Roofing

You can choose to hire a roofing contractor or do it yourself. The roof is the primary protection from the elements for the entire structure. Make sure you understand the process in full before beginning a roofing project on your own.

Careful planning is crucial to roof repair or replacement. Once the old roof is torn off, the interior of the home is exposed to the weather. Be sure to have a plan in place to protect the home from rain and/or wind damage.

Select the proper type of roofing to accommodate the prevailing weather conditions in the area. A roof built to handle snow is entirely different from the flat roofs found in desert climate.

A variety of materials are used to construct a roof on top of the rafters. A typical roof uses plywood or other materials to create the sheathing as a base for the roof. It is then covered with roofing felt as a first layer of protection from weather. Then the roof is covered with overlapping shingles or tile as the final roof surface. Many options are available for shingles including asphalt, wood, tile and other composite materials.

Flashing, generally sheet metal, is used at joints and around protrusions in the roof. The protrusions may be chimneys, air conditioning units or vent pipes. These are the areas most likely to leak.

Metal roofing is popular for sheds, barns, garages and commercial buildings where noise is not a major concern.

Tools For Roofing Projects

HAND TOOLS
Measuring tape
Carpenter Pencil
Chalk Line
Level
Handsaw
Hacksaw
Keyhole Saw
Coping Saw
Claw Hammer
Wood Chisel
Phillips Head Screwdrivers
Straight Slotted Screwdrivers
Channel Locks
Caulking Gun
Tool Belt
Carpenter Apron
Wide Putty Knives
Sheet Metal Shears
Ladders

POWER TOOLS
Cordless Drill - Drill Bits 1/4" to 1/2"

Related Books & Publications

Related Websites

Roofing.com

Resources

GAF Roofing Materials & Supplies

Related Subjects