Home Roof Replacement Process – Family Roofing

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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

Home Roof Replacement Process

Replacing a roof on a house is a time-consuming but necessary process for most people, as every roof has an expiration.  When that day comes to replace your roof, it is important you know what steps get the job done properly.  If you are like most homeowners, you might be wondering when or if you’ll need to replace your roof.

What Does It Mean to Replace a Roof?

Most people don’t know too much about their roofs except that it protects their home and can leak or get damaged in a storm.  But how long do roofs last?  What are the parts of the roof?  And what does a total roof replacement entail?

A roof replacement is the process of removing the existing roofing material (usually shingles) and installing new roofing material in its place.  And most often, it also means replacing all of the underlayment, flashing, and other roofing elements simultaneously.  So it’s quite an extensive process that includes:

  • Removing the existing shingles

  • Removing plumbing boots, vents, gutters, etc.

  • Replacing flashing and waterproof seals

  • Laying down new underlayment, flashing, drip edge, and shingles

Roof replacements can be done for various reasons, including damage from severe weather, leaks, or simply age and wear and tear.   Some homeowners simply want to upgrade their roofing materials when they buy their home, so they feel secure knowing their roof is strong and safe from leaks— granted, a severe storm doesn’t roll through.

What Types of Materials Are Used for a Roof Replacement?

Roofs are not a one-size-fits-all solution for your home. About a dozen different material options are used in today’s residential homes.

Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular type of roofing material thanks to their affordability, curb appeal, and easy installation and maintenance.  However, more premium materials like metal or tiles are growing in popularity as more homeowners are discovering their big return on investment. Other types of roofing materials include:

  • Asphalt shingles

  • Composite shingles

  • Slate

  • Wood shake

  • Clay tile

  • Concrete tile

  • Metal roofing

  • Solar roofing

  • Green roofs

There are many reasons why some people may choose one roofing material over the other, but some of the biggest ones include durability, maintenance, and lifespan.  With each advancement and upgrade, the material does rise in cost as well— naturally.

What is Roofing Underlayment?

Roofing underlayment is a type of water-resistant material installed directly onto the roof deck below roofing shingles.  Because it’s installed before the roofing material, it won’t be visible after the roof replacement is completed.  While roof underlayment is not mandatory, it adds another layer of protection that works well to protect your roof from leaks, harsh weather, and deterioration.

Why Do I Need Roof Underlayment?

Roof underlayment is not 100% required, but we absolutely recommend it.  The extra protection it brings to your roof may just save you from invasive roof damage and high repair costs.  Roofing underlayment will strongly protect against moisture, which can get trapped underneath shingles and cause leaks and mold.  If you have shingles blown off the roof during a storm, the roofing underlayment will protect the decking from ice, snow, rain, and other elements.

Roof underlayment is created to be water-resistant and seal the deck from any type of moisture.  Shingle underlayment can also help with fire safety and may allow you to meet Class A fire ratings.  Another benefit to underlayment for roofs is the smooth look it creates.  Most roof decks are uneven, and underlayment provides a uniform base for shingles to attach

3 things you need to know about roof flashing

Now you know that replacing your roof flashing when getting a new roof is recommended.  But that’s not the only thing you need to know about this crucial roofing component.

The common types of roof flashing

The first thing you need to know about roof flashing is the different types.  Each type goes into certain areas to prevent leaks in problem areas.  The 3 most common types of roof flashing are apron flashing, counter flashing, and step flashing.

Drip edge is metal flashing installed at the edges of the roof to keep water away from your fascia and from getting underneath your roofing components. If your roof doesn’t have drip edge, water gets behind your gutters and rots out both your fascia board and roof decking.  When getting a roof replacement, your drip edge must be replaced.

The Importance of Hiring a Reputable Contractor

Roof replacement is not for the faint of heart. We see a lot of homeowners trying to do their own roofing jobs, but it can be hazardous and end up damaging your home or even voiding a warranty.