If you’re getting your roof replaced, it’s important to understand the process involved. It’s not as simple as removing old tiles, sheeting, or shingles, and adding a new roof covering. A roof installation is a significant project, whether constructing a new house or replacing an aging roof, it’s best to know the multistep process involved. In this article, we unpack each stage of the roof installation process.
The Preparation Stage
Before beginning with a roof installation, some important planning is needed. The preparation stage should always be done by the roofing company you have hired. They will assess your existing roof to see if you need a roof replacement. They will also help you choose the right roof covering for your needs. Your chosen roof covering should always match your budgetary and aesthetic considerations.
Roof covering options range from tile, shingles, slate, or metal. Your roof design, size, pitch, and the local climate will all be considered. Finally, it’s always good to check if what building permits are required.
Step 1 – Remove Your Existing Roof
Roofing contractors use specialized equipment to remove the existing roof covering. This can create a big mess on your property, so your property should always be well protected. Your contractor should cover any landscaping and shrubs with tarps to protect your garden from roof debris. Any open drains should be covered to prevent small pieces of roof debris from causing a blocked drain.
Step 2 – Remove Old Sheathing
Next, it’s time to assess your existing roof sheathing to identify any damage. Sheathing often falls prey to water damage and, in this case, will need to be removed and replaced with new sheathing. Smaller areas of damage can sometimes be prepared without replacing the sheathing. Your roofer should always ensure that none of your sheathing is compromised, as it could lead to costly future repair jobs. Your roofer will also inspect the condition of your roofing frame and deck, including the removal of any old nails.
Step 3 – Lay The Underlayment
Underlayment is an important waterproofing barrier because it forms a layer of defense underneath your roof covering. Discuss with your roofer about their recommended underlayment and what benefits it offers. There are high-performing mechanically attaching, peel-and-stick underlayments available that can stand up against all that hurricane season has to throw at it. After the roofing underlayment is installed, a drip edge will be installed on the sides. These protect your roof by creating proper water drainage off your roof. A drip edge is with set manufacturer specifications.
Step 4 – Seal & Install Vents
Your roof has small vents that let air pass through the roof into your home. This creates natural ventilation, allowing your roof to ‘breathe’. Your vents will probably be sealed with roofing cement, which can deteriorate over time. Your roofer will assess each vent and reseal any damaged ones. If the damage is too severe, some of your vents may need to be replaced with new ones. This ensures water can’t get between your roof covering and the underlayment. In addition to this, an adhesive strip can be installed to create an effective roof seal, A Secondary Water Barrier. This strip contains a continuous adhesive that protects against water intrusion.
Step 5 – Apply The New Roof Covering
This is the step you’ve probably been waiting for. The installation of your beautiful new roof! In this step, your roofing team will meticulously install your new roof covering. Whether this is a tile, metal, or shingle roof, they each require specialized laying.
Shingle Roof Installation
The team will install an extra layer of shingles along your roof edges. This provides strength in the place where the wind and rain penetrate the most. Next, shingles will be installed along the eaves, overlapping to the peaks. Shingle staggering is applied, ensuring every nail is covered. Finally, an adhesive seals each shingle to the one below it. Here’s what’s involved in each roof covering installation.
Tile Roof Installation
Steeper roofs may require battens (thin strips of wood) to be installed to hold and position your tiles. On normal pitch roofs, the tiles are attached directly to the sheathing. Tightly interlocking tiles may not require every tile to be nailed down. Some tiles may need to be cut to fit into tight spots.
Metal Roof Installation
Your roofer will begin by installing the flashing around the perimeter of your roof. These are installed with special fasteners and should overlap your gutter edge. Next, the metal panels will be installed into the roof, ensuring correct overlap dimensions are kept. It’s best to entrust your metal roof services to an experienced roofer.
Step 6 – Clean Up & Inspect
After the installation, your roofer will conduct a thorough inspection to ensure that the job has been correctly carried out. Any irregularities should be corrected before beginning the clean-up. The clean-up process will include:
- Gutter clean-out
- Uncovering your landscaping and scrubs
- Removal of any fallen debris including nails and concrete
- A sweep of your property to remove any final debris items
Roof Installation Professionals In South Florida
At ABC Roofing Corp, we take pride in every roof replacement job. You’re assured of a professional roof replacement where we go over and above to ensure that you’re more than satisfied with the end result.
As a family-owned and run business, we lean on our well-earned reputation and trust that we’ve built with all our roofing clients. We offer residential and commercial roof replacements, repairs, and coatings. Our maintenance plans will ensure that your roof is kept in perfect condition.
Call us at 954-344-4622 to chat with one of our roofing consultants today.
