What steps are required for a roof replacement?

Our eight-step process to replace your roof

The team at Blackhawk Roofing has been replacing roofs since 1995. When you work with us, you'll never have to worry about replacing your roof again. We understand that getting a roof replacement can be a nerve-racking event. By the end of this article, you'll know the steps we take to replace your roof, from having the materials delivered to the cleanup process. 

Residential roof replacement is a significant investment that requires precise installation techniques to ensure its efficacy. To maintain structural integrity, the day your roof is installed is critical in preserving your home's security. Unfortunately, some contractors will cut corners or overlook essential details in their haste to finish the project quickly. Here at ABC Roofing, we understand that expertly installed roofs offer customers peace of mind and protect their significant investment. Our installers are highly skilled and do not take shortcuts, so you can be sure your roof will be installed expertly.

Here are the steps we'll take to replace your roof. 

1. Move your vehicles

When we come to your home for a residential roof replacement, we want to ensure that all vehicles are removed from the driveway or garage. That way, you don't get blocked from going about your daily activities with no inconvenience. It's also an essential step in protecting any vehicles stored at your home. Falling debris from the roof can cause damage if it finds its way onto windshields and other areas of cars. We won't let that happen to your family's vehicles when we start replacing your roof.

2. Delivery of roofing materials

Residential roof replacements typically involve several steps, and the first is to secure all necessary materials. Most commonly, these will be delivered either the day before or the morning of the actual replacement project. The size of your roof will dictate how many resources you need, and they'll be kept near your primary access point when they arrive. Additionally, you can opt to have a dumpster provided in order to dispose of any materials that are torn off during the ripping up process before your new roof installation.

4. Your old roof will be torn off

Residential roof replacement can be an extensive project, but with our process, it can be completed efficiently. When we start the tear-off process, we focus on one corner at a time, furthest away from your driveway to minimize traffic on your roof. At the same time, some installers can begin laying down new roofing systems, while others continue tearing off sections of your old roof. By multitasking this way, a great deal of time and energy can be saved and you'll have an updated roof in no time!

5. Your gutters will be cleaned

Residential roof replacement isn't complete until the gutters are cleaned. Periodically removing leaves, sticks, and other debris from the gutters is an essential part of annual roof maintenance. Removing this build-up helps protect your property from water damage. Keeping your gutters clean brings multiple benefits: it improves drainage, prevents blockages, and ensures efficient overflow during heavy rain to minimize future flooding. Working with a qualified roofer ensures that they will handle this vital step when replacing or maintaining your residential roof.

6. Installation of your new roof

Residential roof installation is a complex process that requires knowledge, experience, and expertise. Fortunately, our team of installers has the skill to do it right! We will start by systematically working our way around the house, following the sections that are torn off. We will repair any damaged decking before laying down the underlayment and installing the drip edge. After that, we will begin installing starter shingles, valley shingles, and primary shingles based on your chosen installation method. Once all of these components are in place, we will install ridge capping and any necessary ventilation vents. Installing high-quality roofing materials is essential to a successful roof replacement, as they determine how long your new roof will last. By investing in top-grade roofing products now, you'll get plenty of use out of your roof for years to come!

7. Clean up after the roof replacement  

Residential roof installation clean-up is an essential process that follows the installation of a new roof. After the new roof has been installed, we will begin the cleanup process. This process includes cleaning and sweeping the roof with a broom or blower to remove all remaining debris. Blowing out gutters and downspouts is also essential to ensure leftover roofing materials are cleared out. We then spend time on the ground emptying dumpsters, rolling up tarps, retrieving tools, and ensuring all debris has been cleared from your property, including any nails that might remain from recent repairs. All of this helps ensure everything has been completed to our highest standards.

8. Inspect the installation

Residential roof installations require precise care and attention. Once your roof has been replaced and your property has been cleaned up, we will double-check the finished product to ensure the roof meets your expectations when you invested. Among other things, we'll ensure all areas known to be susceptible to leaks (around penetrations, skylights, chimneys, and dormers) are adequately protected. Additionally, we inspect each installation to verify that it was completed correctly in accordance with local codes and regulations. As part of our diligence process, proper residential roof installation inspections are always conducted.

Are you ready to replace your roof?

Residential roof installation is an important project, and homeowners understand how long it will take. Timelines for roof installations vary from roof to roof. Some factors can affect them, including size, weather conditions, the number of existing layers, the need for repairs, and accessibility. Smaller roofs can often be completed in a single day, with larger and more complex projects taking longer. Quality must always come before speed. To ensure the highest quality in your roof, look no further than an experienced professional roofing contractor like us! We proudly provide top-notch workmanship for every residential roof installation – contact us today for more information.