Step by Step: How a Roof Replacement Works

Knowing what happens at each step of a roof replacement is an excellent way to understand what you are paying for and better communicate with your roofer before, during, and after the project. Previously, we have discussed the layers of a roof and common roofing terminology to help homeowners like you better communicate with your roofing contractor. Here, we will discuss the process of a roof replacement.

Step 1. Inspection

A roof installation begins with a proper roof inspection. Your roofing consultant should get on your roof and look in the attic at the underside of the decking to take specific measurements and calculate what will be needed for your new roof.

Step 2. Contract

After your roof is inspected, the roofing consultant will give you a bid or estimate based on your roof’s unique measurements and the materials – like the type and color of shingles – that you have chosen for your roof. At that point, your roofer should present you with a written contract.

Step 3. Materials Ordering

Once the contract is signed, your roofer will have to order materials from their suppliers. At Brothers, we stock common roofing materials like roofing nails in our warehouse. We arrange for larger items like shingles and decking to be delivered on the day of the roof replacement. That way, they aren’t sitting in your driveway for weeks, taking up space.

Step 4. Remove Old Materials

On the day of your new roof installation, the old materials will be removed and disposed of by the roofing contractor. A new roof should never be laid over the old one. New shingles will not lay flat and will fail quickly if placed over old ones. Depending on the condition of your decking, the roofer may also tear it off, revealing the wood joists and attic below.

Step 5. Insulation

A roof replacement is a great time to replace or upgrade your insulation. If your contract includes new blown-in insulation, the roofer will install it while the decking is off by simply running a hose up through the exposed roof into the attic.

Step 6. Install New Roof Layers

A roof consists of many more layers than simply the shingles that you can see from the outside. These roof layers work as a system to keep water out and keep your home a consistent temperature. New asphalt shingle roofs will be installed in the following order: decking, ice/water barrier, flashing, underlayment, starter strip, shingles, and finally, ridge caps.

Step 7. Cleanup and Final Inspection

Once the roofing crew is done installing your new roof, they should thoroughly clean up any debris around your home and haul away the old roofing materials for proper disposal. The final product should be inspected by a roofing expert from the contractor. At Brothers, our Field Quality Managers inspect every job to ensure that everything was done correctly, and the customer is happy with the final result.

Step 8. Payment

Some roofers will require a down payment up front. However, they should not ask you for the entire sum before work begins. Whether you are paying directly or financing with a loan, the contract’s payment terms should be very clear about when payment begins.

A roof replacement is one of the most important home improvement projects that many homeowners will undertake. Your roof protects your home and family during storms and keeps your home a consistent temperature year-round. If your roof needs a small repair or full replacement, the roofing experts at Brothers are ready for the job. Schedule a consultation to get started now.