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05/26/2023

Roof Replacement Basics – What to Expect

Getting a new roof installed on your house is a great way to update your home and potentially improve curb appeal. Here’s a simple outline of what you can expect in the days leading up to, during, and after your new roof installation.

Your roofing project: what to expect before, during and after.

BEFORE: Preparation and planning

4-6 weeks before installation

  • Inspection: After you’ve carefully selected your roofing contractor, you can expect a thorough roof inspection to assess the scope of the roof installation. Once the inspection is completed, your contractor will provide a detailed quote and scope of the roofing project.
  • Permitting: Depending on where you live, a new roof may require permitting. Your contractor will take care of this process for you in the weeks leading up to install day.
  • Planning: After you’ve approved the quote and your permit has been approved, your contractor will begin the planning phase. This includes ordering necessary roofing materials, such as shingles, underlayment, and venting, but it can also mean arranging ancillary services, like dumpsters, portable restrooms, etc.

A few days leading up to installation day

  • You can expect a dumpster* to be delivered to your home 1-2 days before the new roof installation starts. Discuss with your contractor the specifics on timing and ideal placement for the dumpster to avoid vehicles getting trapped in the driveway or garage.
  • Your new asphalt shingles could arrive a few days before or the morning of the day your roofing project is set to start (these could be placed on your roof or in your driveway).
  • A secondary dumpster* may be delivered if your roofing contractor is recycling your old asphalt shingles.

*In some cases, contractors may use a dump truck in lieu of a dumpster. Talk with your contractor about their specific process to be best prepared.

DURING: General

  • If you have pets, you might want to work with your roofing contractor to see if they need to be secured during the roof installation.
  • Discuss with the roofing contractor team if you would like any gates to be closed at all times.
  • Ensure the roofing team has access to the roof, including unlocked gates and there are no obstructions for ladders to gain access to the roof.
  • Take appropriate measures to protect any valuable items in your garden, i.e. statues, planters, etc. Notify the roofers of any items in your yard to be aware of during the installation.
  • In most cases, you can plan to be home during the roof installation process. However, it can be very noisy, and could possibly be disruptive if you work from home.

DURING: The roof installation process

  • Removing the old roof. Your old roofing materials will be removed from the roof and disposed of or recycled.
  • Roof inspection.With the old materials out of the way, the roofing professionals will carefully examine the current condition of the roof deck (sheathing) and flashing. As the foundation to the roof, it’s important to make sure there is no damage to the roof deck before installing the new materials. Flashing around vents, chimneys, and valleys in the roof may need to be replaced depending on their current condition to prevent water seepage.
  • Underlayment installation. The roofers will roll out the underlayment across the roof deck. There are several options for underlayment, including ice and water barrier. Be sure to discuss these options with your contractor during the quoting process.
  • Installing Shingles. The contractor will start the shingle installation process with starter shingles along the bottom and side edges of the roof deck. Next, asphalt shingles are applied in staggered rows, secured with roofing nails. Hip and ridge shingles are used along the roof ridge.

AFTER: Final day/finishing up on the job

  • The roofing contractor will most likely do a final walk-through with you; this is where you make sure they have done everything they said they would do.
  • Typically, the roofing contractor will do a sweep of your property for loose nails and other debris.
  • A final roof inspection should be done to ensure proper installation and materials are without defect.

After your new roof has been installed

  • A representative from the roofing contractor might set up a time to come to your house to do a general review and collect the final payment.
  • Consider leaving a review for your contractor. You may receive an email from your contractor asking for a review on their website!

Blog courtesy of Owens Corning Roofing