How to change your roof?

Procedure to replace a roof

No matter how durable the roof on your house is, it will need replacement after some time. The best way to replace a roof is to put your trust in a roofing contractor. Roofing is not exactly a DIY project until you are a pro at doing home-improvement projects. Replacing a roof requires a lot of material, expertise, and tools. If you have all of this with you at home, you can change a roof using the steps given below.

Step 1: Plan

The first step of any roofing project is to plan. You have to decide which roof you want to install on your home, keeping the climatic conditions and your budget in mind. Nowadays, there are a lot of options to choose from, such as metal, rubber, asphalt, and many more. Once you have made up your mind about the roof type, go ahead and gather all the tools you need for changing a roof.

It is imperative to stay safe during the process. Thus, you also need to arrange safety equipment. If possible, get a buddy to help you because you will definitely need help covering the whole roof.

Step 2: Remove the Old Roof

Secondly, you have to rip off the existing roof. It would be attached to the base with nails. After you have removed the roof, remove the nails and debris. Make sure that you have a clean base to start with.

Step 3: Do some Repairs

While you are able to repair the roof from the top while it is still in its place, you cannot see the damage that is underneath it. Sometimes, there are cracks or a hole in the base. Repair these before you install a new roof in place.

Step 4: Underlayment goes First

Now, you are ready to install the new roof. For this, lay the underlayment. The underlayment is a layer of waterproof material that is placed between the roof deck and the actual roof. It protects the roof from water damage and increases its longevity.

Step 5: Install the Drip Edge

You also have to install the drip edge to keep the underlayment protect. It is a metal flashing that you install at the roof’s edges to keep the water flowing away from the fascia. These flashing are strips of metal that you place around chimneys or pipes so that leakages do not take place.

Step 6: Install Roof Covering

The next step is to install the covering. This includes tiles or shingles that will be visible on the roof. They would be of the material that you chose in the first step. All materials have their benefits and shortcomings.

You just have to pick one based on your aesthetic, budget, and the weather conditions in your area. It is advisable to go for a roof that is more durable as you would not have to spend money again and again on its repairs or replacement.

Step 7: Clean Away

During this whole process, a lot of debris will be accumulated on the roof as this work is quite messy. Clean it up so that the roof looks presentable.

All of these steps sound easy to follow here, but once you get up to the roof, you would realize how difficult it is to even get the first step done properly. This is why it is better if you just hire a roofing contractor to do the job for you. Most roofing contractors would give you an estimate beforehand so you can decide on the one that goes well with your budget.