The success of any roofing project depends largely on the materials being used. This is especially important when it comes to repair jobs where there is a high chance of component incompatibility due to the existing roof.
M and A Exterior Home Improvement talks about the kinds of materials needed to ensure a successful roof repair.
Similar Shingles
Asphalt shingles come in different forms and vary in style, color and quality. It’s imperative to buy replacement materials that match what you currently have. If you already have GAF shingles, stick to them and don’t switch brands. Products made by different manufacturers aren’t guaranteed to work well with one another.
Further, you ought to hire a roofing contractor like M and A Exterior Home Improvement that sources suppliers from a consistent dealer. Otherwise, you might get asphalt shingles from different batches, which can result in aesthetic incongruity.
Fiberglass-Reinforced or Synthetic Underlayments
Felt used to be the most popular underlayment material, but other types are now considered more practical. In fact, GAF underlayment products are either fiberglass-reinforced or synthetic.
Fiberglass-reinforced underlayments like Shingle-Mate® are promising in terms of weather resistance and moisture protection. They lie flatter than organic felt to prevent wrinkling. Synthetic ones, on the other hand, are lightweight but strong. Although they can be breathable, they can serve as an excellent vapor barrier. When exposed to the sun, they can withstand the effects of UV light for an extended period.
New Flashing
In any residential roofing system, flashing recycling is ill-advised. Weathered metal is going to fail more quickly even if it looks salvageable. Only incompetent and dishonest roofers recycle old flashing. When applicable, use copper, zinc, or galvanized-steel flashing to help discourage algae growth.
High-Quality Mastics
Mastics are all-around substances used for sealing gaps around flashing, nails and screws. They can also act as an adhesive to glue down loose shingles. Of course, their effectiveness is only as good as their longevity. Don’t skimp on mastics to keep your roof weathertight for as long as possible.
In addition to material quality, a successful roofing project also relies on faultless workmanship, which M and A Exterior Home Improvement never fails to deliver. Call us at (757) 942-2700 now to discuss your roof repair needs and get your free estimate in Virginia Beach, VA.