Roofing Pikesville MD installation is a significant home improvement project that can significantly increase property value. It involves several steps to ensure your roof is watertight and protected from the elements.
The first step is to waterproof the valleys. This is done by covering them with underlayment and felt paper. Then, the shingles are added. These are nailed down, overlapping, and then secured to the drip edge and upwards of the ridge.
Before you start your roofing project, it’s important to ensure that you have all the materials necessary to complete the job. This will avoid any unnecessary trips to the hardware store and will save time during construction. You’ll also want to have all the proper safety equipment. A hard hat, eyewear, gloves, and a chalk line tool are all essential tools to have on hand when working on the roof. These items protect you from falling debris and can help to keep your work area organized.
Among the most popular roofing materials are asphalt shingles, which come in a wide variety of colors and styles. They’re affordable, easy to install, and offer excellent protection from water and UV rays. If you’re looking for something more unique, consider a tile roof or a metal roof. These options provide a stylish appearance and can last for centuries. However, they’re a poor choice for areas with high moisture levels or where wildfires are a risk.
Slate is another option for steep sloped roofs. This natural material is incredibly durable and resists the absorption of rainwater. It comes in a variety of hues, which are determined by the chemical and mineral makeup of the slate. However, slate is expensive and difficult to install.
If you’re on a budget, concrete tiles are an excellent alternative to clay tiles. They’re less expensive than clay and can be installed in the same way. But they’re a lot heavier, which can add stress to the structure of your home and require additional support. Concrete tiles also require regular maintenance, including cleaning and waterproofing.
While many homeowners choose wood shakes and shingles for their homes, it’s important to understand the difference between these two options. Shakes are split into wedges and have a more rugged appearance, while shingles are sawmilled for clean lines.
Built-up roofing (BUR) is a good choice for flat and low-sloped roofs. It consists of multiple layers of felt that are saturated with asphalt and covered in granules. It’s durable and offers great protection against water and UV rays, but it isn’t as energy-efficient as other options.
Preparation
You’ll need to clear the area around your home to make room for the roofing crew and to protect your landscaping and garden. Ideally, move any movable outdoor items into your garage or shed, or cover them with tarps to protect them from dust and shingle debris. If you have a large gazebo, for example, take it down or cover it with a tarp to prevent damage from falling shingles. It’s also a good idea to move vehicles away from the house or, if you have to park them near the house, cover them with plastic sheeting. This will protect them from the thousands of nails that are bound to rain down off the roof during re-roofing.
It’s also a good idea to have a roll-off dumpster parked on the street or in your driveway to make it easier for your roofing contractor to access the roof and to throw away debris. The roofing contractors will also be walking on the grass, so cover any plants or shrubs with tarps to protect them from dirt and moisture.
The vibrations of hammers and nail guns during a re-roofing job will create dust in the attic, which can easily drift through light fixtures and A/C vents and damage delicate knickknacks and wall-hung pictures. It’s a good idea to cover these with tarps while the work is being done, as well as to remove wall-hung pictures and other fragile items from the walls and shelves.
When choosing a roofing contractor, ask for references and a portfolio of completed projects. Also, be sure to inquire about their license and insurance coverage before signing a contract. A reputable roofing company will be licensed and insured, and will stand by their work with appropriate warranties for materials and labor.
The preparation process for re-roofing isn’t as extensive as it sounds, but taking some time to prepare will help your roofing project go as smoothly as possible. By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your newly re-roofed home without having to worry about the mess or damage that can come with it.
Layout
One of the most important parts of a roof is how it is laid out. A good roofing contractor will follow the panel layout and racking pattern specified by the manufacturer. This is done for the sake of both speed and quality. The layout allows the roofer to get into production mode without having to think about each individual shingle. It also assures that the shingles are installed in a weather tight manner. If a roofer does not follow the pattern and stray, it is possible that successive shingle courses will have less headlap than intended which could lead to leakage during extreme weather conditions.
For metal panels, it is also important to ensure that the ribs on the overlap and underlapped edges line up perfectly. If they don’t, water and ice will flow underneath the panel and cause leakage. Also, the screws used on metal panels should be driven in flat to create a proper seal.
To help with this, Western States Metal Roofing offers Layout Tape that is an easy-to-use tool that simplifies the panel layout process. It is pre-marked with a grid and arrows that show the maximum exposure for each shingle size. This is designed to reduce mistakes during the installation and prevent costly errors.
Installation
A well-installed roof provides protection, energy efficiency, and enhanced curb appeal for years to come. It’s a complex project that requires expertise and attention to detail.
Unless you plan to do the roofing yourself, it’s best to hire a professional contractor. They will have the experience, skills, and equipment necessary to do the job right. In addition to standard roofing tools such as hammers and nail guns, they’ll also have ladders, shingle cutters, hard hats, and harnesses for safety. Larger jobs may require construction equipment such as forklifts and tractors.
To begin, the roof’s underlayment is laid. A good quality felt paper is the most common underlayment used on newer roofs. The underlayment is installed with a pattern of close nails at the edge of the row and spreading out more towards the middle of the roof. A second row of underlayment is then laid over the first and nailed firmly in place. This process is repeated until the roof’s ridge is reached.
Next, the metal flashing around chimneys, vents, and valleys is installed to prevent water leakage. The roof’s ridge is then covered with a set of specialized shingles or caps to provide both insulation and a finished look. Lastly, the entire roof is inspected and cleaned to ensure all elements are in place and watertight. Nails, remnants of materials, and old shingles are collected and properly disposed of.
Lester Donovan 
Homer Cox