Roofing Process: Here’s What To Expect

Once you come to the conclusion that your roof needs to be replaced, you’ll realize that there’s a lot of research ahead of you. You’ll start researching roofing contractors, comparing fees and services, and looking for new roofing options and designs. Although you can be meticulous enough in your research, one thing that homeowners usually forget to think about is how the roof installation process will go.

To avoid any unexpected inconveniences, here’s what you should expect during the roofing process.

The Steps of the Roof Installation Process

Let’s start with how the process usually goes. Although it can differ from one roofing company to another, the installation will usually go according to the following five steps.

Step 1- Inspection and Planning

Once you do your research and contact the roofing companies of Evanston or roofing companies in Kansas City, they’ll send an expert to inspect the site and determine the roofing needs. They’ll take a look at your current roof, outline the main problems, and build an idea of what the new roof should be like. They’ll also discuss with you your concerns, preferences, and budget, after which they can suggest a quote and explain to you the scope of work. This can take from 1 to 3 weeks. It is important to choose roofing service providers that are experienced, licensed and certified. Check if the roofer has the necessary licenses, insurance and bonding information. Ask for references from recent roofing jobs they have performed in the area and make sure that you get answers to all your questions before signing any roof repair or replacement contract.

Step 2- Permitting

Once you reach a consensus, the roofing contractor will get you a roof installation permit. The permit will depend on your place of residence, as different states have varying regulations. For instance, roof installation permits in Orange County exceeding $2,500 require a Notice of Commencement as well. When looking for orange county roofers, you’ll want to find a licensed and insured contractor who is well-aware of the regulations to avoid any unpleasant complications. The contractor will be the one responsible for getting the permit, but knowing the process will help you estimate the timeline of the process better. Usually, it will take 2 to 4 weeks to get a permit. 

Step 3- Delivery, Tear-Off, and Removal

Once everything is in order, the roofing contractor will start the work. Before they can install the roof, they’ll first need to deliver the new materials and place them in an organized fashion on your property. That’s also when they’ll start tearing off your old roof until they reach the plywood substrate. In case there is any damage, they’ll repair or replace the plywood substrate first to ensure the foundation is secure. 

Step 4- Installation

With the foundation intact, the roofing installation can now start. It usually takes 1 to 7 days to complete the installation process; that depends on the size of the roof. The process starts with laying down the new felt paper as the underlayment of the new roof. During the underlayment process, any penetrations that would allow water-leakage are sealed. These include pipes, vents, and chimneys. Once these are taken care of, they’ll start installing the shingles you’ve chosen beforehand. If needed, paint and other necessary finishing touches are added.

Step 5- Disposal

If you think the process is over, you’ll be glad to know that there’s one final task at hand. Thankfully, most roofing contractors add disposing of the olf shingles to their job instead of leaving the clean up to you. They’ll also take care of cleaning the debris resulting from the installation process by ordering dumpsters and scheduling for their removal. Sometimes, they’ll leave excess shingles with you in case you need to do any repairs down the road. 

Factors That Can Affect the Roofing Process

Although the previous steps are standard in most roof installations, there are a few factors that can influence the process. These factors can result in delays, add more costs, or uncover unforeseeable problems. Such obstacles include the following:

Your Roof is not up to Code

In the case of old buildings, there are high chances that the current roof is not up to code. That means that its current code cannot be used for new construction, and making the needed adjustments will likely increase the duration of the installation process.  

The Presence of Pests and/or Mold

It’s common for termite and mold to start accumulating in humid areas. Once they accumulate, they apply significant damage to the roof and its underlying foundation, which will need to be addressed before new shingles can be installed. 

Water Traps Resulting from Poor Roof Design

Water traps can be formed due to poor roof designs, creating areas that are more prone to leaks. The presence of water traps can accelerate the damage done to shingles and surrounding materials. Dealing with water traps will also increase the length of the process. Knowing how the roof installation process will go will help you set your expectations right. The process starts with an inspection, followed by a waiting period for getting the permit, tearing of the old tiles, installing the new roof, and disposing of the waste. There are also a lot of factors that can add to the length and cost of the process, so knowing what to expect will save you a lot of frustration.