First Roof Replacement? No Need to Stress, Here's What to Expect

Whether due to ordinary wear and tear, old age, or severe weather, your roof will eventually need to be replaced. If it’s your first time getting your roof replaced, the process can be quite nerve-wracking. To ease your anxieties and help you make informed decisions, we’ve outlined the steps roofing contractors usually follow to install a new roof.

Roof Inspection and Pre-Planning

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Every effectively done roof replacement process requires thorough pre-planning to achieve optimal results. The first thing your roofing contractor will do is assess the condition of your roof. They will then “size up” your roof in terms of square footage to determine the amount of material needed for the project and get an idea of your roof’s complexity and best replacement approach.

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The contractor should also walk you through the strengths and weaknesses of different roofing materials to help you choose the right one for your home. At the end of the assessment, the contractor will give you a quote.

Preparing the Job Site 

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Your roofing contractor must take the necessary steps to prevent property damage. This involves:

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• Moving Vehicles Out of the Way: Your driveway will likely serve as a staging area for the dumpster, tools, trucks, and materials used during the replacement. Keeping your vehicles at a safe distance from the working area will help avoid damage or accidental scratches.
• Setting up Protection for Your Property: You will need to remove all valuable items from the patio and garden before the roof installation to prevent them from being damaged by debris falling as the workers clear and replace your roof. Your contractor will tarp the ground for the dump zone and cover your landscaping, shrubbery, pool, grills, furniture, and other items that can’t be moved. Plywood may be placed against your doors and windows to prevent any damage.
• Transporting Necessary Materials: Your roofing contractor will bring a dumpster to catch the old roofing materials. Important tools, equipment, and roofing materials will also be delivered to the job site 24-48 hours before the job.
• The day of the roof installation: Expect that there will be loud noises. You may want to remove pets from the home during this time for their comfort. The attic spaces should be cleared, as debris may fall during the installation. Entry to and exit from the home may be more difficult during this time due to drop zones.

Tearing Off the Old Roof

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When the job site is all set up, your contractor will begin tearing off the old roof in sections. Typically, they begin this process on the furthest corner of your roof and work their way toward the dump trailer and new materials. Old or damaged drip edging and flashing are also removed at this time. The old materials will be put in dumpsters near the house.

Inspecting the Wood Decking

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The roof decking provides structural support and a solid base for the roofing materials to be installed. If you’re replacing your roof because of damage from falling debris or harsh weather, there’s a chance that the decking will have sustained damage. In some cases, the decking could become delaminated and soft due to moisture infiltration over the years.

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The contractor will inspect your roof decking to make sure it’s in good condition for the installation of the new roof. Any damaged or moist areas will need to be replaced. According to the IRC code, roofers need a solid, nailable surface on which to install the roof.

Preparing the Roof Surface

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The roof decking must be prepared for the new roofing material. This typically involves:

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• Drip edge installation: This is a rust-resistant piece of metal placed on the edges of the roof to keep water out
• Underlayment installation: This is a layer that is placed between the wood of the roof decking and the shingles as an extra layer of protection under the roofing material in case anything happens to the primary covering.
• Ice & water barrier: This layer of self-adhering, waterproof barrier is used to prevent water damage that could occur from driving rains or ice dams. 

Installing the New Roofing Materials 

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When the roof decking is prepped, the team will lay down the shingles or tile. A skilled and committed roofing crew will follow the manufacturer’s instructions and relevant building codes.

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When installing roofing shingles, your contractor will lay down starter shingles at the eaves. These provide additional strength and protection where water, wind, and other elements hit the hardest.

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The contractor will install the new roofing materials in an overlapping pattern, working from the ends of the roof toward the peak. Once done, they will install ridge capping, if needed, at the peak of the roof to allow for proper ventilation and prevent wind damage.

Cleanup and Final Inspection 

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Your roofing contractor will then perform a detailed inspection of the roof to make sure their workmanship matches the high standards you expect and that the completed project meets your approval.

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After your new roof has been installed, the crew will start the cleanup process. They may use a blower to remove any leftover debris, clean out the gutters, and pick up material from the yard. 

The team will get their tools, roll up all the tarps, and take the dumpsters away. 

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The day after your roof installation, the contractor will go over your property with a strong magnet to pick up any stray nails. Ideally, the roof and ground should be completely clean.

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No matter the type and size of the roof, or the reason for its replacement, homeowners in Connecticut & Western Massachusetts can trust the roofing experts at Rhino-Back Roofing to get the job done to their complete satisfaction. To learn more about the roof replacement process or to schedule a free roof inspection, contact us today!

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