Roofers Climb High For You
Every building has a roof and when they are damaged, the services of a roofer are needed. Roofers repair and install roofs made up of a variety of materials, such as tar, asphalt and gravel, rubber, thermoplastic, metal, and plain old shingles. They are trained to replace old roofs on existing buildings as well as repairing roofs of all ages. Roofs come in two types – low slope like in commercial buildings, and steep-slope as used on residential structures. Roofers can work on both types of roofs or specialize in one type or the other.
Low-slope roofs usually use multiple layers of materials that construct the roof. Roofers need to know how to properly layer the material starting with insulation and then a coat of bitumen, which is a tar like substance. Roofing felt is than added in two layers with liquid bitumen saturating them and then a top layer that is smooth or rough depending on the customer’s choice. Gravel is commonly used on this top layer to give the roof its rough appearance. These layers are called plies and an experienced roofer can layer the roof and seal it properly with ease. Additionally, low-slope commercial roofs can also use a layer of waterproof rubber or thermoplastic compounds that are held in place by stone ballast. Roofers must also be conversant in ‘green’ roofs that incorporate the use of plants. They must make sure that the roof is able to support the weight of the plants, the water the plants need, and the fact that it is watertight.
Steep-slope roofs are more of a challenge for roofers in that they need to traverse the rood in order to lay the shingles that these roofs are covered with. Shingles are applied by roofers by laying, cutting, and tacking three foot strips of roofing felt all over the roof. Roofers start at the bottom of the roof and staple or nail the shingles onto it, fitting them together so that they form a tight seal against the elements. They must be knowledgeable enough to fit the shingles around vents and chimneys and know how to apply flashing at the joints. Shingles can be made of tile, metal or wooden and once they are all applied, they are all made water tight using cement or caulking.
Roofers are required to cut through roofs to install equipment such as ventilation ducts, attic fans, and other items that need to be roof bound. Roofers must be able to practice waterproofing in standard roofs, masonry, concrete walls, floors, and foundations. They need to be able to prepare the roof by getting rid of rough spots and then waterproofing it with the appropriate material. Roofers may be required to do some light painting or surfacing spraying in addition to applying the roofing materials needed to keep the roof watertight.
Roofers must be in good shape and able to work outdoors in all types of weather. They are required to climb, kneel, and bend, and most often than not work high off the ground. Safety is a priority as roofers could fall, get cut or burned while on the job. They do not work in rainy or snowy weather, and most roofers work overtime in the summer in order to get their list of jobs finished before the autumn sets in.
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