Are you a homeowner who is thinking of getting a new roof? Well, this article is for you! These steps may not apply in every situation, but they provide a great general overview of how to go about getting a new roof.
Installing a Roof: Step #1 - Planning
- Who's going to do the work?
- What type of roofing will you install?
- When will you do the work?
- Where will you get the roofing materials? Visit our Store Locator to find your closest roofing supplies store.
- Why choose one type of roofing over another?
Installing a Roof: Step #2 - Estimating
- Create a "birds-eye" sketch of the roof.
- Measure the slope of the roof.
- Measure the length of every hip, ridge, valley, eave and rake.
- Measure the rafter length of each roof section.
- Determine size and type of pipes, vents and other flashings required.
- Take "before" pictures.
- Calculate the square footage of the roof area.
Installing a Roof: Step #3 - Purchasing
- Create a list of materials needed.
- Get a quote for material prices. Click here to geat a quote!
- Visit a store to order the materials.
- Receive delivery and loading of the materials.
- Purchase or rent any special tools required.
Installing a Roof: Step #4 - For Roofovers
- Determine that the existing roof has no more than two layers.
- Determine that the condition of the existing roof can accommodate a roofover.
- Install new drip edge.
- Install new valley metal.
- Install new gooseneck vents and pipe flashings.
- Remove hips and ridges.
Installing a Roof: Step #5 - For Tear Offs
- Remove the old roofing down to the bare wood.
- Remove all protruding fasteners.
Installing a Roof: Step #6 - Carpentry
- Repair any deteriorated sheathing, framing and/or fascia.
- Renail roof sheathing as needed to meet code.
- Cut out ridge vents slots as needed.
Installing a Roof: Step #7 - Underlayment
- Install underlayment over entire roof deck.
- Temporarily seal all vents, pipes and other flashings.
Installing a Roof: Step #8 - For Flat Roofs
- Remove existing roof down to the bare wood.
- Repair any deteriorated wood.
- Install tapered system as needed.
- Install base sheet, with nail pattern per code.
- Install self-adhering mid-ply.
- Install and prime drip edge and flashings.
- Have "In-Progress" Inspection
- Install self-adhering cap sheet.
Installing a Roof: Step #9 - Flashing
- Tack on the drip edge with 3" minimum lap.
- Check appearance from ground.
- Nail off drip edge, with nails no more than 6" apart.
- Install valley metal and wall flashings.
- Install new gooseneck vents and pipe flashings.
- Have "Dry-in" Inspection.
Installing a Roof: Step #10 - Layout
- Measure for vertical and horizontal lines.
- Chalk red layout lines on underlayment.
Installing a Roof: Step #11 - Shingle
- Install "ice and water shield" where required.
- Install starter strips.
- Install field shingles.
- Install cap shingles on hips and ridges.
Installing a Roof: Step #12 - Ventilation
- Layout ridge vent slots.
- Cut out slots.
- Caulk around slots with flashing cement.
- Install ridge vents with corrosion-resistant screws and grommeted washers.
Installing a Roof: Step #13 - Cleanup and Final Inspection
- Remove any debris from roof and gutters.
- Clean up ground.
- Haul away debris.
- Return any leftover materials.
- Take "after" pictures.
- Have Final Inspection.
Thanks to John C. Bishop for this extremely useful article.