Once the underlayment and flashing are in place, the roofing crew can start on the shingles. They will apply starter shingles, which are only half as wide as regular shingles and keep water from seeping in through the seams.

This is the part of roofing that you should leave to the pros–it requires a lot of climbing and falling from ladders! Everyone working on the roof should wear a hard hat and harness. Visit https://www.corpuschristiroofingco.com/ to learn more.

Roofing is a dangerous job, especially for those without proper training. Falling off a roof, mishandling power tools or slipping on the ladder can result in a trip to the hospital or even death.

To protect your business, make sure you have the right insurance. Typically, you will need general liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation insurance, depending on the jurisdiction where you live and work. You should also obtain a contractor’s license and register your business. Other essential steps include deciding how you want to structure your company—a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or limited liability company (LLC).

Once the contracting crew arrives on site, they will begin by covering shrubs, bushes and other landscaping with tarps. This will help keep the debris from getting into your yard and blocking drains. They will also set up a dumpster and sweep the area for safety and quality assurance.

The roofing installation process can be noisy, and it may vibrate the house and cause dust to fly inside. It is a good idea to take precautions by moving valuables out of the way, wrapping fragile decor pieces and shutting off water and electrical appliances. Also, it is a good idea to back up any computer files and remove electronics from the work area that could get damaged by vibrations or power surges. The contractors will also perform a walkthrough with the homeowner to discuss the project, answer any questions and make any recommendations.

Getting Your Home Ready

A new roof is a major project. As such, it’s important to do everything you can to prepare your home before the roofing crew arrives. Taking some simple steps can ensure a smoother process and minimize any disruption to your daily life.

First, clear the driveway and any space around your house to give the team safe access. This allows them to park their vehicle more conveniently and move equipment closer to your house, saving time and reducing the risk of damage. It’s also a good idea to move any kids’ toys, outdoor furniture, grills or lawn decorations away from the work area. This protects them from getting knocked over or damaged by stray nails.

Inside your home, cover any items in the attic with protective sheets or plastic tarps. Also, remove any hung decorations from the walls so they don’t get accidentally scratched or destroyed by vibrations. Finally, keep pets indoors and/or secure at a friend’s house or pet boarding service. This is not only a safety precaution but also to prevent them from becoming upset by the noise and strangers.

If possible, provide access to a power outlet close to where the contractors are working. If not, consider investing in an extension cord that can be routed through the garage or other exterior spaces. This will help them finish the job faster and reduce downtime caused by power outages or having to carry heavy equipment across your lawn.

Preparing the Roof

If your roof is in good condition, your contractor may be able to simply lay new shingles over the existing ones. This saves time and money, but it’s worth discussing with your contractor before the work begins.

Your roofers will need to access your house and yard with ladders and noisy equipment, so they’ll cover sensitive areas of your landscaping with tarps. They’ll also place tarps over your garden to prevent soil loss from the discarded shingles, and they’ll set up a dumpster for easy disposal.

During this phase, you’ll want to move any decorative items like bird baths and flower pots away from your home, as they could get knocked over by the ladders and debris that’s kicked up during the roofing process. It’s best to move any lawn furniture or grills to a safe spot before the roofing starts, too.

You’ll also want to clear your attic of valuables and fragile items before the roofing process starts. This is because vibrations from the work can cause mirrors and framed pictures to fall and break. You might also want to backup important files on computers before the contractors start working, as they’ll be using power tools and kicking up dust. If you have pets, you might need to board them with a friend or take them to a pet boarding service during this time. It’s also a good idea to keep your pets indoors to prevent them from becoming stressed by hammering noises and strangers.

Installing the Shingles

You can use standard felt paper or a special roof underlayment, such as a self-healing membrane. The underlayment should cover the entire surface of the roof. It’s essential that it be smooth and watertight so that the shingles don’t leak.

The first row of shingles, called the starter strip, should overhang the drip edge by about a half-inch. This is to protect the sheathing from water and wind as the shingles are installed. The starter strip also helps seal the cutouts of the shingle tabs and the joints.

When shingles are installed, they’re nailed to the roof deck in rows or courses. Each course is nailed to the underlayment using four roofing nails, or as recommended on the product packaging. The first row is nailed to the underlayment in a horizontal pattern, and the subsequent courses are nailed to it in vertical patterns.

To install a shingle, place it over the existing shingle in the row above. Use a level to check that it is perfectly straight. If it’s not, adjust the next shingle in the line to straighten it up.

If you’re doing a large portion of the roof, snap a grid of six-inch horizontal and five-inch vertical chalk lines across the roof to help you lay the shingles in straight rows. Also, make sure your ladder sits firmly on the ground and reaches the roof. And wear sturdy boots, not sneakers, to protect your feet from any stray roofing nails or underlayment on the ground.

Installing the Underlayment

Underlayment is one of the most important parts of a roofing installation project. It acts as a shield against moisture and keeps the roof safe from damage during harsh weather conditions like high winds. Without a proper underlayment, water can seep through the roof and into the home, leading to costly damage.

There are several different types of underlayment materials, each with their own pros and cons. Felt paper is affordable but less durable, while synthetic underlayments are more expensive but extremely resistant to damage and provide long-term protection. The best underlayment for a particular project will depend on the roof type, local climate, and budget.

Before installing the underlayment, clean the roof deck to remove any debris and ensure it is dry. Then, measure the area to determine how much underlayment is needed and cut it into manageable sections. For best results, the underlayment should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and local building codes.

For instance, on low-slope roofs, underlayment should be installed in rows with a 6-inch overlap between each row to prevent leaks. It should also be secured with EG nails placed at 24″ O.C. around the perimeter of the underlayment and along the headlaps, sidelaps, and eaves. In addition, an ice barrier underlayment should be installed in areas where a history of ice dams has been identified. These are usually rubberized asphalt underlayments that have a self-sealing membrane and are designed to seal well around fasteners, such as nails and staples.