Replacing an old roofing system is an expensive and time-consuming process. There are choices to be made, such as shingle type, roofing materials, and when to get the project ready. While you don’t have to do the work yourself, it is sometimes helpful to know the physical process of removing and replacing an old roof with a new one.
There are eight steps to a total roof replacement process, beginning with hiring a roofing contractor and ending with a thorough inspection.
If you are interested in the process of roofing, ask your contractor for updates throughout the job. However, most roofing contracts follow the same few steps.
8 Steps of Roof Replacement
If you don’t care what happens as long as you get a new roofing replacement, you don’t have to worry about these steps. However, for homeowners who want to know what’s happening with hired workers, here are the eight roof replacement process steps.
Whether you need a replacement for metal roofing, asphalt composition shingles, or wood shake shingles, the first step is up to you. After that, the right roofing company will take over.
Step 1: Hiring the Right Roofing Contractor
When hiring a roofing company, you need someone reliable and who will be able to complete the job on time. Call the companies you are considering before committing if you have a specific timeline. They might have a waiting list or work on their timelines. Check reviews and find a company you can trust!
However, once you hire a roofing company, you can rest assured that they will take care of your home and update the roof. Most roofing contractors give you a detailed schedule explaining their techniques. However, here are the steps your construction workers will take with your roof replacement.
Step 2: Receiving Roofing Material
The roofing materials will show up the day before the scheduled roofing work. For some companies, these materials will be shipped directly to them, and the workers will bring new asphalt shingles, slate roofing, or tiles. However, you might receive a delivery in your driveway.
Clearing a spot for the materials before the team comes can make it easier, and storing the materials in a dry area near the roof will help preserve them. If a roofing contractor asks to deliver shingles several days before they begin installing, say no. They have a higher chance of getting wet and killing the grass on your lawn.
Step 3: Preparing the House
Before the roof replacement process starts, you must prepare your house and driveway. Your job is to move any lawn equipment, patio furniture, and other breakable items into a shed or the garage so they don’t get affected by falling debris. Park your cars, boats, or other vehicles further down the street or keep them in the garage.
Once the team arrives, they can give further instructions on how to prepare your house. However, if your cars and patio furniture are safely out of the way, you should be able to leave the rest of the work up to the professionals. They will usually put tarps over the sides of the house to protect windows and paint and remove any solar panels.
Step 4: Tearing Off the Roof
Once the contractors are there and the house is fully protected, the workers will start to tear off the old roofing. Generally, this happens in sections, working from the farthest corner of your home towards the driveway. This way, they’re nearing the dumpster as they work and removing the roof in an organized manner.
In most cases, roof installation begins at the same time as deconstruction. Some workers move on to tearing off the next section of the roof, while others clean the top of the house and start to install roofing material. It saves time and ensures a complete job.
Step 5: Cleaning the Gutters
During the roofing replacement process, the contractors will clear the roof and gutters of any debris leftover from weather or seasons. If you haven’t cleaned your gutters in a while, don’t bother doing it before replacing the roof. It’s part of the job and will be accomplished by your roofing contractors.
In some cases, your house also needs new gutters, which is a separate service and should be completed after the new roof installation. Once your roof is completed, you can hire a different contractor to replace your gutters and ensure your house is safe from floods or heavy rains.
Step 6: Installing the New Roof
Of course, the most critical step is roofing installation. Once the old roof is gone, the top of your house is clean, and the gutters are fresh, the contractors can install the new shingle roof. This part takes the longest, which is why most companies add new tiles, shingles, or other roofing materials as they go.
The roof tear-down and installation will take most of the day, while the other steps are either preparation or clean-up. Multiple tools, such as asphalt shingles, roofing nails, and other basic roofing materials will be part of the project. However, you’ll be able to watch as your roof is transformed over a day or two.
Step 7: Finishing and Cleaning Roofing Materials
After the roof has been properly installed, the team will set out to make it look like they were never there. They will take down the tarps, remove the tools and trucks, and clean all the debris from the ground.
The old shingles and leftover debris will be put in a dumpster and removed, so your yard and house will be clean. After this, you can move your cars and furniture back into their original positions.
Step 8: Completing Inspections
Once your roof replacement is installed correctly and cleaned up, most of the team will leave. Your contract leader or the head worker will stay to show you your new roof and complete the necessary paperwork. During this time, the contractor will complete all the required health and safety inspections for a new roof.
Final Thoughts
Whether you plan to oversee the project yourself or just want an idea of what goes on, the roof replacement process is the same almost anywhere.
While there are different techniques for various roofing styles and sizes, you will be able to see this eight-step roofing process unfold on your house during the roof replacement, resulting in a beautiful new roof.