If your residential roof system is severely damaged due to age, years of neglect, or a devastating storm, you may be facing a complete roof replacement.
Here's what to expect during a residential roof replacement.
Pre-Work Roof Inspection
Replacing your current roof can be time-consuming and costly. As a result, it should be a last resort — considered only when it's not possible to repair or restore the roof.
The first step in the roof replacement process is to get a professional roof inspection. During the inspection, a roofer will inspect your entire roof structure to determine its condition. They will look for any underlying issues that warrant a roof replacement.
Roofing Material Selection
Today, you have more roofing materials than ever before to choose from. Each has specific features, benefits, and downsides that affect its suitability for use in your roof replacement project.
After completing the initial inspection, you will have to work together with your roofer to find the best roofing material for your residential building.
Roof Tear-Off and Decking Inspection
The next step is to tear off the old roof, including the shingles or tile, flashing, underlayment, and any visibly damaged roof decking.
After the old roof is torn off, the decking is thoroughly checked for any hidden damage. If there is any damage, it is fixed before work can continue.
Underlayment Installation
Once issues with the decking are addressed, the roofing contractor installs new underlayment directly over the roof deck. Underlayment is a waterproof barrier that protects the roof deck from water damage. If your roof develops any leaks, the underlayment helps stop the water from damaging the deck.
Roofing Material Installation
After laying down the new underlayment, your roofer will install the shingles, tile, or other chosen material and secure them into place.
Roof Flashing Installation
Flashing is used to help waterproof the perimeter of the roof system and seal off any openings around roof protrusions such as chimneys, vents, and skylights.
Site Clean-up and Final Inspection
After flashing installation, your roofer will clean up the job site to ensure it is as tidy as they found it. They will also perform a final inspection to ensure the new roof system is installed correctly.
A roof replacement requires tearing off your existing roof (leaving only the decking in place) and rebuilding it. It involves a lot more work than a new roof installation, which doesn't require the removal of any existing roofing material.
Contact a roofing contractor near you to request a quote.
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