When it comes to roof installation, you’ll need a professional to get the job done right. There are many safety precautions that you should take while having a professional do the job. You should get a work permit for any renovation project that costs over $5,000. Make sure you check the regulations for your area as there are different rules that vary from state to state. In addition, you should purchase at least 10% more material than you’ll need. This will ensure that you have enough material for any cuts or mistakes that may occur during the process.
The first step in roofing is to measure the space that needs to be covered by the roof. You should have about 12 inches of space between the edges of the roof. Do not place too much of a space between each shingle. If there is a space between the shingles and the peak of the roof, you can trim the shingles with a hook blade. When you have done this step, be sure to overlap one side of the roof with another, and then staple the top.
Now, you can begin the second course of shingles by installing the starter shingles. Starter shingles should be installed so that they overlap the first course by about 3/4 of an inch. Once you’ve done that, fasten them with five nails each. Remember to place the nails two or three inches up from the bottom of the eave. You should also make sure that the adhesive strip is facing upward, since this will help seal the row.
The next step in roof installation is felt paper. This will prevent water from pooling under the shingles. It also protects the wood decking below it and increases the roof’s fire rating. You can purchase 30-lb. felt at most roofing suppliers. The latter is better because it wrinkles less and is safer to walk on, especially on steeper pitches.
A professional roofing contractor will know to install flashing around chimneys and skylights. However, some amateur contractors may opt to use tar or putty instead of flashing. This will ensure that the new roof won’t be damaged by rain or strong winds. You can also ask the roofing contractor to install a water barrier around the edges of the roof, which will give it extra protection against storms.
To install a new roof, you will first have to remove the old one. This will make room for the new underlayment and flashing. You’ll need to remove the old nails so that they don’t damage the new shingles. Moreover, you should lay tarps on the lawn and landscaping to protect it from the nails that might fall.
Another thing to consider is noise. Roofing contractors will create a lot of noise while performing the work. The noise levels may vary depending on the type of work, but it’s important to avoid the area where the contractors are working if you’re sensitive to loud noise. If you have pets, you’ll also want to keep them away from the construction area while the project is going on.