A new roof will add beauty and value to your home. It will also protect against leaks and damage from the elements. Features like chimneys, vents and TV satellite dishes require flashing for added protection against water infiltration.

Choosing the right roofing contractor for your job will make the installation process as smooth as possible. Contact Burlington Roofing for professional help.

Thorough preparation ensures that the roof renovation proceeds efficiently, your property remains protected and safe, and disruption to daily life stays manageable. Here are some of the most important steps to take before a roofing installation:

Contact Your Local Building Department: Check with your local building department to determine whether or not a permit is required for your project. If one is, prepare by completing the application process and paying any applicable fees. It’s also a good idea to verify that your contractor is licensed, insured, and certified to guarantee professionalism and industry expertise.

Protect Indoor Items: If possible, move artwork, mirrors, framed photos and other decorative items to another area of the house to avoid damage from vibrations caused by the hammering on the roof during the tear-off and installation processes. In addition, if your house has a lot of furniture or large items stored in the attic, consider removing them prior to starting the work. This will help make the job easier and more efficient for both you and your roofer.

Clean and Cover Outdoor Items: Make sure to remove or cover any outdoor items, such as patio furniture, grills, potted plants and lawn ornaments, to keep them from being damaged by dust or debris during the roofing project. It’s also a good idea, if you have pets or children, to arrange for them to stay with friends or family members during the roofing process.

Gather the Proper Tools and Supplies: You’ll need basic tools, such as a ladder, hammer and utility knife, and specialized ones, such as a roof rake, broom, brush and a tool bag or bucket for keeping materials organized. You’ll also need to have a respirator and protective gear for working on the roof.

Underlayment: You’ll need an underlayment for your new roof, which is designed to prevent leaks and protect the sheathing and shingles. There are several different options available, including synthetic underlayments that offer superior tear resistance and water resistance, as well as self-adhering materials that simplify installation.

Finally, you’ll need to add ridge cap flashing, which is a metal material that covers the top peak of the roof to prevent moisture from sneaking into joints and chimneys. A top-tier roofer will carefully install this step with precise craftsmanship, ensuring that your new roof is properly sealed and weatherproofed.

Installation

The roofing installation process is where the rubber hits the road. This is the phase where any mistakes can be costly. This is also the phase where local building codes dictate specific standards that must be followed to ensure safety and adherence to regulatory requirements. Professional contractors are familiar with these regulations and can guide the project to a successful conclusion.

Start by removing any existing shingles and underlayment. Take care not to damage any landscaping, plants or bushes near the house during this stage. Use large tarps to protect landscaping and other movable items, and keep a dumpster nearby to toss the old materials as you remove them.

Next, install metal drip edge along the eaves. This prevents water from pooling on the roof and, depending on the climate, can help protect against ice dams. It’s important to seal any exposed nails on the vents and stack flashing, as well. The best product for this is Lexel, which is clear like silicone, sticky as model glue and lasts a long time.

Install the new shingle course by row, beginning at one end of the roof and working toward the other. Ensure that each shingle overlaps the previous one by at least three inches. Use starter shingles (half the width of regular ones) at the beginning and end of rows, as well as in valleys. These have an adhesive strip that helps hold down the shingles you place over them, and they help to prevent water leaks at the seams.

As you work, check the weather constantly to ensure that the roof is not too hot or too cold to work in. If possible, work during the spring or fall, when temperatures are moderate. If you’re tackling a residential roof, remember that chimneys, dormers and other features add complexity to the installation process, and may require additional materials like flashing.

Before you begin installing the metal roofing panels, make sure to measure and cut them to size. Use tin snips or a metal shear to get clean, precise cuts. As you work, always overlap panels according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Remember the old adage, “measure twice, cut once.”

Inspection

After the roofing material has been installed, it is time for a thorough inspection. The inspector will walk on the roof (if weather permits) to evaluate the materials and look for any damage or areas that may require attention. They will also examine the gutters, downspouts, vents, skylights and chimney. If the home has a crawl space, they will look at the vapor barrier, insulation and any potential water intrusion problems.

During the inspection, the roofing contractor will also evaluate the condition of the roof decking and sheathing to ensure it is solid and free from damage. They will replace any damaged sheathing as necessary. Next, they will lay the underlayment and starter shingles to create a waterproof barrier on the roof. Finally, the ridge cap and vents will be placed to complete the watertight seal on the roof.

A professional roofing contractor will follow industry best practices when installing the shingles and other materials. This will contribute to the longevity and performance of the new roof. They will also follow local building codes and regulations to avoid future legal complications.

When hiring a roofing contractor, you should look for one who is licensed, insured and certified by a reputable association. This guarantees professionalism and expertise. They will be able to address any concerns and questions you have during the installation process.

While a roofing installation is in progress, it’s important to keep the lines of communication open with the contractors. This will help prevent misunderstandings and delays in the project.

In addition to inspecting the roof, a home inspector will examine other aspects of the property, including the electrical system, plumbing-related issues and pests. They will also look for signs of foundation settlement and other structural damage. This includes uneven or bouncy floors, cracks in basement walls, stones and bricks that are loose or missing, gaps around door and window frames, and damage to stairways and front porches.

Depending on the state, a home inspection will also cover the HVAC system, including thermostats, distribution systems, and chimneys. They will also assess the radon level, mold and mildew.

Maintenance

Whether you’re having your roof installed for the first time, or replacing it after a hail storm, or simply want to extend the life of your home’s existing roofing materials, proper maintenance can save money, protect your investment, and ensure that your warranty stays valid. Depending on the environment, your roof may require periodic inspections to keep minor issues from escalating into costly repairs and improve energy efficiency and curb appeal. Your contractor should be able to perform most of the required maintenance on your roof, but it’s always best to have a checklist handy in case you ever need to do any roof-related work yourself, such as checking out the flashing (the narrow, galvanized material that’s often installed around chimneys, vents, skylights, and TV satellite dishes). This will help you avoid the risk of injury or voiding warranties.