When a roof needs to be replaced, it is important to work with a professional. There are a lot of steps involved in roof replacement and installation to ensure that the new roofing will last.

During roof replacement, the old shingles are removed and replaced with new shingles and felt or moisture barrier. The flashing is also inspected and replaced if necessary. Call Roofers Colorado Springs today to schedule an appointment.

Selecting the Roof Material

Choosing the right roof material for your home is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when replacing or installing a new roof. It influences how much maintenance your home will require, its durability and energy efficiency, and its aesthetics.

Roofing materials come in different shapes and sizes and are available in a wide range of color shades to match the style of your house. Asphalt shingles are the most common choice for homeowners, as they’re affordable and durable in different types of climates. Metal roofs are another popular option, as they’re attractive and versatile. They can be installed on a variety of roofing styles and come with a 40 to 70-year lifespan.

When selecting your roof material, it’s essential to consider local environmental conditions. For example, a humid coastal climate may encourage mold, mildew, and moss to grow on your roof. It’s also important to consider the weight of different roofing materials, as heavy materials can overburden your house and compromise its stability. Lighter materials, on the other hand, are easier to install and can save you money on installation costs.

Remove The Old Roof

A complete roof replacement requires removing the old roof material and disposing of it. If a new section of shingles is placed over the existing material, it can create problems with the structure of the roof and the integrity of the underlayment and wood decking. It’s also more expensive than a full roof replacement.

Local building codes and regulations may require that the old roof be removed before a new one is installed. This is to ensure that the wood underneath the shingles is strong and not damaged or rotting.

During a roof replacement, the crew will remove the old shingles and any other roofing materials from the roof decking and underlayment. This is done for safety and so the contractor can properly inspect the wood, flashing, and other elements of the roof system.

If you’re unsure when your home’s roof was last replaced, it may be possible to find information by contacting the previous owners of the house. Alternatively, there might be documentation in the public records regarding your home that will provide the information you need.

Inspect The Sheathing

The sheathing is a vital part of your roof structure. It protects your home from the elements and helps maintain energy efficiency. It also plays an important role in keeping your family safe. Therefore, it’s important that sheathing is properly installed to ensure its long-term durability.

During the sheathing inspection, sheathing fasteners and the way they are installed are checked for proper installation. The sheathing is also inspected for its condition, such as the presence of rot or other damage. In addition, the rafter spacing and alignment are checked to ensure that they are square and in alignment.

In some cases, rotting or damage to the sheathing can be caused by water entry points. If the sheathing is damaged, it should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home’s frame.

Install The Underlayment

A roofing underlayment is a critical part of the process because it safeguards against moisture damage. It prevents water and ice from damaging the roof sheathing, helps to keep insulation dry, and improves energy efficiency by acting as an air barrier.

There are several types of underlayment, and the most appropriate one depends on the climate in your area. For example, in areas with harsh winters, you may need a special water and ice barrier to help prevent ice dams.

Some underlayments are self-adhering, which means no nails are required. If you are using this type of underlayment, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for a proper installation. For other underlayments, fasteners (like staples) are needed. In high-wind areas, and for use with felt and synthetic underlayments, button cap fasteners are recommended as they provide a stronger hold.

A durable underlayment is a must for roof replacements and installations. It is easy to work with and provides an excellent barrier against the elements, especially in high winds. Tag and stick roof underlayment is easy to install and provides an excellent seal with just one layer.

Install The Shingles

After the underlayment has been installed and it is dry, you can start installing the shingles. Before you do, take a step back and look at the overall appearance of the roof. Make sure it is visually appealing and meets your expectations.

Begin by laying a row of starter shingles along the bottom edge of the roof. They should overlap the drip edge by about an inch and be nailed down with roofing nails. Next, lay a full course of shingles across the roof, overlapping the starter row by about an inch.

Once the shingles are in place, it is important to ensure they are watertight and seal any penetrations. This includes flashing around chimneys, vent pipes, and skylights. It is also crucial to use ice and water protector membranes to protect areas near the edges of a roof where shingles meet walls or other structures.

When it comes to the ridge, a perforated shingle or cut three-tab shingles can be used. Using a level and chalk line as guidelines, bend the shingle piece over the ridge and nail it at the top corners, 1″ from each side.

Install The Flashing

Your roof protects you from the elements, and it takes a lot of different parts to come together to do that. One of the most important pieces is your flashing. Without it, your roof could leak and cause water damage to your home.

Flashing is a metal trim (sealed with caulk or rubber) that covers the seams around penetrations on your roof, such as chimneys, skylights, vents, and walls. It’s also used in valleys, where two roof slopes meet and at eaves.

The type of flashing used to protect the gap between a wall and your roof is called step flashing. It’s a long piece of sheet metal that’s installed by laying it over the gap and overlapping it. It’s commonly used for dormers and skylights, but can also be found at other wall/roof intersections.

You’ll also use kick-out flashing around pipes or vents that protrude from your roof. It’s a cylindrical piece of metal that fits right over the pipe boot/vent and then shingles are installed over it. This helps direct the rainwater away from the wall and into a gutter to avoid leaks.

Install The Gutters

Gutters play an important role in a roof’s structure, capturing rainwater runoff and dispersing it away from the foundation. Without gutters, a house’s foundation and exterior walls would quickly become soaked and damaged, which can lead to rot and even mold. Gutters also help to reduce the likelihood of leaks in a basement or other areas of the home.

Start by determining the length of each gutter run, taking into account any corners or angles. Then, calculate the number of downspouts required for each gutter run. It’s best practice to install gutters angled at a quarter-inch of slope for every 10 feet of run.

Locate the high point of each gutter run and mark it on the fascia with a piece of chalk. At the low point of each gutter run, measure down from the corner of the roof and mark it on the fascia with another piece of chalk. Next, locate rafter tails behind the fascia — typically spaced 16 inches in the center and marked by their telltale nail heads. Bore a 1/8-inch pilot hole through the fascia and into the rafter tails at each chalk mark.

Clean Up

After the roof is finished, the crew will clean up the area. They’ll remove any tar from gutters, siding, windowsills, and sidewalks as well as shingle scraps, wood pieces, and nails that may have fallen. This is especially important since there might be sharp objects that could hurt people if they’re not picked up. Having a dumpster onsite during a roofing job also makes the cleanup process much easier.

A quality contractor will also trim any overhanging tree branches that hang too close to the roof. Overhanging branches can cause damage to the roof and provide easy access for pests.

In addition, the roofer will use a magnetic pickup device to pick up any remaining nails in the lawn and patio areas. Most contractors will also hammer any remaining nails so that they’re flush with the ground for safety reasons. Finally, they’ll dispose of all the trash properly.