DIY Roofing

As you know there are many different styles and very different products used for keeping the elements out of the rest of the house with various advantages and disadvantages. For example a lot of shingles for residential use are now made of fibreglass, and while thinner and stiffer than asphalt shingles, if installation is not perfect, the look will not be either, so if you are not a perfectionist, then these shingles may not be for your roof if you are going to do it yourself.  

If you have a roof with asphalt shingles it is easy to know when it needs to be replaced, as the shingles will begin to curl at the edges or have moss growing on the roof. Asphalt shingles are cheap to use, but you must make sure you tar the tabs down, otherwise you may find that gusts of wind strip the shingles off the roof - a disheartening sight if you have been the diy roofer.

Metal roofs are lighter than clay tiles, and because it is bolted down, is less likely than asphalt shingles to leave the house during windstorms. When cedar shingles are used the roof can last for years, and they do a good job because cedar is naturally water resistant because of its natural oils, and resists rot too. However, if you are thinking of using cedar shakes, do know that it is very labor intensive installation process.

Here are 5 tips from diy roofing experts:

1. Always make sure you start with a level nailing surface

2. Make sure your roof has adequate ventilation for your house

3. Make sure you both nail and space the roofing panels correctly

4. Make sure to protect sheathing, and install the felt for the roof carefully.

5. Read the manufacturer's guidelines carefully before you start installing the shingles.

Follow these while taking the necessary safety precautions for roofers, and you should be able to install your diy roofing successfully.