If you live in Long Island in New York, getting a roof made of metal, asphalt, or similar material is a good idea. Most property owners choose these materials because of the frequent storms and heavy rains that visit this region, especially in August.
But before getting a roofing installation in Long Island, it’s vital to find an experienced roofing company that provides at least a ten-year guarantee of their work and follows up after installation to see if everything is fine.
Read more to learn about the preparation and roofing installation process and vital details related to them.
The preparation process
The preparation process varies depending on what type of material you prefer for installation and what kind of structure your house has under its current roofing system (wood frame vs. concrete block). However, regardless of the material chosen, a professional contractor must take some basic steps before installing shingles or any other type of material! For example, they will prepare the roof by ensuring it’s clean and free of debris and ensure the decking boards or other surfaces used to protect the ground below have been correctly installed so they won’t interfere with their work. The next step is preparing your shingles for installation (this will depend on how many layers you’re going over).
According to the sanitation laws of New York City, all property owners are responsible for keeping their roof gutters, sidewalks, and gutter areas extending from the curb into the street neat, clean, and sanitary at all times.
What is the roofing installation process?
Here is how a professional approaches a roof installation process.
Decking and underlayment
The deck is the structural part of the roof and is installed in your home’s ceiling. On top of the deck is an underlayment, a layer of insulation between your shingles and plywood to help prevent heat from escaping through your roof.
Underlayment also helps prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. Ice dams are large chunks of ice that form when the snow melts and runs down over time in three different layers: wet snow, frozen slush, and ice. If the winters get cold enough to produce this phenomenon, installing an underlayment is vital before establishing any other roofing materials.
Long Island in New York usually receives snowfall during the winter and occasionally during the spring. However, the average snowfall rate varies between 25 to 30 inches per year, with mid-December and the first half of January receiving the most snowfall.
Shingles, flashing, and materials
The most common material used in roofing is asphalt shingles. Most people in Long Island prefer asphalt to other materials because it is the most affordable, and it’s possible to install this type of roof on an older home or one that doesn’t need to be insulated. However, if you have a newer house that’s designed to keep heat in (like one with foam insulation), do not use asphalt shingles on your roof.
If you’re looking for something more durable than a standard asphalt shingle but still want this material’s low cost and ease of installation, consider fiberglass composition shingles instead. These are also referred to as “synthetic” or “fiberglass” roofs and come in various colors and textures, like slate or cedar shake-like designs.
Roof ventilation
If you’re considering a new roof, you’ll want to ask your contractor about the ventilation system installed. Ventilation is essential for two reasons: it helps control internal temperatures and prevents ice dams, mold, and mildew growth.
Roof ventilation reduces energy costs by regulating your home’s temperature by exchanging air between the inside and outside. At almost 25 cents per kilowatt hour, Long Island pays more for electricity than the national average of 16 cents per kilowatt hour.
Ventilation also creates airflow channels that prevent water from pooling on the shingles by allowing it to drip down into gutters or downspouts. The ideal roof ventilation method is through soffit vents (or frieze tops), ridge vents, and open eaves such as gable or cathedral roofs, where they’re designed to work best.
A professional roofing installation in Long Island is a big project, and it’s essential to make sure you choose suitable materials and contractors for your home. A poorly installed rooftop will not only look bad, but it can also lead to problems down the road, such as leaks or dry rot.
