additionally, if you have extensive damage to the roof, it’s best not to re-roof your home. This reduces the time and cost involved in the job.
Wind-driven rain may force water under shingles and drip into the home in severe weather. Consider installing a self-adhesive waterproof underlayment between the shingles and the house to prevent this. It seals around nails driven through it, and it’s available from roofing supply companies and home centers. In harsh climate regions, you should apply an ice barrier 3 to six feet up from the eave, and you should extend this underlayment two feet beyond the exterior wall.
Before synthetic roofing products gained traction, the primary material for roofs was asphalt-saturated felt. Asphalt-saturated felt consists of various blends of bitumen, polyester and natural plant fibers. It provides some weather protection and fire resistance, but it is not waterproof. It is best for steep-sloped roofs. Its downside is that it’s easily torn and doesn’t perform well under the heat and UV rays.
