A step-by-step, how-to guide on installing a composite roof. Read on to learn more.
Install a composite roof. Photo by Hendie Dijkman on Flickr. Whether you're building a new home or replacing old or damaged residential roofing, proper installation of the roof can make all the difference in how well it performs in the coming years. When it's time to install a composite roof, finding a contractor who knows the ins and outs of the job can be a huge factor in the life of your roof.
You should understand how composite roofs are installed to better gauge the ability of the contractor that you choose. Knowing what's needed for installation helps you to decide which professional can provide you with the best roof at the best possible price.
Step 1: apply underlayment
To install composite roofing, you should begin by laying tarpaper or underlayment over your plywood. The underlayment should be lined up precisely with the edge of the roof deck. Leave at least five inches to overlap the piece of underlayment beside it.
When adding tarpaper around the edges of the roof and the hips and ridges, add even more extra underlayment to prevent leaks. You should then ensure all the underlayment is completely flat before attaching it to the roof deck with a staple gun.
Step 2: prep shingles
Next, cut the tabs off of the composite shingles with a utility knife. You'll need them for the first row. This prevents moisture from getting under or inside your starting row.
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Step 3: place and nail down shingles
Composite roofing by zharth on Flickr. Then start at the eaves and under the drip edges on the tops and sides. Nail every roof shingle into place, leaving three to five inches from the eave with galvanized roofing nails. Overlap the eave by at least one-quarter to one-half inch. Leave one-sixteenth of an inch between your shingles.
Begin the next row of shingles over the first so that the tabs overlap the underlayment one-sixteenth of an inch. Nail your composite shingles to the roof deck with nails placed slightly above the tar line. Repeat the process over and over.
If you have odd spaces where moisture could seep in, you can cut shingles to fit specific areas as you work. As you finish laying shingles on the entire roof, make sure to nail composite shingles over the ridges so that they curve over them.
While adding a new roof or undertaking roof repair can be costly and time consuming, the process can be simplified by using QualitySmith to find contractors in your area who can provide you with honest answers concerning roofing prices and your roofing warranty. These experts will be upfront with you about your roofing cost, so there will be no nasty surprises when the install is finished.
By finding a professional to install your composite roof, you can save time and money in the long run compared with doing it yourself.
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