Roofing Longview TX is a serious business. It requires climbing on a roof, carrying hefty bundles of shingles, and being able to hammer nails.

Before work starts, remove anything from your walls that vibrations from the hammering could sway. This might include pictures, mirrors, wreaths, and loose shelving.

Also, if you have kids, have them stay at Grandma’s for the duration of the job. The vibrations from the hammering can knock toys and fragile items off of walls.

A roofing project requires a variety of materials. This includes the roof covering itself and various tools needed for tear-off and installation. A roofer also needs a vehicle to transport materials to and from the job site. In addition, a roofer will need protective workwear and safety equipment.

Choosing the right roofing material will bring character and appeal to your home. The choice depends on many factors, including longevity, air quality, extra structural support, climate compatibility and energy efficiency. Some of the most popular choices include asphalt shingles, clay tiles and composite slate and shake. A roofer will help you choose the best option for your home.

For residential roofs, shingles are the most common. These come in a wide range of styles and colors, and they are affordable and easy to install. Three-tab asphalt shingles are the most economical, and they last 7 to 15 years. Architectural asphalt shingles are thicker and create a layered look on your roof, but they’re more expensive. They typically last 15 to 30 years and are better able to withstand high winds.

Other roof materials include wood shakes and shingles, concrete tiles, clay tiles and metal tiles. Each has its pros and cons. For example, concrete tiles are versatile and durable but can be heavy and require additional framing. Clay tiles add a natural, elegant look to a home and fit well with Mediterranean, Mission and Southwestern-style homes. However, they’re not as fire-resistant as other roofing materials and can be more difficult to maintain.

If you want a greener option, consider solar shingles. These are one of the newest options in renewable energy, and they’re installed by a certified installer. They generate energy from the sun and can reduce your utility bills.

Another type of roofing material is membrane roofing. This is made from a waterproof material like rubber, PVC or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). It can be used for low-slope and flat roofs and can last up to 35 years. It’s important to protect the vulnerable areas of your roof with a leak barrier, like GAF WeatherWatch mineral-surfaced leak barrier.

A roofing permit is a document that allows you to place a roof over a structure in accordance with local codes. It’s important for both homeowners and contractors to get the proper permits because they ensure that the work being performed is up to code and will not cause problems down the road. It also provides a record of the work that was done on the home, which can be useful when it comes time to sell it or do further renovations.

While some areas don’t require permits for re-roofing or major roof repair jobs, those that do typically have very stringent rules about what kind of roofing materials can be used. There are also concerns about whether a new roof will be compatible with the existing one, as well as issues about weight and stability. In some cases, the building department may also want to know if any structural changes are being made as part of the re-roofing project.

The contractor who performs the re-roofing will be responsible for applying for the proper permit and notifying the city once the job is complete. The city inspector will then come out to verify that the installation meets all city codes. A failed inspection means that some element of the code was not met and must be corrected by the contractor.

If you’re working on a small residential re-roofing project, you might be able to use an express permit, which is typically available over the counter of the Department of Building Inspections. You will still need to submit an application form and a sketch of the proposed construction, and in some cases you may need to provide additional information such as whether or not any alterations are being made to the existing roof sheathing or framing. If you’re working with a large commercial project, the permitting process is more complex and requires an appointment. In some cases, a plan review fee will be required. This will be assessed at the current hourly rate for the department.

When a roof is being installed, there are inspections that must be done. The inspections are intended to ensure that the work is being done correctly and that there are no issues with the installation that may cause problems later on. These inspections will also help to ensure that all required permits are obtained and that the work is being done according to the local building codes.

During an inspection, a roofer will look at the overall condition of the roofing materials. This includes examining the shingles or tiles for cracks, curling, fading, moss and other signs of wear and tear. In addition, the inspector will examine the underlying wood for water stains or other evidence of moisture penetration. The inspector will also check the soffit, fascia, and gutter system for damage or improper ventilation. The inspector will also survey the condition of the masonry chimneys for any signs of structural issues.

The roof inspection will also include a look at the flashing, which is the strips of metal or other material that divert water away from areas where walls meet the roof. The inspector will examine these flashings for proper installation and to make sure they are free of rust, gaps or other signs of wear. This will help to prevent water leaks from occurring.

In addition to inspecting the roof’s materials, the inspector will also look at the interior of the home, especially the ceilings and attic. They will look for water stains, mold, and other indications of leaks or improper workmanship during the installation.

It is important to have a complete roof inspection before purchasing a new home. The roof is an expensive component of the house, and a poor quality one can have devastating effects on the home’s structure and interior. A good inspector can provide an accurate report on the condition of the roof and make recommendations for repairs.

While a full inspection of the roof should be conducted by a professional roofer, homeowners can perform a basic inspection by using binoculars to circle the property and looking for obvious signs of problems such as missing shingles near ridges. Homeowners should also consider having a drone inspection done if the roof is very steep, overly long, or poses safety issues to a climber.

Once the roofing contractor has inspected your roof, he will begin by explaining the different types of roofing materials available. Depending on your budget and desired style, you can choose from dimensional shingles for added curb appeal, three-tab shingles for an economical option, wood shakes for natural beauty, or metal sheeting for durability. Regardless of what type of material you choose, the roofing professional will lay underlayment on the entire roof. This will include a layer of tarpaper and several rows of felt, with close nails at the edge and nails spread out farther towards the center. Next, the roofing professional will nail cap shingles to the underlayment in a staggered pattern. Once the caps are in place, your new roof will be complete. The roofing crew will inspect the flashing and drip edges to make sure they are in good condition.