Page 39 - Book1

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Underlayment
Roofers should place an underlayment between the sheathing
and shingles. This barrier helps protect your house from water leaks. It
often permits the roof to last much longer as well. An underlayment
represents a crucial part of any professional roofing project.
Withstanding Wind
When a roof lacks an underlayment or sufficient nails, it's likely
to suffer major damage in a storm. Your roofing contractor probably did
satisfactory work if severe weather doesn't inflict significant harm. On
the other hand, the opposite may be true when a storm damages your
shingles and leaves neighbors' roofs intact.
Adequate Nails
A roofing contractor should hammer at least four nails into every
shingle. However, windy locations generally call for six nails. Shingles
ought to hide the nail heads; exposed heads may rust or loosen. It's
also important to use nails of the appropriate size.
Shingle Installation
Your shingles should hang over the edge of the roof. This
overhang must measure at least one-half and no more than three
quarters of an inch. A proper overhang prevents wood from rotting
while increasing the lifespan of shingles. Professional roofers make an
effort to align shingles correctly. Precise alignment improves their
appearance and reduces the risk of water leaks. All shingles should
age at the same rate. This will only happen if your contractor used the
same high-quality materials in all locations. A well-designed roof won't
leak for many years unless it suffers damage in severe weather. If dark
stains appear on the roof, water might have leaked through the surface
material.
Longevity
The average lifespan of a roof differs depending on the material.
For example, fiberglass shingles typically last longer than asphalt units.
These materials may deteriorate prematurely if you experience severe
weather or have a poorly ventilated attic. At the minimum, a well-made
roof ought to last 15 years under normal conditions.
Aesthetic Concerns
Skilled roofers strive to avoid walking across the roof more often
than necessary. The surface shouldn't exhibit a lot of grime, footprints
or cracks. These flaws detract from your home's appearance and
shorten the life span of various materials. They could reduce the
building's resale value as well. Reputable contractors aim to avoid
damaging other parts of your property. A roofing project shouldn't harm
the lawn, trees, bushes or walkways. The same goes for siding and
windows. Responsible workers make mistakes from time to time, but
they take steps to remedy these errors.
Worksite Practices
Top-notch roofing contractors don't leave construction debris on
your property. They have an obligation to remove extra supplies, empty
packages, stray nails, old shingles and similar items. You shouldn't

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