subject: Roofing Installation - Getting It Professionally Done [print this page] Getting a roofing installation done without the help of contractors is no easy task. Installing a roof is a tough job, not to mention a risky endeavor. Before starting on putting on your new shingles, make sure that you know the appropriate installation and safety procedures to make the process a more bearable experience.
If possible, have somebody help you with the roofing installation. This may minimize safety risks and make the entire process take less time, assuming they too exercise caution and read up on what to do. Taking on the task by yourself is no longer recommended, as you have a much higher chance of injury and it can take much longer than need be.
As for the safety precautions, make sure to wear non-skid shoes when installing your roof. This way there's less chance of slipping and falling to the ground. Be sure that the roof is no longer wet or damp either. Avoid this by working on dry days and waiting until after the morning dew has evaporated to begin. Roofing brackets may also be a big help, especially if your roof is at a very steep incline. These can help you hold your footing and feel more stable during the process. And last but not least, be sure that the ladder you use to get up the roof is secured on the ground, as well as on the roof itself. This prevents any incidents when climbing up or down.
Prior to can even begin your roofing installation, you must know how many shingles you'll need. An ideal way to do that is to measure the width and length of each and every section, including extensions and dormers. Add the amount for each and every area together, then divide by 100. This is the variety of shingles that you'll need during installation, plus a few more for accidents. Also make sure to keep the initial number in mind to get the right amount of roofing felt, which must be installed underneath the shingles themselves.
When installing at the point or points in your roof that touch every other (for example, the peak), you'll need a cover as opposed to shingles in order to prevent leaks. It is important to lay this down properly, as water leaking below the shingles can drain down into the house. Adhere it down with cement to get a tight and secure finish.
Be sure to exactly follow the manufacturer's directions that come with the shingles. These steps and rules are all too often not followed by do-it-yourselfers, and can lead to an entire host of problems. The biggest problem has to do with expansion of the panels or sheets below the shingles themselves. These expand with heat, and move the shingles with them. Without proper installation of both, the shingles could eventually warp, crack, or break - which leaves you with the task of redoing the roof all over again.
Roofing installation is an intricate process that takes knowledge, patience, and time - not to mention all the safety and other procedures needed before starting. If you are not self-confident within your physical balance, ability to measure perfectly while standing on an incline, or ability to be sure that everything is nailed on as tightly as possible, it could be best for you to hire professional contractors to take on the job.
