The Process of Roof Replacement: Step-by-Step Guide

One of the most important major home repairs is roof replacement in Atlanta. Whether it is to repair an issue or improve curb appeal, it is critical to understand the proper procedures in the roof installation process to avoid potentially costly problems such as structural damage.

Roof replacement is something to take seriously, and it should be a repair you should delay. It’s relatively easy to replace or repair a single shingle, but if one shingle fails, inspecting your roof to check the rest of its integrity is a good idea.

You might also need a permit in your state or locality to replace a roof, depending on the size of the area. A permit may also be required when reroofing. When you sense that your roof is nearing the end of its useful life, brush up on these basics before soliciting bids from roofing contractors.

At Outdoor Makeover Roof and Exteriors, we offer top-notch roofing services in Atlanta and surrounding areas. From roof inspection to installation and replacement, we do everything professionally. Our team of roof replacement professionals has years of experience and will handle your job with care and give you the best results.

How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof?

A roof replacement can take from a day to about a week, depending on the materials used, such as:

• Asphalt Shingles: 1–2 days
• Metal Roof: 1–2 days
• Wood Shakes: 3–4 days

Your roof size is a significant factor in determining what part of the range you fall in. Will your asphalt shingle roof take one or two days? If it’s very large, it might take two, whereas a smaller home could take one day.

Understand the Roof Replacement Process

Choose a professional local Roofing Contractor.

Working with the right contractor is the first step in this step-by-step guide to roof replacement. Your contractor’s skill and experience can affect the quality of your roof. With the right contractor, you will get a long-lasting roof that withstands all weather conditions.

A great contractor is someone who:

• Communicates clearly
• Is professional
• Is licensed and insured
• Has great reviews

Choosing the wrong contractor can result in subpar workmanship. They might lack knowledge of the latest roofing regulations and techniques, leaving your roof below current standards.

Also, you could put your own home at risk. If a company does not carry worker’s compensation or liability insurance and an injury happens on your property, you could be responsible for paying for the injuries. You also may be responsible for paying for any damage during the roof replacement.

Assessment and Inspection

The next step in roof replacement is a thorough assessment and inspection. A qualified roofing professional from Outdoor Makeover Roof and Exteriors performs a 21-point roof inspection and examines your existing roof’s condition. They will look for signs of damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, leaks, and the overall integrity of the roof structure. This evaluation helps determine if a full replacement is necessary or if repairs might suffice.

Securing the Essential Permits – Laying the Groundwork for Your Roof Replacement

After evaluation, the next step in roof replacement is to obtain all the required permits from your state and local building departments. This may include any unique homeowner association, or architectural review board permits. Some community HOAs(Home Owners Associations) or ARBs(Architectural Review Boards) regulate the type of roofing materials allowed, which may include the colors you can select.

The permit process is in place to inform your contractors of any specific material and installation requirements needed for your particular geographic area. You don’t want a new roof installed only to find out later that the material type or color is prohibited in your community. Having all permits in place assures you and your contractor this won’t happen!

Pick Your Roofing Materials

You might use the same type of materials that were on your roof before, but this is also an excellent time to look over other options. Popular roofing materials include:

Shingles: Asphalt shingles are economical and durable. We use Timberline shingles, which come in distinct color schemes to fit any home and have a limited lifetime warranty.

Wood Shakes: Attractive shingles made of natural wood cost more than asphalt shingles. They can last even longer, but they are vulnerable to fires.

Metal: Made of aluminum or steel, this type is fireproof and long-lasting. It can come in panels or an attractive shingle design. However, you’ll need to find a contractor with experience in this specialty material.

Out with the Old – The Essential Tear-Off Process of Your Existing Roof

The following phase in the roof replacement procedure is to remove the appropriate materials adequately to produce a clean base for the new roof. Your roofing experts from the top Atlanta Roofing Company will most likely use a shingle removal tool to pull up each asphalt shingle, beginning at the ridge of the roof and working down.

Other materials require other processes. For example, the team might remove a metal roof with drills or pry bars. They will also use a system to dispose of old materials, possibly bringing a dumpster to the side of your home.

During the tear-off portion of the project, the roofing crew will use special tools designed to pry up the old roofing materials. The two most common tools are spades and pitchforks. The crew will review your existing roof with one of these tools and remove all the old materials section-by-section to prepare the decking for your new roof installation.

Repair All Damage

After removing the old roof, your contractor will inspect the underlying framework for areas requiring repair. Any damage, such as rot or decay, must be repaired before installing the new roof. The process usually involves replacing damaged wood and reinforcing the structure. Often, areas around the penetrations and flashing will also require attention.

Install the Underlayment

Next is installing the underlayment—a water-resistant layer covering the roof deck. This is important because it provides an extra layer of protection against moisture. Contractors should use specialized materials to withstand the harsh climate and intense sunlight your roof is exposed to.

Install the Starter Strip

To properly seal the roofing system, contractors install an adhesive starter strip. The continuous adhesive on the back of the strip creates a very effective seal designed to defend your home against water intrusion.

Seal all vent and pipe penetrations.

All roofs have penetrations that allow air to pass through the roof into interior spaces. Reasons for this include sewer ventilation, curve vents to ventilate bathrooms or kitchen ranges, and more. Each vent will be sealed with a large bead of roofing cement to ensure that no water will penetrate between the shingle and the underlayment.

Cleanup and Final Inspection

Once the roofing materials have been installed, the crew will clean up any leftover debris to ensure that the house is clean for the homeowner. Your roofing contractor will then perform a detailed inspection of the newly installed roof to ensure that no mistakes are made and that the roofing material is free of flaws.

Once the contractor is satisfied that the new roof meets their quality standards, the job is considered complete, and you can be secure in the knowledge that you have a roof that will provide all the protection needed for a very long time.

DIY Roof Replacement vs. Hiring a Professional

Roof replacement is an extensive undertaking; unless you’re a professional roofer, it’s typically not recommended. Not only will you need to know and obtain all of the materials to get the job done, but you’ll also have to remove the old roof and securely put the new one on. This can be hazardous work for the homeowner, and DIYers may need more expertise to identify hidden damage, leaks, or structural problems that may appear through the process. Hiring a professional roofer with the training and knowledge will ensure that you do not have problems down the road due to improper material selection or incorrect installation.

Ready for a Roof Replacement? Call Outdoor Makeover Roof and Exteriors Today!

Are you already feeling like an expert in roof replacement? You should! With the roadmap of these straightforward steps in your toolkit, you can navigate this venture easily and assuredly.

Now, it’s your turn to relax and witness the transformation of your roof from the sidelines. Seeing everything fall into place, step by step, can be a smooth and gratifying experience. So, take a deep breath and prepare for this exciting journey. Your new roof, done right, is waiting!

If you’re just starting the process, Outdoor Makeover Roof and Exteriors, a local roofing contractor, is here. We have a team of in-house creative local roofing contractors and project managers who have extensive experience in roofing services. They understand the importance of a reliable roof, and that is why we are known as Atlanta’s trusted roofing company. From installations, restoration, and cleaning to Roof Repair In Atlanta, our team is committed to delivering top-notch craftsmanship and superior customer service at every step.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your consultation with one of our experts for all your roofing needs today!

Roof Replacement