There’s something about a freshly shingled, new roof that makes your home or business look completely updated and beautiful. Regardless of whether you’re shingling a new home or commercial building, the result is always worth it.
To get your roof finished professionally while keeping costs down, here are some tips on how to shingle a roof:
Choose Quality Materials
It may be tempting to go with the cheapest option, but in the long run, you’ll regret it. Make sure to buy shingles from a reputable manufacturer and ask your roofer what type of shingle is best for your climate and region.
Condos, townhouses, and apartment complexes in California should typically use a three-tab shingle because of the number of layers and increased durability. This helps with the weather conditions.
Make sure that nails are galvanized and the felt underlayment is waterproof. Also, check for additional warranties with the shingles you choose.
Get the Right Equipment
While it’s possible to rent equipment from a local rental center if you’re doing your roof yourself, professional roofers have all their own tools ready to go. There will be less of a wait time, and you’ll be able to get the job done quicker if everyone is using the correct tools.
Remember that safety is very important on the job site. Ask your roofer what types of precautions they are taking to ensure that everyone and everything stays safe during the process.
Plan Ahead
One of the biggest mistakes people make when shingling a roof is not planning. Make sure to order all your materials in advance and have them delivered to the job site. This will help keep things moving along smoothly and avoid any delays.
During your planning stages, be sure to consider the cost of shingles, nails, underlayment, and other materials. You should also account for any permits or fees you’ll need to start your roofing job.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you have a solid game plan for disposing of the old shingles. Many municipalities have regulations in place about how and where roofing materials can be disposed of, so it’s best to check with your local government before starting your job.
Be Aware of Local Weather Conditions
The weather plays a huge role when it comes to re-roofing an apartment complex or large building. In California, the weather changes a lot, and it’s important to be prepared for rain, high winds, or other extreme conditions. Always talk to your roofer about any potential problems that could arise during the job and what you can do to prevent them.
Most often, you’ll want to avoid roofing during the middle of summer as it’s extremely hot and can cause delays. Winter is also problematic as weather conditions in California are unpredictable.
Evaluate Your Roof Before Starting
Before you start your roofing job, it’s important to ensure that the area is safe and secure for working conditions. This includes checking electrical panels and removing any debris or objects that could become a safety hazard while on the roof. You’ll also want to make sure there are no low-hanging branches or wires near the roof that could cause problems.
While you’re up on your roof, it’s a good time to check for any loose shingles or damage from previous storms. If there is an issue with your current roof before you re-shingle, this will help prevent future leaks and costly repairs down the road. Make sure to document any damage you find so that you can show your roofer.
Things that you should watch out for may include but are not limited to:
- Curling Shingles
Often, this is a sign that the shingle is about to fail and should be replaced immediately. Unfortunately, a repair will only last for a short time before it needs replacing as well. If you see evidence of curling on your roof, this is a sign that it may be time to replace the entire thing instead of trying to patch up individual shingles. - Missing Shingles
Surprisingly, many people don’t even notice when they’re missing shingles until it’s too late. Missing shingles can lead to water damage and a host of other problems down the road, so it’s important to fix them as soon as possible. - Shingles Are Loose
If you notice shingles lifting or coming up off the roof, it’s time to get them replaced. This is usually a sign of poor installation in the first place and will require a total replacement rather than just fixing individual shingles. When inspecting condo buildings and similar structures, make sure that you check with each owner to see if they have been experiencing any problems with their roofs in the past.
Inspect the Attic
Another great way to better understand your roofing needs is by inspecting the attic or crawl space. This will allow you access to where all the pipes and vents are located and any other potential problem areas on the inside of the building. Look for signs like water damage or staining on walls/ceilings that could be indicative of leaks from outside sources (roofs). If there’s an issue with one unit, it usually means others are at risk, too, so fix them quickly before things get worse!
Also, keep an eye out for sagging ceilings which may indicate a structural issue with the building itself (i.e., foundation).
Algae/Mold Growth
Roofs in California are commonly affected by algae or mold growth and can cause significant damage if left untreated. The longer it’s left, the worse it will get. If you see any signs of algae or mold, be sure to have it removed as soon as possible. Townhouses and other multi-unit buildings are particularly susceptible to this problem due to their shared structure.
Damaged Roof Flashing
Flashing is a thin material that’s used around chimneys, skylights, and other openings on your roof where water could enter the home. If the flashing has been damaged or improperly installed in these areas, it will allow moisture into your attic space and cause mold growth as well as significant damage over time. Apartment complexes and other large buildings often have these issues due to the age of the roofing materials and lack of maintenance.
Water Spots in the Attic or Interior Ceilings
These could be a sign of water damage and leaks that need repair before re-shingling begins. Using more than one type of shingle can cause issues, such as mismatched colors or materials. If this is the case with your roof, it might be better to replace everything at once rather than just patching up individual sections that are damaged.
Ideally, a professional roof inspection should be done every year to catch any potential problems before they become too costly or difficult to repair. You might be able to do this yourself if you have experience with roofs, but it’s better to hire someone who knows what they’re doing so that nothing gets missed.
Work with a Professional Roofing Company
When it comes time to re-shingle your roof, it’s best to work with a professional company. This will ensure that the job is done right and that you’ll have access to warranties and other benefits.
Not only will a professional company be able to help you select the right type of shingles for your roof, but they’ll also be able to assist you with repairs and maintenance once everything is installed.
You should never attempt roofing on your own or even hire a contractor who doesn’t know what they’re doing because it could lead to major problems down the line. It’s always best practice when working with professionals so that you don’t end up having more problems than solutions.
Ideally, you’ll be able to find a roofer that specializes in your area and has experience working with similar roofs. This way, they’ll know exactly what type of shingles are best suited for your climate and specific needs, as well as any maintenance issues. The last thing you want is someone who doesn’t understand your specific needs and ends up doing more harm than good.
How Long Does Shingling a Roof Take?
The amount of time it takes to shingle a roof depends on several factors, such as the size and type of shingles, the condition of the roof, and how many people are working on it. A professional crew can do a small roof in one day, while a larger roof could take two or three days. Townhouses and other multi-unit buildings may take more time because they’re usually larger than single-family homes.
The best thing to do is ask for an estimate from your contractor so that you know exactly what’s going on with the job and can plan accordingly. They should be able to give you a good idea as well of how long it will take based on their experience working on similar projects in your area and climate conditions at any given time (i.e., if there are high winds expected).
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Roofer
Most people choose to hire professionals for their roof replacement needs because it saves them time and money while always ensuring quality results. DIY repairs are often less expensive initially but can cost more in the long run due to errors or lack of experience. This may be especially true if you’re dealing with an older roof that has been neglected over time and needs significant repairs before it’s ready for new shingles.
If your shingles are older than 15 years old or have been damaged in some way, then it might be time to hire a professional roofer to replace them. They can do this for you quickly and easily, preventing further damage from happening instead of trying to fix an already broken situation (i.e., leaks).
Closing Thoughts
Shingling a roof can be a daunting task, but it can be done quickly and easily with the right information and professional help. Be sure to consider your climate conditions, the age of your roof, and how much damage has been done before making any decisions. And always remember that it’s best to work with professionals when it comes to roofing so that you can avoid costly mistakes in the foreseeable future.