Roll roofing and built-up roofing are the most common techniques used to cover flat roofs. Roll roofing is simply the asphalt products manufactured in the roll form. Roll roofing, sometimes referred to as rolled roofing, is less expensive than shingled roofing and takes less time to install.
For the effective laying of this roofing system, one needs to consider the following points. This roofing can be installed by the self and doesn’t need employing any roofer. Having measured the length of the roof we size a width of the product which can easily be handled. It can be of about 3 feet. This is to be installed along the edge of the roof.
Another piece of the same measurement is now kept over the first one. This should overlap the previous laid piece by about two inches and should be fixed in place by nailing. This should go on till the time we reach the top. The same style is adopted for installing at other end also. A metal strip is also laid on the edges of the roof to rid the water from damaging the roof. This is known as drip edge and it is nailed every 6 inches.
Two strips each measuring 18 inches in width should be cut from the roll roofing. Fasten the sheets by applying cement over its edges. Again, cover the cemented area at the edges using the cut strips of the rolled roofing. Fix them by nails.
We now get the entire roll of the roofing system on the roof and with the help of another person holding the roll at the far end, spread the roll roofing material to horizontally cover the length of the roof.
Lay the roll down and cut the rolled out length. Before nailing down, adjust the roofing material to ensure it aligns with the roof edge. Apply roofing cement underneath the edges of the roofing material and fix to the under laid. Nail down this first piece, nailing along the bottom and sides every 3 inches.
Having done, you now need to mark a line at 33 inches from the top of the first piece. Lay down another piece aligning the chalk line. Install this piece in a manner it overlaps with the first one by 3 inches. Secure it by cement and nails.
Also, lay down another strip at the peak of the roof. This is done to ensure the peak tip has no seams. At last, use cement and nails to grip the strip over the roof properly.
Scott Rodgers is a fine expert who has been writing on roofing for a long time now. His knowledge has given motivation to a host of workers, ranging from White Oak Roofers to Baldwin Park Roofers . Click here to get your own unique version of this article with free reprint rights.