Your roof protects your home and family. Why gamble with your investment and well being of your family? Get your roof inspected. Protect your household and family today. Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects you and your family from the weather. With the constant exposure of the elements, roof inspections and maintenance is a must. Roof maintenance must be part of your home’s regular care. When it comes to roofing repairs, it pays to be well informed.
Repair Materials
- #15 or #30 felt paper
- Asphalt shingles
- Drip edge
- Hook blades
- Nails
- Sealant
- Self-adhesive waterproof membrane (“ice and water shield”)
- Staples
- Step and dormer flashing
- Valley flashing
- Vent flashing
Types of Roofs
- Slate
- Asphalt Shingles
- Metal
- Clay & Concrete Tiles
- Wood & Shake Shingles
- Synthetic Shingles
Importance
- Protection
- Home Value
- Energy Efficiency
Replacement Indicators
- Curled shingle edges
- Bald spots & missing granuales from shingles
- Cracked shingles
- Roof looks old, worn and faded
- Neighbors getting new roofs
- Dark streaks
- Moss, mold and mildew
- Age
- Missing shingles
- Detached flashing
- Interior ceiling leaks
Terminology to Know
- The term square is a unit of roof area. One square equals 100 square feet of area.
- Shingles come in bundles.
- Three or four bundles of shingles typically will cover a one square (100 square feet) of area.
- Most jobs can be completed in a few days.
- Some discounts in the off season offered in the off season.
Protection * Home Value * Energy Efficiency
Longevity
Asphalt Shingles
A typical 3-tab asphalt shingle will last anywhere from 10 to 20 years.
Metal Roofing
When installed correctly, a metal roof will last anywhere from 30 to 50 years.
Concrete and Clay Tiles
You can expect 50 to 100 years life span.
Cedar Shingles and Shakes
Cedar shake materials are designed to last 20 to 35 years on average.
Natural Slate
Natural slate can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years.
Composite Roofs
30 to 50 years or longer is the expected life span of composite materials.
EPDM Rubber
With an expected 50 year service life, many commercial buildings elect this option.
PVC and TPO Membranes
With thickness of reinforced membranes, PVC and TPO material can last twice 10 – 20 years.
Contract Must Haves
- Warranty
- Detailed project description
- Payment terms
- Insurance and license details
- Provisions to cover unforeseen circumstances
- Option to terminate
Considerations
A roof system is so much more than shingles. The components work together to keep moisture out, energy costs down and your house looking terrific.
When choosing roofing materials, consider the following questions.
- Framing building design.
- The variety of colors and styles that complement your home?
- Demand code compliant materials.
- Special considerations for maintenance.
- Check the performance manufacturer specifications for your climate conditions.
- What are the installation costs?
- Expected yearly and life long maintenance costs?
- Time you expect to be in the home.
The answers to those questions above will determine YOUR best choice for your family’s homestead. Pick the option that provides you with YOUR BEST ALTERNATIVES.
Installation Process
The general installation process is as follows:
- Provide for initial site inspection.
- Check and secure for project permits.
- Apply tarps and protection board for plants and greenery.
- Remove all existing shingles.
- Provide for minor repairs.
- Replace compromised and damaged sheathing.
- Install ice guard waterproof membrane.
- Apply asphalt felt paper.
- Secure new rubber boots to any and all vent stacks.
- Apply metal drip edging around the edge of the roof, eave sides and gable sides.
- Apply a new valley flashing along all areas where two roof planes meet.
- Fasten flashing around chimneys, skylights and vents.
- Inspect selected and approved roof shingles.
- Affix the ridge vent.
- Pick up and haul away all project debris.
- Walk area with customer for final clean up approval.
Gutters
Consideration new gutters with your new roof installation.
Fascia
When installing new gutters, pay close attention to the fascia board. This is an opportune time for new fascia board installation. Always installed primed and painted fascia board or composite material.
Soffit
The soffit is the exposed siding underneath your roof’s overhang.
Roof Valley
A valley is where the intersection of two roofs comes together (see above).
Prevent Ice Build Up
If you are subject to wintertime temperatures, always install ice guard waterproof membrane.
Venting
Ventilation reduces cooling bills, extends shingle life, and prevents roof rot.
Roof Ridge Vent
A ridge vent runs the entire length of the roof peak.
Now What?
- Get a quality, experienced professional contractor
- Start the ball rolling with building permits
- Plan for the right time and weather
Tools
- Nail guns.
- Hammer tacker stapler.
- Roofing hammer or hatchet.
- Air compressor.
- Utility knife.
- Shovel or shingle tear-off tool.
- Scoop shovel.
- Pry bar.
- Tarps.
- Chalk line tools (reel and chalk).
- Measuring tape or laser tool.
- Caulking gun or cement bucket and trowel.
- Tin snips.
- Reciprocating saw and circular saw.
- Sawhorses.
- Drill (cordless, electric or air).
- Generator.
- Ladders and extension ladders.
- Ladder hoist.
- Hard hats.
- Safety harnesses and all other personal protective equipment.
- Appropriate construction shoes or boots (steel-toed-shoes with soft soles).
- Roof brackets or toe boards.
- Rake.
- Broom.
- Magnetic sweeper.
- Truck.
Suggestions for Your Protection
- License contractor
- Insured contractor
- Shop around
- Get premium materials
- Never have more than 2 layers of asphalt shingles
- Get a fixed price
- Get a warranty
- Get referrals
- Get contractors to pick up ALL Nails and Project Debris
- Protect the plants
- Demand great clean up
Dumpsters & Disposal Haul Off
Rolloff dumpsters are so named because the dumpster rolls off the back of the truck on delivery. These are open top containers such as what you see at construction sites. They can be placed in a driveway, parking spot, at the curb, or anywhere else you choose.
Most popular dumpsters sizes are a 30-yard dumpster for construction projects. 15-yard rolloff dumpsters for home projects. Other sizes are usually available, check with your local supplier for options.
Insurance, A Big Deal
Insurance Coverage Is Critical For Your Liability Protection & The Protection Of Your Property & Assets.
Roof Work Is Dangerous
- Lack of safety equipment
- Roof collapse
- Ladder falls
- Falling object or debris
- Scaffolding collapse
- Malfunctioning equipment
- Slip and fall from roof
- Electrocution
Importance
The roof is the most important aspect of any home or building.
Choosing the Right Roofing Materials for Longevity
Selecting the appropriate roofing materials is essential to ensure the longevity of your roof. Asphalt shingles offer a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. For those seeking a longer-lasting option, metal roofing can last 30 to 50 years, while concrete and clay tiles can endure for 50 to 100 years. Consider the specific needs of your home and local climate when deciding on the best materials, as this choice will significantly impact your roof’s durability and overall performance.
Ask Questions & Get Answers
- What is your full company name and physical address?
- Do you have insurance?
- Do you use subcontractors?
- Do you have a contractor license?
- Do you have homeowner references?
- Do you offer a warranty for your roofing work?
Workers’ compensation protects the property owner when an employee gets injured, with the performance of the construction tasks.
We Can Help With Your Insurance Claim
Summary
Dirt Connections was started with one goal in mind: providing quality residential and commercial construction services to clients on time and on budget. Reach out for more information on how we can support your next project.
For your convenience our estimates are free and by appointment. Call 703-940-9949 for a free estimate today!
