If you’re looking to replace your residential roof or installing a roof on a new construction home project, one of the first things to understand is how the process works.

The fact is that of all the home updates and repairs, having a new roof installed is one of the most vital. Without a well-designed and securely fitted roof, your property could end up damaged, from insulation to water-logged drywall to damaged furnishings or flooring- that’s why having a quality roof installed is so crucial.

The question is: how can you determine if the roof you’re having installed by your roofing contractor is of good quality? The best step that you can take is to understand what goes into a residential roofing installation project.

Here’s a general overview of what you should know about the process of installing a new roof at home

What is the home roofing installation process? 

When hiring a roofing company to handle your residential roofing installation (whether for new construction or to replace an old, damaged roof), you can only make informed choices if you clearly understand how the process works and how long the process should take.

How long does the project usually take?

Usually, the process of residential roof installation takes a couple of days to a week to complete, depending on the size of the roof and if any additional repairs need to be made to the decking or fascia.

For a more succinct timeline, speak with your roofing contractor about their processes and how long they would expect your roofing installation to take.

Roofing Project Step by Step

The first step to installing a new roof is to properly assess the current roof and determine what materials will be needed to complete the project. It may be the case that particular materials can be reused, such as tile, depending on their condition.

Once the necessary materials are determined, the next step is to order what is needed, schedule "tear-off," and plan for a dumpster to store any waste materials.

The next step is for all existing tile or shingles, as well as the underlayment to be stripped and removed from the roof (tile can be reused if in a good enough condition.)

At this point, the plywood (decking) and in some cases the rafters are exposed. If there is any damaged wood or possible structural issues, they can be identified and removed, replaced, or fixed.

Next, if needed, new plywood is installed on the rafters, and then drip edge is installed at the edges of the roof to prevent water from running down the fascia. The next step is to install the underlayment, which is usually a synthetic waterproofing material. Proper installation of the underlayment, especially in the valleys (along with valley metal), around the chimney, and on the peak, is critical to ensure that moisture doesn’t penetrate your roof, causing damage to your home’s interior. Even though there is no tile or shingles on the roof at this point, it is waterproof.

The next step is to install the tile or shingles by using the appropriate size and type of nail or screw. When installing a tile roof, the installation method can vary depending on the material used, like concrete, slate, or clay. Also, the architectural look can determine the installation process (i.e., two-piece Spanish-style tile).

No matter what kind of material is used, they all work the same way. Laid down correctly by an experienced roofing company, the entire installation fits together so your roof is watertight and can shed water appropriately.

Now the finishing touches to completing a residential roof installation include adding metal flashing around the chimney to provide a tight seal, installing a shingle ridge cap or tile trim at the top of the ridge which provides added protection against wind or water intrusion, and lastly, sealing and painting all pipes.

There you have it, a guide to the ins and outs and what you can expect from the process of having a new roof installed.

Greatway Roofing has over 22 years of experience as the leading Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley, and Ventura County roofing company.

We offer free, comprehensive estimates, and our work is fully guaranteed. Need a new roof? Talk to one of our friendly team members now at (805) 523-2550.