Are you in need of a new roof for your home? Here are a few expert tips to keep in mind when replacing your homes roof. To do the job correctly, it is best to consult with the experts who have the knowledge and experience in roof replacements. Yes, any reputable roofing company can give you a price, but let’s dig a little deeper and see what areas of the roof project you need to be focused on in more detail.
Roof Sheeting or Sheathing
This is the material (wood panels) or sheet material that is fastened to the roof rafters or trusses on which the roof shingles are fastened.
Roof Sheathing Tip: When the old roof shingles are removed, there may be damage underneath. You need a firm, weather-resistant and level surface on which to put your new roof shingles. Your existing sheeting/sheathing is one of the first things A-Top Roofing and Construction addresses in the contract and inspects carefully after the old roof is removed. Often only a small portion of the sheathing needs to be replaced and, in some cases, not at all.
A-Top Roofing and Construction recommends using 1⁄2” CDX plywood when sheathing needs to be replaced.
Roofing Underlayment
Underlayment is a layer of fabric-like material that is rolled out and stapled to the sheeting or sheathing. It adds an important level of moisture protection between the roof shingles and the sheeting.
Roofing Underlayment Tip: A high quality underlayment is just as important in preventing leaks as the roofing material itself. State and municipal codes require roofing underlayment to meet standards like fire resistance, wind uplift resistance, puncture resistance, and resistance to wind-driven rain. The weight and specifications of the material should be sufficient to provide protection for the life of the roof.
A-Top Roofing and Construction offers its customers the highest quality underlayment. The product is stronger and lays much flatter during the installation and does not bubble or shrink. This makes for a nicer looking, more effective roof. Another advantage is the underlayment does not blow off in high winds and provides superior foot traction for our roofers so there is less slipping, which makes for safer jobsites. A-Top Roofing and Construction always uses sheathing that matches up with the warranty specifications of the project and has lasting value for the homeowners.
The Drip Edge
Drip edge is a metal flashing that is installed at the edges of the roof to help control the flow of water away from the fascia and to protect the underlying roofing components. Drip edge overhangs the sides of the roof and has a small metal flange that is bent away from the fascia.
A-Top Roofing and Construction uses the best quality flashing at the gutter edge. It makes a big difference in reliability of your new roof. The plywood next to the gutters is vulnerable to water saturation. Water that reaches the gutter can soak back up and result in moldy or rotting plywood on the eaves of your roof. To prevent this, gutter edge metal should be installed on every roof.
We recommend a special gauge, corrosion-resistant, coated metal flashing in all places where the roof is joined by a gutter.
Roof Flashings
In addition to the gutter edge flashing, your roof has flashings at many other critical points. These include fireplaces, the valleys in the roof, around skylights, around plumbing vents and anywhere roof and siding meet.
A-Top Roofing and Construction best practices to replace all your existing flashings. Re-used roof flashings are prone to leaks, and diminish from the curb appeal of your roof.
To be sure of what your roofer will do, look for these flashings to be listed in the contract: valley, roof-to-wall, chimney (especially if you have a brick chimney), plumbing vent, and skylights if you have them. A-Top Roofing always replaces existing roof flashing with new ones.
Ridge Venting
Attic ventilation is an important part of your homes roof installation. The proper method of ensuring proper air flow in the attic is a ridge venting “system”. These are structures with molded-in air vents located under the ridge cap shingles. The system provides the free airflow in the attic while keeping it watertight.
A-Top Roofing and Construction wants to make sure you have plenty of air flow in the attic. If there isn’t enough airflow, mold may grow, and plywood may delaminate and rot. A ridge vent system provides better airflow than box vents and will not leak. It also gives your home a higher profile and a more attractive look.
A-Top Roofing and Construction recommends following these expert tips. These factors should be kept in mind when replacing your homes roof. To do the job correctly, it is best to consult with the experts at A-Top roofing and Construction. With 35 years of knowledge and experience in roof replacements, you can rest assured you are in good hands from start to finish. Our reputation is based on doing the right thing by our customers and offering a great price and the best roofing warranty in the business.
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To call our roof replacement hotline dial (732) 446-6301. If you have a question, email us at info@a-topnj.com.