Unlike a handful of minor roof repairs, you can't expect a roof replacement to be complete in an hour or two. Replacing an entire roof is a much more involved and complex restoration project. As top providers in Centennial of roof replacement services, we're here to break down the process for you.
From metal roofing to tile roofing and more, our skilled roofers have replaced all kinds of roofing systems. As such, we tend to follow a series of key steps on every roofing replacement project.
How to Tell You Need a New Roof?
On average, you can expect your roof to last for at least 20 years. That means most U.S. homeowners will have to replace their roof only a handful of times in their life.
So, how can you tell if it's the right time to get a brand-new roof or seek out some repairs? Here are a few common signs of damage to look out for:
- Internal roof leaks - Water stains on your ceilings or walls are an obvious sign of a leaky roof. You'll likely need to replace your whole roof to address those leaks.
- Light beams in your attic - Can you spot any daylight through your rafters? If so, that roof damage cannot be fixed with a few roof repairs.
- Wood rot and insulation mold growths - In your attic, take a close look at your roof structure and insulation. The presence of moisture may compromise the integrity of your roofing system.
Of course, don't forget to look for other common signs of roof damage. These may include things like broken shingles, damaged fascia boards, loose flashing, and so on.
The best way to determine if you need a new roof or not is with a professional roof inspection. Only a licensed roofer will be able to determine the total extent of your roof damage. They'll then be able to provide an accurate recommendation on whether you need to repair or replace your roof.
6 Steps to Your Centennial Roof Replacement Project
It's important to bear in mind that every roofing project is different from the last. The specifics of your roof installation will depend on the total extent of your property damage.
That said, you can generally expect your roofing contractor to follow these general steps.
1. Property Protection
First things first: your roofers will set up protective measures to avoid property damage during the restorations.
Most commonly, roofers will temporarily install tarps along the sides of your home to catch falling debris (IKO). This will help protect your siding, windows, decks, and even plants from incidental damage.
Your roofing professionals will also have tarps ready to go at a moment's notice to protect your home from the weather.
2. The Tear-Off
Now comes the time to remove all existing shingles and other roofing materials. Your roofing company will bring a roll-off dumpster to your property and place it in your driveway.
All of your damaged roofing products will be removed and discarded into that dumpster. Your driveway or front curb will need room for the dumpster, so you may need to plan ahead for your vehicles.
3. Roof Re-Inspection
If you're unfamiliar with roof anatomy, here's a quick lesson: your roof is built in layers. Underneath the top layer of shingles, there are extra levels of protection, like felt and water barriers.
Your roofers will remove all materials up to the roof decking. In most cases, this is a layer of plywood, but you'll find other materials like polystyrene and metal decking in some homes.
At this point, your roofing professional will pause to conduct another roof inspection. Here they will closely inspect the roofing structure to make sure it is solid, secure, and safe. They'll check for things like:
- Rotted, soft, or wet wood
- Missing nails or fasteners
- Openings in the roof decking
Any underlying signs of damage will be appropriately addressed before proceeding to the next step.
4. Prepping the Surface
Now your roof decking will be prepared for the shingles. Here's how your roofer will likely prep your roof:
- A drip edge will be installed at the edges of your roof to stop rain from seeping beneath your roofing materials.
- A water and ice shield will be installed on your deck. This underlayment prevents water leaks and may help prevent ice dams from forming as well.
- Roofing felt will be installed over the underlayment. This helps prevent shingles from sticking to the wood.
- Valley flashing may be installed in areas where two roof panes meet.
5. Installation of New Roofing Materials
Once your roof has been sealed and all the required steps have been completed, the new shingles can be installed.
Roofers will work methodically through this installation process. They'll gradually install the shingles a few rows at a time, starting from the bottom and working their way up. They will follow specific steps and installation methods to ensure your manufacturer's warranty is valid.
In addition to the new shingles, your roofers will likely install other materials like:
- Ride vents
- Counter flashing
- Gutters/Diverters
6. Site Clean-Up and Final Inspection
The meticulous installation will conclude sooner than you think! Once it's complete, your roofers will clean up the job site to the best of their abilities. Tarps will be removed and debris will be discarded/recycled. The best roofers will go one step further and comb your property with magnets to pick up nails and other harmful debris.
Last task on the list: one final inspection. Your roofing company will conduct a final walk-through of your property to ensure the roof was installed correctly and meets your approval.
Just keep up with your roof maintenance and you'll enjoy your new roof for decades.
Book Your Centennial Roof Replacement with Ethos
If your home is in desperate need of storm damage repairs, Ethos is the best place to call.
Our Centennial roofing experts have extensive experience in the roofing industry. We aim to deliver a high-quality roofing service and excellent customer support at an affordable price point.
Contact Ethos today to schedule your FREE roof inspection and get started on your Centennial roof replacement project.