Your roof has served you well, but you’ve noticed that it could do with an upgrade. A new roof installation is a big job, though, so you might be worried about what to expect. Below, we run through the steps involved in a typical roof replacement, and tips for how to prepare for your roof replacement.
Step 1: The First Roof Inspection
First, your roofer inspects the roof space to provide an accurate quote. This is an opportunity to ask any questions you have and learn more about any challenges involved. There’s always the chance that the team will find more extensive damage once they begin working on your roof, but you’ll be informed of any setbacks right away.
Step 2: Choosing the Roofing Materials
Next, the team will help you decide on the materials for your replacement roof. The materials you choose depend on a number of factors, such as your budget and personal preferences. Materials you can choose from include:
- Clay and concrete
- Asphalt
- Standing seam metal
The team can give you suggestions on which materials are most suitable based on your needs.
Step 3: Preparing Your Property
Take down any hanging paintings, clocks, or loose shelving, especially on the top floor of your home. These items may fall off due to vibrations from the construction work.
You should also place a protective tarp on any furniture in your attic and garage, if the garage roof is also being replaced.
If you have any fragile plants or trees, clearly mark them out so the team can avoid them as much as possible.
Step 4: Removal of the Old Roof
Once work begins, the roofers first pull off the existing roof, including any wooden shingles. This gives the team a chance to inspect the roof structures more closely and identify any problems which were hidden earlier, such as rotting wood or insufficient flashing. Where necessary, wooden panels can be added to replace rotten or damaged areas.
The inspection at this stage is vital to ensuring that your new roof is durable, even, and watertight for as long as possible.
Step 5: Installation of New Roofing Materials
Next, the roofers prepare the surface of your roof so it’s ready to hold the other materials. Once preparation is complete, the team can begin building to your specifications. This will include installing a moisture barrier, to protect your roof from water damage, and flashing, to prevent leaks in certain parts of your roof structure.
The roofer will build your new roof from the base up, making sure everything is secured properly as they go.
After the main roof components are laid down, the finishing touches (such as vents) can be added to complete the roof.
Step 6: Clearing Your Property
Finally, the team will “sweep” the grounds of your property to clear up debris like nails, glass, wood, and other sharp objects.
At Ace Roofing, we do everything we can to protect your property and we will sweep the area carefully before signing off on the job. In the meantime, it’s best to wear shoes to protect yourself. Don’t let dogs or cats wander around outside as the debris can damage their paws. Similarly, if you have children, make sure they don’t play in the yard until work is complete and the area is cleared.
Step 7: The Final Inspection
Before we sign off the work as complete, the roofer performs a final inspection of the roof. You’ll have an opportunity to check the work and ask any questions you may have.
How to Prepare for Roof Replacement
To help ensure your roof replacement goes as smoothly as possible, here’s how you can prepare in advance.
- Move patio furniture, toys, and garden ornaments into a garage or other secure area so that the roofers have clear space to move around freely.
- Ensure there are no cars parked in your driveway during the roof replacement process.
- Clearly mark embedded features like sprinklers so the team avoids tripping over them.
- Keep your grass short – it’s easier for the team to clean up that way.
- Move fragile ornaments, heirlooms, and furniture from your attic and store them somewhere else until work is completed.
- If you don’t have an electrical outlet outdoors, then leave a window or door open for the team to access a power supply.
- Keep pets indoors or, better yet, ask if a friend or relative can take them in for a few days. You may also want to ask someone to watch your kids while there’s disruption.
- Tell your neighbors to expect a little noise or street disruption – they’ll appreciate the courtesy.
- Chances are, you’ll experience TV disruption because the team will remove accessories like satellite dishes before work begins. They will also remove solar panels.
Ask the team if there’s anything you’re unsure of so you feel prepared on the day. A professional roofer is only too happy to make sure you’re comfortable before work goes ahead.
How Long Does Roof Replacement Take?
How long the process takes depends on many factors including the size of your property, the roof shape, and the materials used. If time is a concern for you, this is something to consider when replacing a roof.
As a ballpark estimate, a roof replacement can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
Do Roofers Need to Come Inside?
Your roofer will require access to your property to complete the inspection process. Otherwise, there’s a chance they will miss a crucial structural issue, which could cost you time and money down the line.
They usually won’t need to enter your property again unless they need access to a power supply, but ask your roofer for more details.
Getting a New Roof From Ace Roofing
Putting on a new roof is a complex project, and it’s important that you hire a professional roofing company for the job.
At Ace Roofing, our team has the experience and the expertise necessary to handle your roof replacement project – save yourself time and money by calling us today to learn more.
Or, simply send us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.