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Replacing Composition (Asphalt) Shingles
The shingles on your roof are an important component of your home. However Willie McCovey Jersey , most of us don't think about them until something goes wrong. Composition shingles are made with a combination of materials, including a core of felt or fiberglass matting impregnated with asphalt and then covered with mineral particles. These types of shingles are designed to last 15 to 25 years (sometimes 30 years), after which they need to be replaced. Usually, a new layer of composition shingles may be applied over the existing layer ? thus saving you the time of removing the old roofing.


Before you decide to install new shingles over your existing shingles, you should take into consideration the following:


How steep or complicated is your roof? Shingling a simple gable roof on a one-story house is pretty straightforward. However, if the roof is steep Dave Dravecky Jersey , has multiple planes, needs valley work and complicated flashings, consider the job carefully before you make a commitment to begin.


Is the roof sheathing in good condition? Check out the attic and look for voids, separating plywood, and broken boards. You may also want to inspect the rafters. Check for rot by poking with a screwdriver. All rotten or damaged boards under the old roof must be replaced. If this is the case, hire a professional to do this work.


How many layers of shingles already exist? Most building codes allow a maximum of three layers of asphalt shingles (the original layer plus two reproofing layers). Check the number of layers on your roof by examining the rake (sloped) edge of the roof.


What is the condition of the old (existing) shingles? Bumps or dips in the old layer of shingles cannot be hidden by new roofing. If the old surface is not uniformly flat Gaylord Perry Jersey , it should then be removed. As you're getting ready to reroof your home, you need to look at the following:


Eaves and rakes. Look for rot along the edges. Make sure the fascia boards are sound and solidly connected to the rafter tails.


Valleys. It's always a good idea to check the condition of the metal valley flashing.


Flashing. Take a look at the flashing around chimneys, vent stacks, and skylights. One of the toughest jobs is getting the new shingles onto the roof. For an extra fee, many suppliers can 'load? the roof for you, using a crane or conveyor belt. Otherwise Orlando Cepeda Jersey , you will need to carry the shingles with you up a ladder. Entire bundles typically weigh about 75 pounds. Of course, you can open the bundles and carry smaller loads.


While up on the roof, make sure to form a level base for stacking the shingles. After all, the last thing you want is to have to retrieve shingles sliding off your roof back to the ground. A good strategy is to set a bundle on either side of the ridge. This allows you to set up an open work area.


Cutting Curves in Wood


Much of the finish carpentry in a home contains curves ? pretty tricky work for the do-it-yourself weekend carpenter. Some of the curved cuts are for necessity. For example, holes through walls, doors Juan Marichal Jersey , floors, and roof (for pipes or ducts). Others, however, are a bit more decorative ? an archway, or a curve of a circular window.


Whatever the curve's purpose, it requires tools and techniques different from those used for straight cuts. For most curves the best tool is an electric saber saw Will Clark Jersey , ideally one with variable-speed control. Blades ? inch wide with 8 to 10 points per inch are suitable for most jobs, but other blades are available for special uses: a hollow-ground blade, for example, will make splinter-free cuts in plywood; a blade with 12 or 14 points per inch is advisable for scrollwork.


When power is not available, or when work space is too cramped for a saber saw, you can turn to any of several handsaws designed specifically for cutting curves. A coping saw has a delicate blade and a limited cutting range; it is best suited to finish joints in woodwork and to fine Deion Sanders Jersey , intricate scrollwork. The keyhole saw can tackle heavier tasks, while the compass saw serves for still rougher work. Both come with an assortment of blades designed for different materials. The blades are tapered, with narrow tips for turns and for cutouts started from small drilled holes; and because the blades can be reversed, compass and keyhole saws are ideal for use in jobs with tight clearances and awkward undercuts.