When you’re preparing for your roof installation day, here are a few things you should know about what to expect. The whole process can be quite overwhelming, but if you know what’s going to happen ahead of time, it can help to ease some of the anxiety. 

1. Your Roofing Contractor Arrives on the Scheduled Day

It is finally the day you have been waiting for; your roofing contractor has arrived to start the process of installing your new roof! This is a big moment and the start of an exciting process, but it is also important to be prepared for what will happen throughout the project.

The roofing contractor will usually start by inspecting your roof and assessing the situation. They will then give you a brief overview of the process and what you can expect before they begin the installation process. 

For lovely pets, if any, consult with your roofing contractor to determine whether they will need to be locked away during the roof installation. Make sure to take precautions to protect any valuable items in your garden – e.g., statues, flower pots, planters, etc. You can also instruct your roofing contractors to either leave the gates open or that they close the gates behind them whenever they enter or leave.

If you have any questions, concerns, or special requests, ask the contractor before they begin working. 

2. They Set Up Their Tools, Materials, and Equipment

Your roofing contractor will set up their tools, materials, and equipment in preparation for the day’s work. These tools include ladders, material bags, and other miscellaneous equipment such as tarps, ropes, safety straps, and more. This is to ensure that the job is done properly and efficiently. A professional roofing contractor will have a wide variety of proper tools and equipment available to them to complete your roofing project, big or small.

3. They Should Remove Your Old Roof

When a roofing contractor installs a new roof, they should first remove the old roof unless, otherwise, it’s new construction. This process is known as ‘roof stripping.’ It is a necessary part of the installation process as it ensures that the new roof is properly bonded to the underlying structure. The roofing contractor will use special equipment to remove the old roofing material. Once the old roofing material has been removed, the roofing contractor will inspect the underlying structure for any damage. If any damage is found, it will need to be repaired before the new roof can be installed.

4. The New Roof Is Installed Where Needed

When choosing a roofing company, be sure to work with professionals who have the training and experience to get the job done right. There are many different types of roofers, and each has its own set of skills and equipment. A professional roofing contractor will have the tools and experience necessary to install your new roof.

After the old roof is removed and any damaged components replaced, the next stage is for your contractors to lay down the new roofing felt (also referred to as roofing paper or tar paper). Any additional protection will also be installed against severe elements. Since chimneys are among the most frequent areas that leak on a roof, ice and water shields may be installed around these areas, too, as an extra measure to prevent future problems. Another layer of protection your roofing contractors may add is drying the entire roof before installing shingles.

After mending the base plywood and replacing any damage, securing, and drying the roofing felt, your contractors will install your chosen roofing shingles. Once the shingle installation process is finished, they may paint the roofing vents and pipes to match the hue of your new shingles, making them less noticeable. Painting these accessories gives your new roof a better appearance.

5. The Wrap-Up

When your roof installation is completed, your roofing contractors will do a run-through inspection of your property. Old materials and other debris will be disposed of. A nail magnet is run around the outer edges of your house and driveway to catch any nails or other metal objects that could puncture your car tires or injure you.

6. Schedule Regular Inspections

Finally, after the new roof has been installed, the contractor will conduct a final inspection to ensure that everything has been done correctly. They will then provide you with a warranty for the new roof. It is highly recommended to have your roofing contractor regularly inspect it and make repairs as needed to keep it in good condition. This is the time to consider an annual maintenance inspection with your contractor.

The installation of a new roof is a big job. On the day of installation, depending on the size of your roof, expect the work to take most of the day and possibly additional days. As you can see, the steps required to replace a roof are specific and vital to maintaining the structure and protecting your investment.