Roof Replacement

Installing a new roof is without a doubt one of the most important things homeowners can do to protect their home. Homeowners should not take roof replacement lightly, and it is not something that should be delayed. Replacing a roof may not be glamorous, but homeowners will understand just how important it is should their old roof fail, causing water to destroy the inside of their house. There are not too many other home problems that are more detrimental than a failed roof. 

When a new roof is installed, just about all the components and accessories are replaced. The roofing materials that are included in a roof replacement are roof decking, roof flashing, underlayment, drip edge, ice and water shield, shingles, ridge capping, roof vents, and pipe boots. In general, there is an 8-step process to replacing a roof. Depending on the roofing company you hire, there may be more or less steps.

Roof Replacement Process

• Step 1 – The roofing materials will arrive at the home either the afternoon before or the morning of the replacement. 
• Step 2 – The roofing contractor will make sure all the vehicles are moved out of the driveway or garage. 
• Step 3 – The property will be prepared for the roof tear of phase of the project. This means tarps will be laid out on the ground for a dump zone and tarps will cover up shrubs and landscaping, as well as any other protection needed for the property. 
• Step 4 – The old roof will be torn off, starting at the furthest corner of the roof, and working toward the drop zone. Some roofers will stay behind to start installing the new roof, saving time and providing less traffic on the roof. This process exposes the deck. 
• Step 5 – The gutters will be cleaned out as soon as a section of the old roof is torn off and cleaned up. 
• Step 6 – The contractor will begin installing the roofing materials working their way around the house following the sections that are torn off. When a section is removed, they will place the underlayment, which provides protection from water and other elements, and then the drip edge. The new shingles are then installed on top of the underlayment for a new roof that will last for years to come. Next, the ridge capping will be placed and the vents that are needed for the roof’s ventilation system will be installed. Do note that if the deck is extremely damaged, it will have to be repaired to stop any further damage, such as a hole underneath, from happening. 
• Step 7 – The cleanup process will begin including blowing off the roof and blowing out the gutters and downspouts, as well as remove the tarps and gather their tools. 
• Step 8 – The contractor will double check the finished product by getting on the roof, looking around, and ensuring the quality of the roof matches the expectations of the homeowners. They will also double check the areas that are known to leak frequently, such as skylights, chimneys, and around penetrations. 

Re-Roofing vs. Roof Replacement

Replacing a roof entirely lasts longer than re-roofing and it can be done no matter how many layers of shingles are on the roof. When replacing a roof, all issues for a safe and sturdier roof are addressed. Roof replacement also saves homeowners more money over time because it allows them to identify early signs of rot and sagging caused by water damage to the deck. This can eventually lead to allowing water to leak and drip down inside the walls where it can destroy the drywall and flooring, causing expensive repairs. 

Not all homeowners know how long their current roof should last. In general, the recommended replacement schedule based on the material used is as follows: composition shingles 12-20 years, asphalt shingles 15-30 years, wood shingles 20-25 years, rubber roofs 30-50 years, and metal roofs 50-70 years. These suggested life spans vary depending on the climate the roof is exposed to. For instance, severe storms and humidity could wear out the materials faster. 

A roof is essential protection for a homeowner and their possessions. Therefore, it is important to stay on top of it and to make sure that it is structurally sound. Nobody wants to endure the big project of a roof replacement but knowing the steps can help homeowners understand what to expect on the big day, and the right contractor can help ease their mind during the entire process.