Getting a new roof is a significant project and most homeowners have never been through it before. Not knowing what to expect makes the whole thing feel more stressful than it needs to be. Here's a straightforward walkthrough of what actually happens from start to finish.
Before the Job Starts
Once you've accepted an estimate and scheduled the work, there are a few things to do to get ready:
- Move vehicles out of the driveway. We need access and space for the dumpster.
- Let your neighbors know. A roof replacement is loud, especially during tear-off. Giving them a heads up is just good manners.
- Clear the area around the house. Anything that could get hit by falling debris should be moved away from the foundation.
- Take down any wall hangings or shelves in your attic if they're close to the roof deck. The vibration from tear-off can shake things loose.
- Make arrangements for pets. Most dogs are not fans of the noise.
Day of Installation: The Tear-Off
The crew arrives early, usually between 7 and 8 in the morning. The first thing that happens is tear-off. Every layer of existing shingles gets removed down to the bare roof deck. This is the loudest part of the job and it happens fast.
As the old material comes off, it goes directly into a dumpster positioned in your driveway. We use tarps around the perimeter to catch debris and protect landscaping.
Once the deck is exposed, we inspect it for soft spots, rot, or water damage. If we find sections that need to be replaced, we'll show you before we do anything and get your sign-off. This is also when you'll hear the most hammering and nail gun work.
Installing the New Roof
After any deck repairs, the new roof goes on in layers. Here's the order:
Drip edge. Metal flashing installed along the eaves to direct water away from the fascia.
Ice and water shield. A self-adhesive membrane applied along the eaves and in the valleys. This is your protection against ice dams and wind-driven rain getting under the shingles.
Synthetic underlayment. A moisture barrier that covers the rest of the deck before shingles go on.
Shingles. Starting at the bottom and working up. Each row overlaps the one below it. This is the most visible part of the job and where your color choice shows up.
Flashing. Metal flashing around chimneys, skylights, vents, and anywhere the roof meets a vertical surface. This is where a lot of leaks originate on older roofs, so getting the flashing right matters.
Ridge cap. Special shingles installed along the peak of the roof to seal it and give it a finished look.
A good crew moves efficiently and the job often wraps in a single day for a standard-sized home. Larger or more complex roofs may take two days. Either way, your house will be weather-tight every night before the crew leaves.
What It Sounds and Feels Like
Honest answer: it's loud. Tear-off involves pry bars and shovels scraping across the roof deck, followed by constant nail gun activity during installation. If you work from home, plan around it. If you have young kids who nap, plan around that too.
You'll also feel some vibration inside the house, especially during tear-off. This is normal. Pictures may shift on walls and things in your attic may move around slightly.
The crew will be on your roof all day. They're professionals and they're focused on the work, but if you have questions at any point, just come outside and ask. We'd rather answer questions on the job than have a homeowner wondering what's happening.
Cleanup
At the end of each day we clean up the work site. All debris goes in the dumpster. We run a magnet across the yard and driveway to pick up any nails that came off the roof during tear-off. The dumpster gets hauled away after the job is complete.
We do a final walkthrough with you before we leave to make sure you're satisfied and to answer any questions about the work that was done.
After the Job
Your new roof comes with a manufacturer's warranty on the shingles and our workmanship warranty on the installation. Keep those documents somewhere safe.
In the weeks after installation, it's normal to notice a few stray nails in the yard even after a thorough cleanup. Run a magnet around the perimeter if you're concerned, especially in areas where kids or pets play.
You can also expect a slight adjustment period as the shingles settle and seal down in the heat. This is normal and not a sign of any problem.
Questions About Your Roof Replacement?
We serve Somerset, Swansea, Rehoboth, Westport, and Seekonk. If you're getting ready for a roof replacement and want to know what to expect, give us a call at 508-989-8383 or fill out our estimate form. We're happy to walk you through the process before you commit to anything.