Whether it’s clarifying project details, explaining a delay or offering reassurance, being available to clients throughout the process builds trust. It’s also a great way to demonstrate your commitment to transparency and accountability.

Roofing is the covering on top of the uppermost part of a building/home, supported by walls or on uprights, and protecting it against rain, snow, sunlight, extreme temperatures and wind.

The roof is a critical component of any home and it must be able to withstand heat, cold, moisture and debris. There are many different roofing materials to choose from and each offers its own unique benefits. In addition, the type of roofing you choose can affect how much it costs to install and maintain. It’s important to understand the pros and cons of each roofing material before making your final decision.

The most popular residential roofing material is asphalt shingles. They offer excellent durability and come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and styles. They are also affordable and work well in most climates. If you live in a windy area, you may want to consider opting for an asphalt shingle that has been designed to resist high winds.

Metal roofing is another option that can withstand harsh climate conditions. Metal options like aluminum and copper are fairly durable, but they tend to be heavier than other roofing materials. As a result, the sheathing or decking of the roof must be reinforced to ensure it can support the weight of the roof.

Clay tile is an aesthetically pleasing roofing material that adds regional charm to any home. It’s a great choice for hot climates and can last upwards of 50 years. It is also resistant to salty air, pests and rot.

Slate is a natural stone that’s extremely durable, lasting for upwards of 100 years. It is highly resistant to heat and moisture and can withstand the impact of hail. However, it is expensive and requires extra reinforcement to withstand high winds.

Concrete and clay tiles are both very durable, with low- to moderate-level resistance to earthquakes. These tiles are more heavy than other roofing materials, and they require additional reinforcement of the roof to withstand their weight.

Rolled roofing is a common roofing option for outbuildings like garages and sheds. It is a low-cost and fast-to-install roofing material that comes in either a thick, multi-layer version or a thinner three-tab version.

Rubber is an environmentally friendly roofing material that can be made to look like other types of roofing materials. It is resistant to water, UV rays and most pests.

Installation

A roof is a weather-proof covering that shields the interior of a building from rain, snow, sunlight, wind, and extreme temperatures. Roofs are constructed in a variety of shapes, sizes, and forms to meet functional, aesthetic, or structural requirements. They may be flat or pitched, vaulted or domed, and made from a variety of materials.

A new roof can increase your home’s value, and can also improve its energy efficiency and reduce your cooling costs. However, a roof replacement is a major undertaking that can be expensive. The cost of your roofing project will depend on the type and color of shingles, the number of square feet of your roof, and the complexity of its layout. Additional features, such as a chimney or skylight, will also add to the total cost.

Before the installation of your new roof, your contractor will need to tear off any existing shingles and flashing. The roof sheathing will then be exposed, allowing it to be thoroughly inspected for damage.

Next, underlayment will be installed over the roof sheathing. The first row of underlayment will be nailed close to the edge, and then farther apart as it is layered up toward your roof’s ridge. The next row of underlayment will be nailed in the same pattern, but with nails spaced closer together at the edges. A metal drip edge will then be secured around the perimeter of your roof, and a new valley flashing will be installed in areas where two roof planes come together.

A final inspection will be conducted to ensure adherence to building codes, and that your new roof is aesthetically pleasing. Debris will be removed, and your property will be cleaned up, leaving it in good condition. In addition, your contractor will inspect your attic for ventilation and insulation, and make sure that the ridge vents are properly functioning.

Maintenance

A roof’s exposure to weather can damage it over time. It’s important to maintain a roofing system in order to prevent small problems from escalating into major issues. To do this, it’s recommended that a homeowner perform a visual inspection of the roof on a seasonal basis. During these inspections, the homeowner should look for shingle damage such as cracking or tearing and note any that are missing completely. Additionally, the owner should inspect and replace caulking around the chimney and vent pipes. Replacing flashing, the material used to direct water away from areas where the roof planes meet, can also prevent leaks.

Another task that should be done on a regular basis is trimming tree branches that hang over the roof. Keeping them trimmed helps to protect the roof from debris that can fall during storms. Additionally, the maintenance crew should be sure that the chimney is free of a soot-like substance known as creosote and that seals around all roof penetrations such as skylights and vents are in good shape.

Having the proper tools can help homeowners with routine roof maintenance and repairs. Basic maintenance tools include a hammer, pliers and roofing cement. Having these tools readily available can help homeowners address minor issues before they become larger problems. This can prevent expensive repair bills down the road. Additionally, having these tools can help homeowners make quick and easy repairs to their roofs in the event of an emergency.

Repairs

Repairing a roof can be more cost-effective than replacing it, especially when the damage is localized. However, it’s important to examine a roof’s overall condition before making repairs. Isolated problems may signal bigger issues such as the integrity of the roof’s underlying materials or that the existing shingles aren’t suited to your area’s weather conditions.

Before repairing, climb up into the attic or crawlspace (or whatever you have that’s closest to the inside of your roof) and take a look around. Check for damp spots on the ceiling or any areas that appear sagging or otherwise damaged. Also, don’t forget to check out the chimney, air vents and the a/c ducts. Leaks from these are common, and often stem from the improper balance of exhaust versus intake ventilation and from the lack of proper maintenance of fans, a/c ducts and air handlers.

If you’re going to repair the roof, start by removing any existing shingle overhangs and drip edges. This can be done using a circular saw, working in sections to avoid cutting into the roof sheathing. Then, use a roofing-appropriate adhesive to apply a strip of ice and water barrier where the soffit meets the main roof joint. This should overlap another piece of ice and water barrier laid below it, and also cover the most leak-prone areas. Then reshingle, starting with the eaves and working down towards the gutters, and sliding metal step flashing behind the fascia board where it meets the roof at the ridges or valleys.