The roof of a building serves many purposes. Its main function and goal are to protect the inside of the building from the outside elements. It will also provide insulation and allow and house to stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. A properly installed and functioning roof can last more than 15 years, but for all shingle roofs the time will come when it will need to be fully replaced.
The lifespan of your old roof started rolling backward from the first day of installation. Many homeowners purchase their homes without full knowledge of the roof's age or any regular maintenance work that may have been done. Knowing the roof is properly installed can bring a sense of relief and peace of mind to the homeowner.
A total roof replacement is a multi-stepped project and today we share what you can expect from beginning to end with a roof replacement. An experienced roofing contractor will take care of almost all of the work from preparing the existing roof for removal to site clean-up after the job is complete. There are a few things that as a homeowner, you can do to ensure a smooth replacement of your existing roof.
Before Roof Replacement Begins
The initial step for a roof replacement is to find a trusted roofing contractor. During your initial meeting, you will discuss the budget, select your shingle, and set a date for installation.
Before full work will begin, the roofing materials will need to be delivered. Typically this will happen a day or two before the replacement. It is also not uncommon for the materials to be delivered on the day of the project as well.
During The Project
On project day, it is a good idea to move vehicles away from the house. This will allow you to come and go with ease while the work is being completed. Additionally, this will protect your car from any falling debris that can lead to a cracked windshield or dents on the top surfaces of the car.
The next step in your roof replacement is getting your property ready for the tear-off. Tarps will be used to cover shrubs and landscaping as they prepare the dump zone. Your contractor will begin removing your old roof in sections once everything has been covered. To get to the dump trailer and new materials, they'll start on your roof's furthest corner.
You can expect your contractor to install your new asphalt shingle roof after tearing off the old one and cleaning out your gutters. Following the torn sections of the house, they will systematically go around it.
They'll lay the underlayment and install the drip edge after tearing off a section. Your starter shingles and shingles will be installed based on the weather and your preference.
As soon as they finish installing the shingles, they will install the ridge caps. All the vents necessary for your roof's ventilation system will be installed by your contractor as the last step.
A roof's lifespan is not only determined by the installer's workmanship, but also by the quality of the materials used. If you want to get the most from your roof replacement, you should always invest in high-quality roofing materials.
After The Roof Is Replaced
As soon as your new roof has been installed, your contractor can begin the cleanup process. The tarps will catch all the debris that falls from the roof when they blow it off.
They'll also clear your gutters and downspouts of roofing debris. Once they've gotten off your roof, they'll spend some time on the ground.
Then they will roll up all the tarps, grab their tools, and make sure everything on the ground is cleaned up. They will use a strong magnet to get all the nails on your property. As soon as they leave, it should be as if they never existed.
After your roof has been replaced and your property has been cleaned up, your contractor will double-check the work. During the roof replacement process, they'll inspect your roof and make sure it meets your high expectations.
Those areas that leak frequently (around penetrations, skylights, chimneys, etc.) will be checked twice and properly protected. Your contractor should always inspect their workmanship to ensure that your roof was properly installed and that all local codes were followed.
Let The Experts Do The Work
If you consider yourself a bit of a handyman, you may be tempted to save money by replacing the roof on your own. However, it should be noted that on average relatively little money is saved, DIY roofing projects take more time than having it hired out, and your warranty for materials and installation will not be recognized by manufacturers.
If your roof is coming to the end of its lifespan and you think it might need a full replacement, reach out to the roofing experts at Herring Residential and Commercial. Connect with them for a free estimate and begin the process of protecting your home and ensuring its ability to stay protected for years to come. As always, Herring offers quality service at a fair price.