The Basics of Roofing Installation
The first step in roofing installation is removing the old roof. A good contractor will cover the ground around your home with tarps and have a dumpster delivered for the waste.

An experienced roofer will know how to nail shingles in the right spot to prevent leaks. They will also install flashing around chimneys, vent stacks, and other spots that could be prone to water leaks. Visit https://www.northportflroofing.com to learn more.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials for homeowners, and they offer a durable and attractive look. They’re easy to install, and they come in four different shingle types, so homeowners can find the style that best fits their home’s aesthetic. Additionally, they’re less expensive than many other roofing materials.
When it comes to roofing installation, it’s important to take safety precautions. This includes making sure that there’s no ice or frost on the roof surface before starting work. Also, it’s recommended to wait until temperatures are above freezing to apply shingles.
The first step in the shingle roof installation process is to lay down the underlayment, which is a layer of plywood that helps prevent water from penetrating the underside of the roof deck. Next, the shingles are laid over this underlayment in a row, which is then covered with more asphalt and mineral granules. These granules are what give the shingles their color and weatherproofing qualities.
There are three basic types of shingles: the strip shingle, which has cutouts that create tabs, and the architectural or laminated shingle. The latter type has a more textured appearance and is made to mimic other roofing materials, such as cedar shake or slate. There are even luxury shingle styles that can add value to the property and enhance its curb appeal.
Once the shingles are in place, they must be sealed to protect against rain and other weather elements. This can be done with self-sealing shingles or a heat-activated sealant. Flashing, which is used to cover any roof penetrations such as chimneys and vents, should also be put in place.
Another benefit of shingles is that they can be manufactured to be energy efficient, which can help reduce the homeowner’s energy costs. By using “cool-roof” technology, the shingles are designed to reflect more of the sun’s heat, which can reduce the amount of time an air conditioner is running during the summer. This can save the homeowner significant money on electricity bills. This is something that can be done to any type of shingle, but it’s especially useful for homeowners who have old or leaky roofs.
Metal
Despite their reputation for being used on barns and industrial structures, metal roofs are becoming more common on homes. They provide a wide range of benefits, including durability, variety of colors and styles, and a significant boost to resale value. Properly installed over plywood sheathing and recommended underlayment, they withstand high winds and are energy efficient. Depending on the type of metal, they can even be expected to last 50 or more years.
Most types of metal roofing begin as a coil or sheet that’s cut and shaped to create the panels that make up your roof. They can then be seamed together or fastened directly to the roof deck or framing, with exposed or concealed fasteners. The most economical choice is an exposed fastener panel system, which consists of overlapping panels that are attached through the face of each piece of metal. The fastener heads are visible, but can be painted to match the color of the roof panels.
Another option is a concealed fastener panel system, which utilizes clips to hold the panels in place. The panels snap together, and the female leg of each clip covers the male leg to hide the fastener head. Most metal roofing manufacturers also offer a nail/fastener flange option, which is similar to the hidden fastener system but uses a flange that goes around the entire panel to protect the sheathing and help hold the panels in place.
After the underlayment is down and the metal roofing is in place, it’s time to install flashing and ridge caps. You can use flashing to seal areas where the metal meets other surfaces, and ridge caps keep out water, add beauty, and provide an attractive finish to your roof.
When installing metal roofing, start at the eaves and work your way up, leaving enough overhang to allow for water drainage. Secure screws as you go, but don’t over-tighten; you may damage the panels or sheathing. If necessary, you can cut the metal panels to fit as you go. A circular saw with a metal blade, tin snips, or shears will work for this task. Before each new panel is placed, run a bead of silicone sealant on the underside of the short edge of the panel to ensure a tight, waterproof seal.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles offer a gorgeous look for homes, and they pair well with many different home styles. They also offer a variety of color options. One important consideration when deciding on a tile roof is that these roofs are much heavier than asphalt shingles, and so they will require an evaluation of the home’s current roofing frame and structure to ensure it can handle the additional weight. This can add thousands of dollars in costs to the project.
Aside from these costs, a clay tile roof will last for decades and can add considerable value to your home. However, the cost of a clay roof is often beyond the means of most homeowners. If you’re serious about a clay tile roof, it’s recommended that you consult your local roofers to see which types of tiles are the most affordable.
Installation of a clay tile roof is similar to other shingle-style roofing systems. The underlayment is installed over the solid roof deck, and then overlapping courses of tiles are fastened to it. Some roof tiles have holes cast into them for nailing, while others use an interlocking system to secure them together.
Clay tile roofs are extremely heavy, and so they must be installed over a structurally sound, well-ventilated roof deck. A clay tile roof must also be reinforced to support its own weight, and this can add thousands of dollars in extra costs to the project. It’s important to note that, in addition to this increased expense, a clay tile roof will also require more frequent maintenance and repairs than other types of roofing.
One of the main reasons for this is that clay tiles can be brittle, and so they need to be handled with care. For this reason, it’s important to schedule regular maintenance inspections by a professional roofer. These inspections will help identify any signs of damage or deterioration, and they can recommend necessary repairs or replacement tiles.
Clay, slate, and concrete tiles are all beautiful options for homeowners seeking durability and aesthetic appeal. While they may be expensive, they will provide years of protection and beauty for your home. If you’re interested in a high-end, long-lasting roof for your house, contact All Points Tile and Slate for more information about these beautiful roofing options.
Composite Shakes
Durable composite roof shingles mimic the natural aesthetics of slate and shake. They arguably improve upon them, offering top impact and fire ratings as well as an excellent warranty. These roofing tiles are also more resistant to extreme weather than traditional wood. That’s important in Montana, where strong winds and snow are common.
Cedar shakes require more maintenance than most other roof materials, due to their tendency to warp and crack under severe conditions. Composite shakes are much more durable, and can last for decades if properly maintained. They also provide superior protection from wind, hail, snow, and driving rain.
When installed correctly, shakes are a beautiful choice that can add to the curb appeal of any home. However, there are some considerations that should be weighed before choosing this option.
Shake installation requires a steep slope, making it best for homeowners with some DIY experience or who are willing to work with professional installers. It’s also important to use high-quality materials and follow the roofing industry’s guidelines.
A number of roofing companies offer shakes and shingle products that can mimic the look of natural cedar. They can be a great way to add character and charm to your home, and are often less expensive than the real thing.
Unlike most shake shingles, these roofing products are built in individual pieces rather than in strips. This creates a more authentic look and allows for a deeper shadow line with each shingle. They are available in a variety of colors and blends, including energy efficient “cool roof” shades that help lower your rooftop temperature.
While many manufacturers offer a variety of colors, styles, and blends, only a few can provide the authentic, natural appearance of hand split natural cedar shakes. One such product is CeDUR, a polymer-based alternative that is certified as the closest to natural shakes in the industry.
The product uses recycled plastics, wood fibers, and elastomers to make it more sustainable and durable than traditional shakes. It’s manufactured in individual pieces that are about the same size as traditional cedar shingles. It’s also backed by a 50 year limited lifetime warranty.