A strong, long-lasting roof gives homeowners peace of mind and protects their homes from rain, sun, snow, hail, and other elements. There are many roofing options, from traditional asphalt shingles to metal or cedar shakes.
Your roof may have a special feature like skylights, dormer windows or chimneys that require flashing and additional materials. Other factors include ventilation and whether you want ridge vents or roof plumbing boots.
The type of material used to roof a home has a large impact on its durability, longevity, and cost. There are many options, from traditional wood shingles to clay or metal tiles. The climate of a region, the predominant home styles, and your personal preference will influence which roofing materials are suitable.
A good roof is essential to the overall protection of your home and its interior, so it’s vital to use high-quality materials. You’ll also need a variety of tools and accessories for the job. These include a nail gun, a knife for cutting shingles and other materials to size, and a roof ripper to remove old roofing materials. A nail gun makes the installation process quicker and more efficient than manual nailing, and a high-quality knife will cut through even thick shingles with ease.
Sheathing is the foundation of a roof and is typically made from plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). This layer supports the other roofing materials and prevents water penetration through gaps and seams. It’s important to replace damaged sheathing as part of your roof replacement project, or whenever you notice soft spots in the wood.
Shingles are the most common roofing material. Basic wood shingles and shakes are a classic look that pairs well with many homes, while synthetic slate shingles offer the beauty of real slate without the high installation costs or maintenance requirements. Both wood shingles and shakes are available in a wide range of colors. Metal shingle roofs are another option, and can be made to look like asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, or Spanish tile. They are lightweight, long-lasting, and highly fire resistant.
Other roofing materials are becoming more popular, including EPDM membrane (a flat-roof membrane that’s glued to the sheathing) and TPO, which is a durable rubber roof that lasts for 10-20 years. Composition slate tiles, which are made from recycled plastic and rubber, are a more sustainable option that can mimic the appearance of natural slate and other tile roofing materials.
Ventilation systems, such as soffit and ridge vents, are also important for the health of your roofing materials. These help reduce moisture buildup in the attic, which can lead to ice damming and leaks. Finally, gutters are installed along the roof edge to collect rainwater and direct it away from the home, protecting against water damage.
Installation
Just like people who shop for a new vehicle compare prices and options, homeowners who are looking to replace their roof should also consider the quality of the roofing material, installation technique and the price. Many factors play into a homeowner’s choice of roofing materials, including the cost of labor and local building codes that may affect the installation process. A quality roofing contractor will have a thorough process to make sure the replacement roof is installed correctly.
The first step in any roof replacement is to remove the old shingles and other elements. This is done to make sure the underlying structure of the roof doesn’t have any issues that would be hidden once the new shingles are installed.
Next, a layer of plywood sheeting is put down on the roof. It serves as a base for the shingles and helps keep moisture out. It is then covered with a layer of felt or tar paper for even more moisture protection. If there are any areas where a leak could occur, metal or drip edging is used to direct moisture toward the gutters.
At this point, it is a good idea to cut back any trees that may be hanging over the roof or getting too close to it. This will help prevent debris from falling on the new roof or the house below. It is also wise to move things like patio furniture, ceramic landscaping features and satellite dishes to a safe place. This will avoid the possibility of them being hit with a nail or shingle that falls off the roof.
Once all the preparation is done, it’s time to start installing the new shingles and other elements of the roof. The roofer will start at the bottom of the roof and work their way up to the peak.
If there are any areas where a leak may have occurred, a shingle strip is used to seal the area. Then, a starter course of shingles is applied to the roof and the remaining shingles are attached. At this point, if there is any damage to the gutters or ridge vents, they will be repaired or replaced.
Cleanup
A professional roofing contractor will make sure that your property is protected and cleaned up throughout the roof replacement process. They will use tarps to create designated areas where they can collect debris and avoid spreading it on other parts of your home or yard. They may also cover surfaces like windows and landscaping with protective materials to prevent damage from falling debris or the construction equipment.
Once the roof is completed, a thorough cleaning will be performed on your lawn and driveway. They will use powerful blowers to clear away any remaining debris, sweep out gutters and downspouts, and visually inspect your property for any missed pieces of shingle or nail. If any stray nails are found, they will be removed by hand using a magnet or swept away with a power vacuum cleaner.
Depending on your location, the debris removal process may require the assistance of a waste management company. The company will ensure that all shingles and other roofing debris are recycled or disposed of properly, following local regulations for safe and responsible waste management.
As a homeowner, you can help the cleanup process go more smoothly by preparing your property for the roofing project ahead of time. For example, if you have pets, it’s best to keep them at a friend or kennel service during the project to prevent them from getting too stressed by the noise and strangers. Also, it’s a good idea to move any items that are normally stored in the attic before your roof replacement begins. This includes sentimental items, furniture, and toys that are vulnerable to dents, scrapes, and stains during the replacement.
If you plan on doing some gardening or landscaping during the roof replacement, be sure to trim any plants and shrubs before the work starts. This will reduce the number of twigs, leaves, and other debris that could end up in your gutters or downspouts. It’s a good idea to have a rental roll-off dumpster onsite during the roof replacement to make it easier to dispose of any trash or leftover materials.
Insurance
Roof damage caused by natural disasters or severe weather often requires the help of home insurance coverage. Many homeowners policies include both repair and replacement coverage for their roofs. However, policy specifics vary so be sure to check with your insurance agent or review your policy documents. Additionally, keeping up with regular maintenance inspections can increase the chance that your insurer will cover any necessary repairs.
Once you’ve contacted your insurance company, they’ll send an adjuster to inspect the damaged area. They’ll likely take notes, photos and videos to assess the damage. This information will help them determine whether or not your claim is approved for a roof repair or replacement.
It’s a good idea to have several roofing contractors provide you with written estimates for the amount of work required to repair or replace your roof. This will give you additional information to submit with your claim and help you negotiate a higher settlement offer.
Once your insurance adjuster has surveyed the damage, they’ll issue you a check for either repairs or replacement. The amount you receive will be based on your deductible, which is typically a flat fee or a percentage of the dwelling coverage limit. The deductible will be subtracted from the total payout before your insurer begins to pay for any part of your roof.
If your insurer doesn’t approve a full replacement, you may be able to opt for actual cash value (ACV). ACV provides a first check that covers the actual cost of replacing your roof with a brand-new version. However, this option is usually limited or excluded for homes with older roofs since roofs depreciate over time.
In addition to checking your policy documents, consult with your home insurance agent or review online FAQs for more details on how insurance companies handle these claims. If you’re not happy with your current home insurance provider, compare rates by answering a few simple questions. You can also consider upgrading your existing policy with a better roof replacement endorsement, which helps to ensure that any damages will be covered by your insurer.