Professional roofing installation is a complicated process that requires several steps. Knowing what goes on during installation helps you appreciate the amount of work that goes into each roof, as well as gauge the time and labor required to build a new roof. Here’s a quick overview of a typical roofing installation process.
Pre-Installation
Once the designs are approved, the contract signed and the start date agreed upon, the roofing materials will be delivered a few days before start date. The homeowner may have a meeting with the contractor a few days ahead to discuss last-minute details, as well as to give introductions to the persons-in-charge. On the first day, the installation team will arrive and prepare the areas around the house. The landscaping and surrounding areas will be covered to avoid damage.
Removing the Old Roof
The installation team will then secure their harnesses and start removing the old roof. The process differs depending on the kind of material. In some cases, the gutters may also need to be removed, as well as damaged flashing. A thorough inspection of the roof is then conducted. Damage that could compromise the new roof’s performance is repaired at this point. It should be noted that such repairs are excluded from the quoted cost, which is why having emergency funds – which comprises about 10% to 20% of the project cost – is a must when starting a home improvement project.
Installation
Installation proper begins with installing the underlayment or felts, which is the waterproofing barrier that protects against water intrusion in case the outer roofing material fails. Valleys, roof edges and breaks in the roof are reinforced by additional stronger material, followed by flashing and drip edges. The first row of roofing material, called starter strips, are then installed. While most shingles are installed using nails, starter shingles are reinforced using special adhesives.
The rest of the roofing materials are then installed. Certain areas such as roof peaks are fitted with strips of material that allow ventilation. Other areas such as the roof eaves, soffit and fascia are installed. Upon completion, the roof undergoes a thorough quality check before being pronounced completed.
To learn more about the roofing installation process, or if you want more information about our services including siding installation, call Empire Contractors LLC today at (513) 409-0880. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation quote. We are located in Cincinnati, OH and serve surrounding areas.