Products and Techniques That Support Efficient Roofing Projects

Author: Lee Polevoi | January 15, 2025

Efficient roofing starts with a contractor's skill in choosing the highest-quality products for the job. Using the right products and following precise installation techniques enable roofing teams to be more effective in a variety of ways, including:

• Saving valuable time on projects
• Boosting a roof's longevity so there's less need to redo work later on
• Getting the job done right the first time, thus avoiding unwanted customer callbacks

These roofing products and installation techniques can make your team more effective, resulting in high-quality roofs and higher levels of customer satisfaction.

Energy-Efficient Materials

When it comes to installing a new roof or making repairs on an existing roof, finding the right roofing products for the job can ensure a happy customer and make sure your team can work quickly and effectively. For homeowners looking for an energy-efficient option, the most popular materials include:

• Metal roofs: Composed of recycled steel or aluminum with reflective qualities
• Wood shingles: Renewable, biodegradable cedar or redwood
• Concrete tiles: Recyclable and long-lasting, these help normalize indoor temperatures
• Clay tiles: Produced from natural materials and easily recyclable
• Solar tiles: Sun-generated electricity cuts costs and reduces carbon emissions

To be more efficient with roofing materials, see that all appropriate roofing materials are available on site when work is about to start. Check (and double-check) that you have the proper quantity of each material, rather than having to make urgent calls to suppliers when a specific material is depleted.

Moisture and Waterproofing Coatings

Roof coatings, applied on top of roofing materials, create an added layer of waterproofing that helps shed water and can even extend the life of slightly damaged roofs.

Coatings come in different forms, including:

• Silicone: Sturdy, resistant to ponding water and UV rays
• Acrylic: Water-based, resistant to UV rays, easy to apply
• Polyurethane: High UV resistance, strong thermal insulation

Elastomeric roof coatings can be seamlessly applied, and have the capacity to expand and contract with the roof.

To improve waterproof coating installation efficiency, follow these steps:

• Conduct a thorough inspection of the roof before starting the project.
• Make sure all needed materials are ordered and available on site.
• Follow manufacturer guidelines for installation.
• Leave sufficient drying times between coats.

Your expertise in recommending the right coating will assist customers and lead to favorable project outcomes and fewer callbacks.

Flashing

Roof flashing seals the space between a building's roof and walls, protecting areas such as vents or chimneys. These materials defend against potentially damaging water seeping into susceptible areas (seams, joints, walls, etc.). Without flashing seals in place, water damage can lead to mold growth, wood rot and structural damage.

Common roof flashing materials include:

• Metal sheets: Composed of stainless steel, aluminum or galvanized steel
• Roof rolling: Roll-on/roll-off or premade
• Rubber membrane: Waterproof sheet applied over the roof
• Plastic membrane: Comes in roll form or as tape or metal sheets

To be more efficient during installation, select roof flashing material that best suits a specific location (and accompanying weather conditions). For example, in areas where the local temperature fluctuates, use materials with high levels of UV ray resistance. This strategy can help maintain a watertight seal and keep it intact, eliminating the need to return and do additional work that's both labor- and time-intensive.

Starter Shingles

Starter shingles serve as a base layer, working as a preventive element against water leaks coming from gaps or cracks in the roof. By helping a roof stay water-resistant, starter shingles contribute to energy efficiency and help keep the outer layer of shingles from loosening (or worse) during high winds.

For more efficient installation:

• Be certain there is proper alignment along rakes and eaves.
• Pay close attention when overlapping starter shingles.
• Use the manufacturer-recommended method for nailing patterns.

Don't let installation mistakes decrease the efficiency of your work. Make sure the flashing to be used is sized properly; check to see that the edges and seams of flashing material are installed in the correct manner; and don't forget to overlap adequately, when needed, to offset any potential water seepage.

Cordless Nail Guns

A cordless nail gun is a high-value tool for efficient roofing and repair projects. In general, a cordless nailer operates with rechargeable batteries, as opposed to single-use batteries. This contributes to greater on-the-job efficiency, less waste, and less time coping with tangled cords or wires, allowing you to move more quickly.

Beacon Can Help

Thanks to advances in roofing materials and technology, roofing contractors can better serve homeowners who need new roofs or repairs and want to make sure it's done right the first time. Beacon, a leading provider of residential roofing, siding, decking, insulation and waterproofing, can serve as your partner with roofing projects big or small.

Contact us for information about our wide range of high-quality roofing products and services. We're here to help!