Planning for the final finish on roofing and siding

If you are considering hiring a Chicago roofing and siding contractor, or doing the work yourself, you must account for the entire job – not just the installation. The final finish for roofing and siding is what will largely determine the lifespan of the material. You need to know a few ins and outs of the materials and types of finish before starting to ensure a good job.

What does the final finish look like?

The final finish on a roofing or siding project can vary greatly. For some types of siding, the final finish is trim and paint. For many types of roofs, it is just the cleanup and flashing. If you are installing a slate or terracotta roof, it may need to be sealed as well. The same may hold true for wood siding or shingles. If sealing and painting are in order, this can be a multi-day project that is dependent on the weather - temperature, humidity and sun exposure.

For some materials, the finish is the clean-up

Some of the nylon siding and many of the asphalt roofing types require only a cleanup for finishing. This doesn't simply mean a nail sweep, but can also include the final trim work and back filling. Many Chicago roofing company contractors will not do the final fill on the siding job; that is generally left to the landscaper or general contractor. If you reside in a home, they may even work around having to actually excavate. Make sure you know what the contractor's plans are first so you don't get left with a surprise trench to fill in later.

Making sure that painting and sealing is scheduled right

No matter what type of material you have selected to have your Chicago roofing and siding contractor install, it has to be painted or sealed. This is where a lot of jobs can go wrong. If you push a contractor to “wrap it up” you may wind up with material that will fail. If you are doing the work yourself, for successful application, you need to follow the directions closely and find out the climate adaptations to humidity and altitude unique to Chicago.

How much of the work should you do?

This is the real question for those who are on a tight budget. Many times, you can ask a Chicago roofing and siding contractor what work you can assume to lower your cost. They will most likely suggest the cleanup and staging - as the other aspects of the job are time consuming and technically demanding. For many types of siding, like fiber cement, you can do some of it yourself. Bear in mind what your insurance will cover before you start doing anything.

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Metal Roof Installation

While metal roofing can be slick, reflective, and fussy to install, the majority of metal roof projects aren’t as difficult as they may seem. Of course, metal roofing can be applied to any roof, but let’s focus on a very simple residential hipped roof.

•    All sides slope toward the ground. Two sides are triangular, while the other two sides are trapezoidal.

•    The standard residential home with metal roofing will generally have identical pitch or slope on all sides.


Must I Remove The Existing Roof?

•    Metal roofing can be installed over existing roofing, assuming the structure of the roof can sustain the weight. It adds a significant amount of weight and requires shoring of roof supports.

•    The most effective means to install a metal roof is to remove the old roof, structure new support, and begin again.

Begin at the Top

A practical tool now comes into play—the tape measure. Before you can order materials, you must know the length of needed coverage between eave and ridgepole, the piece of wood that runs from front to back and supports the rafters.

•    Picture the roof as a cross section in the shape of a triangle, longest side down. This is called a “truss,” and is also the “run distance.”

•    Now measure the leg of the triangle which runs from each end of the run distance to the ridgepole. This is the “rise distance.” In our case, the rise distance is the same on both sides.

•    From here,you can determine the square footage of your roof, and determine how much roofing material to order.

Adding to the Framework

Next comes the insulation layer. All roofs have moisture, therefore you want to block it from entering the sheathing.

The installation process begins at the edge. First, install edging around the entire roof overhang. This is done by nailing to the roof framework, and overhanging the edge of the gutter system.

Next, position the metal panels horizontally, square to the edge, and overhanging slightly. Once in place, secure the panels to the structure with washer-head screws (to keep out water) set a foot apart. It would be a good practice to snap a chalk line at each level to position the screws on the frame and create an attractive picture from the ground.

The Layout Process

Subsequent rows must overlap by at least an inch. In a particularly moist environment, silicone may be applied at the place of overlap; the pressure on the metal sheet will spread the silicone and create a seal.

Finally comes the flashing that covers the vertical joints. Where there is a ridge, that flashing can be bent to fit. Like the plates themselves, flashing pieces must overlap towards the bottom, for water flow.

On simple buildings where there is little concern for perfection, a DIY project is possible. For elaborate jobs with many joints, dormers, and varying roof styles, it is best to hire a metal roof installation.

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Keeping the neighbors happy during your Chicago residential roofing job

Everyone has a story about a Chicago residential roofing job gone wrong – from the neighbors’ side. If it isn't tales about flat tires from roofing nails, or material waste blowing over into gardens – it’s complaints about work starting too early and the road being blocked. This doesn't have to be. There are some small and easy steps you and your contractor can take to help keep everyone happy while you get your roof, and get the job done on time.

Keeping the neighbor happy is your job

The last thing you need to deal with when your life is already disrupted by a roofing job are irate neighbors complaining. They can complain to you, the police and the town board depending on what is going on. While there are standards of professional conduct that any Chicago residential roofing contractor will operate by, keeping the neighbors happy is your job. There is a lot you can do to make sure that work gets done without complaint.

Let the contractor know if there are work limits

You know your neighborhood better than anyone else, therefore you will know the hours when work can occur. While many Chicago roofing company prefer to start as early in the day as possible to avoid the heat, they can also accommodate a later start time. A later start time may extend the length of the job as the contractors will most likely stop working at the same time as an earlier start because of safety concerns for their crews. Depending on the work crew and the neighborhood, you may have to set other work limits. This can be especially important if you are in a school zone or another protected area. Remember that if the crew gets in trouble, work stops and you don't get your roof.

Check with your town about parking issues

There are two different types of permits your Chicago residential roofing job will have. The first is for the work itself—in which your contractor may assume responsibility for that permit, but you may have to get it yourself. The second, depending on where you live in Chicago, is a work parking permit. This allows you to partially block parking spaces during the course of the work to allow for trucks and worker parking.

Make sure to notify the neighbors

It can go miles to keep good relations with your neighbor if you let them know in advance to expect workers at your home. You can state the hours they are working, give them your cell number in case there is a problem and inform them of any parking issues that will be occurring. If you had to get permits for work parking for your Chicago residential roofing job, be sure to mention that to your neighbors. The more you are perceived as proactive in protecting them from disruption, the more forgiving your neighbors will be for any that occur. 

Be extra certain about the clean up

The cleanup for any Chicago roofing contractor is going to have to be a mutual effort between you and the contractor. Make sure that before the job begins the contractor has a solid idea of what you expect in the cleanup. Be aware that some forms of cleanup may incur extra labor costs. If you want to avoid that, do the extra cleaning after the contractor leaves. Just make sure you are there when they leave so that in between none of your neighbors runs over a nail.

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When to repair, and when to replace a roof

When you have a problem with your roof it is always stressful as you wait for your Lake Forest roof contractor to visit and determine whether it can be repaired or if the whole roof needs to be replaced. There are signs you can spot to better prepare yourself for the job at hand. This will also let you better manage your repair budget as you will know when to repair and when to replace the roof.

Look for the signs of repair-worthy damage

It can be hard to spot the signs that a roof needs repair, but if you make inspecting your roof a part of your seasonal maintenance, you will find signs before a big problem is created and warrants replacement. Leaking is the biggest sign, but often you have to get in under the roof to spot small leaks. If it is leaking into the house proper, you probably need to replace the roof. You should also examine the roof and caulk for signs that it is dried out, peeled off or flaking—that is something you can easily patch.

Look for the signs that replacement is needed

The signs that a roof needs to be replaced are easy to spot. Any Chicago residential roofing contractor can rattle off the list for you. The list includes signs of buckling or peeling in the shingle and siding of the home near the roof. Another telltale sign is getting asphalt dust in your gutters. This means the adhesive on the tile coating is giving out and is a sure sign you need a new roof.

 

Understand the cost and recovery

No matter whether you are getting a repair or replacement estimate from any of the Lake Forest roof contractors it is going to be a bit of an expense. When you consider that the average new roof job costs about $25,000, it is well worth it as it will add $12,500 to the resale value of your home—a good investment in your future. Many times, home owners think they can avoid the cost of a roof job because they plan to sell, but the buyer will make having the job a condition of the sale. It is better that you maintain the roof, and replace it if necessary, while you are still living in the house rather than at the moment of sale. A poor roof can lead to a lot of damage later. 

The layers make the difference

Depending on the condition of your roof, you may be able to do a repair or new installation using a minimum of layers. The more layers on a roof, the more expensive it will be. What you shouldn't do is skimp on the material in the layer. Don't choose a 10 pound single layer over the 30 pound to save money. Always make sure that your layers are of top quality, even if you are only installing one. Low quality layers will break down faster and it will be like paying to do the job twice.

Choose wisely

You need to become an educated consumer when it comes to roofing. Any Chicago roofing contractor can help you to decide what you need. They stay in business by having a reputation of being fair, don't hesitate to ask for their opinion and advice. A roof can have a long lifespan, but they do wear out. Keeping up with regular roof maintenance is the best way to prevent problems, and to spot the need for a new roof before it also becomes a demolition job. 

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Giving Your Home a Hug

When you have roofing and siding needs, consider Custom Installations.

The roof provides the most protection from Chicagoland weather. There are a few hundred contractors available to work on your roof. Consider us the preeminent Chicago Roofing and Siding contractor.
We don’t merely cover your roof; we evaluate its construction and make necessary changes to your roof structure. Sometimes that means installing attic baffles, roof vents, or soffit vents to provide appropriate ventilation and airflow - making that roof last many years.

We look also at the roof deck. Mold is a major problem in older housing, and the Chicago area has much of that. We evaluate the deck that must hold the roofing materials. Where necessary, we’ll strengthen it.
Roofing comes in many shapes and sizes. Older homes with slate roofs are not easy to repair and when they leak, finding the source of the leak isn’t easy. It takes knowledge of the product to be successful. New slate roofs take extra care, as there are several thicknesses, and the ability of the roof deck to accommodate the weight becomes important. The same is true of tile roofing.

Cedar roofing is attractive and effective, but must be applied with extreme care. There are several grades to choose from and they have different lengths of life. Asphalt shingles are more common, but even they have variances and differences in the warranties.

We also have experience with metal roofing. It’s great for snow removal, but has its own set of challenges.
No matter the type of roofing selected, we have the expertise to handle it. This includes the selection and handling of the underlayment, flashings, and accessories necessary to install a sound roofing system.
The same is true when considering siding. There are many options for siding, including vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, cedar, and metal. Custom Installations is proud to be Chicago’s leading Lake Forest roof contractors.

Vinyl is the most common form of siding for both new and existing homes. It is low-cost and highly durable. It is flexible in the wind and not subject to damage at low-level impacts. The thicker the vinyl, the more the protection.

Aluminum siding is a little older and equally beautiful. Available in a wide variety of colors, it’s less flexible, yet highly durable.

Steel siding is similar to aluminum, yet adds a level of durability and sturdiness.

Fiber cement siding provides the best return on investment. It is durable, resistant to several maladies such as fire and insects, can take paint (either at the factory or on the job site), and requires little maintenance.
Cedar siding continues to be very popular. It’s very rustic, can be stained several colors, and can last for at least a half century. At Custom Installations, we have decades of experience with it.

There are many considerations for siding, including the style of your home and neighborhood, home aesthetics, the current construction of your house, and budget.

We’re licensed, bonded, and certified to do the work you need. When it comes to Chicago residential roofing ,we have the tools, we have the experience, and we have what you need.

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Siding Contractors

Your siding is the blanket that keeps your house warm. It is a barrier from the severity of winter. When the cold wind blows, the idea is to keep our homes safe from damage.
To do that, it will be necessary to select the appropriate material in which to wrap the home. Among the issues to be resolved:
•    Is the house exposed to wind and/or moisture? When the snow piles up, how must your new siding work?

•    Must you obtain siding that keeps with the character of your home and neighborhood? You do not want to select a siding that does not fit the design of your home or the era in which it was built.

•    Who can do the work? It is not a DIY project. You must trust the experts.

Selecting a Siding Contractor

You’ve decided to contact a siding contractor. Out comes the telephone book or you have plugged “siding contractors” into Google, and out comes a list of people who advertise that they can do the work. You make contact, and they send out an “estimator.” Assume from the very beginning that the representative who appears at your door is more salesperson than installer. Nothing wrong with that, unless the army of installers that appears at your home isn’t as qualified as you would like. Here’s what you want to know:
•    The knowledge of the installer.

•    The offer of evaluation assistance and the suggestions that he or she will make.

•    The contact’s familiarity with and knowledge of the various siding materials, their uses, and their drawbacks.

•    Whether there are certification requirements for either the work or the materials on your job.

•    Whether or not the firm is covered with adequate insurance should something go wrong.

•    If he or she is reachable and whether calls are returned promptly. Information flow is very important.

•    Can the installer provide references? Are there other sources of objective reference that can be reviewed, such as community sources or the Better Business Bureau?

•    And, of course, the cost.

The Work Estimate

Never come away from this process without a written estimate. An estimate is never the amount of a contract. It is more indicative of the resources that will be needed to do the work - providing:
•    A description of the work.

•    A specification of the materials to be used.

•    Prices for materials and labor.

•    Financing information or work-in-process payments.

•    Milestones, checkpoints, project duration plans.

•    Post-project cleanliness of the site.

•    Any warranties of materials or guarantees of work quality.

All consideration for selecting siding contractors.

Also consider the reputation of the Chicago roofing and siding company itself and talk to others who have had the work done.



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Your Roof Is the Crown of Your Kingdom

The U.S. Government has identified thirty-three distinct and unique job titles that apply to the roofing industry? Merely calling an installer a “roofer” is woefully inadequate. We have roofer designations for aluminum, asbestos, composition, gravel, gypsum, hot tar, metal, asphalt shingles, cedar shingles, slate, tile, and tin. There are several job classifications: cool roofing, industrial, metals roofing mechanic, residential, roof service technicians, roofing applicators, and an assortment of apprenticeships that apply to the roofing business.

Thirty unique tasks for doing the job have been identified, ranging from “apply alternate layers of hot asphalt or tar and roofing paper to roofs” to “install solar roofing systems that have energy-collecting photovoltaic panels built into roofing membranes, shingles, or tiles." Even the erection, use, and disassembly of scaffolding are listed.

There are many kinds of roof designs, unfortunately not standardized in description: flat roofs, terrace, shed, gable, saltbox, clerestory (light-admitting), hipped, half-hipped, Dutch gable, Skillion (lean-to), Gambrel, gull wing, Mansard, bell-cast, saw-tooth, monitor, and butterfly. You may have no interest in a thatched roof, but you may have dormers on your home—wall, blind, gallery. There are variations on many of these, as well.
The roofing task isn’t simply the application of tarpaper and asphalt shingles. Some Chicago roofing companies can handle most of the tasks and various roof designs, but not many can handle them all.
Enter Custom Installations.

There are many roofing concerns working in the Chicago and Midwest area. When considering a roof installation, know that the cities we serve begin with Addison and stretch all the way to Zion. Complete a coverage in the greater Chicago area ... literally from A to Z.
A roof is a crown of glory to your home or business, but it is worthless if the work is shoddy or performed with less than the necessary experience. Custom Installations has been around since 1969. It’s a family business and prides itself in the quality of its installation. Angie’s List, a national rating service, objectively places Custom Installations among the most competent, most highly trusted roofing and gutter concerns in the nation.

A quality roof installation is the cap on your energy expenses. It boosts energy efficiency and enhances the appearance and value of your property. It also defeats the leakage and mold problems most Chicago land homes experience during periods of rough weather
.
Custom Installations performs at a high level. We start by knowing the products and recommending the appropriate solution for the job. You can buy anything cheap from less reputable roofers, but we select products that provide the best quality and utility for the money.

We understand the construction of roofs, particularly the need for airflow. Often it’s important to improve the ventilation of a roof area as a means to gain the most efficient usage of the roofing materials used.
We help to control rot, warping, and mold on your property using the knowledge and the skills to properly prepare your roof. Products and trims work together. Custom Installations has the experience to ensure that the various parts of the roof installation are compatible and have relatively equal useful lives.

You can find many Chicago roofing companies, but you won’t find any firm that does the job as well as Custom Installation.



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