Roofing is one of the biggest investments you can make for your home. It’s important to get it right the first time around. When installing new roofing material, carefully measure each section, including dormers and other protruding areas. Be sure to purchase 10% and 15% more material than you need. This way, you can account for any mistakes or odd cuts you might have to make during the project.

A new roof is an expensive investment. To ensure the job runs smoothly, it’s important to have everything set up before the actual installation begins. This includes moving vehicles and landscaping, laying down a tarp, and placing garbage cans near the house to catch any debris that may fall. Installing a roof is a complex process that requires the skill of a professional Roofing Columbus GA. The materials used for a roof vary based on style and local weather conditions.

When you decide to install a new roof on your home, it’s important to consider all available materials. This will help you make the best decision for your needs and budget. Some common roofing materials include slate, clay, wood shingles, metal, and rubber. Each has its benefits and drawbacks.

Slate is a durable material that will last decades with proper care and maintenance. It also adds a lot of value to your home. It has a lifespan of 50+ years for soft slate and 200+ years for hard slate. Unlike other roofing materials, slate requires additional framing during installation to support its weight.

Another option is composite shingles that look like real slate but cost much less. They’re a good choice for homeowners who don’t want to spend the extra money on a traditional slate roof but want the beauty and durability of a real one.

Roofing underlayment is an essential part of the roof-installation process. It helps to prevent water penetration and protects shingles against extreme weather events.

There are several types of underlayment, each offering different benefits and advantages depending on the climate and top roof layer material. It’s important to choose the right type for your home.

The first and most common type of underlayment is asphalt-saturated felt, which is often called felt paper. This is an organic mat or paper that is saturated with asphalt to achieve water resistance.

In addition, this underlayment provides stiffness for the roof deck, improving its durability against impact from hailstones, airborne debris and large tree branches. It also comes in a variety of weights.

Synthetic underlayments are pricier than felt, but they offer superior water-resistance and elasticity to help keep the shingle flat during installation. They also resist mold and mildew growth.

Shingles are individual rectangular pieces (available in a variety of materials) that overlap each other to create a protective layer on your roof. They improve your home’s durability and add style to your curb appeal.

They also provide a water tight seal that keeps rain and snow from damaging your home’s interior and underlayment. They are also resistant to fire and hail, so your home is more protected from natural disasters.

In addition to their durability, shingles are energy efficient due to their ability to reflect heat away from your house and reduce cooling costs. Metal shingles are also an excellent choice for homeowners with high electric bills and are backed by manufacturer warranties of up to 50 years.

Shingles are available in a wide range of colors, including brown, black, green, gray, slate and red. Darker shingles absorb more heat and make your air conditioning work harder to cool your home, while light shingles reflect heat and help you lower your energy bills.

Flashing is the material that roofers use to keep water out of vulnerable points on your house, such as where a roof meets a wall (sidewalls and front walls), low-points where two roof slopes meet (called valleys), roof protrusions like chimneys or skylights, and edges of the roof such as rakes and eaves.

Flashing keeps water out of your home using gravity, wind pressure and surface tension. It diverts the flow of rain and penetrating damp to gutters, where it can be easily drained away.

Aside from keeping your house dry, flashing can also add an aesthetic appeal and make your roofing project more appealing to potential buyers. In addition, it can save you money in the long run by extending the life of your roofing material.

Flashing can be made from a variety of materials, depending on cost and architectural design considerations. Steel is typically the most common flashing material. It’s malleable, has aesthetic value and, when galvanized, can be corrosion-resistant.