Sooner or later, every roof will need to be replaced. It’s a big investment, but the security and peace of mind that a new roof offers is worth it.
But what does that process look like? Here’s an overview of what goes into a complete Roof Replacement. Contact Roof Replacement NJ now!
The decision whether to repair or replace an old roof involves much more than just picking a color and a material. It also requires a careful look at the overall condition of your roof and the pros and cons of each option. A good roofing professional can provide the information you need to make a decision that is best for your home.
A roof replacement entails replacing the entire roof covering, which is usually a layer of shingles but could also be tiles, slate, clay or metal. Roofing professionals typically tear off the existing roof before installing the new one. This allows them to see the decking and any other repairs that need to be made. It also ensures that a new roof is installed using proper roofing techniques.
If the roof is not torn off, a layer of felt paper or a moisture barrier will be installed first. This prevents water from entering the house and will help protect the new shingles. Then the flashing is installed. This is used around chimneys and other projections, in valleys and on the eaves to cover joints and to keep water from seeping into the house. The shingles are then placed on top of the flashing. Shingles can be a variety of colors and materials, but the most common is asphalt shingles.
It is not uncommon to find older roofs that have a layer of shingle over an underlayment of some sort, but this is not recommended by most roofing professionals. Overlaying can add a significant amount to the cost of the roof and may result in water leaks down the line.
Another option is to do a partial roof replacement, which is done when the damage is limited to a single section or side of the roof. This is done by removing the damaged shingles and installing a new section that is joined with the old one at the ridges or valleys. This will hide the comparison of old and new shingles but it will not last as long as a full replacement.
Once the new roof is in place your roofing contractor will clean up the work site and inspect it to make sure that the work meets their high standards of quality. They will also remove all the tarps and pick up any roofing debris from your yard and landscaping.
Preparation
While a roof replacement is not as exciting as selecting new furniture or buying a new car, it’s an investment in your home that will help keep it looking great and increasing its value. It’s important to understand the process and do everything you can to prepare for it to ensure a smooth experience.
Your roof will be replaced in stages, and the first step is usually to remove your old shingles and felt paper. The process is noisy and dusty, so you should move any sentimental items in the attic or upper floors to protect them. It’s also a good idea to cover or take down any paintings, mirrors, and other hanging decorations in your house for the duration of the project. This will protect them from the vibrations that occur during hammering and make clean-up easier.
You should also prepare the area around your house to make it easy for contractors to access and work in a safe manner. Moving vehicles and outdoor furniture will help provide safe passage for the crew members and prevent them from stepping on or damaging anything. In addition, it’s a good idea to cover any plants or trees in your yard with tarps to protect them from falling shingle debris. This is especially important if you have delicate or expensive plants like koi ponds tucked among reeds or water features covered in foliage.
Before the roofing crew arrives it’s a good idea to inspect your property and take pictures of any damage or potential problem areas, including any areas that need attention after the roof is finished. This helps your roofing contractor determine the best plan for your roof.
You’ll also want to talk to your neighbors about the project so they are aware of any noise or disruption that might affect them. It’s also a good time to ask for permission to use their yard for a truck or trailer if you need to park one at your house during the roof replacement. This will help you avoid any unnecessary fees and inconveniences.
Removal
The most obvious part of roof replacement is the removal of your old roofing materials. Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain a permit to do the work and rent a dumpster to dispose of the debris. It’s best to plan this ahead of time, so you can be ready with your tools and materials when the contractors arrive.
Generally, the roofing crew will begin at the top of the roof, removing shingles from the ridge caps. Then they’ll work their way down the roof, removing 2 to 3-foot sections of shingles at a time. This can be messy, so the crew will put tarps over air conditioners and other objects that could get wet, as well as over grass and flower beds to prevent damage.
After removing all the shingles in a section, the workers will start to strip the flashing. They’ll remove it from around chimneys, skylights, dormers and exterior walls, as well as vents. If it is in good condition, they may be able to reuse it; however, metal that has rust or cracks will need to be replaced.
As the shingles are removed, they will pile up on the roof jacks. The crew will need to periodically tale the growing pile and throw it down into the dumpster below.
While the roofers are working, they’ll need to keep pets and children away from the site as nails and other debris can fall down on them. You might want to consider having them stay at a friend’s house or boarding them during the project.
Once the roofing debris is gathered, the crew will run magnets over the yard to pick up any nails that may have fallen off of the shingles. This step usually needs to be done 3 or 4 times to make sure that all of the debris is picked up from the yard and surrounding areas. Then the crew will cover the ground with inexpensive tarps to avoid debris falling into and damaging the lawn or landscaping.
Installation
The roof replacement process is a big job and should only be done by a professional. It’s important to choose a roofing contractor that has experience, a good reputation and insurance coverage. A roof should be replaced using correct roofing techniques, which ensures that your home is safe and secure.
On the day of your roof replacement, the contractors will arrive with all the materials needed to complete the job. They will start by moving any vehicles away from the garage or driveway, which allows them to work safely and efficiently. They will also remove any gutters and ridge vents that are in place.
Once the old shingles have been removed, they will inspect the framing to make sure it’s in good condition. If it’s not, they will replace the bad plywood or 1 by 6 sheathing boards. The sheathing will serve as the base for the new shingles. The next step is to install any necessary flashing. This is usually aluminum or galvanized steel and is placed over joints in the roof to prevent water leaks. This includes the drip edge, valley flashing and flashing around chimneys, wood stove pipes and certain vents. It’s also common for the flashing to be sealed with a large bead of roofing cement.
If there is a lot of damage to your roof, the contractor will recommend replacing it with a completely new roof or a combination of repairs and a new roof. Repairs are generally less expensive than a full replacement but can be insufficient for severe problems and will only protect the roof from damage in a limited area.
The roof material you choose will depend on the climate in your region, your budget and your aesthetic preference. Asphalt shingles are the most popular choice because they’re affordable, lightweight and easy to replace, but there are several other options as well, from basic three-tab shingles to 30-year and 50-year premium architectural shingles.
If you are adding roof vents for attic ventilation, they will be installed at this time. Also, if you’re changing from a lightweight roofing material to a heavier one, it’s a good idea to have a structural engineer check that your home can support the additional weight.
