Replacing Your Roof: What to Expect

A Guide To The Roof Replacement Process
Unsure how getting a new roof works?
Regardless of your choice of roofing material, replacing your roof is a valuable investment. It requires both time and preparation to accomplish properly. Otherwise, you’ll waste time and resources on a project that won’t improve your home.
Determine Whether a Full Replacement is Necessary
Your roof might not need a complete overhaul – sometimes, repairs are all that’s necessary. But don’t underestimate the term “repair” – it’s more than replacing a missing shingle. If your roof shows signs of damage, call a licensed roofing contractor for an inspection. They’ll assess the problem and provide a detailed scope of work, so you know exactly what needs fixing.
Newer roofs are easier to repair. The shingles are more flexible and might reseal after a minor repair. However, extensive damage, like hail, usually requires a full replacement. Many manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on both asphalt and composite shingles. Always choose a licensed roofer and get a complete system with a warranty for maximum protection.
Another sign you might need to replace your roof is when you’re experiencing leaks. Minor leaks might not seem to be a major concern; however, the water damage can lead to black mold and wood rot. If your roofing system has a leak – act fast before it damages your property and affects any future insurance claim.
Find a Contractor
Once you’re sure about the roof replacement, your next step is to find a roofing contractor. Do your research and make sure to choose a certified and licensed professional. To narrow down reputable companies, go online and read the customer reviews. A good place to start is with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) since their reviews are more objective. Google Reviews also does a great job and is a very handy tool.
Choosing contractors with experience is critical for a successful project. It ensures they actually know what they’re doing and will follow best practices. Don’t take referrals from friends at face value, do some due diligence to make sure the contractor has a good reputation. Find out how long they have had their crews and how they deal with challenges. Ask for references!
Before hiring a contractor, check their credentials. Verify their licenses and confirm they’re registered in your state.
Verify their insurance too. Uninsured contractors can be a financial disaster. Most cities require roofing companies to have licenses, liability insurance, and worker’s compensation.
Don’t hire uninsured contractors! If they lack proper liability and workers’ compensation insurance, any injuries become your financial burden. Falls from roofs are serious, and you could be responsible for medical costs and lost wages.
Get a Roof Inspection
Ask your chosen contractor to check for hail and wind damage using test squares. These are 10′ x 10′ areas marked on each roof section. The contractor will then assess if the damage is consistent across the entire roof – similar size, shape, and matching any damage to gutters, vents, AC unit, mailbox, screens, windows, or siding.
Proper ventilation is crucial for your roof’s health. It needs to breathe! Cool air enters the attic through soffit vents at the eaves, while warm air escapes through ridge vents, gable vents, or other exhaust vents on the roof peak. If your older home lacks soffits, add eave vents to ensure proper intake. Good airflow keeps your attic cool and reduces humidity, extending your roof’s lifespan. The recommended ratio is 1 square foot of vent area for every 300 square feet of attic space (1/300 rule).
Inspectors focus on flashings, eaves, and rakes next. These components are crucial for understanding your roof’s condition. Valleys, steps, and counters are the most common types of flashing installed. Be aware that fasteners like nails can pierce them.
Most roofers will cheapen up a system by reusing old and damaged flashings. Especially if you have filed an insurance claim and the contractor is eating/waiving your deductible. In the end, you are paying for it! The reuse of damaged flashings is not compliant and a very poor roofing practice. The flashings are part of the system and they must be removed and replaced if you install a new roof.
Request photos and a detailed report. A good contractor will take pictures of any damage they find and write a clear report explaining their findings. They should also be able to explain the repair process in detail, showing their construction knowledge.
A clear report benefits everyone. It informs you about roof problems and allows the contractor to create an accurate estimate. This estimate outlines the project scope and details any upgrade or warranty costs. Don’t hesitate to ask questions! Installing a new roof is complex and requires an experienced company to coordinate everything.
A good question to ask your roofing contractor is about other possible expenses. Do they include clean-up, dumpster rental, and other trades in the quote? This is an important practice to avoid getting surprised with sudden change orders during the build.
Pick a Color and Roofing Material
Your contractor will provide samples of various roofing materials. Be sure to carefully explain your budget, preferences, and needs. Check in with your HOA and see what products and colors have been approved. Now you can narrow down your selection and request samples. If you are undecided on a color, use an online design tool.
Here are some of the most common residential roofing systems available today:
- Architectural/Laminate Shingles
- Asphalt Shake Style Shingles
- Metal Roofs
- Metal Tile (Decra & Boral)
- Standing Seam
- Composite (DaVinci & Boral)
- Concrete Tile (Stoneworth & Boral)
- Slate
- Ludowici Clay Tile
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular and cost-effective roofing material around. The primary appeal is the color selection and variations of designs. Depending on the size of your property, one of these systems can be removed and replaced in a day.
Metal
The demand for metal roofing has increased. It’s excellent if you’re looking for a material that can withstand extreme weather. Make sure to select the correct gauge and install a 50 year underlayment. You have selected a lifetime roofing system! Lately, we are seeing metal selected for cottages, bungalows, cabins, and modern homes. Metal roofs are incredibly durable and can last up to 75 years with proper maintenance.
Wood Shingles and Shakes
Most people like the rustic look and feel of this roofing material. As time passes, they turn into a fine gray hue. The most common trees used for wood shingles include cedar, redwood, and southern pine.
Cottage and bungalow-style houses benefit the most from wood shingles. It is said that Shake can last up to 30 years if properly maintained. Unfortunately, the current wood products are grown so fast and don’t quite live up to the “old standards.” This is why you are seeing a lot of composite designs (DaVinci) on the market. The new composite products are lifetime (50 year prorated warranties) and if installed correctly, look fantastic!
Slate
Slate is beautiful, elegant, and durable. If your home has a Colonial or European architectural style, slate roofing can look great. Slate also comes in various shades, from black and green to purple.
Slate roofs stand out for safety. They naturally resist fire and are very durable, lasting over 100 years. However, they’re more expensive than other options. If you love the look of slate but want a budget-friendly alternative, consider composite slate tiles. Manufacturers like DaVinci offer these tiles with lifetime warranties.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
If your home’s style is Mediterranean or Spanish, Clay and Concrete Tiles are the best match. They give a gorgeous texture and hue to your roof. Clay’s durability is exceptional, with high-quality systems lasting well over a century.
The key behind these systems is the underlayment and the flashings. Do not cheapen up “lifetime!” We recommend Copper and Lead Flashings as you won’t ever need to replace them. If you don’t have a Clay or Concrete Tile System and are thinking about having one installed, STOP! Get a Structural Engineer to assess the property first as these systems are extremely heavy. Your property must be able to support the live load of this new system.
Removing the Old Roof and Inspecting the Old Wood Sheathing
You have picked your color, signed a contract, and work is scheduled. You should be notified of material delivery and the crew’s arrival time. Your property will be protected and a tarp should be placed over bushes and landscaping. Any outside furniture will be moved and stored safely. Remember, thousands of pounds of material are coming off your roof. Be sure to take any breakables inside. Clear your driveway and get your vehicles out onto the street. Thousands of nails are holding your current system in place and they will all end up in the dumpster.
Expect an early arrival. The roofing crew will assess your property, find access points, and get right to work. They’re efficient and experienced, each member playing a specific role. Tear-off begins on the ridge and hips, focusing on clearing one slope at a time to allow for shingling to start. They’ll remove the ridge cap, field shingles, asphalt starter, and felt paper or synthetic underlayment.
Sheathing inspection follows the tear-off. The crew checks the wood surface underneath for any problems. If there’s an ice and water shield, they’ll hammer in different spots to test its strength. The sheathing needs to be firm enough to hold nails (code: IRC R905.2.1). Unstable sheathing won’t hold shingles properly and could void your warranties. If they find damage, the crew will let you know and your contractor will provide a quote to replace the sheathing according to building codes.
Moisture Barrier: Synthetic Underlayment/Felt Paper
Keeping your home dry is key. That’s where underlayment comes in. Modern materials ensure your roof sheds water properly, and manufacturers offer warranties up to 50 years if installed right. Felt paper used to be the standard, but better options are now available.
Synthetic underlayment is taking over. It’s stronger, lighter, and covers five times more area than felt paper. Many manufacturers now require it for their warranty coverage – a sign of their confidence in the product.
The install of the underlayment is pretty fast. Crews will clean and inspect the roof’s sheathing, remove or nail flat any fasteners, and replace any damaged/compromised sheathing. They will then install the Ice and Water Shield in the valleys and along the eaves. If your property has a steep roof or large soffits, you might be required to install two courses of Ice and Water Shield. Check your local building codes as Ice & Water Barriers are required 24” beyond the interior wall to prevent Ice Dams.
Flashing and Starter Courses
Before the ice and water shield, the crew installs the gutter apron along the eaves and drip edge along the rakes. This ensures water flows properly and protects the roof edges. New valley metals are installed next. Finally, the crew lays down asphalt starter strips along the eaves and rakes for a stronger wind warranty.
Next comes the new roofing material. For shingle roofs, the crew starts with the first row along the eaves and rakes. This is called the starter course, and experienced roofers can lay it quickly. After the starter course, asphalt shingle roofs typically take 1 to 3 days to complete. However, larger roofs naturally take longer. Other factors that can extend the project include the roof’s slope, your material selections, and the condition of your old roof.
Finishing Touches
Once the roofing system is in place, your roofing contractor will clean up any debris or waste created during the work. Tools like an Equiptor to clear roofing waste, and magnetic sweepers to collect stray nails can help to speed up this process.
The best roofers will have project managers on site to coordinate and make sure everything meets their expectations. A final walk of the roof is recommended to make sure all exposed nails are sealed, gutters are clean, and the driveway is free of nails.
Ask your contractor to explain their installation process before hiring them. This includes understanding the roofing system’s construction and their installation methods. Know what equipment they’ll use on-site, and clarify how they handle cleanup and the final punch list. Installation days are busy with a lot of coordination involved.
Get a New Roof Today
Now you know what to expect when having a new roof installed. Knowing what to anticipate helps prepare your budget and expectations. And remember, if you’re working with a reputable, fully licensed and insured roofing company, you’ll have less to worry about. We highly recommend using General Contractors if you have multiple trades. That way you have one point of contact, know that all the crews have been vetted, and carry the correct insurance.
Think you might need a roof replacement? Contact us here and request a free estimate today!