How to Install Roofing

Installing roofing is no small task, but if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll want to plan carefully. This guide will help you prep for the big job ahead, whether you’re installing steel roofing or using asphalt shingles.

Assess Whether You’re Up For It

Before you take any other steps associated with installing your own roofing, you should take honest and careful stock of whether this job is right for you. It’s hard work, and it can also be dangerous due to the height factor and also due to the fact that you’ll be exposed to whatever elements mother nature throws at you. People with mobility issues or who are out of shape will find it difficult to carry heavy loads of shingles or steel roofing panels up a ladder even once, not to mention the dozens of times you’ll likely be required to do so throughout the job. Plus, it takes a long time to roof an entire house, and you might not be able to get it done over the course of a two-day weekend. With all this considered, think carefully about whether hiring a professional might be a better idea than doing it yourself.

Assess Current Roofing Materials and Weight

It isn’t always necessary to haul shingles up to the roof yourself — the supplier you buy your roofing materials from may be able to lift the load up onto your roof for you. However, there are two things to keep in mind before you try to do this, and both have to do with weight. First, you’ll need to make sure there aren’t more than one or two layers of shingles on your roof right now. If there are more layers than that, adding more weight could cause serious damage to the roof. Even if there’s only one layer of shingles up there, you’ll still need to make sure the load of roofing materials that gets delivered is distributed evenly so you aren’t putting too much weight on one spot.

Look Up Building Codes

Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that local regulations may dictate how your roofing project gets carried out. Things like the type of underlayment you use might be subject to building codes where you live, so you’ll want to do research on this before you get started picking out or buying materials. Your local municipal or county building inspector’s office should be able to provide you with more information.

Learn Proper Technique

Laying shingles correctly isn’t just an aesthetic concern — it’s also the difference between a quality roofing job and something that may cause permanent damage to your home. You’ll need to start at the bottom and work up, continually measuring as you go and making sure to create a sufficiently tight overlap.

Assessing Roof Issues

You may (or may not) notice some issues with your roof as you work on your project. This is another reason why hiring a professional is generally a better idea than DIYing this kind of project. If you’ve never dealt with roofs before, you may not recognize signs of rot and other problems that can create much larger issues than just needing replacement roofing shingles or panels.