Pro Tips for Roofing Your House Like a Professional in Helena Montana

Roofing is an essential part of building and maintaining a house. It not only protects your home from the elements but also adds to its overall aesthetic appeal. In a place like Helena Montana, where the weather can be harsh and unpredictable, it is crucial to ensure that your roof is installed correctly and with high-quality materials. Here are some pro tips for roofing your house in Montana like a professional.

1. Choose Quality Materials:

The first step to roofing your house like a professional is to choose high-quality materials. This includes shingles, underlayment, flashing, and any other necessary components. Investing in quality materials may cost more upfront, but it will save you money in the long run by providing better protection and durability against harsh weather conditions. We like using Owens Corning, Malarkey, Certainteed and GAF because they are some of the best on the market and have great warranties!

2. Tear Off:

Before installing new shingles on your roof, it is essential to remove any existing layers of shingles or other materials. This process is called “tear off” and involves stripping the roof down to its bare structure. A proper tear off ensures that there are no hidden damages or weak spots on the roof that can compromise its integrity.  One of the tools used for tear off is a roof shovel.

3. Dry In Your Home with Ice and Water Shield and Felt:

After tearing off the old roof, it’s time to dry in your home before installing new shingles. This step involves using an ice and water shield along with felt paper as an additional layer of protection against moisture infiltration. The ice and water shield should be applied along all eaves, valleys, chimneys, skylights, and other areas prone to leaks.  There is special codes in Montana that needs to be met while reroofing a home.  Once you used Ice and Water than you can use felt on the rest of the roof.

4. Map Out Shingle Placement:

Before installing new shingles on your roof, it’s crucial to map out their placement carefully. Start at the bottom edge of the roofline and work upwards towards the peak of the roofline for optimal water runoff. Ensure that each row overlaps slightly with the one below it for maximum protection against leaks. If you want your installation to look professional, you must use a chalk line and a tape measure for proper layout.  If one side or the other is longer, you can move each shingle down 1/8 of an inch until the top measurement becomes the same. 

5. Install Shingles Properly:

When installing shingles, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This includes using the correct number of nails per shingle and placing them in the designated areas. Proper installation of shingles is crucial for their longevity and effectiveness in protecting your home and also the warranty of the shingles.

6. Install Pipe Jacks:

Pipe jacks are essential components that help seal around any pipes or vents on your roof. They prevent water from seeping into these areas and causing leaks. When installing pipe jacks, ensure they are securely fastened and sealed with roofing cement for maximum protection. Some roofers seal all the way around the pipe jack, but if water happened to get inside somehow, it will be trapped.  We recommend cementing all around the pipe jack but leave a couple open areas at the very bottom so water can escape if needed.

7. Install Vents and Ridge Cap:

Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining a healthy roof. Installing vents allows air to circulate, preventing moisture buildup that can lead to mold growth or rotting of the roof structure. Additionally, ridge caps should be installed at the peak of your roof to provide extra protection against leaks. Vents are a very import part of a roof installation especially if the building is heated.  The vents help regulate the temperature in the attic preventing moisture and excessive heat.

In conclusion, roofing your house like a professional in Montana requires careful planning, quality materials, and attention to detail during installation. By following these pro tips, you can ensure that your roof is built to withstand harsh weather conditions while also adding value and beauty to your home. Remember always to prioritize safety when working on a roof, and if you’re unsure about any aspect of roofing, it’s best to consult a professional for assistance.

T & J Xteriors is a licensed and insured contractor that has been in the building industry for over a decade.  We are the best at what we do and take pride in our work.  If you have any questions you can send us a message on on contact page or give us a call at 406-202-8163.