How Does the Roof Replacement Process Work?
The roof is one of the most integral parts of the home. The roof protects the house, household, and home owner’s valuable belongings. A faulty roof is a home disaster because it may be damaged from the attic straight down to the basement.
Although DIY projects are cost-effective, the roof often needs the expertise of a professional roofing contractor. Roof replacement is tiresome, complicated, and may be dangerous. A competent roofing contractor will guarantee the success of the roof replacement and safety of the homeowner.
Homeowners need to look for the best roofing contractor that will meet their roofing needs. Homeowners should hire a professional roof contractor who has the right skills and expertise in roof installation. Besides the cost of the installation, they need to evaluate their roof and see the extent of wear. They also should know the necessary roofing materials required for the roof repair.
When the day comes to repair the roof, homeowners must understand the roofing replacement process even if they are going to hire a roofing expert. Understanding this process will make them know what the contractor is doing and what to expect. The roof replacement process goes like this:
The 10 Steps of the Roof Replacement Process
- Setting up for roof replacement.
- Remove all existing roofing materials
- Make minor repairs on the roof if it’s in good condition
- Install the necessary products
- Install asphalt roofing paper over the roof sheathing
- Apply metal drip edge
- Underlayment and alignment
- Apply flashing
- Install ridge vent and diverters
- Inspect roof
The 10 Roof Replacement Process Steps Explained
Installing a new roof involves preparing the inside and outside of the house as well. Homeowners should cover their clothes, furniture, and bedding to prevent falling debris from destroying them. It would help if they also cleared their attic since shingles and nails may fall ruining the household items. Before replacing the roof, Homeowners should also remove antennas, satellite dishes, and solar panels on the roof. They should use tarps to cover the sides of the house so that falling shingles don’t damage windows and decks. Magnetic tools are used to pick nails from the lawn.
Before installing a new roof, all the old roofing materials must be removed all the way down to the plywood. Start the replacement process by removing all the shingles using a shingle fork. After removing the shingles, they need to pull the flashing away. If they recover rotten wood under the flashing, replace it.
Install roofing paper over the roof cover to create a barrier against water penetrating the home. Rows of asphalt roofing paper are stapled in place as they overlap towards the peak.
It is essential to install metal drip edging around the roof as it protects the roof and shingles from water damage. Drip edging also provides support to the shingles. It is nailed in place over the asphalt roofing paper.
The underlayment has a vital role in the health of the roof. The underlayment sheds water that the roof may let in, thus preventing the sheath and frame below from rotting. The tar paper underlayment will be installed over the roof sheathing before laying the shingles. The tar paper is stapled or nailed in place.
Shingle installation begins with the under-row layer. All of the shingled roof area is covered with undertow starter shingles. The new shingles from the under row are offset so that the tabs don’t overlap. The shingles are then placed left to right or right to left in a staircase manner.
Copper and aluminum are used in flashing to prevent water seepage. Chimneys need counter flashing while vent boots have valley flashing. Valley flashing goes underneath the roofing materials or shingles. Valley flashing diverts water from the fireplace to the gutter. The gap between the flashing and bricks should be sealed using a roofing caulk. Roofing cement should be put over the top of the edges of flashing down the roof. This keeps the roof dry by preventing water blowing up the side of the flashing.
Installing a continuous vent along the peak of the roof will help in air circulation in the attic. Ridge vents are also crucial in exhausting hot air and preventing ice dams during winter. Diverters should be installed on the roof to keep water flowing off someone’s face. Diverters are fitted behind the chimney, and areas on the roof water drain directly to certain areas.
Homeowners should complete the roofing process by doing a final clean up by throwing the debris away. They should also have the roof replacement inspected and approved by a building inspector. With that understanding of the roofing process, good decisions can be made.
