The application of liquid rubber coatings is easiest when the surface is flat, clean and smooth. As is the case with all painting jobs, the most time-consuming part could be cleaning and repairing the surface.

How to clean the surface depends on the material. For metal roofs, sweeping and/or washing may be all that is necessary. You should make sure there is no debris on the surface, because any debris will show through the coating.

Concrete floors should be as smooth as possible. If cracks or holes are present in any material, fill them with a non-silicone based caulking. The rubber would fill the hole, but a dent would still be visible. Depending on the depth of the hole, this could cause a variety of problems in the future.

For some older roofing materials, it is a good idea to reinforce the surface with butyl tape and polyester fabric. For example, if there are gaps, tears or other defects, you would want to correct those problems. Although the coating does not adhere to all materials, it does adhere to fabric.

Depending on the surface to be covered, a catalyst coating may be needed. For example, the application of liquid rubber coatings to existing asphalt-based roofs requires a pre-coating with an elastomeric catalyst. Follow the manufacturer’s directions concerning what type of pre-coating to use.

Generally speaking, latex house paint is not an acceptable solution.

You will need a squeegee, a roller and a paint brush to apply the coating, once the surface has been prepared. The thickness usually recommended for the coating is 20-mil. It may be necessary to do a spreading rate calculation to get an idea of how that thickness can be achieved. A good estimate for a flat smooth surface is 40 feet per gallon. The application of liquid rubber coatings to uneven surfaces will require more.

The product needs to be spread as evenly as possible. You want to avoid making it thicker in some spots and thinner in other areas. The squeegee is used initially to spread the material. It is recommended to follow the use of the squeegee with a roller to promote more even distribution and get rid of any air bubbles that may be trapped within the liquid.

The first 2 gallons usually take one or two hours to apply. If you have already determined how many gallons you need, this should give you an idea of how long the application of liquid rubber coatings will take. You should be able to get the job done in a day.

Here you can learn a bit about liquid roof and its benefits for new and existing construction. Let’s start with the basics.

What Is It?

Liquid roof is a liquefied version of a synthetic rubber typically referred to as EPDM. The letters EPDM stand for ethylene, propylene, diene monomer and M class respectfully.

Before the liquefied version came on to the market, rolls of the rubber were used for waterproofing roofs. The liquids are easier to apply. They fill up cracks and crevices. They can go where the sheets could not go.

Why Choose the Liquids?

Ease of application is one reason. The foil is more difficult to apply correctly. You could easily end up with bumps, overlaps and uneven spots that contribute to water pooling. Water can seep under the rubber sheets and cause the roofs to leak. So, while the rolls were the best choice for waterproofing at one time, there are better choices today.

The liquids have more uses. They can be used on RV roofs and other vehicles. They can be applied to a wide range of roofing materials including metal, fiberglass and wood. Through the use of an undercoating, the liquids can be applied to built-up and asphalt-based coatings. Other reasons to choose the liquids are listed in some detail below.

Liquid Roof and Its Benefits for New Construction

For new building construction, applying the liquids increases the lifespan of caulks and sealants used to waterproof around flashings, vents, HVAC units and other protrusion points. If the new roofs are made of steel or aluminum, the liquids prevent rust and effectively extend the life of the roofing material.

If you choose white, which is the base color typically provided; the coating reduces heat within the building and also helps to protect the surrounding environment from excessive heat. Black and dark colored roofing materials are partially to blame for the high temperatures seen in southern cities during the summertime. By reducing heat within the building, the coating helps reduce air conditioning costs.

Liquid Roof and Its Benefits for Existing Construction

When applied over the entire area, the coating provides the same benefits for existing roofs as it does for new ones. It can also help to reduce noise from rain falling on metal roofs.

For roof leaks and general waterproofing, the coatings are the least expensive and most effective choice. So, there you have the facts about liquid roof and its benefits. It’s a money-saving environmentally friendly alternative.

Elastomeric coatings usually contain polymeric materials, such as acrylic, and a white pigment, such as titanium dioxide, to make them opaque and reflective. An elastomeric coating is applied thicker than paint. An elastomeric coating can be used on virtually any substrate including asphalt built-up roofing, concrete roofing, metal roofing, modified bitumen roofing, polyurethane foam roofing and single ply roofing.

Liquid Roof and Liquid Rubber need temperatures above 55 degrees to cure. The temps can go below 55 but the product will not begin curing again until the temp’s go above 55 degrees.

Chemical Resistance-Cured EPDM rubber is resistant to acids, alkalis and polar solvents Cure system-Two-component Peroxide initiated Heat Resistance 302 degrees F (150 degrees C)

Physical Properties:

The physical properties of Liquid EPDM Liquid Rubber(R) are typical of its EPDM chemistry. The outstanding characteristics include:

1. Extreme high resistance to penetration of water, Ultra Violet and Ozone stable, excellent long term aging properties.
2. Very broad temperature tolerance range (from 300 degrees F to minus 62 degrees F). Acid and alkali resistant Withstands ponding water even when not cured

Spreading Rate:

A 20 mil dry film will result when liquid is applied at the rate of 42 sq. ft per gallon on a smooth surface.

A rate of 45 sq. ft allows for average roughness.
Weight/gallon 8 pounds (mixed)
Tensile 680 psi
Elongation 180-200%
Brittle Point -62 degrees F

Cure Mechanism: This rate is determined by temperature and the availability of oxygen. Oxygen is necessary to activate the catalyst, which promotes peroxide decomposition at lower temperatures. The cure mechanism in EPDM Liquid Rubber will vary from active to inactive determined by temperature. Broad day-night temperature swings in spring and fall will not compromise the final physical properties of the EPDM Liquid Rubber membrane.

Technical Properties of EPDM

Polymer Properties

1. Specific Gravity 0.87
2. ColorAvailable white or black

Vulcanizate Properties

1. Hardness, Durometer   30A to 90A
2. Tensile Strength, Mpa (psi)6.9 to 20.7 (1000-3000)
3. Elongation, %100-600
4. Compression Set B, %20-60 *
5. Useful Temperature Range-50 to 150ºC (-60 to 300ºF)
6. Brittle Point-50ºC (-60ºF) **
7. Volume Resistivity, ohm-cm1016 to 1017
8. Dielectric Strength,v/mil500-1000
9. Dielectric Constant2.2 to 3.0
10. Tear Resistance   Fair to Good
11. Abrasion Resistance Good to Excellent
12. Resilience    Fair to Good
13. Adhesion to MetalFair

Environmental Resistances

Ozone – Excellent

Oxygen – Excellent

Oils and Gasoline – Poor

Water – Excellent

Steam – Excellent

Oxygenated Solvents – Good to Excellent

Halogenated Solvents – Fair to Poor

Phosphate Fluids – Good to Excellent

Alkali’s – Good to Excellent

Acids, Dilute – Excellent

Acids, Concentrated – Good to Excellent

Electrical Properties – Excellent

Features

Advantages Electrical Properties
Low Temperature Flexibility
Resistance to Weathering, Water, Steam, Heat
Cost

Limitations

Hydrocarbon resistance
Temperature above 177ºC (350ºF)
Flame Resistance

Since EPDM Liquid Rubber Coatings cures by chemical reaction, a single heavy application will be preferable to multiple thin coats. A second coat will bond to a previous film but that bond will not be as strong as the internal bond within each layer. If a second coat is applied before the first has thoroughly cured, some wrinkling may result as the first coat absorbs solvent and swells. This will, however, recover as the solvent evaporates. It is generally recommended that only a single coat be applied over non-porous surfaces, the thickness of which can be varied as desired. Thicker films will take longer to cure through. Asphalt coatings and asphalt built-up roofs are considered unstable substrates and therefore, not recommended for coating directly with Liquid Rubber EPDM. EPDM COATINGS do carry a specific elastomeric which with a two coat application gives you a 10 year warranty.

Liquid Rubber is designed to recoat structurally sound existing roof and protective materials. They are also best for RV Roof Repair. They should not be used in place of roofing membranes”.

The following are recommended substrates to coat:

• Metal – Coated or Galvanized Steel
• Weathered Aluminum
• Weathered Copper
• EPDM Rubber membrane
• Concrete (except foot traffic surfaces)
• Urethane Foam
• Primed Wood
• Fiberglass
• PVC Sheet and Pipe
• Acrylic Sheet
• Sponge Rubber insulation

Do Not use Liquid Roof or Liquid Rubber on the following substrates:

• Built up asphalt roofs
• Asphalt shingles
• Modified asphalt roll roofing
• Stainless steel
• Glass
• Silicone caulk
• Foot traffic surfaces
• Hypalon Membrane

All roofs are made from different materials and each type of roof has a different lifespan. The best way to determine how long you can expect your roof to last is to check with the manufacturer’s warranty. However, you should also realize that with a preventive roof maintenance plan that utilizes seasonal inspections, you could greatly enhance the lifespan of your roof. When considering roofing materials, always talk with your roofer about the steps that you should take to maintain its condition as well as anything that you should do to ensure that you don’t void the warranty. By taking the time to choose the best roofing materials for your house’s design, structure and geographical location, you will have a better chance of enjoying new roof for many years.

Most commonly, roofs fail because some aspect of the installation was done poorly. Many roofers don’t pay much attention to the details. Problems caused by poor installation often don’t show up for five or ten years. By the time there’s a leak, the home has changed hands or the homeowner has no recollection of who did the roof — let alone any idea where to find them. There are plenty of sloppy roofers out there that never even know about the problems their poor workmanship causes.

Then there are the lucky few homeowners whose roofs fail simply because the materials have surpassed their useful life. Typically these roofs go 20 years or more without a leak and replacement becomes obvious because many of the shingles are starting to curl or tear. Many roofs are covered with asphalt shingles. These shingles should last 20 years or more but often fail after about 15. If your roof is starting to leak and is 15 years old or older, there is a good chance that you’ll need a new roof soon.

All conventional flat roofs are exposed to surface deterioration under the action of sun, wind, driving rain, hail, ice and snow, traffic, building movement, temperature cycling and water ponding. It is because of this process of degradation that a roof must be inspected yearly. When a leak occurs in a flat roof, a more serious type of deterioration occurs. Even if water does not enter the building, it attacks the insulation. Destruction of the roof system can progress rapidly and cause damage for which repair is costly or impossible. This phase of deterioration is neither inevitable nor normal for a properly designed and constructed roof, and usually is merely the result of neglect and lack of maintenance.

It is difficult to comprehend how a roof, which is an expensive element of the building, can in many cases go on unattended for years. It is similar to buying an expensive car and being content to only add gas when necessary. Both car and roof will fare miserably before they reach half of their designed life.

Another aspect of roofing to consider is the material that is used for the underlayment, sheathing and trusses. If you are building a new roof, you should realize that all of these parts to your roof system would come with warranties as well as methods of maintenance and care. You should also have plenty of adequate ventilation included in your roof system to help preserve the life of your roof. Taking the time to discuss all of the options available with your roofer will help you to maximize the most from your roof.

The primary advantages of liquid roof coatings are their economical, proven performance life, and ease of use. Roof coatings are generally very good weather and water sealant. Today’s liquid roof coatings are versatile and applicator friendly. Non-flammable products are also available.

It’s important for you find a good coating for your roof: you want a coating that will protect your roof from the elements and make it last even longer than it traditionally would. You have several main choices for roof coatings. There are pros and cons to each. Roof coatings can be put on your roof at any time during the life of your roof. However, it’s usually best to put the coating on the roof when your roof is replaced or if your notice any leaks in your roof.

The most widely-used roof coatings product is the acrylic elastomeric coatings. This type of elastomeric coatings can extend the lifespan of the roofing system through a dependable protective finish. Elastomeric coatings are also preferred by green building enthusiasts because of its environment-friendly coating formulation.

Roof Types:

Wood: There are two types. Shingles are cut to a specific size and smooth finished. Shakes are irregular and rough-textured. Wood gives a natural look to a home. It also requires more maintenance to protect it from the elements.

Metal: Metal roofs have returned from the olden days to become a popular roofing option. Once limited to low-slope structures, standing seam steel roofs can now be used on steeper roofs as well. Metal is durable, practically maintenance-free, heat reflective and non-flammable. Installed in sheets, a metal roof will actually dissipate a lightning strike rather than conduct it.

Built-up Roofing: Built-up roofs are installed on flat or very low-sloping structures. They consist of alternating layers of felt or fiberglass treated with asphalt. These layers are topped with asphalt (tar) or aggregate. Built-up roofs are more common in commercial buildings.

Tile and Slate: These are two of the oldest roofing materials around. They are long-lasting and durable. Their weight requires a reinforced roof structure that can support them. Both can be quite expensive and neither is easy to install.

Slate Roofing: is a very expensive choice, but it’s very beautiful and distinct.  Many Colonial and French homes look very appealing with this style of roof materials.  Slate roof materials are heavy, as you can imagine, and will need additional structural support.

Factors that affect roofs

• Sun delivers a combination of ultraviolet rays and heat can prematurely age a roof.
• Snow or ice that melts and refreezes (called ice damming) pushes up the roofing material and causes leaks. Ice damming can be a temporary problem that ends when the thaw is complete. Excessive amounts can damage the roof and roof structure.
• Rain is normally kept at bay by a roof. But when rain or moisture gets underneath roofing, damage can occur.
• Wind can remove any roof in the most extreme occurrence. However even minimal amounts can weaken a poorly installed roof by letting dirt and moisture get underneath.
• Moisture from condensation underneath a roof not only harms the roof and sheathing, but also can cause problems inside of the house.
• Trees provide shade to help cool a house. They also provide leaves and limbs that can fall or scrub against the roof.
• Algae and moss get a foothold on moist surfaces. Excessive growth can retain moisture and cause eventual weakening of the roofing material.

Other Causes of Roof Problems:

• Improper Installation
• Improper Design
• Lack of Maintenance
• Flashing Failures

Each of these major causes of roof damage can be minimized by regular and careful inspection for early and minor problems. Immediate attention to any flaws or damages with competent repairs can help you avoid major damage to your roof and prevent the need for early and costly roof replacement.

Having a roof that leaks is a very common problem of many homeowners, especially if you live in an area that sees a lot of rain. When your roof leaks there are a lot of problems that can happen such as mold and mildew stains, damaged foundations, and water stains on the ceiling, just to name a few. Because of this it is important for you to have the knowledge of how to find the leaks in your roof.

When you do discover a leak in the roof you should not panic but simply know that it is time to fix the leaky roof. A leak can actually be a good sign as it will force you to check the leak and it is a good idea at this time to look over the entire roof to see if there are any other leaks or problems. Fixing a leak in your roof is not very expensive and it does not take a lot of time.

The Common Roof leaks problem can best be solved by using EPDM. It is compatible with all types of roof problems caused by sunlight, snow, moisture, rain wind and other causes etc. EPDM is the broader term among roofing material used for repairing, it includes liquid rubber. EPDM is compatible with almost all types of roof including flat roof, sloped roofs and other times of roofs mentioned in this article.

For deal with other types of roofing problems visit EPDM Coatings LLC.

Roof leak repair doesn’t have to be scary. There are tough roofs to work on no doubt. Attempting roof repairing on a steep slate roof repair should be left to the professionals. The same is true for metal roof repair or even tile roof repair. These are tricky materials to work with. But you should be able to successfully do home roof repair if you have a low-slope roof, a cool day and the right attitude.

The most important factor in any roof repair job is which contractor you choose. A good roofing contractor will check the area surrounding the leak in your roof for any sort of water damage. They should be able to let you know whether or not there is rot or water damage present, and whether or not it’s bad enough to need repair immediately. In today’s economy, cost is another important factor for roof repairs. There are many types of roofs here in Miami, and each type is going to have a different price range for repairs depending upon supply cost and availability of experienced contractors.

Roofs may need replacing for several reasons.  It may be leaking and be more economical to replace rather than repair it.  The roof may not be working correctly or does not look good.  Another reason for replacing the roof may be because you are extending your home and want the roof to look fully uniform.

Over the past 45 years, EPDM single-ply roof systems have grown consid­erably in market share compared with their modified bitumen and built-up competition. As a result, there are many aging EPDM roofs, and consultants will be faced with the task of providing cost-effective, durable solutions to keep the roofs in proper work­ing order without tearing them off entirely.

Several factors come into play and impact consultants’ decisions regarding the end of a roof system’s useful life. Thermal bridging, proper drainage, R-value, surface color, wind uplift, and hail resistance are all important factors to consider. When every­ thing is taken into account, consultants are faced with two primary choices when addressing an aged EPDM roof besides a complete tear off and replacement: restora­tion and re-cover.

1. EPDM roof restoration usually encompasses reworking the flash­ings, seams, and terminations, while leaving the field membrane in place. EPDM is well known for its long-term wea­therability, so in most cases the field mem­brane has life remain­ing. This option is used primarily when the owner wants to extend the life of the existing roof or warranty cover­ age for an additional five to ten years.
2. EPDM roof re-covers provide the ability to address more issues than typical restora­tions. Proper drainage, thermal bridging, en­hanced R-value, al­tered surface color, as well as enhanced wind uplift and hail resis­tance, are all issues that are better ad­dressed with a roof re­cover.

The cost of roof coatings is typically about 50% of that of re-roofing and the benefits are very tangible;

• substantial reduced cost over re-roof
• reduction in cooling costs with 80% reflectivity
• years of longevity given to the existing roof
• minimal disruption to the work environment during its application
• minimal waste going to landfill
• annual reduction in cooling costs as high as 22%
• no toxic odours or vapours
• ease of future repairs
• no increase in roof weight load

reduced long term maintenance and roof repair costs

Roof Sealing

The sealant can be used for installation and maintenance of a roof made of shaped boarding or roof tile:

• in places of isolation joints between open-ended exit points and roof sheets;
• under ridgy planks and joints of a tent shape roof;
• under a snow shield on a roof;
• when installing the furring;
• at lap seams;
• at trough joints;
• at a joint of a trough and a drainpipe;
• at a trough end;

Sealers are capable of doing a lot more than simply stopping up the pores of cracks in any surface. They can be used as a barrier coats to seal in surface impurities like dirt, wax, silicon and natural oils and preventing them from leaking out of wood and through the finish. Sealers can act as bonding agents between two materials that may not normally adhere to one another.

Roof Sealers are bright white, reflective, elastomeric roofing solutions for roofs that are not yet ready to be torn off and are capable of being restored back to their original quality. EPDM, Modified Bitumen, Metal Roofs, Single-Ply, Polyurethane Foam, Smooth Built Up, or even Gravel Built-Up, we have a roof coating that can repair and restore your roof. Our roof coatings can even repair metal roofs to good as new condition.

Once water finds it’s way in through the gap and under the roof sealing material it works it’s way downwards and can be the cause of water leaks inside a building.  The water causes further condensation which is unseen and causes the steel sheeting to corrode.

Elastomeric Roof Sealants

Elastomeric roof coating is a 100% acrylic, highly elastomeric, titanium fortified roof coating formulated to provide a high solids rubber-like membrane. Designed specifically for use on metal, polyurethane foam, EPDM, APP, masonry, asphalt and wood surfaces, this elastomeric roof coating product forms a highly reflective barrier resulting in significant energy savings! Dries bright white.

Boots, gloves, diving suits etc, have proven that rubber is the first impervious product that is totally waterproof. EPDM flexes and resists temperature changes, is totally resistant to atmospheric pollution, unaffected by UV light or ozone and extremely robust to puncture. Unlike bituminous substances it does not crack, peel or become brittle with age, which has been proven with its use in sub zero temperatures in the These facts make EPDM rubber flat roof membranes the best installing flat roof sealant to fix a flat roof structure. Ideal for flat roof contractors or do it yourself flat roof home restoration.

High-strength elastic roofing and sealing material consisting of at least one bonded fabric layer of organic material, optionally at least one further bonded fabric or bonded-fabric material layer of inorganic material, and a coating of bitumen on both sides, where the bonded fabric layer(s) is (are) impregnated with the bitumen, and where the bonded fabric of organic material has a certain area weight and a certain residual deformation after previous elongation. The bitumen coating optionally can be made elastic by the addition of modifiers with sufficiently low glass conversion points.

Other Roof Sealants

A number of other materials are used to provide an air barrier at different locations in the house. These include specialty gaskets and tapes, as well as sheet materials such as polyethylene, spun-bonded olefin, rigid insulation, drywall, plywood and sheet metal. Installation techniques are critical when using sheet materials as an air barrier. All edges, seams and penetrations in the sheets must be sealed.

Tips on Sealing Some of the Leakiest Areas

If you notice a draft through an outside wall electrical outlet, it must be sealed. (Some inside wall outlets can also provide leakage paths, so check them as well.) Turn off the power to the outlet by turning off the circuit breaker or removing the fuse. Check to make sure the power is disconnected by turning on a lamp.

You will obtain a better seal if you caulk the gasket before installation. Place child safety plugs in seldom-used outlets. Some foam pads come with a gasket that fits on the safety plug.

If you are installing an electrical outlet during a renovation, get a good seal by placing it in a special plastic box that is available from many hardware or electrical supply stores. Caulk the penetration for the wire, and seal the new air and vapour barrier to the edge of the box.

Planners and roofing companies still face a big challenge in finding an inexpensive, timesaving and durable sealing system for flat roofs on industrial buildings. Particular problems are presented by roofs with complex shapes and a large number of breakthroughs, such as airshafts and pipe supports. It is hard to get around these problems using conventional roof sheeting, especially as it is usually around the breakthroughs that the roof begins to leak.

The next Cause of roof leaks is the weather condition also, some time summer sun become a cause of generating this problem with roofs and some times summer season result for this problem. In USA, thousand of people have to spend at least $12 billion every year only for repairing their roofs. For this purpose they have to contact with roof repairing and constructing experts who can fix all these type of problems of their roof. The season exposures can play a huge harmful role on the health of this part of home. Many natural elements like wind, circles, rain, snow and more lead to damaging effect on the roofs of homes.

It is important to ensure that your roof is equipped with building materials that are appropriate to the weather conditions of the area that you live in. Choosing cheap, low-quality materials that do not handle well in certain weather conditions can prove to be a very expensive mistake. This type of mistake especially at the time of construction leads to bear heavy cost of repairing near about each year or in every season. You can minimize the problem by selecting the material that is more suitable and having great resistance for all type of weather condition like EPDM and liquid rubber designed specially for it. Elastomeric roof coatings and liquid rubber are also designed for roof leaks due to draining water in rain; provide great resistance for water in rainy season. Similarly epdm is the best product for summer sun that can easily control the temperature by providing complete protection to the roof from sunlight.

For the durability of a roof, at the time repairing is very important, because roof leaks convert into the major roof damaging problem those have no solution instead of reinstallation of the roof.  Many homeowners do not realize it until it is too late, but there are many situations in which roof repairs must be done because the roof was improperly constructed and designed. These complications may include weak structures that buckle easily under pressure, a slope that is considered to be inadequate, selecting materials that are not durable enough to withstand the overall shape and design of the home, and even selecting materials that are not considered to be quality enhanced and hold up to certain weather conditions.

If you want to avoid the complication of roof repair, it is necessary to avoid these situations and select those quality products for roof repairing and remodeling purpose like epdm, epdm coatings, liquid roof repair, roof repair coating etc. that are best for repairing a roof. If these products like Liquid EPDM, Liquid roof, roof coatings etc. at the time of home construction, you will get the best results for your home and can easily minimize the roof repair cost as they provide a long time protection from repairing and roof leaks. The chances of roof leaking problem can also be minimized by setting the roof inspection on the regular basis. As you find any roof leak in your roof during this inspection, you can easily repair it by your self. For this purpose, there are many products for this solution, you can apply liquid roof and Liquid Rubber on your roof for getting release from this problem and can maintain roof leak for a long time period. Roof repairing and remodeling is as easy as you can do it by applying newly designed roof repairing products that are specially designed for the solution of this problem.

Many people do not realize they have a problem with their roof until the inevitable happens…..roof leaks. More often than not, that is when a roofer receives a call to perform a roof repair – only to find that the whole roof needs replaced. Some are frustrated when they are being apprised of this situation and believe the roofer may be trying to “sell” them something they may not need. Be aware that roof repairs cost more on a hourly basis then replacing a roof. It would take “only” approximately two days of doing roofing repairs to equal the same amount paid in labor for an entire week when replacing your roof.

If a leak is recognized, clear the area of any home belongings, for instance electronic equipment furniture, etc. Place a bucket to collect the water for the time being. Once you can clearly see where the water is dripping from the ceiling, take a ladder and look at the roof in that area. You might easily see a part of the roof that has a broken shingle; you might also see debris, loose flashings, etc.

The Roofing Process

A moderately sized roofing job might take only 3 or 4 days.

• Remove all existing shingles, deposit them in a roll-off, and remove.
• Begin to make minor repairs on roof if in good condition. If not, replace bad wood with plywood or 1″x6″ boards, whichever is applicable to your roof.
• Install the “ice dam,” which is an ice and water barrier made of plastic to prevent backed up ice in the gutters from working itself under the shingles.
• Lay down asphalt paper.
• Apply the shingles – starting at the eaves and working upward.
• Apply flashing around all areas where leaks might come into the house – against the chimney, stack vents, etc.
• Install the ridge vent.

We need to cover a few things before starting any roofing project. These include:

• Get Proper Information: Be aware this is a construction project and there will be noise and debris. Children love to watch what’s going on with their house but they must be kept away from the perimeter of the worksite, ladders and equipment.
• Share Properly Your roofing Condition with Roofers: Roofers generally do their best not to drop debris into shrubbery or flower beds but it is sometimes unavoidable. Inform roofing company if you have delicate flower beds or shrubbery that needs special protection.
• Point out sprinklers: that heads along driveways and sidewalks to help us prevent damaging them.
• Roofing is a noisy job, including hammering and power equipment. In most instances we will finish the job, including a thorough cleanup, in less than two days.
• Hanging Items on walls should be removed: Loosely hung items on walls should be removed. Also, bring in flower pots or other yard objects close to the perimeter of the roof.
• Inspect your building condition completely: If you have wood shingles, be aware that dust and debris particles will fall into the attic during the tear off process. You may want to cover some items in your attic with protective cloth or plastic.

Many roofing problems, including shorter than expected life spans, are the result of improper material selection in the first place most roofing decisions are made on the basis of first cost or appearance and local climatic conditions are often given too little consideration. Hail, wind and freeze/thaw cycling are particularly hard on most roofing materials. Start by understanding the local climate your roof must deal with.