The Ultimate 8 - Step Guide For New Roof Installation

When an old roof has reached its useful life, which is about 15 years for a roof with shingles, then it is best to replace the old roof with a new installation. Roofs are like shields that would protect your home from severe weather, and shields need to be strong enough to do the work. Installing a new roof is a complex task that is best handled by trained professional roofing contractors as it involves multiple steps and deep knowledge of the work. Residents near Katy, Richmond, Cypress, Sugarland, and Houston areas can always reach out to Allegiance Roofing and Contracting Services for getting free roof inspection and quotes.

 

No matter who you select for a new roof installation, you would still want to understand the roof installation process to ensure that your roof is installed correctly and can protect you and your house for years.

 

When you are ready to install a new roof, it is important to make sure that the weather will be dry for the next few days. Also, take all the necessary safety precautions beforehand so that you and your roofing contractor are safe from any construction damage.

Get started with the process of replacing an old roof with a new roof installation:

1. Get rid of the old roof

Before installing a new roof, you or your contractor would have to tear off the old roof. Roof tear-off means removing old roofing materials and tearing off your old shingles from the roof’s decking. To save some time, some people also prefer to install multiple layers on top of one another which is not recommended as it won’t last for a longer duration. In the process of removing the shingles, you might want to protect your beautiful property and landscape from any damage. Cover the shrubs and plants with a tarpaulin and then get started with removing the shingles.  

 

It’s time to pick up the roofing shovel and work down the shingles and the felt paper.

Removing old shingles on a roof
Removing old shingles on a roof

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2. Check the roof sheathing

Once the shingles are removed, it is important to check if there are any damages in the exposed sheathing that needs repairing. Roof sheathings are usually flat panels that act as a base and structural support for the roofing materials like shingles. After proper examination of the sheathing, the roof sheathing is either removed or replaced with a new one that would act as a foundation for the roof.

Replacing the sheathing
Replacing the sheathing

3. Protect roof from ice dams

Keeping your attic and roof cold is the key to preventing ice dams. There are various methods one can opt from to prevent ice dams which include insulation, ventilation, heat cables, and metal roofing.

Insulation:

Internal heat loss causes ice dams and hence keeping the roof below freezing won’t let the snowmelt. Sealing the attic helps in preventing your room from heating up. It would stop warm air from the living space from penetrating the attic. Spray foam, fiberglass, and blow-in insulation are a few options for roof insulation.

Insulating the roof
Insulating the roof

Ventilation:

Proper ventilation lets the heated air into the attic before it even warms the roof. Most ventilation frameworks incorporate soffit vents underneath the eaves to attract cool air and ridge vents at the top of the rooftop to exhaust hot air. Ventilation can increase asphalt shingle lifespan and prevent attic moisture problems.

Ice dam attic ventilation
Ice dam attic ventilation

Metal Roofing:

As compared to shingles, metal roofing works exceptionally for shedding snow. The sleek surface of the metal roof lets the heat reflect even with snow on top. When a metal roof emits solar heat back to the bottom layer of snow, it starts to melt and slides off the roof.

Roofer working on metal roofing
Roofer working on metal roofing

Heat Cables:

Heat cables are convenient solutions that are plugged in a zigzag manner along the roof eaves and gutter downspouts to heat ice dams. It is as easy as just turning the cables on once the ice dams are formed. One can also use self-regulating cables which when plugged in would turn off when the temperature rises.

Heating cables on the roof
Heating cables on the roof

4. Drip edge installation

A drip edge is installed at the edge of the roof that protects the roof from water. A drip edge also keeps pests and small animals from making nests in the fascia boards. There are different parts in the roof installation where the drip edge goes. For the lower part of the roof, it goes on before the underlayment and for the sides of the roof it goes on after. You can leave a gap of half an inch between the deck and drip so that there is some space to allow the water to run into the gutter.

Drip edge installation

5. Installing underlayment

Roof underlayment installation

Roof underlayment goes in between the sheath and the shingles. It acts as additional protection from rain, snow, strong winds, and hurricanes. The material of roof underlayment is usually water-resistant and could be either felt paper or synthetic. The synthetic underlayment is more durable than felt paper. Underlayment is of two thicknesses: 15# and 30#. Invest in the best one if you want your roof to stay strong for a longer duration.

 

Place the underlayment and secure it with roof nails along the edges.

6. Seal all vent and pipe penetrations

All roofs would have pipes and vents that need to be sealed. It is done using roof cement or a special rubber boot that would ensure the underlayment and sheath are waterproof. You can also use roofing adhesive to seal the exposed nails.

Sealing the pipes

7. Cover the roof with shingles

Roofers installing shingles

The roof cover would require installing the shingles. Shingles would provide the new final look to your roof and property. Move gradually up and across to start laying your courses. Be aware of the legitimate nailing procedure so that nails generally hold the top edge of the course underneath it. As you proceed, follow the pattern of arranging a full shingle against the following and then nailing it into place. Cut the last shingle on each line to size and repeat the whole way to the edge. At the ridge, bend the shingle over the ridge so that each side is equal. Do the same with the next shingle, continuing this step until you get to the far edge of the ridge.

8. Roof cleaning

It is important to clean up the mess after the final installation. Clean up the debris from the roof. Get rid of all the old roofing materials, nails, or other used items. In the end, remove the tarpaulin that had protected your landscape.

Final cleanup after complete roof installation
Final cleanup after complete roof installation
Now that we know installing a roof requires deep knowledge of the process and materials, it’s best that a professional roofer takes up the task. Allegiance Roofing and Contracting services has 30 years of combined experience that offers a range of roofing services. As roofing experts, we ensure using the best quality materials for long life and choose the right design and layout for the roof.  For more information about our service, or to schedule a free roof inspection, call us at (281)232-9100.

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