Life can go pretty fast; even in a town like Peoria, Arizona.
Roof replacements and roofing services are no exception. For many roofers, time means money and because of this roof installers are often put on hyperdrive to get the job done fast. While there is nothing wrong with getting a roofing job done efficiently and effectively, the problem many roofing companies and unsuspecting Arizona homeowners face are the mistakes associated with improper roof installation. That’s why it’s good to know the difference between good and bad roof installation work.
When you become familiar with how to spot good asphalt shingles roofing work as opposed to just paying someone for a fast job, it may help you understand why some top-rated roofers charge a little extra for installation (maybe even half-way through the work) and why it may take a little longer for the roofers to complete the work during your next roof repair or installation.
Bottom line, quicker is not always better.
During your next roof installation keep an eye on the following:
1. Roof Sheathing (Decking)
Good Arizona Roofers will do their best to keep the decking of the roof (also known as roof sheathing) in the best possible condition during a roof demolition. Roof sheathing is the material that is below the underlayment and is nailed unto the rafters of the attic. While some damage may be unavoidable when removing hard to remove nails, the overall integrity of the roof should be maintained. If roofers go too fast during a roof demolition or when tools are unnecessarily slamming into certain parts of the wood, damage, bends and nicks can result and make the sheathing surface uneven and more susceptible to leaks.
It is crucial to have proper attic airflow in order to protect the longevity of your new roof installation.
There are a variety of roof decking material available today.
Roof Decking Types in Arizona:
a. Elongated Wooden Boards – This style of roof decking was most commonly seen before the introduction of plywood in the 1920s, but it is still sometimes used on southwestern roofs today. The wooden boards normally measure 1×6 or 1×8 and withstand heavy loads and rough weather conditions like monsoons, strong wind and dust storms.
b. CDX Plywood – CDX is a popular choice for roofers because it is stronger than Oriented Strand Board (OSB), although a little more expensive. Plywood is made up of thin layers of composite wood. Each layer is glued together at opposite angles to prevent bending and warping. The original idea of plywood was first introduced by British engineer, Sir Samuel Bentham, in 1797, but mass production in the United States didn’t begin until after World War 1, in the 1920s. The first standard-sized 4×8 plywood sheet was introduced to the construction industry in 1928 and now comes in a variety of thicknesses (⅜ in, ½ in, ⅝ in, and ¾ in). The thickness used for any roof is usually determined by how far apart the rafters are. The greater the roof span, the thicker the roof sheets will need to be. This allows for proper support and helps to maintain the structural integrity of the roof.
c. OSB (Oriented Strand Board)– another favorite for roofers and homeowners that is manufactured from thin wood chips and wood strands that are blended with heated resin and wax that are then pressed together into large panels/flat sheets. The idea of OSB, originally called “waferboard,” was first introduced and patented by a Californian inventor named Armin Elmendorf in the 1940s-1950s and then introduced to the construction industry in the 1970s. Since then, it has become a top-choice for builders for its affordability, strength, and durability under heavy loads.
d. Metal (aluminum or steel) – mostly used on industrial or commercial roofs. It is durable fire resistant and can be installed in a variety of thickness.
e. Concrete Roof Decking – an alternative to wood and steel for low-slope roof decks on commercial buildings. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) 2015-2016 Market Survey, concrete roof decks make up 13-14% of the new and retrofit low sloped commercial roofs on the market. Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of concrete roof decks on the GAF website.
f. Exterior Gypsum Board – a cheaper alternative to other roof decking, but it is more costly, less resistant to water when exposed to the elements and has a shorter shelf life.
2 – Proper Inspection of Roof Decking after Old Roofing Material is Removed
A-quality roofers will inspect your roof for any and all mold, water damage, decay and dry rot. If any of these findings are noted, a responsible roofing professional will replace these areas when needed. If there are not enough materials to complete the job or if more damage is noted upon inspection than initially suspected, the roofing contractor will alert the homeowner and adjust the price for the extra roof installation service accordingly. Roof adjustment costs are based on materials needed and for added labor. If the removal and installment of the new wood is in a tricky location that requires a little extra time and effort, a good roof installer will take the time to get the job done right.
Improper inspection, negligence, or laziness in replacing decayed wood, soggy or extensively damaged areas of roof sheathing or flat roof rafters can lead to otherwise avoidable water pooling and leaking shortly after the new roof is installed. That is why it is important to a roofing contractor you can trust.
To hire a trusted and locally owned roofing contractor get in touch with Frontline Consulting and Contracting LLC by calling 928-252-6055 today.
3 – Removal of Old Roof Nails
For high wind areas, especially in desert lands of Arizona, roofers are recommended to use at least five nails per shingle, while some roofers recommend using even more. That means, for a 1,000 square foot home with a 4 ½ in slope the total number of nails required for a complete shingle roofing installation would be at least 5,000 to 8,000 nails for the entire roof.
During a full roof demolition, thousands of nails will need to be removed or hammered into the existing roof deck in preparation for the upcoming new roof installation. If there are any roof nails sticking up after underlayment is laid down, the underlayment could tear or leave that part of the roof at an increased risk for leaks. A trusted roofing expert will take the extra step necessary in ensuring the roof deck is clean and smooth before continuing to the next step in the roofing process. A lazy roofer will not care about conducting a pre-underlayment inspection and even skip on key steps involved in pre-underlayment preparation.
4 – Proper Installment of Underlayment
Roof underlayment is a secondary water-resistant or waterproof layer that is strategically placed on the roof deck prior to the installation of other roofing materials. This secondary barrier is used to repel various elements such as rain, snow, wind, and dust that ensures maximum protection for your roof. Frontline Consultants & Contracting LLC like to use synthetic underlayment due to its lightweight, ease of installation and cost savings to the building owner.
In order for underlayment to function properly, it must be installed correctly. Before underlayment is installed the roof deck must first be:
– smooth
– clean
– dry
If underlayment is old, damaged during Installation, or improperly installed it will lose its ability to effectively deflect water, wind, and dust during Arizona storms and monsoons. Underlayment damage can occur when old nails from the pre-existing roofing installs tear through during installment. Underlayment can also tear when roofers roughly transfer roofing material across its surfaces, when careless workers make measuring marks with nails instead of using chalk or pencil, among other things. Underlayment should be cut using a sharp-edged object, otherwise jagged edges may result and exposed roof decking parts will show and leave that specific area unprotected.
A basic guideline for Arizona roofers, allows underlayment to hang over the eaves about 1.5 inches so that the pre-installed drip edge will be sufficiently covered. On the rake edge, the underlayment should overhang by 1.5 inches and then a metal rake edge trim should be installed over that. If any part of the roof deck is exposed after underlayment has been completely installed, it is an obvious sign of subpar roofing work.
Normally, 1-inch nails with plastic caps are used to install underlayment. This, along with avoiding overstretching will help prevent tearing especially around certain areas of the roof. Roof valleys are especially prone to constricting and contraction during changing weather which can tear underlayment if it is installed too tightly around these areas.
5 – Proper Installment of Roof Flashing
Arizona regulation requires correct roof flashing installment for roof vents, chimneys, skylights, any part of the roof that intersects with a wall or in any other area of the roof that has a roof opening. Proper installment of roof flashing (a rust and water-resistant material) involves creating a water-tight seal between the roof deck, roofing material and object that necessitating the seal (vent, roof wall, or other). An essential step in this process involves the correct application of durable roof calking that seals any cracks and openings around these areas to prevent water from seeping into the home via gaps or unsealed edges.
Some different types of flashing material that might be used on a Peoria home include:
– Lead
– Aluminum
– Copper
– stainless steel
– zinc alloy
– other
6 – Use of Quality Roofing Materials
Using torn or damaged roofing materials—including the use of broken or chipped roofing tiles, torn or worn-out looking shingles, cracked or bent metal roofing sheets, ect.—it is a big “no no” in the roofing world. Roofing contractors normally order brand new material either from a local roofing company or wholesale roofing supply store that is shipped to prospective roof installation site. If you notice that any roofing material being used on your new roof installment looks old or damaged you should bring it to the attention of the foreman or roof contractor you hired. Using old or compromised material will leave your home vulnerable to damage.
7 – Roof Preservation during a Storm
If it takes longer than one day to complete a new roof installation, and a storm is fast approaching, good roofing contractors will take necessary precautions in protecting exposed parts of your roof. Roof tarps are the number one choice for this job and should be securely and strategically fastened to the roof using capped nails to prevent it from flying off during strong winds. If any parts of the roof somehow become wet during a heavy downpour, ample time should be allowed for sufficient drying before the roof installation should proceed (when possible).
8 – Installment of Roof Fascia, Drip Edges and Hip & Ridge Shingles.
Improper installment of roof fascia includes using boards with abnormally large cracks, use of warped wood, and unlevel installation. It is normal to have some cracking during fascia installation, but if large chunks are missing or gapping cracks are noticed in multiple pieces of fascia, it could mean that roofers may have been too rough or carless during installation. Damaged roof fascia should be replaced.
Drip edges can be made from a variety of materials, but three popular choices for Arizona roofers include aluminum, metal (galvanized steel), and copper. Drip edges are meant to protect fascia from too much water exposure and to help direct water into a gutter when applicable. There are different kinds of drip edges and styles. It is also important to note that how a drip edge is installed differently depending on what part of the roof it’s on.
Hip an ridge shingles are another important aspect of roofing. You want the water to run down the to of your home so that there is no pooling. The best way to do that is by utilizing Owens Corning DuraRidge Hip and Ridge Shingles.
A well trained and experienced roofer will know the difference on how to install underlayment in relation to rakes and eaves:
Roof Rake Installment: Drip edges are installed AFTER and ON TOP OF the underlayment.
Roof Eave Installment: Drip edges are installed BEFORE and UNDER underlayment.
Frontline Consulting and Contractors LLC are expert roof demolition experts and we care about your roof. During every part of the roof process our foremen will make sure you are getting the roof you paid for. Make sure to ask your roofer hard questions before hiring them. A roofing project is a big investment. You want to make sure you hire a local and reputable roofing contractor.
Call our professional roof installing team now at 928-252-6055 for a free quote or schedule your free roof inspection online now.