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.
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.
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.
Your roofing contractor must take the necessary steps to prevent property damage. This involves:
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.
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.
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.
The roof decking must be prepared for the new roofing material. This typically involves:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!