Replacing a Home Roof

Do you have a roof that’s getting old and needs to be replaced? If so, then this blog post is for you. We’ll outline the step-by-step process of replacing a home roof from start to finish, including why roof replacements are important and how they can save your money in the long run. Roof replacement is an investment that will help maintain your property value for years to come!

Here are the steps we will explore in this piece:

1. The Finding Your Contractor Stage
2. The Inspection Stage
3. The Materials Selection Stage
4. The Materials Delivery Stage
5. The Property Protection Stage
6. The Roof Removal Stage
7. The Roof Surface Preparation Stage 
8. The Wood Decking Inspection Stage
9. The Roof Installation Stage
10. The Cleanup Stage
11. The Final Inspection Stage

Let’s get started!

The Finding Your Contractor Stage:

Finding the best roofing contractor is not easy, but it’s the most crucial step in this process. You need to look for several things when finding a roofing company. You want a contractor that has been in business for at least five years, is insured and licensed, has excellent reviews online from others who have used their services before, and can provide references of previous jobs they’ve completed nearby if possible. This will ensure you know exactly what type of work they’re capable of doing!

The Inspection Stage:

Just as important as finding a professional roofing contractor is how they complete a roof inspection. A roof inspection is a visual examination of your roof to check for any damage, leaks, or other problems that could impact the roof replacement. The depth of the roof inspection is a good indicator of the roofing contractor’s quality since it indicates how detailed they will be. A good contractor will take the time to go over everything with you and explain what they’re seeing and what needs to be done.

The Material Selection Stage:

This is where it gets interesting because roofs are a long-term investment, and you want to be sure that you’re getting the best option for your property. Depending on the type of roofing materials you currently have, the roofing contractor will review possible material selections with you. They will also provide an estimate for the cost of the possible materials. It’s essential to select a durable material that can withstand the weather in your area. If you’re in an area with large storms, be sure to speak with your roofing contractor about specific recommendations they have to ensure you’re well protected. This process may also be a great time to upgrade your attic ventilation or rain gutters.

The Material Delivery Stage:

Typically a local supply company will deliver your roofing materials at least one day before the installation. They will carefully place one or more pallets of roofing materials somewhere easily accessible to the installers and usually close to the roof. Most of the time, this is at the back of the driveway. If you might have problems with vehicles getting in and out of your garage, discuss this step with your installer, and they can make special requests to the supplier before they deliver the product. The products will not be damaged sitting out in the open weather waiting for install, so there is no need to worry about that.

The Property Protection Stage:

Quality and thorough preparation stages, such as this one, assure a secure and high-quality roof replacement in the end. This stage is just as important as any of the others and should not be skipped! Before work begins, the contractor will put up tarps or other covering to protect your property from any potential damage. They will also clean up any loose debris and secure any trees or roof accessories that may pose a risk during the replacement process. Contractors who skip safety precautions or have a sloppy job site are likely to encounter problems during installation.

The Roof Removal Stage:

This stage is often one of the most challenging steps in roof replacement. Your roofer must remove the old roofing materials before installing the materials. If you have a flat roof, this stage is typically more difficult because the old materials must be broken up and removed one piece at a time. Removing shingles or tiles can also take some extra effort since they tend to break apart with ease–leaving room for error in removal! Once more, a high-quality roofing contractor will ensure that all materials are removed carefully to avoid any harm to the wood decking below. This stage can get a bit messy as materials fall off the roof. However, any reputable roofing company will be thorough in cleaning up as they go when possible and keeping the process as organized and neat as conditions permit.

The Roof Surface Preparation Stage:

When replacing a home roof the surface must be clean and free of debris or old materials before starting this step. The roofers will remove all nails and staples to ensure that the new roofing materials don’t get damaged by lifted fasteners from a sloppy tear-off. This is a crucial step to ensure that your roof replacement lasts for years to come.

The Wood Decking Inspection Stage:

This stage is one of the most critical stages because it’s the only way to ensure that your roof decking has no damage. It is usually impossible to predict how much wood damage the roofer may find after tearing off all the old roofing components. It is necessary to replace any damaged wood found as you can’t correctly install new materials into rotted wood. Discuss this process and possible increased costs that may arise during installation with your roofing company before signing any contracts. Hence, you are clear how this process works out and what you may be charged per sheet of damaged wood sheathing. A professional roofer should take pictures of all the damage they find to verify they aren’t selling you something you didn’t need.

The Roof Installation Stage:

This installation stage is where the new roofing material is applied and sealed in place. A good contractor will take their time with this stage, ensuring a high-quality and long-lasting installation. They will also check the work as they go, making any necessary adjustments to ensure a perfect finish. The main components of an asphalt shingle roof install include but are not limited to underlayment, ice & water barrier, starter strip, edge metal, flashings, shingles, and ridge cap.

The Cleanup Stage:

Once the installation is complete, the contractor will clean up all debris from the job site and make sure that your roof looks great! They will also clean your gutters to make sure your gutter system is working properly.

The Final Inspection Stage:

This final inspection stage is a chance for the contractor to review their work once more before leaving you with your new roof! They should walk around the perimeter of the home inspecting each component individually. This is also a good time to ask any questions that you may have about replacing a home roof. Congratulations, you have a new roof!

When Replacing a Home Roof, the Right Way is SOOO Important:

Depending on the age, quality, or damage done to your current roof, roof replacement is many times the correct decision. But do not fret; roof replacements are one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home. It not only changes the appearance of your property, but it can also increase its value and even help you sell faster! When done right, a replacing a home roof will seal up any leaks or damage that might have been present before–protecting your family from the elements and increasing the overall efficiency of your home.

A poorly done roof replacement, on the other hand, can lead to several problems down the line. Leaks, moisture damage, and even structural failure are just some potential issues when a roof is not installed correctly.

So, if you’re considering a roof replacement for your home–or maybe just thinking about it be sure to contact Roof MD for a FREE, in-depth roof inspection today! Fill out a short form below, and we’ll get in touch with you to schedule the ideal time.