Done in Six Steps: The New Roof Installation Process

Removing the Old Roof During a New Roof Installation

The new roof installation process requires the removal of an old roof, just like everything else. It’s important to start from the top and work your way down. Most people elect to have the professionals take care of these 6 steps, although, removing the old roof yourself is certainly not unheard of.

What the professionals do is remove the ridge peak with the claw end of the hammer or pry bar that they are using. When this is done, it shows the very top row of nails. Then the roofing company will grab a shovel or a pitchfork, slide it under the top two rows of shingles, and pry them up. In many cases, especially for an older roof, this will cause them to come off.

Underneath the roof, there will be a dumpster that the roofing company will be tossing the shingles inside.

Installing Underlayment

The next of the six steps is to install underlayment. Now, we need to pause here. The underlayment cannot be installed until the roof decking is ready. The wood underneath the roofing material is the decking, which supports the shingles and underlayment.

Then lay the underlayment out, starting from the bottom. Typically, someone uses a staple gun to staple the underlayment every two feet.

You continue until the first layer completely covers the roof. Next, they move onto the second layer, where they repeat the process. The overlap of the first layer measures about 6 inches.

Placing Shingles During a New Roof Installation Process

We will measure the home before shingling. The roofing company will have the right type and amount of shingles ready on the property for installation. We will install each shingle with an offset of ½ of a shingle tab below and ½ of a shingle width. In non-roofing terms means the shingles will give that appearance of slight overlap and protect your home better.

Installing and Replacing Vents

You’ve likely noticed these weird little things sticking out from the top of roofs; these are called roof vents. Three kinds exist: the exhaust vent, the ridge vent, and the powered vent.

Exhaust Vent

With an exhaust vent, a circular hole is cut into the roof shingles with a circular saw. The vent is then placed into the hole, secured with nails, and then caulked and sealed with roofing cement to create a waterproof seal.

Now you have a perfect solution to stale air, moisture, and odors in your home. These types of vents are often found in kitchens, bathrooms, and other enclosed spaces. Speak with a professional to see if you have well placed vents or need more installed.

Ridge Vent

The ridge vent is installed after a 2-inch gap is cut along the roof’s peak. The flexible ridge is then bent over the gap and nailed into place. Finally, a ridge cap shingle is bent over the vent and nailed on. With proper ridge vents installed on the peak of the roof, you can expect hot air and moisture to escape your attic, leaving you with a more comfortable home and a lower electric bill.

But that’s not all the benefits, here is a full list of the benefits of a ridge vent:

• Increased energy efficiency
• Enhanced roof life
• Cost-effective
• Better comfort in home
• More effective home airflow

Powered Vent

The roofing professional will drive a nail to mark the perfect installation spot. A hole the same size as the vent is then cut and a flange is secured underneath the shingles. The flange is then laid on top of the bottom shingles and sealed with roofing cement.

Property Cleanup

Cleaning up the property after a new roof installation is the last physical thing that a roofer will do to a property. This is done with an assortment of different tools and equipment, these are the common ones for the job–

Dumpster

Mentioned previously, a dumpster will include all shingles, nails, and miscellaneous materials to be disposed of. A large truck will haul this away at the conclusion of the job.

Magnets

Having special magnets to comb through the property is one of the most important pieces of equipment for cleaning up after a new roof installation. These magnets will ensure that nails and other debris consisting of metal will be removed from the property, keeping people and animals safe.

Pressure Washers

A pressure washer may be on site for cleaning the exterior of the property once finished, such as the siding or the walkways.

Gutter Cleaning Tools

Clogs or debris in the gutters will be removed to ensure proper drainage and protection of the roof.

Blowers

These are one of the most important tools for cleaning a property. Making sure that the new roof, gutters, downspouts, and property is free of debris is a breeze, when blown away.

Final Inspection

We’ve made it all the way here, we’re at the finish line. With that said, the final inspection of a roof consists of both a structural and visual inspection.

The inspector will begin with the structural inspection, making sure to look for any signs of warping, sagging, movement, or unevenness. Once the inspector passes this, he will begin the visual inspection. In this part, we check the roof’s parts like flashing, shingles, and vents. We look for damage, discoloration, and flaws.

After the roof itself is inspected in every form, it’s important to inspect the gutters, downspouts, and attic. This ensures that the property has proper drainage, no leaks, and adequate insulation.

Public Records for Roof Replacement

People often ask if there is a public record for when roofs are replaced and the answer to that is based on a variety of factors. If you are looking for this information it just isn’t available in one place at the click of a button, it would be impossible to keep track of every roof replacement without legislation requiring submission to some sort of database.

The best way to find if and when a roof was replaced at a certain property is to check building permits or contact the real estate agent who is likely to have the property history. To speak more on your best bet, the building permits, there are many local government offices that keep building permits. These building permits may include major details about home improvements, such as roof replacements. Contact this department and see if they can dig something up from the archives.

Other ways to find out when and if a roof replacement happened is to get in touch with the previous owners and ask them, ask neighbors, get a free roof inspection from a qualified contractor such as Victors Home Solutions, or call local roofing companies to see if they did the work on a specific roof.

Roof Replacement Process: Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to replace a roof?

When people ask how long does a roof replacement take, they often don’t account for different shingle types and home sizes. As a rule of thumb, smaller homes usually take only a day, while larger homes may take two to three days. This is assuming the roofing company is using asphalt shingles, which are the most common.

How often should a roof be replaced?

The average roof lasts between 20 and 25 years. This number can change depending on the area you live, the type of roof you have, and if proper maintenance and care is applied to the roof system.

Do companies that replace roofs work on the weekends?

Some companies that replace roofs work on the weekends, while others don’t. Calling the company or checking their hours and days of operations through their Google listing is the best way to find out. Victors Home Solutions always works on the weekends to provide superior service to homeowners. Call 866-376-3883 to schedule your free roof inspection if you live in Michigan, Ohio, or Illinois.

What’s the process of installing a new roof system?

To summarize, the new roof installation process is only six steps.

• Removing the old roof
• Installing underlayment
• Placing shingles
• Installing and replacing vents
• Property cleanup
• Final inspection

Worry-Free Roof Replacement Process

You shouldn’t have to worry about the process of roof installation or replacement. But now that you are familiar and more educated about the subject, it’s important to choose the right roofing contractor for your project. Call 866-376-3883 or visit our website to schedule your free 21-point roof inspection. We will answer any questions you may have regarding your specific project and system, giving you a worry-free roof replacement process.