Roof Replacement is a complex, cost-intensive, and time-intensive project. It involves using an integrated system approach as well as advanced material tech that works together to protect your home and give it the overhaul it needs. Before you undertake a roofing project with a contractor, it is important to know what goes into the process. In this article, we will reveal the steps involved in a typical roof replacement project. This guide will help you make an informed decision and know what it takes to build a resilient roofing system from the ground up. Let’s dive right in.
- Protect your property
This one is a no-brainer and is an important first step in any kind of home improvement project. Replacing the roof is going to see a lot of dust, debris, and waste collected at the site that can damage the other parts of the property. These could include walls, siding, bushes, and plants, to name a few. Contractors usually use protective plywood and tarps to ensure these elements are not damaged in any way during the project.
- Remove Old Roofing Materials
In almost all types of roof replacement projects, old shingles will need to be removed completely to inspect the wood decking. The decking needs to be sturdy and damage-free. Its integrity should not be overlooked in the roof replacement process.
- Decking Inspection
One of the initial steps in the roof replacement process is a complete inspection of the wood decking. If any part of the decking has turned soft, rotten, and wet, it needs to be replaced to make the base stronger for the new materials to be laid on. Only if this base is free from any type of damage, the new shingles added on it will stay intact and won’t collapse under adverse weather conditions. Following this, the wood sheathing is inspected as well to ensure that it is attached to the rafters properly. All the nails attached need to stay intact and none should be missing. This is commonly overlooked by many roofers. New shingles must be installed only after re-nailing the older wood decking.
- Prepping the Roof Surface
Once the inspection and repairs of the wood decking are complete, professionals install a drip edge at the roof’s edges. This prevents the rain from getting underneath the roof material from across the edges. Following this, a roof underlayment is installed to protect it from water and ice. It is installed at the roof’s bottom and must cover all the roof penetrations including flanges and chimneys. Once this is done, the remaining area of the roof is covered with felt which prevents the shingles from getting stuck to the wood.
- Install the New Roofing Material
After the installation of the base of the roof, new roofing material is laid up from the bottom. In addition, roofing components like counter flashing, ridge capping, and ridge vents are installed at their designated places.
- Cleanup of the Site and Inspection
After the new material is laid up, the roof installation is done but not the project. All the coverings on the other areas of the property are removed and the site is cleaned up of any debris, waste, and sharp objects. Finally, professionals perform a thorough inspection of the material, workmanship, and strength of the roof.
Conclusion:
A roof replacement project undergoes a lot of steps and that’s why these projects need some significant investment. Your project will be in safe hands if you pick a roofer who has experience in executing such projects in your area and has positive feedback from its clients. Spend some time doing your research and getting in touch with many of them to see what works best for you.
Give Alpha Roofing a call at 318-373-5875. Our expert team is ready to serve you with the best professional attitude and expertise. We service areas in Bossier City and Shreveport, LA.
