There are many who decide that there are more benefits in roof reconstruction, especially when it comes to an old house that is quite costly in its functionality, rather than buying a new one.
Waterproofing and thermal insulation of the roof
Initial work if you live on the top floor before starting the renovation is the waterproofing of the roof which is important to be sure so as not to create problems with the first rains in your renovated house. Then the thermal insulation of the roof is an investment for your home as on the one hand it improves your living conditions inside the house and on the other hand it improves your finances due to the savings of money and energy that it achieves. Do not forget that the top floors have large losses from their secluded roof and are one of the first tasks that we must put in the program.
External thermal insulation of the walls
The external thermal insulation of the walls, columns and walls also contributes to the energy upgrade. In addition it improves the appearance of the often brittle exterior walls by eliminating damage from moisture and mold. Insulation ensures a constant temperature inside the house, in the cold of winter and in the heat of summer, with a significant reduction of expenses for heating and cooling. Insulation also offers wall waterproofing from rain and water.
Thermal insulation of the floor
If you live on the first floor above the floor you will definitely feel the lack of thermal insulation such as cold and sometimes wet floor, mold low on the walls, inability to heat the space etc. The solution to all this is the thermal insulation of the floor. In this way, the thermal losses of the building are minimized and great energy savings are achieved.
Thermal insulation of the roof
Thermal insulation of the roof is necessary as it shows great savings in the energy consumed by a space to maintain the desired temperature and the money one has to buy this energy. The top floor under the roof is the one that is particularly stressed as it is affected in winter and summer by outside temperatures. Thermal insulation of the roof can be applied either externally or internally. In the first case of external thermal insulation, the polyurethane foam is sprayed on the tiles from the top and then it is covered with special brushed materials, usually in tile color, so as not to change the color of the roof. Polyurethane has perfect adhesion to the roof so it becomes a body with it. In the second case of internal thermal insulation, if there is a horizontal concrete slab between the roof and the interior, then the thermal insulation is applied either to the horizontal slab or directly to the roof.
Internal thermal insulation of walls
Internal wall and ceiling insulation is a fast, economical and efficient process. Internal thermal insulation is a good solution when there are problems of lack of thermal insulation in walls that are exposed and there are still other reasons, such as the inability of external thermal insulation due to high scaffolding costs, inability to access, etc.
- Frame replacement
- Gas installation
- Upgrading of heating and air conditioning systems
- Shading with awnings
- Installation of solar water heater
However, apart from these subsidized works, many people decide to do other works during the renovation, such as the soundproofing of their house, which is often such a big problem that is the cause and the reason for starting a renovation. Soundproofing usually covers walls, ceilings and floors.
Roof waterproofing
In a sloping tiled roof, the waterproofing of the roof is achieved with special tiled roofing membranes. Due to the discontinuity of the tiles, the membranes come to guarantee the tightness of the roof.
Characteristics that they must have are complete tightness, vapor permeability, non-slip (for the safety of the craftsman) and resistance to drilling. In terms of vapor permeability, we know that spaces usually collect water vapor which must be released and removed from the building. A common feature of the membranes is their low weight of about 500 gr / m².
Technical tips for roof waterproofing with tiled roofing membranes
- Correct slopes on your roof. The slope of your roof should be about 20%. The exact percentage depends on the area, the climate, the frequency of snowfall and rainfall, etc.
- Laying membrane on the roof parallel to the gutters.
- Fastening of the membrane with flat-headed nails. We always keep in mind the quality of the material as a key parameter. We always start from the lowest points in order to ensure the unimpeded flow of water.
- Membrane overlap to prevent water from entering under the membranes.
- Technical support from us before, during and after the execution of the project.
In a roof without tiles, the solution is asphalt tiles which lead to an aesthetically upgraded solution with excellent waterproofing. Asphalt tiles are asphalt-shaped tiles that look like tiles. Available in rectangular or circular shape with tile overlay in various colors or copper foil for rarer cases. They are glued with asphalt glue and nailed with special flat-headed galvanized nails to the sloping roofs. In our company you can find the color and design of asphalt tiles that you like and of course we undertake their application on your roof. Asphalt tiles are an alternative proposal for covering your roofs.
Technical tips for roofing with asphalt tiles
Roofers start by correcting the slopes on your roof. The slope of your roof should be about 20%. The exact percentage depends on the area, the climate, the frequency of snowfall and rainfall, etc. It is very important that the water does not stagnate on the asphalt tiles at all.
The weather should be sunny in the last days and it is not expected to rain in the following days. If there is trapped moisture in the slab which did not evaporate it will create problems on the roof of the top floor. Sealing visible cracks or holes is also important. These are details that make a difference.
Bonding of asphalt tiles with special glue. Always keep in mind the quality of the material as a key parameter. Start from the lowest points in order to ensure the unimpeded flow of water. Overlap of asphalt tiles in the provided positions. Fastening of asphalt tiles with special flat-headed nails.
Gutter sealing
Gutters or gutters are places that often suffer from moisture as they come in frequent contact with the water that wears them more and more, with the result that water passes and appears inside and outside the construction.
Sealing the groove is the sure solution to get rid of roofing problems in Montclair NJ.
Gutter waterproofing technical tips
We identify the real cause of the humidity that occurs. Inductively exclude other reasons that may be due to moisture before proceeding to sealing.
- Dry surface. We start the work when the weather is sunny in the last days and it is not expected to rain in the following days. If there is trapped moisture that did not evaporate, it will create bloating on the tarpaulin.
- Dismantling and removal of old asphalt sheets if any.
- Scratching and restoration of swollen and brittle surfaces. Asphalt sheets should be glued to a stable surface because otherwise they will peel off along with the loose plasters.
- Clean surface. Wipe the surface to be clean and free of dust and other objects.
- Sealing visible cracks or holes. Details that make a difference.
- Priming with good quality asphalt varnish which should dry before the asphalt sheets are applied.
- Gluing asphalt sheets. We always have quality in mind as a key parameter.
- Overlap of asphalt sheets by 10 cm. The points of the joints are very vulnerable, so the correct attachment is very important.
- Sealing the joints by pressing on the ridges. We emphasize these points because they are the most frightening.
- Protection of the sealed surface. Do not forget to clean the gutters from leaves that clog them and block the flow of water.
Technical support from Gikas Roofing in Montclair before, during and after the roof reconstruction.