Before we even start on the topic, let us tell you this. A roof replacement is a complex process. It’s pretty demanding and not for the faint-hearted. You have to be really physically fit to undertake roofing tasks. We are not implying that it cannot be done in the DIY mode, but one should weigh in his/her options. Going the DIY way does reduce the average cost to replace a roof. Just do this one little test. Climb up the roof of your house using a ladder and see if you are comfortable.
If you are ok with the height and climbing up and down the ladder multiple times a day, this mode is for you. In case you are not ok with it, please reach out to a professional roofing company.
Anyway, we are assuming that you are ok with the heights and the hard work and would like to learn something new.
Replacing Your Roof (DIY Style) – Getting Starting
Shingles are heavy stuff when in numbers. You can skip the burden of carrying them all the way up to your roof by ordering your supplier to spread them on the roof. Just make sure that they are evenly spread. As we have already mentioned, they can be pretty heavy collectively and could be overwhelming at times for the truss. Check your local laws; there might be some formalities to be done. At times, you might require a permit to conduct such work all on your own.
Check the Damage
Heavy rains and snow can really take a toll on the roof shingles. The situation becomes worse in case of ice dams. Ice dams can really ruin your roof and the damage could be extensive. These sorts of damages often lead to dripping inside your home.
The perfect spot for water to seep through is the point where nails are put in. Make sure you apply waterproof adhesive at those points. That’s a pro tip there and you should follow this. One more thing there might be a building code applicable to this process. It would be wise to call in the local authority for more details.
The Process
Now comes the hard part. The part where things start moving, it’s a bit technical and we assume that you know the basic vocabulary of the job at hand.
After you are done with the waterproofing, take out the number 15 asphalt saturated felt underlayment. Please note in certain areas number 30 might be required. Each layer should overlap the under layer by at least 2 inches. Follow the procedure for the entire roof.
Find the center of the roof. Start chalking. This is also a pro-tip. Most of the professional roofers use this technique to get their bearings right. Start shingling using this line as a reference point. Check the instructions on the shingles. Most of the manufacturers recommend starting shingling from the left side. For the first row of shingles, called a starter course or strip, you cut the tabs off three-tab shingles and apply them with the self-sealing adhesive strip facing up along the eave. Leave a slight overhang of about 1/4th of an inch beyond the drip edge.
Always overlap the upper pieces with the lower ones. This will ensure a better working and dry working area. Keep on repeating until the complete roof is done. Be sure to use proper safety gear. Safety comes first and it’s a job which comes with a certain element of risk.
In the End
In case you can’t figure it out, let the professionals step in. We are here to handle your roofing job. DIY mode comes with a low average cost for a roof replacement but chances of error are higher. Before you begin, be sure that you want to do it.
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