When we hear about roof replacement, we first think of severe weather or natural disasters. However, most of us fail to acknowledge that our roofs won’t last forever and will eventually need to be replaced.
When the moment to overhaul your roof arrives, you may discover that roof replacement is a complex, time-consuming, and expensive process that needs to be handled by a professional roof expert. However, before replacing your old roof, it would help if you understood the roof replacement process.
This blog will lay down the intricacies of roof replacement, but before we get into the details, let’s try and define what roof replacement is!
What Is Roof Replacement?
Roof replacement is where an experienced roofer tears old roofing materials down to the decking, repairs damaged substrates and installs new roofing components. Although not every problem warrants a roof replacement, you must do it if the roof has aged or its integrity is in question.
Before replacing your roof, a local roofing contractor will conduct a thorough inspection and determine whether your house needs roof repairs or replacement. In some instances, you’ll need to adhere to local building codes and might need a permit from the state or local authority. Once you’re confident that your roof needs to be replaced, you should follow a step-to-step replacement process to return your home to its pristine condition.
Roof Replacement Process
For your replacement job to be done efficiently, quickly, and thoroughly using the proper techniques, the roof replacement process should follow various steps. They include:
Picking the Right Contractor
Once you have determined that your home needs a new roof, the first step should be to choose a roofing contractor. The experience, reliability, and expertise of the contractor you pick will significantly affect the service quality. Getting multiple quotes from roofing companies is always a prudent idea. The roofing contractor you choose should be:
- Insured and licensed
- Have excellent reviews and recommendations
- Have profound communication skills to guide you through the entire process
- Experienced and reliable
- Offer free roof inspections
Select the Roofing Materials
Another crucial decision you’ll need to make is selecting the materials for your roof replacement project. The material you choose will depend on the climate, your preferences, and local building codes and requirements. The standard material options include wooden shakes, asphalt composition shingles, slates, tiles, metal roofs, and composition slates.
Getting Rid of the Old Roof
Once you have the right contractor and roofing materials, the next step is to remove old materials to create space for laying the new roof. Getting rid of the old materials allows the roofing contractor to inspect the wood decking underneath and evaluate whether it has any defects. Although removing the old roof seems like a breeze, it may require tools and expertise only skilled roofing experts can offer.
Preparing the Roof Surface
You need to prepare the roof before the installation of new roofing materials. First, you must install a drip edge to prevent water from damaging the decking. You also need to install an underlayment to prevent rain or ice from seeping into the wood decking.
Install the New Roofing Materials
Your preferred roofing materials will be installed onto the prepared roof surface at this stage. A skilled team will lay down shingles, tiles, or panels based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and in adherence to all relevant codes. To avoid common roofing mistakes, hire a professional roofing contractor. They’ll bring a crew experienced in installing all types of roofs, including complicated and dangerous materials like clay tiles and metal panels.
Cleaning the Site and Final Inspection
Once the installation is complete, the roofing contractor will ensure that the roof and the area around your home are thoroughly cleaned. This will include blowing out tiny materials, cleaning out downspouts and gutters, and picking up all debris from the yard. The contractor will do a final inspection, paying attention to points that risk leaks, such as vent pipes, skylights, chimneys, etc.
Estimated Cost & Materials needed for Roof Replacement
On average, roof replacement costs a homeowner around $4,500 to $16,500. However, several factors may influence the cost of reroofing your home. These include the roofing material, the roof size, the location of your home, the roof’s height, and the roof structure’s complexity.
Here’s a breakdown of roof replacement cost by roofing materials
- Asphalt Shingles: $5,840 to $10,100
- Metal Roofing: $10,245 to $41,640
- Tile Roofing: $10,665 to $20,900
- Wooden shakes and shingles: $10,230 to $15,500
- Slate Roofs: $39,925 to $54,020
Roof Replacement Project Duration
The amount of time a contractor needs to replace a roof depends on various factors like the roof size, the experience of the crew, and the type of roofing materials. Extensive and sophisticated roof types will require more time to complete.
Regarding the roofing materials, Asphalt roofs are the fastest to install as they can be completed in a day. Metal roofs may require a day or two to complete, depending on the size of the home. Other materials, such as slate, wooden slate, or tiles, can take up to a week due to their bulky nature.
Let A Professional Roof Expert Take Over Your Roof Replacement Project
Homeowners with hands-on skills and tools may choose to DIY their roof replacement project. However, the process requires skills and expertise that only professional roofing experts can offer. Homeowners lack the licensing, knowledge of codes, and protection that roofing contractors have.
So, if you have a roof replacement project, you won’t go wrong by seeking professional roof repair services from a top-rated roofer.
