A roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects the interior from moisture, and keeps rain, snow, and wind out.
Whether you want to replace an existing roof, or add a new one to your house, it is important that the installation process is done correctly. A roof that is installed incorrectly can lead to leaks, mold and mildew, structural problems, and other issues.
Before starting the roof installation Walthamstow, it is important to have the right tools. There are a few key pieces of equipment that will be needed to do the job:
A ladder: A ladder is essential for accessing the roof. A step ladder is the best option for a residential roof, and can be purchased at most home improvement stores. A ladder with a handrail is recommended for safety reasons. A fall from a roof can be very dangerous, so it is important to leave this type of work to the professionals.
Pry bars: A pry bar is used to remove old shingles and flashing. This is a very important tool to have, and can save time by eliminating the need to remove each nail by hand.
Nail gun: A nail gun is a powerful tool that can speed up the roofing process by significantly. This is especially helpful when a large number of new shingles are being applied. It is also very useful for applying a bead of roofing caulk to the raw edges of the new shingles.
Roofing shingles: The roofing shingles that are chosen will depend on the climate in your area of the country. Asphalt shingles are the most common, and are fairly affordable. However, they are not the most durable shingles available. Metal shingles are more expensive, but offer superior protection against hail and other types of weather.
Underlayment: Before installing the shingles, the underlayment will be laid over the entire roof. The underlayment will be nailed down with cap nails, which are placed closer together on the edge of the roof, and farther apart towards the center.
Flashing: The flashing is the aluminum or galvanized steel that is installed over joints on the roof to prevent water seepage. This includes the drip edge, and any flashing at chimneys, vents, or valleys on the roof. The roofer will inspect this flashing to ensure it is in good shape, and will replace any that is rusted or damaged.
After the underlayment is in place, the roofer will install the shingles. They will start with the starter shingle, which is a shingle that is only half as wide as regular shingles. This shingle is designed to overlap the rest of the shingles, and will help keep water from running under the overlapping shingles. The contractor will then install a row of shingles, using the same pattern that was used for the starter shingle. They will also use a shingle that is slightly darker than the others to create a shadow line.