Roofing, Gutters and Skylights

Roof Preparation Before Installing Roof Shingles

Installing roof shingles can be an arduous task and should not be attempted if you don’t know what you are doing. It is vital to ensure that you complete adequate roof preparation before installing roof shingles otherwise you are risking the integrity of your new roof. A poorly prepared roof can quickly lead to holes and cracks that will in turn to lead to a leaking roof. Obviously the first part of your roof preparation before installing roof shingles is to rip off the hold or damaged shingles that you are replacing. While it is possible to leave these on if they are showing any signs of damage or wear you should replace them whenever possible.

Secure the roof boards

If you are using the same roof boards without replacing them you really should check each and every one to make sure none of them need replacing. Make sure they are all securely fastened down to prevent any damage to the lining or to the shingles. You also need to make sure there is no debris lying around because this too can cause damage to your new roof. Make sure no nails or other objects are protruding out of the roof.

Installing the drip edge.

Install the drip edge around the eave ends of the roof. Be sure to use galvanized nails so that they don’t rust in the rain. When adding the drip edge to the top of the roof install in the same way but this must drape over the rest of the drip edge to be effective. If you need to make any joints because the length of drip edge is not long enough to fit down the whole length of the eave then simple overlap the two pieces and bend the aluminum into place.

Ice and water shield.

You should consider putting down a layer of ice and water shield. Some states require that you use this and have set distances that the shield must be from the wall. It is very good stuff and incredibly adhesive so place it down where you want it to go before removing the backing paper. Once it’s stuck there is no way of removing it. Ice and water shield will cost you a fair amount at around $50 per square foot but the job it does is invaluable and a vital step when you are finishing your roof preparation before installing roof shingles. Cover any large knot holes with aluminum flashing or a similar material and hammer these down (you may want to use a hammer tacker or nail gun to make this step a little quicker and easier).

Adding the layer of felt.

Overlap your felt by a few inches and completely cover one side of the roof. To install a roof vent at this point you should cut a small part of the roof on either side of the peak virtually the whole length of the roof. Now cover the remaining side of the roof with felt and also cover over the roof vent hole you have created. This will be cut later. You have now finished the roof preparation before installing roof shingles and are ready to shingle your roof.

By: Steven Briesemeister

About the Author:

As Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors, Roofer911.com takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts. Need home service articles [http://www.homeservicearticles.com]? Find Local contractors in your area today.

Why Would I Consider Installing Roofing Shingles in Cold Weather?

Unfortunately, your roof won’t usually pick warm and clear days to break, obviously it is much more common for your roof to develop leaks and problems when the rain is beating down and the wind is blowing a gale. Even if the roof does get damaged on a calm day it is really quite unlikely that you will notice until the weather changes. At least without regular maintenance it will be. If you find it absolutely essential when installing roofing shingles in cold weather there are certain things you need to be aware of, although it is always better to fix your roof on a calm day; it may not seem necessary at the time but it is safer for you and your roof.

Installing roofing shingles in cold weather is dangerous.

Going up on your roof in cold weather, especially when there is ice or snow is potentially very dangerous indeed. Any traffic on your roof should be avoided wherever possible because a slippery roof is likely to result in a very serious fall. If you do have to go on the roof to conduct repairs you should always ensure that the roof itself, ladders and any equipment you will be using is dry and safely secured.

You can damage material if installing roofing shingles in cold weather.

Removing ice or snow from the roof can cause serious and irreparable damage to the roof. Scarping away at anything on your roof can easily lead to you removing the protective surface on the shingles, and this surface is the best protection you can get against the elements. It prevents damage to the material itself and ensures that any water will run smoothly off your roof surface without collecting. Removing it means your roof is more prone to leakage. Also, the slightest knock to a freezing cold shingle is likely to break it very easily.

Things to consider when installing roofing shingles in cold weather.

The most important thing to remember in the event that you need to install roofing shingles in cold weather is your personal safety. Traversing a sloping roof in icy conditions is near suicidal and should be avoided at all costs. There is a reason that you can’t get a roofing contractor to come out and fix your roof in these conditions and it isn’t because it’s too cold to work. Snow is no better and even early morning dew can create a very slippery surface that is potentially lethal to anyone trying to walk on the roof. However, if you do need to replace a shingle try to remain on the ladder and be sure to handle the shingles with as much care as possible so that you don’t break them. You will have to manually seal the tabs of the shingles down yourself, because the warmth of the sun normally activates the adhesive strips, but this obviously will not be possible in cold weather.

By: Steven Briesemeister

About the Author:

As Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors, Roofer911.com takes great pride in maintaining customer satisfaction for all types of new roof installation and roof repair work for residential and commercial roofing accounts. Need home service articles [http://www.homeservicearticles.com]? Find Local contractors in your area today.