Whether you are looking to install a new roof on your home or have to replace your old one, there are several things to consider before you start. First, you should ensure that the contractor you hire is licensed and insured. Next, you should protect against ice dams, which can cause leaks and damage the roof.
Install starter shingles on the gable ends
Using starter shingles on the gable ends of your roof can help ensure you get a good start on installing your new shingles. These shingles will provide extra protection to your roof, as well as a waterproof barrier. They are also great for boosting your roof’s wind resistance. However, if installed improperly, they can damage your home or void your shingle warranty.
Starter shingles are rectangular rectangles that are usually covered in natural roofing granules. In addition, starter shingles are also covered with a tar strip on the bottom. This tar strip is a great way to hold the edges of your roof down, and it will also help prevent blow-offs.
Unlike the typical three-tab shingle, a starter shingle is installed under the first row of shingles. This will make it easier to nail the first row in place. It also makes it easier to nail the second row in place.
In addition to preventing water from seeping under the first row of shingles, starter shingles are also important for increasing the overall wind resistance of your roof. This is because they help seal the joints between shingles. They are also a great way to ensure a straight line for the field shingles.
There are also starter shingles available that are shaped specifically to be installed up the rake edge of your roof. These shingles also have a tar strip on the bottom to help hold the edges of your roof down.
There are several different types of starter shingles, but the most commonly used ones are three-tab shingles. They are a lot quicker to install than their counterparts, but they also sacrifice quality.
Protect against ice dams on roof edges
During the winter, ice dams can cause damage to your home. These problems are caused by pooling of snow meltwater on your roof. The ice dams can cause moisture to leak into your attic and interior walls. They can also damage your gutters, siding and even shingles.
A good way to protect against ice dams on roof edges is to add ventilation to your attic. This helps prevent the loss of warm air in the winter and cool air in the summer. Also, upgrading your attic insulation can help prevent your attic from becoming too cold.
Another solution is to install de-icer bricks on your roof. These bricks slowly disperse calcium chloride on your roof. This allows water to run safely off your roof.
Another way to protect against ice dams on your roof is to add waterproof membranes to the roof edges. You can also specify waterproof membranes for valleys and wall tie-ins.
You can use calcium chloride tubes to melt ice on your roof. Calcium chloride can be purchased for $20. It comes in a 50-pound bag. It will fill 13-15 tube socks.
The biggest factor in ice damming is thermal loss. Incorrectly sealed penetrations are the leading contributors to heat loss. If you have any of these problems, you need to fix them to protect against ice dams on your home.
You should also remove any excess snow and ice from your roof. A professional contractor can do this safely. They can also help you remove icicles from your gutters.
Ice dams are a significant problem for homeowners. They can cause significant damage to your roof and your house. You can protect against ice dams on roof edges by adding insulation and ventilation.
Spray-paint the pipe before installing starter shingles
Fortunately, you won’t be waiting for the shingle to fall into place. The shingles are pre-cut and the assembly process should take about 20 minutes. This should be enough time to give you a well-deserved beer and a nicety massage. The best part? You won’t have to worry about your beloved’s shinny toes! The only downside is the weather. Fortunately, the weather isn’t nearly as bad as it sounds. You may have to get used to the humidity, but it will be worth it in the long run. You’ll also be able to keep your cool while doing it. Plus, you’ll get to see your shinny for years to come. It’s the little things like these that make your home a comfortable place to live. So make sure you take the time to do it right the first time. Plus, you’ll be amazed at the quality of the workmanship you’ll find.
Of course, if you’re lucky enough to have an experienced roofer, it’s a lot easier. If you don’t have that luxury, make sure you snag the best man in the house for a little friendly competition.
Trim roof shingles
Whether you are installing new roof shingles, or replacing shingles on an existing roof, you need to trim the shingles to the proper width and depth. This will help prevent seams from lining up. It is also easier to seal the shingles.
To trim the shingles, first measure the shingles horizontally. If you have an existing roof, you can use a scrap of roofing or half sheet of plywood to help you find the center of the roof. Then, use a hook blade in your utility knife to cut the shingles to the correct width.
The shingles are then nailed to the roof sheathing with four roofing nails per shingle. Then, cover the exposed nailheads with roofing cement. You may also choose to use a caulk tube. This method is usually the most neat.
Afterward, you should install the drip edge. This will cover the ridgecap. You can install this either side of the ridge. You can also install it in the middle. The drip edge should be installed flush with the shingles.
Then, you can run the shingles over the hip ridges. You should leave four inches between the hip ridges and the ridge. You may also choose to install shingles over the roof peak. This will help prevent the roof from sliding off.
Depending on the pitch of your roof, you may need to add more or less nails. Most pros use 1-1/4 inch zinc-coated roofing nails. You may also choose to install a waterproof shingle underlayment. This can be purchased from roofing supply companies or home centers.
Once the last course of shingles has been nailed into the roof sheathing, you can install the drip edge. This will cover the last course of shingles and help seal the roof. It is important to install the drip edge properly. This will prevent water from dripping under the shingles and into your home.
Determine if a contractor is licensed and insured
Whether you are looking to install a new roof or replace a worn out one, you need to check out a roof installation contractor’s credentials before you sign on the dotted line. Choosing the right roofing contractor is an important decision that can impact the quality of your home. While you may be tempted to go with the cheapest contractor you can find, you could end up paying for shoddy workmanship, or paying for damages that were not your fault.
The best way to determine if a roof installation contractor is licensed and insured is to perform a little research. The state licensing board website is a good place to start. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau. They will be happy to help you find a reliable roof installation contractor.
If you are unsure whether a contractor has a license, you can also ask them for a certificate of insurance. The cost of such a policy will depend on the size of the contractor and the insurance company.
The CSLB website is a good place to start when looking for a contractor’s credentials. They display information about the license, as well as any relevant bond information. You can also view a contractor’s Schedule of Fees PDF.
The CSLB website does not include information on general liability insurance. If you’re looking for a sure fire way to check a contractor’s credentials, you may want to call or visit the office in person.
If you’re looking for a roof installation contractor’s credentials, the CSLB website can be a good place to start. You can check out the corresponding information on the Boulder County website, as well.
