How Should A Roof Be Replaced On A House?
Date Posted:
February 17, 2024
Author:
Daryl Gentry
Do you have a roofing project to take on? Installing new roofing is one of the most essential home repairs you can undertake.
You have many things to consider when replacing a roof, but you never want to let an old roof fail.Water and the elements can destroy the inside of your home if they get in through your roof after heavy rain.Fewer home problems can be more disastrous than a failed roof.
Roof replacement is not something to take lightly, and it isn't a repair you should delay.In the article below, we will talk about how your roof should be replaced.
Five Key Takeaways about Roof Replacement
- Roof replacement is an essential home repair to prevent water damage and other issues caused by a failed roof. Neglecting an old roof can lead to disastrous consequences.
- The cost of roof replacement varies depending on factors such as location, roofing materials, and roof size. In Ohio, the average cost ranges between $6,000 and $12,000, while the national average is around $9,000.
- Working with an experienced local roofing contractor who is familiar with local building codes is crucial to ensure a proper roof installation. Look for contractors that offer warranties for both shingle quality and workmanship.
- The process of roof replacement involves steps such as delivering roofing materials, moving vehicles to clear the way, protecting the property during tear-off, removing the old roof, cleaning gutters, and installing new roofing materials.
- After the installation is complete, the contractor will clean up the debris, inspect their workmanship, and ensure the roof meets quality standards. Regular roof inspections are recommended every two to three years to identify structural damage or signs of weathering that may require repairs or a total roof replacement.
How To Replace A Roof
A complete roof replacement is a tough job, no matter what type of roof you have.
Ohio's average roof replacement cost is between $6,000 and $12,000.
The national average cost is $9,000; there are many elements to consider as you budget for this vital project.
Working with an experienced local roofing contractor familiar with local building codes is essential to get your roofing installation done right the first time.
And if you can, make sure you get a shingle warranty protecting you against manufacturing defects. TK Roofing and Gutters are reputable roofing contractors with years of experience. Still, they also offer a 10-year workmanship warranty, the longest warranty in the industry.
That will cover issues that may occur due to improper installation, so you can rest assured the job will be done right with our roofing professionals.
Here are the steps within a roof replacement process.
The Roofing Materials Are Delivered
The first step in replacing your roof is to bring all the materials to your house.A roofer will usually deliver them the afternoon before your replacement or the morning of it.
When delivered, they should be kept in a dry place close to where you can get on the roof.
They should avoid bringing the materials too early; you don't want pallets of shingles to sit on your lawn and kill the grass.
Your roofing material delivery will depend on the size of your roof and the type of roofing material you choose.
Asphalt shingles last 15 to 30 years, while high-quality architectural shingles can last 25 to 30 years.
Wood shake shingles can be used on roofs with a steeper roof pitch but not on flat, low-pitched roofs.
Metal roofs are a high-end option and a good investment for the long term. Metal roofing costs between $5,700 and $16,200.
A roofing square is a 10-foot by 10-foot section of the roof or 100 square feet, so be sure to order enough for your roof.
Move Your Vehicles
Before your contractor arrives at your home, move all your vehicles out of your driveway or garage.
Do this so you can come and go as you please without getting blocked by the roofers or interrupting their job.
It also protects your cars from anything that might fall off your roof and hit them. For example, you don't want roof tiles or other things to fall and break your windshield.
Protect Your Property
Now your contractor will prepare your property for the roof tear-off.
They'll start tarping the ground for the dump zone and set up tarps to cover your shrubbery and landscaping.
Your roofing contractor will take all the necessary steps to protect your property during your roof replacement.
Removing Your Old Roof
Once everything has been protected, they'll tear your old roof off in sections starting with the furthest corner of your roof away from your driveway.
Sometimes you can add shingles on top of other older shingles, but having just a single layer of asphalt shingles on your home is preferable. So, your old roof will likely be ripped off.
Once a section is torn off, some installers start installing your new roof while others continue tearing off the old shingles.
Your Gutters Are Cleaned
When a roof section is torn off, your gutters will also be cleaned.
Your gutters will be cleaned of any debris from the roof tear-off, leaves, or other things that could block them.
Gutter cleaning should also be done periodically through annual roof maintenance.
New Roofing Materials Are Installed
Now it's time to install your new asphalt shingle roof if that's the type of roofing material you chose.
Roofers will systematically work their way around the house following the torn-off sections.
They'll lay the underlayment and install the drip edge when an old section is torn off.
Then, depending on the weather, they'll start putting on your starter shingles.
The ridge capping will be put on when they are done putting on the shingles.
The vents for your roof's ventilation system will be one of the last things your contractor will put in.
Remember that the quality of the roofer's work and the roofing materials will affect how long your roof will last.
You should always spend money on quality roofing materials to get the most out of your roof replacement.
Time To Clean Up
Once your new roof is installed, and you have a nice new sturdy roof, your contractor will start cleaning up.
They will blow off your roof so that any remaining debris falls onto the tarps.
They will also blow out your gutters and downspouts to get rid of any roofing debris that might be in them.
At this point, they'll get down from your new roof and roll up all the tarps, get their tools, and clean up everything on the ground.
They will go all over your property with a heavy-duty magnet to ensure they get all the nails.
Then, when they leave, it'll look like they were never there.
Inspect Their Workmanship
After your roof has been replaced and your property has been cleaned up, a professional roof inspector will double-check the finished product.
They'll climb up on your roof, look around, and ensure the quality meets the standards you want when paying for a new roof.
They'll double-check the places known to leak (around penetrations, skylights, chimneys, etc.) and make sure they're well protected.
No matter who you hire, they should always check their work to ensure your roof was installed correctly and that all local codes were followed.
How Do I Know If I Need To Replace My Roof?
Roof inspections are recommended every two or three years, depending on how much abuse the roof gets.
Inspect the structural integrity of the roof decking and supporting beams.
You want to look for cracks or holes in the shingle layer that could lead to water penetration into the attic space and cause rot.
Check for signs of weathering, such as missing or cracked shingles, broken flashing, buckling metal, and loose tiles.
Any of these issues can indicate a problem area.
Contact your local building inspector or roofer immediately if you notice any structural damage or have a leaky roof.
They'll be able to help you determine whether you need repairs or a total roof replacement.
Wind Damage
Loose or missing shingles are the most common types of roof damage caused by high winds; this occurs because the shingle tabs are ripped off the shingle during high winds or wind-driven rain.
If you suspect your roof has wind damage, it should be inspected to see if you need to hire a roofing contractor to repair it.
Curled Shingles
Shingle curling is a common type of roof damage that could signal the need for a replacement.
Shingle curling happens when the edges turn upward while the center stays flat, causing the shingles to curl away from each other.
Clawing occurs when the edge goes straight down, and the middle comes up, causing the shingles to look like claws.
Your Roof Is Getting Older
Roofs are one of those things you don't think about until it's time to be replaced.
Fortunately, most roofs last around 25 years, so it shouldn't sneak up on you.
The older your roof is, increase the frequency of inspections, and consider if it is time to start looking at roof replacement options.
Find Roof Repair & Replacement Pros Near You
Roof repairs are one of those things that most homeowners often think about once it's too late.
Minor repairs are often neglected until the entire roof needs to be replaced.
And even though you have a general idea of how a roof replacement works, you should still leave it to the professionals.
TK Roofing and Gutters has been giving people in Northeast Ohio the best roofing services possible for more than 15 years.
We put the customer first and treat your home as our own.
As a roofing company certified by CertainTeed, we can offer the best warranties in the business.
We can give you peace of mind if your home is damaged and you need a new roof.
And if your roof has any problems in the next ten years, we'll fix them.
We also know a lot about insurance.
We can start the insurance process for you if a storm, high winds, or heavy snowfall caused damage to your home.
We will help you every step of the way and make sure your home and family are well taken care of.