How Should A Roof Be Replaced On A House?

Do you have a roofing project to take on? Installing new roofing is one of the most essential home repairs you can undertake.

You have many things to consider when replacing a roof, but you never want to let an old roof fail.
Water and the elements can destroy the inside of your home if they get in through your roof after heavy rain.
Fewer home problems can be more disastrous than a failed roof.

Roof replacement is not something to take lightly, and it isn't a repair you should delay.
In the article below, we will talk about how your roof should be replaced.

The Key Takeaways

1. The Roofing Materials Are Delivered

 The first step in replacing your roof is to bring all the materials to your house.

A roofer will usually deliver them the afternoon before your replacement or the morning of it. 

When delivered, they should be kept in a dry place close to where you can get on the roof.

They should avoid bringing the materials too early; you don't want pallets of shingles to sit on your lawn and kill the grass.

Your roofing material delivery will depend on the size of your roof and the type of roofing material you choose.

Asphalt shingles last 15 to 30 years, while high-quality architectural shingles can last 25 to 30 years.

Wood shake shingles can be used on roofs with a steeper roof pitch but not on flat, low-pitched roofs.

Metal roofs are a high-end option and a good investment for the long term. Metal roofing costs between $5,700 and $16,200.

A roofing square is a 10-foot by 10-foot section of the roof or 100 square feet, so be sure to order enough for your roof.

 2. Move Your Vehicles

Before your contractor arrives at your home, move all your vehicles out of your driveway or garage.

Do this so you can come and go as you please without getting blocked by the roofers or interrupting their job.

It also protects your cars from anything that might fall off your roof and hit them. For example, you don't want roof tiles or other things to fall and break your windshield.

 3. Protect Your Property

Now your contractor will prepare your property for the roof tear-off.

They'll start tarping the ground for the dump zone and set up tarps to cover your shrubbery and landscaping.

Your roofing contractor will take all the necessary steps to protect your property during your roof replacement. 

 4. Removing Your Old Roof

Once everything has been protected, they'll tear your old roof off in sections starting with the furthest corner of your roof away from your driveway.

Sometimes you can add shingles on top of other older shingles, but having just a single layer of asphalt shingles on your home is preferable. So your old roof will likely be ripped off.

Once a section is torn off, some installers start installing your new roof while others continue tearing off the old shingles.

5. Your Gutters Are Cleaned

When a roof section is torn off, your gutters will also be cleaned.

Your gutters will be cleaned of any debris from the roof tear-off, leaves, or other things that could block them.

Gutter cleaning should also be done periodically through annual roof maintenance.

6. New Roofing Materials Are Installed

Now it's time to install your new asphalt shingle roof if that's the type of roofing material you chose.

Roofers will systematically work their way around the house following the torn-off sections.

They'll lay the underlayment and install the drip edge when an old section is torn off.

Then, depending on the weather, they'll start putting on your starter shingles.

The ridge capping will be put on when they are done putting on the shingles.

The vents for your roof's ventilation system will be one of the last things your contractor will put in.

Remember that the quality of the roofer's work and the roofing materials will affect how long your roof will last.

You should always spend money on quality roofing materials to get the most out of your roof replacement.

7. Time To Clean Up

Once your new roof is installed, and you have a nice new sturdy roof, your contractor will start cleaning up.

They will blow off your roof so that any remaining debris falls onto the tarps.

They will also blow out your gutters and downspouts to get rid of any roofing debris that might be in them.

At this point, they'll get down from your new roof and roll up all the tarps, get their tools, and clean up everything on the ground.

They will go all over your property with a heavy-duty magnet to ensure they get all the nails.

Then, when they leave, it'll look like they were never there.

8. Inspect Their Workmanship

After your roof has been replaced and your property has been cleaned up, a professional roof inspector will double-check the finished product.

They'll climb up on your roof, look around, and ensure the quality meets the standards you want when paying for a new roof.

They'll double-check the places known to leak (around penetrations, skylights, chimneys, etc.) and make sure they're well protected.

No matter who you hire, they should always check their work to ensure your roof was installed correctly and that all local codes were followed.

Find Roof Repair & Replacement Pros Near You

Roof repairs are one of those things that most homeowners often think about once it's too late.

Minor repairs are often neglected until the entire roof needs to be replaced.

And even though you have a general idea of how a roof replacement works, you should still leave it to the professionals.

TK Roofing and Gutters has been giving people in Northeast Ohio the best roofing services possible for more than 15 years.

We put the customer first and treat your home as our own.

As a roofing company certified by CertainTeed, we can offer the best warranties in the business.

We can give you peace of mind if your home is damaged and you need a new roof.

And if your roof has any problems in the next ten years, we'll fix them.

We also know a lot about insurance.

We can start the insurance process for you if a storm, high winds, or heavy snowfall caused damages your home.

We will help you every step of the way and make sure your home and family are well taken care of.