Safety is the first step in any roofing job. Choose sturdy shoes that will protect your feet from stray nails and make sure your ladder has an extended base to improve stability. Place tarps around your yard to catch debris.

Then, your roofer will lay an underlayment. This self-sticking element will seal any gaps or cracks. He’ll also install flashing to protect structures like chimneys and vents.

When a roofing contractor arrives on your property to begin work, the first step will be to prepare the area. This will include removing any existing shingles, taking care to protect the roof deck from damage and waterproofing the areas of the roof where water tends to collect. The roofer will also inspect the existing shingle structure for any repairs or replacements.

Then, he will lay down underlayment to protect the new shingles from moisture. This is typically asphalt-saturated felt, or a synthetic underlayment like rubberized asphalt. It is important to overlap the underlayment by four inches to ensure optimal protection against leaks.

A roofing contractor will also install ice and water protectors to waterproof the eaves and valleys of the roof. These are the areas where the roof slopes and forms a V shape. It is also a good idea to have an ice and water barrier installed around any dormers, vents, skylights or chimneys on your home.

You should also take this opportunity to remove any exterior decorations, such as decorative mirrors or heavy wall hangings. The vibrations from hammering can knock these items off the walls and could result in breakage. It is a good idea to pack away these items and secure them in the attic during the roofing process.

Another important prep item is to make arrangements for your pets and children. The noise from hammers and nail guns can interfere with nap times and outside playtime for young kids and animals. It may be best to have them stay with friends or family members during the reroofing project.

Next, you will need to move cars, lawn furniture and other personal items away from the house to provide easier access for the roofing crew. Then, cover anything that you cannot move with tarps. This will help keep the mud and debris from damaging your lawn or outdoor furniture.

Finally, it is a good idea to trim back any overgrown plants or tree branches near the house. This will allow the roofers to get to the work area more easily and will prevent them from getting hit with falling shingles or other debris.

Materials

Roofing projects can be complex, but using the right materials will help ensure the success of your project. From assessing your needs and understanding different roofing materials to ensuring you have the proper tools and equipment, there are many things that are necessary for successful roofing installation.

One of the most important items is a good roofing knife. This type of blade is designed to cut through shingles and other roofing materials quickly and easily. Some models even have hooks near the edge of the blade to assist with holding and cutting a straight line.

Another essential item is a ladder. A roof is an elevated structure, and a ladder will allow you to move around the surface without needing to walk on the shingles themselves. A ladder with a wide base is best for stability. You may also want to consider investing in a tarp, which is used to collect shingle pieces and other debris from the ground during a roofing job. Tarps can also protect plants and other surfaces from rain and dirt, making them a smart investment for any home improvement project.

Other important roofing materials include the following:

Shingles – The primary roofing material, available in a variety of styles and colors to match or revitalize existing architectural elements.

Roof decking – Plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) provides the foundation for roofing materials and helps prevent moisture penetration.

Leak barrier – A self-adhesive membrane installed between the roof decking and the shingles to help prevent moisture from penetrating the structure.

Flashing – Metal pieces that seal gaps and seams in the roof, such as at chimneys, vents, skylights, and other protrusions.

Drip edge flashing – Pre-painted steel or aluminum is the most popular choice for this element, especially for homes that are located near saltwater. Copper and galvalume are also available for homeowners who prefer a more natural, raw metal look.

A work vehicle – A van or pickup truck with a covered bed is the ideal vehicle for transporting and storing roofing materials, tools, and equipment. This is a necessity for any roofer, as it will provide a safe and convenient way to carry heavy loads from one area of the roof to another.

Installation

The installation process involves the roofer laying new shingles and repairing any leaks in existing shingle areas. The contractor will also install a drip edge strip that creates a watertight seal along the eaves and roof valleys. He will also use flashing around chimneys, wood stove pipes, and certain vents. Depending on the type of roofing material you have chosen, your contractor may also add new attic ventilation or extra vent holes to increase your home’s energy efficiency.

A re-roofing project requires much less work than a complete roof replacement, but it’s still a major undertaking. The entire project will take a few hours to a day or more, depending on the size of your roof. It’s important for your contractor to protect your property during the installation process by covering the vulnerable areas of your lawn and house with tarps, hiring a dumpster to dispose of waste materials, and using wooden boards to protect sensitive items like plants and air conditioning units.

Maintenance

Once the roofing installation is complete, a number of maintenance procedures must be performed. The roofing project manager will conduct a detailed inspection of the roof to make sure it meets the construction specifications and building codes, and he or she will prepare a final “punch list” of minor items that need correction or touch-up. The project manager will also document the daily progress on the roof with a thorough and clearly written maintenance log, which is extremely useful in the event of disagreements or litigation over work completed.

This will include a description of the work done, the date and time of completion, and the names of all those who performed the tasks. The log will also note any special issues or problems encountered. If the crew is using a metal roof, the log should also indicate who cleaned and removed small bits of metal shavings, chips, and filings from the panels. The clean-up is important because such debris absorbs moisture and can lead to rust, staining, or corrosion of the roof panel surfaces. It is a good idea to perform this activity on a daily basis, as noted in Section 17.3.3, Keeping the Roof Clear of Debris.

In addition, the cleaning crew will remove any tarps that were used to protect plants, sculptures, or other objects on your home’s exterior and will dispose of all materials they have removed from your roof. The crew will also ensure that all protruding nails are either pounded flat or removed, as these can puncture new shingles or rip into the underlayment. The crew will also sweep the gutters, making sure that no sand or other debris has been left in them.

The cleaning crew will also inspect the flashing on your roof, especially the joints and drip edges. If these are damaged or rusted, the crew will replace them with new aluminum or galvanized steel flashing.

Often, a small problem such as cracks in the flashing or a loose shingle can cause water damage that is costly to repair. Routine maintenance on a periodic basis can prevent these problems from developing into major issues and will save you money in the long run.