Your roof is your home’s hat, and just like you wouldn’t want a hole in your hat in the rain, you don’t want gaps in your roof when the weather turns bad.
Getting your roof squared away is a big deal because it protects your house, keeps your energy bills down, and makes sure your home stays comfortable.
Still, when you start exploring roofing vocabulary, there are a handful of terms that sound alien.
Therefore, we’re on a mission to simplify all things roofing so you have enough knowledge before starting a renovation project or moving houses.
Today, we’ll explain about roof installation, what it does to your house, and its impact. So keep reading, and let’s understand Roof Installation 101.
Roof Installation 101
As the name suggests, roof installation is placing new roofing materials on a building to protect it from weather and environmental elements. The process includes fitting shingles, tiles, or metal sheets onto the roof structure to create a secure and weatherproof covering.
A solid roof is non-negotiable because it shields the interior from rain, snow, wind, and sunlight. Without a proper roof, a house cannot provide shelter; therefore, installing a quality roof ensures that the home remains safe for its occupants.
Notably, roof installation also means ensuring that every component works together to protect the home. It includes proper alignment, sealing, and ventilation. A well-installed roof can prevent leaks, drafts, and energy loss.
Also, did you know that a good roof contributes to the energy efficiency of a home? That’s right because by providing proper insulation, a solid roof helps maintain indoor temperatures and reduces the need for excessive heating or cooling. As a result, you receive lower energy bills.
Here are some signs that you need to get a new roof installation:
- Leaks: If you see water stains on your ceilings or walls, your roof might be letting moisture in. Ignoring leaks results in mold growth, which will slowly damage your home’s structure.
- Missing or Damaged Shingles: Shingles protect your roof from the elements so when they’re missing, cracked, or curled, your roof can’t keep water out. That’s why replacing them helps prevent further deterioration.
- Sagging Roof: A sagging roof is a serious concern as it often means there’s structural damage, possibly from prolonged moisture exposure. Addressing this aspect can prevent more severe issues and accidents down the line.
- Aging Materials: Most roofs last between 20 to 25 years. If your roof is reaching this age, it’s wise to consider a new installation to ensure your home stays protected.
Types of Roofing Materials
While we’re on the topic of roofing materials, let’s dig deeper into the topic. Homeowners have diverse roofing preferences based on their geographic location, climate, architectural style, and budget.
Some prioritize durability against harsh weather, while others value aesthetic appeal to increase the home’s curb appeal or adhere to local architectural styles. Therefore, knowing how different roofing materials compare helps you make smart decisions.
Here are the main types of roofing materials you can pick from:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in many regions. They’re made from a fiberglass base topped with asphalt and mineral granules. As you can find asphalt shingles in various colors and styles, it’s easy to find those that match your home’s design.
Many homeowners choose them for their balance of cost and performance. Also, as they’re widely available, finding a contractor to install them is straightforward.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Widely available
- Variety of styles and colors
Cons
- Shorter lifespan compared to other materials
- Less durable in extreme weather conditions
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is admired for its durability and long lifespan because steel, aluminum, and copper are commonly used in such roofs. Notably, metal roofs can come in panels or shingles and offer a modern look that can sit well with your minimalist preferences.
One advantage of metal roofs is their resistance to harsh weather as they can handle heavy rain, snow, and high winds. They’re also energy-efficient because of their ability to reflect sunlight to keep your home cooler in the summer.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Energy-efficient
- Low maintenance
- Resistant to extreme weather
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- It can be noisy during rain without proper insulation
Tile Roofing
Tile roofs are often seen on Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes. Made from clay or concrete, tiles are easy to identify because of their distinctive look and strength. Interestingly, a tiled roof can last a very long time if properly maintained.
Plus, tiles are fire-resistant and provide excellent protection against weather elements. Since they also offer good insulation, their contribution to regulating indoor temperatures is also worth mentioning.
Pros
- Attractive appearance
- Fire-resistant
- Long lifespan
- Good insulation properties
Cons
- They are heavy, so they require additional structural support
- More expensive than some other options
Wood Shingles
If you love homes with a rustic aura, wood shingles for the roof are a good choice. Cedar is a common choice for wood shingles because of its resistance to insects and decay. Most wood shingles are machine-cut for a uniform appearance, while shakes are hand-split for a more textured look.
These roofs provide good insulation, allow the house to breathe, and help make it feel fresh. However, wooden roofs need regular maintenance to prevent issues like mold or rot.
Pros
- Natural and appealing appearance
- Good insulation properties
- Environmentally friendly if sourced sustainably
- Adds character to the home
Cons
- High maintenance requirements
- Not fire-resistant unless specially treated
Slate Roofing
Slate roofing is made from natural stone and is preferred because of its elegance and durability. A slate roof can last over a century, so it’s a lifetime investment if the roofer you work with knows their business. Slate is extremely resistant to fire and harsh weather but it still requires little maintenance once installed.
Pros
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Low maintenance
- Fire-resistant
- Enhances property value
Cons
- Very heavy and requires strong structural support
- Expensive material and installation
What Preparations to Make Before Installation Day?
If you are a crafty homeowner, seeing your home get a new hat will surely be exciting to you as the roofers put it together tile by tile. But before the professionals start their work, you have to prepare the ground for that. Here’s the prep you need to make before the big day of roof installation:
Clear the Perimeter
First things first, take some time to clear the area around your house. This includes moving vehicles, patio furniture, grills, and other outdoor items that could be damaged during the installation. Providing a clear space around your home will protect your belongings and give the roofing team easy access to your roof.
For example, if you have a prized rose bush directly under the eaves, consider covering it with a tarp or temporarily relocating potted plants to a safe distance. Doing so will prevent debris from damaging them.
Provide Access for Ladders and Equipment
Roofers will need to set up ladders and possibly other heavy equipment so make sure all access points to your roof are clear of obstacles. It might mean temporarily moving things like bikes or storage bins that could block pathways or access points to speed up the process.
Trim Overhanging Tree Branches
If you have trees around your house with branches extending over the roof, it’s a good idea to trim them back before the roofers arrive. Overhanging branches can hinder the installation process and result in safety risks for the workers. Trimming these branches beforehand can make the job smoother and safer. Plus, it reduces the likelihood of branches and leaves accumulating on your new roof so it’s cleaner from the start.
Notify Your Neighbors
Roof installations can be noisy and cause some disturbance so it makes sense to inform your neighbors about the upcoming work, especially if you live close to others.
Secure Your Interior
The hammering and movement on your roof will cause vibrations throughout your home. So secure or remove hanging pictures, mirrors, and other fragile items from walls and shelves to stop accidental damage. It’s also wise to cover items in your attic with a sheet so dust or small debris that falls during the roof removal don’t damage them.
Plan for Pets and Children
The noise and presence of strangers will disturb pets and small children. So if you’re living in the house while a new roof is being installed, it’s smart to arrange for them to be at a friend or family member’s house during key working hours.
Confirm the Scope of Work and Schedule
Before the installation day, review the scope of work and the schedule with your contractor. Confirming these details ensures that everyone is on the same page and can help prevent misunderstandings. Also, ask any last-minute questions you might have about the process, and the expert roofers will make sure you’re clear about everything.
Prepare for Waste Removal
Uprooting and re-fitting the roof means a lot of waste so discuss with your contractor how it will be handled. Roofers usually bring a dumpster or a truck for debris and if that’s the case, make sure there’s space allocated for this, and it doesn’t block your neighbor’s property or public areas.
The Roof Installation Process Explained
Roof installation is a comprehensive job in which expert roofers inspect and take off your damaged tiles before putting on the new ones. Let’s get to the steps of installing a new roof so you get a whole picture of this process:
Pre-Installation Inspection and Preparation
As we explained earlier, before any roofing work begins, a thorough inspection of your existing roof and its structure is paramount. It checks for any damage, weak spots, or structural issues that need attention to help ensure that the new roof will have a solid foundation.
Also, obtaining the necessary building permits is the next crucial step if you wish that the roofing work complies with local building codes and regulations. Getting a permit helps avoid legal issues and makes sure that the installation meets safety standards of the locality you live in.
Removal of Old Roofing Material
After the initial checks, your old roofing materials need to be carefully removed. It includes shingles, tiles, or metal panels, along with any underlayment. Well-planned removal methods protect your property’s landscaping and exterior features.
Next, proper disposal of the old materials is important and recycling is encouraged at this point. Reusing is especially smart for materials like metal or asphalt shingles since it helps reduce waste and promotes sustainability.
Repairing the Roof Deck
Let go of old things so there’s room for new ones—the same mantra applies to your roofing. When the old roofing is removed, the roof deck becomes accessible for inspection. And when the access route is clear, check for rot, mold, or structural damage.
If you spot damaged sections, replace them to provide a strong base for the new roofing materials. Paying special attention to repairing the roof deck ensures that the new roof has robust groundwork. A solid roof deck prevents future problems like leaks or sagging that otherwise expose you to costly repairs down the line.
Installation of Underlayment
Underlayment is a layer of material installed between the roof deck and the outer roofing material, such as shingles or tiles. This layer adds an extra layer of protection between the roof deck and the roofing materials to stop moisture from seeping into the home. You can select from different types of underlayment materials like asphalt-saturated felt and synthetic underlayments.
Installation of Flashing
Flashing is a thin material, usually made of metal like aluminum or galvanized steel. It is used in roofing to prevent water from seeping into the structure at joints or intersections where the roof meets other surfaces like walls, chimneys, and vent pipes. Proper installation of flashing will provide your roof with a watertight seal and protect your home from leaks and water damage.
Installation of Roofing Material
With the underlayment and flashing in place, your new roofing material is ready to be installed. The way you carry out this installation will depend on the type of material you’ve chosen, such as shingles, tiles, or metal panels.
The roofers start installation at the lowest point of the roof and progress upward. Each piece is carefully aligned and securely fastened and consistent quality checks are done during this process to ensure that the roofing materials meet industry standards.
Cleanup and Final Inspection
The last stage of roof installation is a thorough clean-up. This is when all debris, nails, and leftover materials are removed from your property to leave the site clean and safe.
A final inspection is then conducted to verify that the roof has been installed correctly. The inspection will cover proper alignment, secure fastening, and workmanship. When everything installed on your home meets the required standards, it provides peace of mind that the new roof will protect your home.
Factors Affecting Roof Installation
You have noticed that your home needs roof installation, have picked out which material to go for, and understand what the whole process looks like. But that doesn’t mean you can start installing a new roof because the process is regulated.
Here are some aspects that impact your roof installation task:
Roof Size and Pitch
Larger roofs obviously require more materials and more man-hours to complete, which increases the cost. The square footage dictates how much material you’ll need, from underlayment to shingles or tiles.
Also, the steeper your roof, the more challenging the installation because high-pitch roofs pose safety risks. Therefore, while working with high-pitch roofs, you need harnesses and other safety equipment, which can slow down the job and increase labor costs. Also, steep roofs often take up more underlayment and a greater number of shingles or tiles to cover the same area as a flatter roof due to the increased surface area.
Weather Conditions
You cannot install a new roof when it’s extremely windy outside because that’s the ground for accidents. Similarly, extremely cold and hot temperatures hinder your roof installation, so taking the weather into account is important when you install a new roof.
The best times for roofing are during mild weather conditions, typically in late spring or early fall. During these times, temperatures are conducive for materials to seal and set properly. Also, the workers aren’t exposed to extreme sunlight or cold during such weather.
Likewise, inclement weather conditions like rain and snowfall can delay your roofing project. Wet or icy conditions are unsafe for workers, and extreme heat can compromise the integrity of roofing materials, eventually reducing their efficacy.
Local Building Codes
Adhering to local building codes is non-negotiable if you’re installing a new roof. Each municipality has a set of building codes that dictate everything from the type of materials that can be used to the methods of installation. These codes are meant to ensure safety, durability, and efficiency of roof installation. Know that non-compliance can mean fines, forced removal of non-compliant structures, and issues with insurance claims.
It’s also important to note that building codes can change, so you must stay updated or work with knowledgeable roofing contractors aware of the current regulations and requirements. Checking this box makes sure that your new roof will be compliant and up-to-date with the latest community standards.
What Are the Most Common Roofing Problems After Installation?
No construction-related job is without fail, and the same goes for your roof installation. Here are some common problems you’ll face after roof installation:
- Misaligned shingles: Shingles that aren’t lined up correctly can lead to gaps and weak spots where water can easily seep through.
- Inadequate Sealing: Areas around vents, chimneys, and skylights require careful sealing to prevent leaks. And if that’s not done correctly, these spots become vulnerable.
- Roof Rot: A rot is where the decking of the roof deteriorates due to moisture buildup.
- Mold and Mildew Growth: Excessive moisture can result in mold and mildew, which can compromise the indoor air quality of your home.
- Flashing Failures: Flashing is important around edges and for sealing areas where the roof surface is interrupted. Improper installation can lead to leaks.
- Valleys Not Properly Sealed: Valleys, where two roof planes meet, should be carefully sealed to prevent water intrusion.
- Gutters Are Loose or Improperly Angled: Loose or improperly done gutters can cause water to pool and back up under the roof shingles, which translates to further damage over time.
- Cause Cracks or Tears: These defects can open pathways for water to enter beneath the roofing material.
Join Hands With Expert Roofers for Roof Installation that Stands the Test of Time
The secret of a successful roof installation boils down to working with a skilled and trustworthy contractor. It makes all the difference in ensuring that your new roof is up to par and remains sturdy for years.
Also, remember the importance of regular check-ups—like a car, your roof needs them to spot small issues early on and keep everything safe.
Treat your roof well, and it will do the same for your home, keeping you dry and secure through seasons and storms.
When you’re ready to upgrade your roof with one that fits perfectly and looks classy, contact Surf and Turf Roofing Company today.
Our expert team is dedicated to providing top-quality roofing solutions that exceed your expectations. Call us now or visit our website to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a flawless new roof.
We know roofs, and we’re here to ensure yours is done right!
FAQs
How Long Does a New Roof Last?
The lifespan of a new roof depends on the materials used and the quality of the installation. Asphalt shingles, the most common material, last between 15 and 30 years, while metal roofs can last 40 to 70 years, and slate, tile, or copper roofs can last over 50 years.
How Long Does Roof Installation Take?
The duration of a roof installation varies based on several factors: the size of the roof, the type of materials being installed, and the complexity of the project. Generally, a new roof can be installed within a few days, but a larger or more complex project might take a week or more.
Can I Install a New Roof Over My Old One?
Installing a new roof over an old one, often referred to as re-roofing, can be possible depending on local building codes and the condition of your current roof. This method is generally faster, but it’s not always advisable because it can mask underlying problems such as rot or damage to the roof deck.
Will a New Roof Increase My Home’s Value?
Yes, installing a new roof can increase your home’s value as it reassures potential buyers about the condition of the home.
How Do I Know If My Roof Was Installed Correctly?
To know that, check for uniformity in the appearance of the shingles or other materials. There should be no gaps, the edges should line up well, and there should be no loose materials. Also, make sure there are no leaks after the first few rainfalls—if there are, this might indicate a problem. Finally, ensure that all flashing and sealing around chimneys and skylights is properly done.
