Your residential roof has an average lifespan of between 20 and 50 years, depending on the roofing material. Even if you go all out to maintain it, you’ll eventually need roof replacement services.
Replacing your roof is a big decision. It’s one of the most important and expensive home improvements. It can also feel daunting, especially if you don’t know what to expect during the roof replacement process.
This post will walk you through everything you need to know if you’re planning a roof replacement. Keep reading to learn what to expect from your roofing contractor and what role you should play to make the roof replacement process smooth.
You’ll Need to Get Your Home Ready for Roof Replacement
When you hire a roofing contractor, they’ll advise you to prepare your home for the roof replacement process. Preparation is vital because the process can get messy and damage your belongings.
You should do the following before the contractor arrives:
Move Your Vehicles
Your roofing contractor will need space to work, so you should move your vehicles out of the driveway or garage. Moving the cars will give the roofing contractors easy access to the roof and prevent any potential damage to your vehicles.
It’ll also ensure that the professionals have space to park their tools and equipment. The closer these tools are to your roof, the faster and easier the roofing work will be.
Plan for Your Pets and Kids
The roof replacement process is noisy and can be scary for young children and pets. There will be strangers in and out of your home. All this can confuse your furry friends and kids.
It’s best to arrange for someone to care for your kids and pets while roofing work is in progress. This will ensure that they’re not in the way of roofing work and will also protect them from injuries from the roofing debris.
Mow Your Lawn
It’s a good idea to mow your lawn before roof replacement. This is because roofing contractors will be walking on your grass, and you don’t want them tracking debris and dirt into your home.
A well-maintained lawn will also make it easier for the roofing contractor to spot any nails or other material that might have fallen during the roof replacement process.
After mowing the lawn, you should mark any areas where there might be underground utilities with flags or tape. The marking will prevent the roofing contractor from accidentally hitting a gas or water line while working.
Protect Your Landscaping
If your landscaping or garden is close to your property, you’ll need to protect the beautiful flowers and plants from any falling roofing materials. You can create a barrier around the landscaping with a tarp or cloth.
If you have any delicate items in your garden, it’s best to move them to a safe location. You can show the contractor which plants are the most delicate so that they can be extra careful around them.
What to Expect From Your Roofing Contractor
Once you’ve prepared your home for roof replacement, it’s time to focus on what will happen during the roof replacement process. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
Roof Inspection
A reputable roofing company like Resistance Exteriors will start by thoroughly inspecting your roof.
They’ll look for any signs of damage and note the type of roofing material you have. They’ll also determine whether you need a roof overlay depending on your roof’s damage.
During the inspection, the roofing contractor will examine your roofing structure. They’ll look for any signs of water damage, rot, or other structural problems.
If they find any issues, they’ll let you know and make recommendations for repairs. They’ll use the inspection report to give you a quote for the roof replacement cost.
Planning the Replacement
After the roof inspection is complete, the roofing contractor will start planning the replacement. This includes creating a timeline for the project and ordering the necessary roofing materials depending on your preferred roofing option.
Planning will also involve deciding on a schedule that suits you and your family. During the planning, the roofing contractor will also prepare any required permits for the roof replacement.
Removing the Old Roof
Once everything is planned and scheduled, the roofing contractor will remove your old roof. They’ll begin by taking off the shingles and then move on to the roof decking.
If your roof has multiple layers, they’ll remove them one at a time. They’ll be careful to avoid damaging your roofing structure.
The roofing contractor will also inspect the roof decking as they’re removing the old roof. If they find any damage, they’ll make the necessary repairs before moving on.
Installing the New Roof
The roofing contractor will start by installing a layer of felt or tar paper. The layer creates a barrier between the roofing material and your home.
Next, they’ll install the roofing material by nailing or screwing it into place. Once the roofing material is in place, the contractor will install any necessary flashing. Flashings will seal around areas where water might enter the home, such as around chimneys and skylights.
The roofing contractor will also install any ridge vents or roof ventilation. This process will ensure that your attic is properly ventilated.
Clearing the Debris
The roofing contractor will clear away any debris after replacing your roof. They’ll also clean up your landscaping and remove any tarp or cloth they might have used to protect it. They’ll do a final inspection of the roof to ensure they did everything properly.
You should also do a walk-through of the roof to ensure you’re happy with the work. If you have any questions or concerns, bring them up with the roofing contractor.
Prepare Yourself for the Roof Replacement Process
The roof replacement process is fairly straightforward. Our article gives you all the details you need to know about what to expect during the process. Remember to hire the right contractor to ensure that everything is smooth.
If you’re ready to hire a roofing contractor, you might be asking yourself, “Is there a roofing company near me?” In the Delafield, WI area, look no further than Resistance Exteriors. We provide professional and efficient roof repair and replacement services to give your roof a fresh new look at the fairest price.
Contact us today to learn more about our services.
