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The number of roof vents necessary for a 2,000-square-foot house depends on several factors. The calculation depends on the net free area within the attic and whether your municipality requires a 1/150 or a 1/300 ratio of venting square feet to attic square feet. If you install vents with a square-foot opening of one, you'll need either 14 or seven exhaust vents and an equal square-foot amount of intake vents.

It’s possible to walk on a clay tile roof, but you run the risk of breaking or cracking the tiles if you’re not careful, so it’s best not to walk on it if you can avoid it. If you or a contractor needs roof access, be sure to distribute your weight evenly and step on the portions of tile that are also supported underneath, which depends on your tile design. Walking on any roofing material is inherently dangerous, so wear rubber-soled shoes and use safety equipment if you need to access your roof.

More and more insurance companies are writing torch down applications out of their liability insurance for contractors. If torch down is covered, they generally require a worker to stay on site for two hours after the last flame is extinguished.

For this reason, cold application modified bitumen—also known as “peel and stick”—is becoming more popular, and torch down is decreasing in popularity. Modified bitumen is taking its place, as it uses both hot and cold applications.

High-quality tarps can last up to 90 days on your roof if properly secured. Keep in mind that thinner tarps, or those exposed to heavy wind and rains, may not last the full three months, so it's important to keep an eye on the tarp to ensure it’s standing up to the elements.