What Every Homeowner Should Know about the Roof Installation Process

When storms blow through the Dayton area, your roof can become damaged in an instant. It’s vital you take a good look at it, and contact a roofing contractor to inspect it if you see any of the following:

• Curled, cracked, or missing shingles
• Missing granules that create a worn-out look for your shingles
• Moisture intrusion that shows up as wet insulation or stained ceilings on your top floor
• Extensive hail damage
• An unattractive appearance due to damage
• A roof over 20-30 years old or out of warranty

What to Expect When Having Your Roof Replaced

The Roof Installation Process

Here are 10 basic steps that make up the roof installation process:

1. Remove all existing shingles and place them in a roll-off dumpster. Damaged flashing and drip edging are also removed in this step. A tarp is used to cover your landscaping (before work begins), and a magnetic tool to pick up nails and metal objects from your lawn (at the end of each day).
2. Minor repairs will be made on the roof if needed. Once your shingles are removed, it’s easy to spot any places that require repair on your roof. If rotted wood is spotted, it will be replaced.
3. Ice dam protection will be installed where it is needed. A synthetic waterproof barrier material is installed to prevent melting ice from backing up under your shingles and infiltrating your sheathing—where the moisture can cause extreme damage.
4. Asphalt roofing paper is placed over your roof sheathing. This creates an inner barrier against water intrusion into your home. Rows of this roofing paper are overlapped as they are layered progressively upward toward your home’s peak.
5. A metal drip edge will be secured around your roof edge. This is nailed into place over your roofing paper.
6. In areas where two roof planes meet, new valley flashing will be installed. This is nailed to the roofing deck and sealed with roofing caulk.
7. Tab shingles will be applied starting at the eaves and working up toward your home’s peak. Roof vents are installed where needed as the shingles are applied.
8. Flashing is installed where there are risks of leaks: against your chimney, around your skylights, and stack vents. Flashing installation occurs during the roof installation while the rows of shingles progress upward.
9. Ridge vent is installed. This continuous vent along your roof peak helps air circulate in your attic space and is vital to releasing hot air from your attic. This helps prevent winter ice dams. If you didn’t have a ridge vent on your previous roof, you’ll be amazed at how practical they are at preventing future problems. If you opt not to have a ridge vent installed, other types of roof or gable vents should be added to allow air to circulate in your attic space.
10. Contractors thoroughly clean up your property and remove debris. A good roofing team will take time to do a detailed final cleaning of your landscaping, lawn, and driveway. They will make sure your young children and pets aren’t at risk of stepping on a nail or other metal object. A building inspector will approve your new roof replacement, and your project will be officially completed!

How to Prepare for Your Roof Replacement

Here are some tips on how to get ready for your roof installation.

• Cut your grass short. This makes it easier for roofers to use their magnetic nail finder to recover any nails or staples that may go astray during your roof installation.
• Cover any items in your home attic. Take a plastic tarp and cover any valuables you store in your attic to protect them. Small gaps in your decking may cause shingles, nails, or other debris to contact your insulation or personal items stored in your attic.
• Move plants and lawn furniture. Relocate cherished items to minimize the possibility of harm while the roofing crew hauls your old shingles and debris over the side of your roof.
• Move your portable plants indoors or far away from your home’s perimeter.
• Get lawn furniture out of range of the walls of your home.
• If you typically have vehicles parked in your driveway, move them at least onto the street so they don’t get damaged.
• Any children’s toys that are kept outside your home should be brought indoors to preserve them, and to give the roofers a clear path to your roof.

Factors that Impact Roof Replacement

There are several components that factor into when you should get your new roof and how long the process will take.

• Storm Damage—Storms can sweep through the Dayton, OH area during most seasons of the year. Your roof may become damaged from high winds, hail, heavy rain, or snow and ice storms. Once the harsh weather ends, examine your roof from the ground with binoculars (across the street from your home). Do you notice missing shingles, broken gutters, or roof damage? Also, look inside your attic for leaks. Any issues you find should be quickly addressed by a roofer to prevent additional damage to your home.
• Code Requirements—If your home is older, your current roof may not be up to today’s safety codes. Repairs may be needed to fortify your roof and ensure your home’s protection.
• Pests and Mold—There are some issues that need remediation before your roof is replaced:
• Is your roof infested with termites, carpenter ants, or rodents?
• Does your roof show signs of leaks, mold and mildew?

A Trusted Roofing Company

Your roof safeguards your home from the elements, increases energy efficiency and directly impacts the value of your dwelling. Protect your Dayton area home with a new roof installed by the experts at American Way Exteriors.

Learn more about roof replacements with our handy Roof Replacement Guide.