Roofing a house is no easy feat. Roofing in spring also comes with its own unique challenges. Without mincing words, it is best to leave the task of roofing your building to experts like Raaroofing, who are also quite close to you in South California.
However, if you are keen on installing a new roof in your house, all by yourself, in the coming spring season, then read the paragraphs that follow. This is the ultimate guide to spring roofing in 2023.
CHOOSE A ROOFING MATERIAL
It all starts with choosing a suitable roofing material for your building. In choosing one, you must consider certain factors, beginning with the specific climate of your locale. For instance, the summer season in Southern California can be pretty hot. As a result, Wooden Shingles may crack. In the spring, when rainfall can be pretty heavy, Clay roofs might cave.
The region is also prone to extreme weather events such as wildfires, making Wooden Shakes roof a bad idea as they are highly combustible. Metal, Slate, Tile, and certain types of Shingles may be the best roofing materials to consider due to their ability to withstand the Southern California Climate.
GET THE NEEDED EQUIPMENT
Once you’ve decided on the roofing material, it’s time to gather the appropriate tools. If you’ve had some roofing experience, you probably know some of these tools already. In any case, check out the list below to see some commonly used tools.
- Ladder
- Roofing hammer
- Chalk line
- Pry bar
- Work Gloves
- Air hose
- Circular Saw
- Roofing nail gun
- Tin snips
- Roofing Safety equipment, e.g., Hard hat, Safety harness, Safety glasses, Non-slip boots, etc.
- Roofing Shovel
- Utility Knife
- Straight Edge
- Caulk gun
- Tarpaulin
- Scaffolding
This list is by no means exhaustive. There are more specialized tools, depending on your chosen roofing material.
OBTAIN THE NEEDED PERMITS
Roofing permits are required for any roofing project in Southern California. These permits are generally only issued to licensed contractors since roofing requires specialized knowledge and expertise. However, if you can demonstrate that you have the requisite knowledge and expertise, you may be able to obtain a permit.
REMOVE THE OLD ROOF
You can skip this step if you are roofing a completely new building. But if not, chances are you’d need to remove an existing roof. This has to start with spreading Tarps all over to collect debris resulting from tearing off the roof, and hence protect your property.
Next, using an appropriate tool, tear off the existing roof material. For Shingles, a “Tear-off Fork” will do just fine. As you tear them off, ensure that they roll off the Tarps safely to a waiting debris trailer or the ground so that they cause no damage.
Finally, remove the nails that would be sticking out by now. You can do this by pulling them out if the overhang is exposed or knocking them down thoroughly with a hammer if it’s Plywood.
INSTALL THE UNDERLAYMENT
The underlayment is installed between the roofing material and the roof deck. It provides added protection to the building from the elements. It is usually Plywood or Oriental Strand Board.
When installing the underlayment, it is always a good idea to check that the surface is level and free of debris that may impede proper installation. Once done, you can roll the underlayment horizontally across the roof deck. Overlap each run of underlayment by a few inches and then fasten with nails or staple. Do this until the entire roof is covered.
INSTALL THE DRIP EDGE
The drip edge ensures that water does not seep under the roofing material to damage the deck. A metal drip edge is often used.
Start by measuring the length of the roof edges and then cut the drip edges to size, ensuring that they go about 1 inch longer than the roof edge. Secure the drip edge using a hammer or nail gun. The nails should be appropriately spaced, about 12 inches apart. Also, ensure the nails are wholly driven through the drip edge to the roof deck.
INSTALL THE ROOFING MATERIAL
The procedure for installing roofing materials depends on the material itself. Shingles are placed row by row, starting from the first piece in the row, known as the starter. Nail each layer of Shingles after ensuring that you have perfectly straight rows.
Installing metal panels doesn’t involve placing pieces in rows as in Shingles. Instead, metal panels are unrolled just as with underlayment and secured with nails. Before settling for one, you may want to learn how different roofing materials are installed.
INSTALL FLASHINGS
Roof flashings direct water off critical areas of the roof, such as around vents and chimneys. It also prevents water from running off into the roof deck.
There are numerous types of decking. If you aren’t already familiar with them, contact an expert to help you select the best. Once you’ve decided on the type of flashings to use, clean the area, measure the size over which you’ll install them, and cut. Finally, install the step flashing, base flashing, counter flashing, etc. Seal with cement or an appropriate sealant to prevent water from seeping under the flashing
DON’T FORGET TO CAP THE RIDGES
The ridge is that area of the roof where two sloping angles meet. Installing ridge caps protects the roof from early damage and increases its life span.
CLEAN UP
This is the final stage of your roofing project. It’s like dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s. Ensure that nails aren’t sticking out and that debris isn’t lying on the roof.
If you made it this far, congratulations. You may now enjoy your new roof.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
As mentioned earlier, roofing in spring comes with certain challenges. Sudden rainfall is typical, resulting in a slippery roof that may lead to a fall. Here are some safety tips to follow:
- Make sure to check weather forecasts so that you know what to expect.
- Wear footwear with good traction.
- Use a safety harness, lanyards, or ropes.
- Walk cautiously on the roof and be alert to loose roofing materials.
- Ensure all tools are in good working condition.
- Follow all laid down building codes and guidelines in your locale
Once more, it is best to leave the job of installing a new roof to the experts. Raaroofing has been in the roofing business for more than 15 years, and we are a call or email away from helping you install that roof, and safely too.
Contact us at [email protected] or call (833) 216-6555.