Roofing 101

Roofing Materials

• The type of work you do on a roof is dictated by the type of roofing material you want to finish it in. The primary choices are asphalt shingles, metal, tiles and wood. Asphalt shingles are affordable, durable and available in almost any color. Tiles are more expensive but are long lasting. Metal roofs are durable and withstand strong punishment in areas where violent weather is common. Wood has a look that appeals to many people and helps insulate the roof.

Flashing

• Flashing must be installed along the roof's edges. This helps to guide water away from the home and protects the roof from leaking. Usually, installing a drip-edge flashing along the roof's edge is the first step in a roofing project, or the second step if you have to remove an old roof before putting down a new one. Flashing is nailed to the wooden roof boards. It is also installed around any points in the roof where water might enter, such as around chimneys, vents or on any points where an addition was put on a building.

Membrane

• Roofing material is not typically applied directly to the plywood on the roof. The problem with this is that all roofing has some points of weakness where moisture can enter. Therefore, a membrane appropriate for the type of roofing you want to apply needs to be laid down with the flashing before you start to put on the final roof covering. For regular roofs with asphalt shingles, roofing felt or paper is usually all that is required. On roofs with a low pitch, a specialized waterproof membrane, or one that adds structural reinforcement is recommended. Cut holes out of the felt to make room for things like chimneys and vents and the flashing around those points on the roof.

Roofing Safety

• Before you touch a roof, you need to learn about safety when working on ladders and roofs. Ladder safety is important, and you must make sure the ladder is stable and secure each time before you climb. A safety harness is essential, especially when working on steep roofs. Other safety hazards exist, such as the weather. Heat stroke can easily happen while working on a roof but isn't often thought of by novices. Working in the rain is also extremely dangerous.