Whether you are planning on building a new home or simply replacing the existing one, it is important to get quality roof installation. Once the roof installation is completed, you should inspect it to make sure that it is installed properly. Whether you are doing it yourself or hiring a professional contractor, your roof is an essential part of your home. With a little detective work, you should be able to determine whether the contractor did a quality job.
The installation process begins with proper preparation. Before a contractor begins working, make sure you let neighbors know about the project. The noise and dust from roofing installation can be disruptive to neighbors. Make sure you keep pets and children out of the construction area. Also, make sure that the contractors have proper credentials and insurance to work on your home. The insurance covers any damage to your property during the installation process. Never hire a roofing company that doesn’t carry this insurance.
The first step in the roof installation process is removing the old roof. Trying to add new layers on top of an existing one can cause damage to the structure of the new roof. You should always remove the old roof before starting the installation. It is also important to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while doing this job. During the process, you should also be aware of falling debris.
Make sure you have a place to place any belongings you have in the construction area. The contractor will need access to electrical outlets, so try to locate outlets outside the house to avoid having extension cords go through the house and potentially hurt someone. In addition, you should keep vehicles off the construction zone. Also, you should close the garage doors to prevent debris from being thrown around.
Before the shingles are installed, the roofer should inspect the surface of the roof. Sometimes, he might need to remove the tar paper. If the sheathing has loose nails or is rotten, he will need to repair them. If there is any rot on the wood, the new shingles could shift, causing leaks.
Another factor that may affect the roof installation process is the cost. New roofing material usually costs about $5,000 to $24,000 on average, and the average cost per square foot is $875. Stainless steel roofs can cost up to $1,025 per square foot. They are also more expensive, but they can last up to 60 years.
The type of materials used for the roof will also affect the cost. While asphalt shingles and other common materials are easy to install, materials such as slate, wood shakes, and tile are more difficult and complicated. Additionally, the shape and pitch of the roof are also important factors.