Your roof is the first line of defense against the elements, protecting your home, your family, and your valuables. Over time, however, wear and tear from sun, wind, hail and rain can take their toll. Understanding when and how to replace your roof is crucial for maintaining your home’s integrity and value. A full residential roof replacement can feel like a major undertaking, but knowing what to expect can make the entire experience smoother and less stressful.
This guide breaks down the roof replacement process into clear, manageable steps. We’ll walk you through everything from the initial inspection to the final cleanup, so you feel confident and informed. At Millard Roofing, we believe an educated customer drives the success of a roof replacement and as a result creates a happy customer, and we’re here to demystify the process for you.
Initial inspection and assessment
The first step in any residential roof replacement project is a thorough professional inspection conducted by one of Millard Roofing’s Certainteed Master Shinglers. This isn’t just a quick glance from the ground. A qualified roofing expert will physically get on your roof to conduct a detailed assessment of its current condition.
Some of the things we look for
- Shingle condition: We check for cracked, curling, or missing shingles. We also look for excessive granule loss, which indicates your shingles are nearing the end of their lifespan.
- Flashing and seals: The metal flashing around siding, chimneys, vents, and skylights is a common failure point. We inspect these areas for rust, damage, or improper installation that could lead to leaks.
- Substructure inspection: We examine the roof decking (the sheathing that form the roof’s foundation) for signs of rot, water damage, or soft spots. The condition of the decking is critical to a successful replacement, as new roofing materials require a solid, nail-able surface for proper installation.
- Ventilation and insulation: Proper attic ventilation is key to a long-lasting roof and a manufacturer’s warranty. We assess your current ventilation system to ensure it’s effectively regulating temperature and moisture, which will reduce ice dams in winter months and reduce energy costs in summer. In fact, 95% of all re-roofs require updated ventilation to meet the written manufacturer’s instructions and local code.
After the inspection, we review our findings with you. You’ll have a clear understanding of the scope of work and recommended materials.
Choosing the right materials
With your assessment in hand, it’s time to choose your new roofing materials. This decision impacts not only the look of your home but also its long-term durability and energy efficiency. While asphalt shingles are the most common choice, there are several options to consider.
Popular roofing options
- Asphalt shingles: Versatile, affordable, and available in a wide array of colors and styles, architectural shingles are a popular and reliable choice. They offer excellent protection and can last for up to 50 years.
- Metal roofing: Known for its exceptional durability and longevity, a metal roof can last 50 years or more. It is highly resistant to wind, fire, and hail. While the initial investment is higher, its lifespan can make it a cost-effective choice over time.
- Synthetic materials: Composite and synthetic roofing materials are engineered to mimic the look of natural slate or wood shakes without the high cost or maintenance. They are lightweight, durable, and often made from recycled materials.
Our team at Millard Roofing will help you navigate these choices, considering your budget, aesthetic preferences, and the architectural style of your home. We’ll explain the pros and cons of each material to help you make the best decision for your property.
Preparing for the replacement
Once you’ve decided on the materials you would like to use, we’ll schedule the work. Preparation is key to ensuring the residential roof replacement process goes smoothly and safely.
What you can do
- Clear the area: Move vehicles from the driveway and any patio furniture, grills, or potted plants away from the house’s perimeter. This protects your belongings from falling debris.
- Protect your interior: Vibrations from the work can sometimes shake items off walls or shelves. It’s a good idea to remove any fragile or valuable wall hangings.
- Notify your family and neighbors: Let your family know what to expect. Roofing can be noisy, so it’s also a courteous gesture to give your immediate neighbors a heads-up.
- Plan for pets: The noise can be stressful for pets. Consider keeping them in a secure, quiet room or arranging for them to stay elsewhere during the day.
Our team will handle the rest. We will arrange for the delivery of materials and a dumpster for the old roofing debris. We also take care to protect your landscaping and siding with tarps.
The replacement process itself
This is where the transformation happens. Our professional crew works efficiently and systematically to install your new roof.
A day on the job
1. Tear-off: The first step is to remove all the old roofing materials, including the shingles, underlayment, and flashing. This allows us to get a clear look at the underlying roof decking.
2. Decking inspection and repair: With the old roof gone, we perform another inspection of the wood decking. Any rotten or damaged sections are repaired or replaced to ensure a solid foundation for your new roof.
3. Ice and water shield installation: We install a special waterproof membrane along the eaves, in valleys, and around penetrations like vents and chimneys. This provides extra protection against water infiltration from ice dams or wind-driven rain.
4. Underlayment installation: A layer of synthetic underlayment is rolled out over the entire roof deck. This acts as a secondary barrier against moisture, protecting the decking if any water gets beneath the shingles.
5. New roofing installation: Now it’s time for the new materials. Our team will begin laying the new shingles or other roofing materials, starting from the bottom and working their way up. We use precise installation techniques to ensure every component is properly secured and sealed.
6. Flashing and vent installation: New flashing is installed around all chimneys, vents, and skylights. We also install ridge vents and other ventilation components to ensure proper airflow in the attic.
Final inspection and cleanup
Our commitment to quality doesn’t end when the last shingle is nailed down. A meticulous final walkthrough and cleanup are essential parts of our service.
Once the installation is complete, our project supervisor will perform a final inspection of the entire roof to ensure every detail meets our high standards. We want to be certain your new roof is perfect.
Next, our crew conducts a thorough cleanup of your property. We sweep the area for debris and use magnetic rollers to pick up any stray nails from your lawn, driveway, and garden beds. We won’t leave until your property is as clean as it was when we arrived.
Partner with Millard Roofing for a quality roof!
Replacing a roof is a significant investment. By understanding each step of the process, you can approach the project with confidence. From the initial inspection to the final nail, a professional roofing company ensures the job is done right, giving you peace of mind for this costly expense.
If you’re considering a residential roof replacement, let the experts at Millard Roofing guide you. We provide top-quality roofing services with a commitment to customer satisfaction. We thoroughly review our findings with you so you have all the information you need to make an informed and educated decision. Contact us today to get started on your roof replacement journey.
