As a roofer a large part of the work involves what happens before the actual roofing felt goes on. A good roof is built up in several layers and each layer has a purpose.
§Prepared
Before you lay the roofing membrane, you do much preparatory work. This can include removing the old roof, insulating and laying underlayment, and installing fascia. Thorough preparation is the prerequisite for the final membrane to sit well and remain watertight.
§PLACEHOLDER_93
Bitumen-based roofing felt is laid so the strips overlap and melt together at the seams. The result is a continuous, watertight surface. The seams are critical: this is where water could otherwise penetrate.
Foils and plastics
Beyond paper, the roofer works with membranes and plastics. These are also laid to form a waterproof membrane and the joints are carried out so they become watertight. Material choice depends on the roof type and requirements.
§The details determine tightness
A roof is not just a surface. There are edges penetrations drains and transitions and it is often here that leaks occur. A skilled roofer uses extra care precisely on these details because they are what determine whether the roof is tight.
§Repair and maintenance
The roofer doesn't only make new roofs. A large part of the work is repairing and maintaining existing roof coverings so buildings remain watertight for many years. The key is to find the fault and correct it properly.
“A good roof is not known by how nice it looks from above but by the fact that it holds tight even at the difficult details.”