A Beginner’s Guide To Reroofing A House

Having a solid roof above your head is very important. But if it is aging and the shingles are falling off, our guide on how to reroofing a house will come in handy. Many factors can weaken your roof regardless of how old it is. So, it’s good to know how to reroof it.

Reroofing a house is a challenging task, but you can manage it yourself with the right skills. However, there is more to the skills. If you are acrophobic, then this is not your best bet. You will have to contact an expert roofer to help you reroof your house.

How To Know Your Roof Needs Reroofing

Roofs play a significant role in the house, and they come second in the list of most essential parts of the home. The place will not be comfortable with a leaking and torn roof. It also protects you from direct sun rays, heat, and dust. 

As the roof ages, it starts to break down and become less efficient. You will know this by physical changes or changes in your energy bills. Some of the signs that your roof needs a replacement are;

Age

Most manufacturers make roofs that last for 20-30 years. After this, the top starts to live its bonus years and begins to act up. This is because the materials are old and tearing. You could repair the very worn-out parts, but another problem will arise soon. 

Curling Shingles

Curling shingles could be a sign of aging or other elements like water and wind destroying the shingles. If you notice the edges of the shingles are turning upwards, or the flat ones are curling upwards at the center, this is a sign they are expiring. 

These shingles will cause leaks and become an entry to animals and dust. Do not let them stay for more than a year. Otherwise, they may leak and damage your furniture, making your house very uncomfortable. 

Falling Shingles

If your house is over 25 years, you only have age to blame if the shingles start falling off. In that case, you will need to replace the shingles with new ones. Unfortunately, getting the same style and color of shingles that cover the entire roof can be tricky.

Also, replacing the missing ones with different colored ones will reduce your home’s curb appeal. You don’t want your roof to look like a checkerboard, so it will be better to replace the entire roofing. 

Moss and Algae on Shingles

When moss and algae cover your shingles, they take away your home’s aesthetic, which is a significant problem for some homeowners. Unfortunately, some will not worry much about this ugly coloration, thinking the solution is to scrap the roof.

However, scrapping the roof is a bad idea because you will be chipping off the granules. As a result, this leaves the roof looking uglier, and you are more likely to regret doing it. 

Pro Tip: If you notice any of the signs above, you should start learning how to reroof a house. Having the right skills, experience, and access to all the necessary tools will enable you to DIY comfortably and save on labor.

How to Reroof a House: The Steps to Follow

Reroofing your house is the best approach to give your home a new look and make it comfortable. Here are the steps to follow to reroof your house.

Check the Building Codes and Get a Permit

Some areas have stringent residential building codes that don’t allow people to change anything on the houses without permission. You don’t want to ignore the law and have your reroofing process stopped because you don’t have the permit to do so. But, first, get the papers to be on the safe side. 

Put Your Materials Together

Ensure you get everything you need for the process and gather them. This reduces the amount of time you spend on the reroofing process and makes the process smoother. Besides the apparent reroofing materials, get safety gear to ensure you are safe. 

Remove the Old Roof

You cannot install a new roof on an old one, so you must first remove the old, rusty, and curving shingles and drop them into a trash container. Ensure you also remove the old nails. Pound the nails that cannot stick out flat to ensure they don’t tear the new roof. If the underlayment is in good condition, you can let it stay.

Install Drip Molding, and Roofing Felt

Having drip molds ensures all the rainwater goes into the gutters. Align the drip mold and nail them, leaving 12-inch spaces. Apply the roofing felt too, and fix them, leaving a 6-inch margin. 

Put A Waterproof On the Roof Valleys

Roof valleys are prone to moisture damage. Therefore, it would help if you protected them by installing underlayment on them. Also, don’t forget to nail the protruding edges. 

Install the Shingles

This is the main part of the process, and you need to be keen and careful. First, install a row of starter shingles and ensure they pass the drip edge by ½ inches. 

The half shingles are essential for stopping leakage on the roof. They do so by preventing water collection on the underlayment. 

Next, line up the full shingles in a zigzag to ensure the seams of the rows are not in line. There is no specific nailing pattern because manufacturers make shingles in different shapes, requiring a particular way of nailing. 

Four to six nails are enough to get the job done. Ensure the nails go through the decking and leave about ¾-inch underneath. 

Cap the Ridge

The ridge is thick, and that will require you to use longer nails. Install the top ridge cap so that wind blows on top of them and not into them. 

Seal the Roof

When you finish installing the underlayments, the last part of the process is to seal anything exposed. For example, seal all nail holes and stack flashing to ensure that there will be no entry for water to leak. Do not use silicone because it will not last long. Also, asphalt sealants dry and crack on exposure to the sun. 

Final Words

Reroofing needs you to be patient and dedicated because there are many small steps you should follow. One mistake can give you a faulty roof for life. So, learning how to reroof a house is essential for every homeowner who wants a long-lasting roof.

Contact Roof Master today to get a free inspection and evaluate the cost of reroofing your house.

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