The Basics About Roofing

At some point, you may need to get your roof replaced. In most cases, shingles wear away over time or fall off, although in extreme cases, disaster may strike and damage the surface of a roof, such as during a hurricane or tornado. In all instances, a roof will need repairs or to be replaced completely. On a local level, various outdoor home improvement companies offer roof repair and replacement services, as well as a few types of shingles, for you to choose from. But before your roof caves in from wear or has patchy shingles, you should notice when your roof may need to be replaced by a new set of shingles.

Replacing a roof isn't as simple as taking the new shingles off and replacing them with the new. Instead, roofing is a three-part process that results in a polished and new exterior to your home. The first part any New York roofer will do is remove the shingles on your home, but under the shingles is typically roofing felt and sheathing. All of these older parts need to be removed and newer ones need to be added. Sheathing, a plywood or wafer board covering of 3/8 to 3/4 of an inch thick, is added first. On top of this goes the roofing felt, or tar paper, to act as a waterproof barrier between the sheathing and shingles. However, when adding roofing felt, make sure that the sheathing is completely dry first. After, the shingles are applied on top to both with a nail gun powered by an air compressor.

Brand new shingles can change the appearance of a home. The two most popular types are wood shingles, usually called "shake," and asphalt shingles. Shake is made from real wood or a substitute like plywood or particle board, while asphalt shingles are the dark colored squares seen on many homes. When adding roofing to your home, keep in mind that neither type of shingle should be added in wet or cold weather. Asphalt shingles, for example, will crack or become brittle in the cold. Although in northern and New England states, like Connecticut and Maine, this leaves part of the year unfit for roofing, it's advised to do any roofing work in warmer or dry weather.

But at what point do you need a new roof? In some areas, such as in the South, this may occur when a hurricane damages your roof. Areas without hurricanes, such as New England, don't need to worry about severe damage, but if shingles have been coming off a roof or the material looks worn, these are indicators that the roofing material needs to be changed. While New York or Connecticut roofing may not suffer from severe and immediate roof damage, planning out when to do roofing is advised.

Finding a roofing company and learning about their services is as easy as opening a telephone book or doing an online search.