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How to Properly Maintain Your Roofing
A roof shields a home from the scorching sun, torrential rain, snowfall, and gusty winds. Proper maintenance of your roof prevents sagging and structural damage to the building.
A shingle roof is one covered with shingles, small rectangular pieces that overlap to provide full coverage. However, there is much more to roofing than shingles alone. Contact MT Roofing now!
Plywood is an extremely strong, versatile material that is used in construction. It comprises thin sheets of wood veneers bonded to form a solid sheet. The grain of each layer runs at a 90-degree angle to the next one, creating a strong and stable structure. It is also waterproof and resists bending, making it ideal for roofing sheathing. Plywood comes in various thicknesses and grades, each providing a different performance level.
Choosing the right plywood for your roof depends on your project’s needs, such as load-bearing capability and moisture resistance. Consider the climate in your area and how long you expect your roof to last. A plywood with higher moisture resistance might be better for humid or wet climates.
There are several types of plywood, ranging from three-ply to five-ply and seven-ply sheets. Three-ply sheets are thin and provide little strength, while five-ply plywood is light and strong enough for sheathing a house or roof. Plywood with seven or more plies is thicker but extremely strong and heavy. This type of plywood is often used for structural purposes like framing and building a house.
Plywood’s quality is usually rated by its appearance, as well as its strength and durability. Grade A plywood has a smooth surface suitable for most applications, while grade B and C have visible defects like knots and patches. The lowest-grade plywood, D, has numerous knots and is often reserved for sheathing or other non-visible applications.
The plys of plywood are glued together using a moisture-resistant glue called polyurethane. The plies are then pressed under pressure to create a strong, smooth, and water-resistant surface. The gluing process also increases the longevity of the wood and reduces warping.
Lumber core plywood is made with solid wood strips sandwiched between the layers of veneer, resulting in unparalleled strength and durability. This makes it a good choice for expansive tabletops or long shelving units that require minimal deflection. It also performs better in wet environments than OSB, which tends to swell when it gets wet and takes longer to dry out.
Shingles
Shingles are the visual showpiece of a finished roof, and they’re made from a variety of different materials. Some are designed to look like natural materials, and some have unique structural features that make them suitable for particular types of buildings. Understanding how shingles are made can help you select the best ones for your home or business, and make informed questions for roofing contractors.
Wood shingles are cut from red cedar or pine trees, and then treated with chemical preservatives to prevent damage from sun and wind. Newer wood shingle panels are also rated for fire resistance to meet building codes and regulations. Wood shingles add a rustic, country charm to any house, and they can be used in cottages, Nantucket-style homes and other designs that connect a home with nature.
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of shingle in North America. Originally, coal tar was used to saturate layers of felt to produce a rolled sheet that was then coated with sand or bits of shell. The resulting product was durable and affordable, making it popular with homeowners and large producers such as Sears. In the 1950s, improvements were made to the shape of the shingle and adhesives were added, which helped to reduce problems with the material being subjected to extreme weather conditions.
Another popular type of shingle is the premium or designer shingle, which is manufactured to mimic various styles, from Victorian to old-world and rugged to dramatic. They are often crafted from composite or synthetic materials, which provide better durability and weather resistance than traditional shingle products.
Metal step flashing is installed to protect the area where a roof meets a wall. The pieces of flashing are usually rectangular in shape and are at least 250 mm (10″) long and 50 mm (2″) wider than the face of a shingle being installed. They’re installed with an overlap of at least 125 mm (5″) on each side.
The shingles on your roof are constantly exposed to extreme weather conditions, including high winds, rain and snow. Over time, these elements can weaken and damage the shingles and the areas around them, including the plywood or vapor barrier underneath. To protect these important areas, the shingles should be installed and maintained properly.
Underlayment
An important part of your roofing system, underlayment is a barrier that prevents moisture from reaching the roof deck. This helps protect the wood of your roof frame and rafters from rot, mold, and leaks. In addition, it acts as a water-resistant layer to keep shingles and other roof coverings safe from rain, snow, ice, and wind.
Typically made from felt or other materials like paper or sheathing paper, underlayment is installed over the roof deck. It is used to provide a waterproof barrier and to support the work of shingle roof coverings. In many areas, it is required under the roof structure for new construction and reroofing.
Underlayment is a critical element of a roof system, and the type you choose will have significant effects on your home. You should seek a material that meets your needs, follows building codes, and works with the roof-covering materials you plan to install.
The type of underlayment you choose will also impact the installation process. For example, you should avoid pine and fir boards that have resin pockets, as these can react with certain types of roof-covering materials. These reactions can lead to accelerated deterioration and shorten the life of your roof.
Felt underlayment is a popular option for roofing because it offers affordability and good water resistance. However, it tends to break easily during installation, and its volatile compounds lose their effectiveness over time. You should also consider a non-slip double-sided underlayment to make it safer for roofers to walk on.
Synthetic underlayment, made from polypropylene or polyethylene, is more durable than felt and has better tear resistance. It is a bit more expensive than felt but can save you money over the long term. Synthetic underlayment is usually fastened with staples, but in high-wind areas, it may be attached with nails that have plastic caps to resist weather damage to the underlayment.
Some roofing contractors prefer to use rubberized asphalt underlayment for its excellent durability and longevity. It is a bit more expensive than other synthetics but provides added protection under shingles and other roof coverings. Some of these underlayments are even fire-resistant, which is an important consideration for homeowners.
Flashing
Flashing is thin pieces of impervious material that are installed to prevent water leaks at areas where different types of roofing materials or roof components intersect. Without flashing, these areas are prone to leakage that can damage the underlying materials and encourage mold and mildew. Flashing seals these areas and directs rainwater away from the roof structure and into gutters.
There are many different types of flashing, each designed to fulfill a particular purpose or accommodate a specific area. Generally, flashing is made of metal and is bent into place so that it covers the joints or seams between different parts of the roof system. It is often installed in conjunction with the underlayment and shingles.
A common type of flashing is called continuous flashing, which consists of one long strip that runs the entire length of the joint. This type of flashing is usually used in places where dormers meet a roof’s surface and can also be found around protrusions like chimneys and vent pipes. Continuous flashing can have its problems, however, as it’s difficult to flex with the changing exterior temperatures and can break or crack over time.
Another important type of flashing is valley flashing, which is used in places where two sloping roof surfaces meet. Without valley flashing, shingle erosion and roof leaks are almost inevitable. Valley flashing is typically designed in a ‘V’ or ‘W’ shape, which helps it to better channel water and prevent shingle erosion.
Other types of flashing include base flashing, which is used to protect the area where a roof penetration like a chimney or pipe extends through the roof. It is typically a piece of L-shaped metal that’s attached to the roof and overlaps a counter flashing piece, which is secured to the roof penetration. This allows the flashing to flex with changes in exterior temperature without damaging the roof or the wall that it’s protecting.
Other flashing types include sill flashing, which is concealed under doors or windows to prevent water from entering walls; head flashing, which is found at the bottom of a wall or roof intersection and helps to keep moisture out; and kickout flashing, which is used to help protect pipes, cables, supports, and other roof protrusions by directing moisture away from the wall and into weep holes. While it is possible for homeowners to install flashing, doing so can be dangerous and is best left to professional roofers who know how to properly install flashing to prevent water leaks.
Revitalize Your Cabinets with Refinishing
San Jose Cabinet Refinishing is a time-consuming project that requires careful paint and stain application. It works best on solid-wood cabinets that are structurally sound and have good adhesion to their existing finish.
Refinishing is ideal for homeowners who are content with the design and functionality of their cabinetry but want a new look. It is also a cost-effective alternative to refacing or replacing cabinetry.
Refinishing is a great option for those who love their existing cabinet doors but want a change in color. It can be a much more affordable option than purchasing new cabinets or having them custom made. This process requires careful prep and time, but if done properly, can bring years of life back to your kitchen.
This phase involves removing any existing stain or paint from your cabinetry to prepare them for refinishing. This typically involves a chemical stripping agent or lots of sanding. Kitchen cabinets are a work area where grease, steam, food splatters and oil from hands can all show up on the surface. It is very important that the surface is thoroughly cleaned and degreased before sanding to ensure the best results.
After sanding the surface, a high-quality primer is applied. An adhesion-promoting primer like KILZ 3 Premium Primer is recommended to provide a smooth, durable finish that will hold up well under future coats of paint.
Lastly, any small imperfections should be filled with wood putty to ensure the best final product. Once the putty is dry, the surface should be scuff sanded to get rid of any bumps and grooves or lint that may have built up on the surfaces. This step is especially important if you are going from a dark to light stain or paint, as the scuffing will help the final color adhere to the surface.
Masking or taping off any surfaces that are not being painted is also an excellent idea. This will protect them from any spills or splatter that might occur during the refinishing process. It is recommended to allow a full day for drying before reattaching the cabinet doors, drawers and hardware.
Stripping
The stripping phase of cabinet refinishing is where the old stain or paint is completely removed. This can be done with a chemical remover or lots of hand sanding. Most professionals will use a combination of both to get the wood ready for new paint or stain. It is very important to follow all instructions for the stripper. Most of them are caustic and will require you to work in a well-ventilated area away from other members of your household. You will also need a table to set the doors on, tape, and masking.
There are two main ways that your cabinets can be stripped: mechanical and heat stripping. Mechanical stripping uses abrasive tools or pads to physically scrape off the existing finish. This method is effective, but can be labor intensive and time consuming. It also creates a lot of dust, so it is important to work in a well-ventilated space and with appropriate safety equipment.
Heat stripping is a quicker option that involves heating the wood to loosen and remove the existing finish. It is effective, but it can damage the wood if it is exposed to too much heat or for too long. It also produces harmful fumes, so it is important to work in
Once the wood is ready for new stain or paint, any holes or dents can be filled with wood filler. After the filler dries, it can be lightly sanded. Then the surface can be cleaned again with furniture cleaner or a designated solvent depending on the stripper used.
Sanding
Cabinet refinishing involves working with existing wood or MDF doors and staining or painting them in a new color. The door and frame must be sanded to smooth the surface and ensure proper adhesion of the new stain or paint. It’s important to use a high-quality sanding pad, wear protective gloves, and make sure you have adequate ventilation in the work area.
A professional cabinet painter will sand between coats of primer and/or paint to achieve a smooth, even finish. This requires more effort, but it will ensure that your cabinets look great for years to come. If you’re sanding your own cabinets, make sure to use the correct grit sandpaper (a coarser grit can damage the wood). A sanding block or disc sander is best for the job, as it allows you to get into corners and crevices.
It’s also important to thoroughly clean the cabinets prior to sanding. The wood needs to be free of dust, dirt, grease, and other stains. If possible, scrub the cabinets with a degreasing product, then wipe with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any remaining debris. If the cabinets are dated and have many nicks or scratches, you can fill them with wood filler before sanding to smooth the surface.
Liquid sanding products such as a chemical deglosser can be used in place of sandpaper, but they require a very well-ventilated area since they emit volatile chemicals. They won’t smooth the cabinets as well as sanding and will probably not last as long.
You’ll also need to sand between coats of varnish or shellac, and between each coat of paint. This is essential to ensure a smooth, durable result that will withstand a busy kitchen environment.
Painting
Cabinet painting is a simple, cost-effective way to give your cabinets a fresh new look. It can be done by yourself or with the help of a professional if you have the time and patience. The key is to properly prepare the surface before painting. This includes using an appropriate paint stripper, sanding, and cleaning. Once the surface is ready, you can apply two coats of primer and then a topcoat. Be sure to do this in a dust-free environment, and use high-quality brushes and rollers to achieve the best results.
Before you start painting, make sure that your cabinet doors are free from cracks, holes, and dents. It’s also a good idea to label each door so that you can match them up with the proper panel when the time comes to install them back in your kitchen. You’ll want to use a high-gloss finish that will resist wear and tear. You can choose from a wide range of colors, although white is typically the most popular.
Another option for updating the look of your cabinetry is refacing. This process is more extensive than refinishing, requiring the removal of all of the doors and hinges, and possibly some of the drawer fronts. A refacing job can be completed with either laminate veneer or custom panels.
Both refacing and refinishing can add value to your home, but refinishing is generally less expensive than replacing the cabinetry altogether. It can also be a great choice for homeowners who are not comfortable with the more complex project of refacing their cabinets. If you are interested in learning more about the refinishing process or would like to schedule an estimate, contact your local N-Hance office.
Finishing
Refinishing is an affordable way to refresh your kitchen cabinets and add value to your home. It also is a much quicker option than cabinet refacing and requires less demolition.
It’s important to choose the right paint for your project. The type of paint used will determine how durable your cabinets are and how long they’ll last. High-quality paints, such as KILZ 3(r) Premium Primer, offer superior adhesion and stain blocking properties. It’s also fast drying and has low odor, making it ideal for refinishing.
Before painting your cabinets, you’ll need to clean them thoroughly. Using a damp cloth, scrub the surfaces to remove any dirt and grease. If there is stubborn grease, use synthetic steel wool and a degreasing agent such as trisodium phosphate (TSP). Once your cabinets are clean, they’re ready for a new coat of paint. Be sure to apply multiple coats, allowing each one to dry completely before applying the next.
Once your cabinets have been refinished, it’s time to install your new doors. It’s important to label each door before removing it from the frame, and then refer to your labels when re-installing it in its correct place. When installing hardware, be careful not to strip the screws with too much pressure.
While refinishing can be done on any type of cabinet, it’s not always the best choice for wood cabinets with significant damage or that have been neglected over the years. The process can be lengthy and messy, and it may not be able to address certain structural issues. It can also be limited to a color change, which doesn’t make it the best option for homeowners looking to make major style changes to their kitchen.