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Are you wondering what to expect during a roof replacement? This is a fair question, as full-scale replacements are typically more involved than everyday roof repairs. In turn, homeowners often wonder how loud the project is, if they can be home at the time, and the like.
Note what to expect during a roof replacement:
Obviously, this is just a brief rundown of a roof replacement process. Also, your home’s size and damage extent affect how long each step might take. To better understand what to expect for your home’s reroofing, consider these steps in more detail.
As you review this material, remember that a roofing contractor near you can also explain them even further. Also, they can note any additional work needed for your home, such as gutter replacement. Their advice ensures you always have a strong, sturdy roof overhead.
Protecting your property is the first step of any roof replacement project. A roofer should set tarps or other sheets over landscaping and other outdoor features. Also, your roofer should set up a dumpster for the crew’s use.
Removing the existing roofing is often more complicated and messier than property owners realize! Over time, roofing materials might start to stick to the underlayment underneath them. Also, nails and other connectors might rust and corrode.
In turn, roofers often need to scrape away much of the existing materials. This is often the messiest and most difficult part of the job! As such, homeowners should stay out of the way during the removal process. If you want to inspect the roof yourself before a roofer installs new layers, do so after they’ve finished removal.
Decking refers to thick plywood attached to roof rafters and joists, forming the roof’s bottom layer. During a roof replacement project, a roofer might not need to replace all the decking. However, they should look for cracks, mold, water damage, and other weaknesses. They should then replace any decking sheets beyond repair.
Additionally, a contractor should check to ensure there are no missing nails from the decking as well. This is a vital step as it’s easy to pull up decking nails when removing shingles or tiles! Most roofers will simply re-nail any decking they don’t remove, to ensure it’s fastened securely.
Drip edges are metal pieces bent at a ninety-degree angle, installed along a roof’s edge. These drip edges keep water from seeping underneath roofing materials, protecting the decking and framing.
Roof underlayment sits directly on the decking, providing added insulation against outside weather elements. Also, the underlayment provides sound insulation for interior spaces.
A roof’s water and ice shield is similar to the underlayment. This watertight, self-adhesive membrane encourages water and ice to keep sliding off the roof, to prevent ice dams! How does this work and why does a roof need this shield?
As snow and ice melt on a roof, it begins to flow downward, toward the gutters. However, a roof’s edges are typically colder than its middle.
In turn, that water might start to freeze before it can wash away completely. This process creates what are called ice dams. These dams prevent more water from washing off the roof, risking costly damage.
Once a roofer has ensured your roof has quality decking and has put down the drip edges, underlayment, and ice shields, it’s time for shingles or tiles! This is typically the last roofing layer they will install for your home.
Roof replacement for an average-sized home might take 2 to 3 days. This schedule depends on the home’s size and condition overall. For example, replacing damaged decking might add several hours to the project. Also, the more work a roofing crew puts into removing existing materials, the longer it takes!
Unfortunately, roof replacement is not a quiet project, as it involves scraping, pounding, and a crew walking overhead. Additionally, crew members might need to shout to one another, to be heard over their tools and from across that roof!
In turn, homeowners might consider carefully staying home during a roof replacement. The work is not typically unsafe but can be unpleasant. Also, you don’t want to walk around outside during the process, to avoid getting hit by falling debris. Above all, homeowners need to keep children and pets away from the home’s exterior during reroofing.
If you’re not sure how to afford roof replacement, use caution about putting it on your credit cards! Credit card interest rates can make the project more expensive than necessary. Instead, check about home equity line of credit or improvement loans from your bank or a credit union.
Also, don’t hesitate to ask your roof repair contractor about financing. They might work with a lender specializing in roofing projects and other home improvement loans. Their requirements might also be lower, making it easier to get a loan with blemished credit.
The Pawtucket Roofers is happy to help explain what to expect during a roof replacement. Hopefully, we’ve provided some useful information for you! If you’re in the area and need expert services, call our roof repair contractors. We’ll start you off with a free inspection and quote, and guarantee our work to last! With this in mind, why not contact us today?
