5 Things You Need to Know About Roof Inspections for Insurance
Whether you’re trying to file an insurance claim for your storm-damaged roof or are just looking for a new homeowner’s insurance policy, you’re...
Are you a little nervous about getting your roof replaced? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been through the process before, getting a roof replacement can be a nerve-wracking experience. To help ease your nerves, we’re going to explain the process you can expect when that day comes.
The team at On Tops Roofing has been replacing roofs in Raleigh and the surrounding areas since 1991. We’ve found that our homeowners are always curious about what steps we’ll take to ensure a successful roof replacement. That’s why we created this list of steps you can expect when getting a new roof.
From choosing the right roofing material to final inspection, by the end of this article, you’ll know the nine steps your contractor will take to replace your roof. Let’s dive in.
Finding the right contractor is the first step towards having a successful, long-lasting roof. Without a quality contractor, there is no guarantee you’ll get a quality replacement. You’ll need to do a little research to choose the right company. Look for a contractor who:
Before you get your roof replaced, you’ll need to make some decisions. Alongside finding the right contractor for your replacement, you’ll also need to choose the right roofing materials.
There are several things you’ll need to consider. For example, some roofing materials work better in certain regions than others. Choosing a material that works well in your climate will help extend the life and quality of your roof.
Here are some of the most common options for roofing materials:
The next step towards your roof replacement is preparing the job site. Your contractor will bring in a dumpster to catch old shingles and other roofing debris. Ladders, roof jacks, and other pieces of necessary equipment will also be brought on-site, along with the roofing material itself.
Here are some ways you can prepare your home to ensure a smooth replacement:
After the job site has been prepped, the contractors will start tearing off your old roof. After each section is torn off, some installers will stay behind to begin installing your new roof while others continue tearing off. Your contractors will work this way to save time and create less traffic on your roof.
At this point, the roof deck will be inspected. If your contractor finds that the decking is rotten, sprinkled with black mold, or shows heavy water damage, it will need to be replaced.
However, decking isn’t usually completely replaced; only sections showing signs of damage will need replacement. If the roof deck is missing nails or bounces instead of laying down flat, it will likely need some re-nailing work.
After the deck has been inspected, it’ll then be prepared for shingles. That means laying down drip edge along the eaves and rakes, flashing around chimneys, and ice & water shields around all roof valleys and penetrations.
We also install synthetic underlayment over the whole roof deck before other materials are installed. Check out this article to learn more about the different materials used during a roof replacement.
Before the actual shingles are installed, your contractor will lay down starter shingles. These are designed to cover shingle joints at the eaves to help waterproof your roof. They’re typically installed along the edges of the roof to greatly improve wind resistance by sealing finished shingles at eaves and rakes.
Working from the bottom edges of the roof upwards, your contractor will then install the new shingles in an overlapping pattern to make sure they properly shed water.
When they’re done with the shingles, they’ll install ridge cap shingles on the ridges of your roof. One of the very last things your contractor will install is all the vents that are needed for your roof’s ventilation system.
After installation, your crew will take several steps to make sure everything gets cleaned up. After they leave, it should be like they weren’t there at all. Let’s go over what the cleanup process should look like:
The project manager will perform a full inspection once your replacement is complete. They’ll get on your roof, take a look around, and make sure the quality matches the high standards you expect when investing in a roof replacement.
Here are some things you can expect to happen during your final inspection:
Keep in mind, your final inspection usually happens the day after your roof is installed. No matter the contractor you hire, they should always inspect their workmanship to ensure your roof was properly installed and that everything agreed upon in your contract has been finished and meets your approval.
Now that you know the nine steps your contractor will take to ensure a successful roof replacement, you may be wondering how long the whole process will take.
Replacement times can vary according to the type of shingles you choose, the complexity of your roof, and even current weather conditions. You can read this article to learn more about how long your replacement could take.
Our best piece of advice for getting a high-quality replacement experience is to hire a certified roofing contractor. We aren’t telling you this because we’re trying to sell you, but because we have seen too many homeowners needing to replace their roof before they should, due to a poor installation job.
We know a little something about experienced roofing contractors because we are an experienced roofing contractor. For the past 30 years, we’ve offered roof repairs, replacements, maintenance, and other top-notch roofing services to homeowners in Raleigh and the surrounding areas. If you need help with your roof, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be happy to help.
Whether you’re trying to file an insurance claim for your storm-damaged roof or are just looking for a new homeowner’s insurance policy, you’re...
When you’re looking for a new roof in Raleigh, one of the first things you are probably looking at is the cost of the replacement itself.
Here in the Triangle, we have all kinds of roofing companies, and it can be really difficult, and confusing, if you don’t know what you’re looking...