Roof Replacement – What To Know

A house wouldn’t be a house if you didn’t have a roof over your head when you step inside. The roof is one of the components that a house must have and it’s arguably the most important. After all, the roof shelters everything inside the house from the elements. It’s only fitting that a house has a proper roof. So when you’re looking to give your house a roof replacement, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Shop for Reputable Roofers

Most people would only ever have their roofs replaced just once or twice in their entire lifetime. It’s not something that you do every couple of years. This means roofers who would do the residential roof replacement don’t have much to care about the job, or at least some shady roofers wouldn’t. This is why you should take your time in finding the right roofing contractor for the job. Look around and check your local roofers. See how other people rate their work, their prices, and their actual workmanship. Ask for photos and addresses of past customers’ homes as references. It’s best to have as many references as possible before settling with a particular roofer.

Don’t Skimp on Roof Removal

While homeowners are allowed to place two layers of shingles on the roof of their homes, it’s not ideal to stack one over the other. Always have the old layer taken out. Although it would cost you more, you will be sure that everything is laid out properly. Tearing out the old one ensures that your roof replacement Greenville can hold up against the elements.

Go for Top-grade Materials

Your new roof would last you a couple of decades before you could even begin to experience signs of wear and tear. That said, it is only fitting to go for the best materials in the market. Choosing the shingles that have a 5-year warranty would set you back anywhere from $300-500 but it’s definitely worth the extra cash. You should also go with copper flashing for sealing the joints as it is far more durable than aluminum. However, this will add to the cost but will add quality. Not only that, a good roof adds to the value of your home. In case you find yourself wanting to sell your house in the future.

Don’t Overlook Details and Paperwork

Replacing your roof may sound straightforward but there are a lot of things that you should do to have it all completed. Most areas require a building permit to carry out the roof replacement. You should also have a written contract that indicates the agreement between you and the contractor. And finally, you should receive a letter from the contractor’s insurance firm acknowledging the compensation plan in case things don’t end up well.

Be sure that the roofing contractor takes care of fallen fasteners and nails

Many fasteners and nails will be involved during the removal of the old roof and installation of the new one. Be sure that the roofing contractor takes care of any fallen metal parts to ensure safety around your home.

Transform your home with KM Roof and Home Repair! Say goodbye to leaks, weather damage, and home maintenance stress. Call KM Roof and Home Repair Pros today.

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KM Roof and Home Repair
Greenville, SC 29609
864-535-9184
www.kmroofers.com

Areas Served: Piedmont SC, Fountain Inn SC, Simpsonville SC, Greer SC, Taylors SC, Greenville SC, Travelers Rest SC

How It’s Done – Roof Replacement

You might have noticed broken shingles on your roof or ceiling leaks. Even the most durable roofs can be damaged by the elements, so you may need to have a roof replacement sooner or later. Although a new roof installation is not something that is recommended for the average DIYer, it can be useful to learn how to replace a roof before you hire a local roofing contractor. From start to finish, here’s what you can expect:

What is the purpose of a roof replacement?

Roofs can last between 20 and 50 years depending on their material and how well they are maintained. However, roofs will experience significant wear over their lifetime. High winds, flying twigs, and leaf and snow accumulation can all cause damage to roofs. Roofs are important for your safety and that of your family. However, they must be in good condition. Roofs can leak and, in extreme cases of collapse, could cause serious damage.

How to replace a roof in 9 steps

1. Removing old roofing materials

Although you can replace the old shingles with new ones, it creates a less stable and secure roof surface. Roofing contractors will instead use a roofing shovel and carefully remove any existing roof material. Then, they will dispose of it in a dumpster. This step is the most difficult part of the job. If you don’t have the necessary skills, hire a professional.

2. Repair the roof if necessary

Roofers may have to replace the sheathing or repair the frame of an old roof. This will give the roof material a strong, long-lasting foundation. It is not acceptable to just cover up a roof that has been damaged with new roofing material. This will not fix the problem, and may even make it worse.

3. Add the Drip Edge

Although you may not require a metal drip edge for your roof, this material will prevent water from leaking onto the fascia boards.

• Place the drip edge against the fascia boards.
• Secure the drip edge by using roofing nails to pass through the decking.
• Roof nails should be placed every 2 to 3 feet.

4. Install water and ice barriers

In some areas, a water and ice barrier or shield is necessary, especially if there are harsh winters. This step is essential if you want to avoid costly water damage later on. These barriers, also known as ice or water underlayment, are designed to prevent water and ice damage to the roof sheathing. They can be used on roofs with pitches of 2/12, 3/12, 4/12, or 5/12 and any valleys. To protect against water damage and ice damming, the contractor will place the water and ice shield at the roof’s edges.

5. Install the roofing paper

After the underlayment has been installed, the contractor will start laying roofing paper. The contractor will overlap towards the roof peak to protect against fire and moisture. At least once every 12 inches, the roofing paper must be stapled or nailed to the roof sheathing.

6. Use proper flashing to protect from leaks

It’s all about protecting your roof from leaks. It is important to keep water from getting into your roof sheathing and interior by using flashing, roofing paper, and ice shield. The damage could prove costly if it is not prevented. For the best protection, the roofing contractor in Greenville will attach metal flashing to the valleys of your roof.

7. Bring the shingles and other roofing materials

Once you have the right protection in place for the elements, your roof will begin to materialize once the roofing material has been installed. The contractor will begin to apply shingles or roof tiles near the roof’s edges, at the metal drip edge and near the eaves. Next, he will work toward the roof’s peak.

8. Finish with the ridge vent

If your roof does not have one, you will need to install one. This roof component can help prevent ice damming and improve air circulation. When you are ready to add roofing to an existing or new ridge vent, the contractor will first install flashing around it.

9. Get a roof inspection done

Roofs are vital to our safety. You will need to clean up the area and have a builder inspect the job. Your new roof can be installed once you have given your approval.

Call KM Roof and Home Repair now if you need professional and reliable roofing services in Greenville.

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KM Roof and Home Repair
310 Iveydale Dr.
Greenville, SC 29609
864-535-9184
www.kmroofers.com

Facts About Winter Roof Replacement

There is no right time to decide that you need a roof replacement. However, a snowy winter day can make it even more difficult. Is it possible to replace a roof during winter? The short answer is yes.

What Does Winter Weather Mean for Roof Replacement in Greenville?

1. Materials

Shingles

Laminate shingles should be installed at temperatures between 4oC and 26oC. Below 4oC they can become brittle and more susceptible to cracking or breaking. They can be installed in colder temperatures, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they cannot. It means that extra care must be taken.

Sealant

Shingles have a self-sealant strip that activates under heat to ensure that they stay together and don’t lift in the wind. This process can be delayed by cold temperatures, as you might expect. Although most roofing companies only use four nails per roof shingle, we use six nails per roof shingle to replace a winter roof. This is what we use for high-wind roof installation year-round. It creates a strong, secure hold that allows your shingles to withstand harsh winter conditions.

2. Tools

The cold can also affect sealant and shingles. Winter can be just as hard on roofers’ most used tools, such as compressors and nail guns. Compression tools that release steam into their lines will invariably turn some of the humidity and steam into liquid. Below freezing, this water will quickly freeze. The tool’s performance will be compromised as ice accumulates slowly.

No matter what season it is, nails must be driven correctly. Overdriven nails can cause damage to the shingle. While underdriven nails can cause shingles to sit up and create air bubbles, which makes your roof and shingles vulnerable to high winds. Nails may not be driven as deep as necessary if they become stuck in the airways during cold temperatures. Roofers should monitor the presence of ice during winter in their compression tools and pay attention to the depth adjusters on nail guns to avoid this problem.

3. Health and Safety

Roofers should be aware of potential winter hazards such as slick surfaces, hidden dangers such as skylights and vents, and the effects and adverse weather conditions, especially extreme cold. It is important that you protect yourself and ensure safety by hiring a roofer who will take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your roofers.

• Ask about the safety and health program for roofers. Roofing contractors with more than five employees are legally required to have one.
• Check that the roofer is covered for both workers’ compensation and general liability. You could be held responsible for any medical expenses and repairs if the roofer is not insured.
• Confirm that all employees have successfully completed the Working at Heights Training Program.

Want to know more about roof replacements? Call KM Roof and Home Repair now. We offer roof repair, roof installation, roof inspection, gutter services, and more.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about roofing services.

KM Roof and Home Repair
310 Iveydale Dr.
Greenville, SC 29609
864-535-9184
www.kmroofers.com