If you are handy around the house and have some knowledge of roofing, you may be able to take care of your home roof repairs and replacements. Of course, it’s easy to forget the basics of any remodeling work – the best practices for safety and great results.
When you don’t want to hire CT or MA roofing contractors for that next project, make sure to refresh yourself with some roofing tips before going up the ladder. Here are a few of our recommended best practices to get you started.
Wear Comfortable, Durable Clothing
If you are going to be up on the roof all day, you’ll want to wear sturdy, but comfortable clothing for the job. Also consider the weather outside. The weather in CT and MA can certainly be changeable. You likely won’t want to wear a long sleeve shirt on a hot, sunny day. Jeans and cargo pants are always a good idea, but don’t wear your brand-new pants. They will get stained and potentially snag or tear during the course of your roof replacement project.
Wear Rubber Soled Work Shoes
You’ll want to wear a pair of boots or work shoes that have a thick rubber sole, yet still offer some flexibility. You’ll be bending, crouching, going up and down a ladder, and walking back and forth all day. So, it’s important to get a pair of shoes with versatility. There are even brands of work boots that are geared towards roofers, such as Cougar Paws and Thorogood.
Use the Right Nails
You’ll need to use nails that were made for holding shingles in place while also standing up against the elements. These are usually copper, aluminum, galvanized steel nails, or stainless-steel nails. You may also want to invest in the ring shank nails, which provide more gripping power for the nail, compared to a smooth shank nail.
Don’t Leave Nails Exposed
When nailing your roof shingles down, be sure to cover the nails on the previous row of shingles with the bottom edge of the top layer of shingles. This extra bit of cover provides more protection for the nails holding shingles in place. It also helps prevent moisture penetration around the nail. If you can’t do this for some reason, make sure to cover the nail head and area around it with some roof sealant.
Seal Up Openings and Gaps Around Roof Penetrations
Speaking of sealants, you’ll also want to fill any gaps, holes, or cracks you see around the roof. Filling gaps helps prevent moisture penetration during a rainstorm or ice storm. It can also help make your home a little more airtight and efficient.
Grab a Free Cost Estimate from a Professional Roofing Company in CT & MA
Of course, you can also save yourself a lot of effort by hiring “professional roofers near me in Connecticut & Massachusetts.” At Nescor, we offer a range of roofing services for New England customers.
In fact, we’re a full-service remodeler offering:
Window Replacement
Door Replacement
Gutter Work
Attic Insulation
Roofing Services
If you’d like to get started with a free estimate from our roofing company reach out about a consultation today. Just give us a call or fill out our online form.