The process of replacing a damaged or old roof goes beyond just slapping on some new shingles. But many may be wondering what exactly is included in a complete roof replacement. To answer that question in short, a roof replacement typically includes underlayment, drip edge, shingles, flashing, gutters, roof decking, and vents.
It requires careful consideration and expert execution, from the initial roof inspection to the final clean-up. Roof replacement is a significant investment and not an area where corners should be cut, as your roof is the protective shield to your home, guarding against weather extremes and water damage.
Whether your roof fell victim to a recent storm, or it’s simply time to lay to rest your old roof reaching the end of its lifespan, we are here to help. With Leverage Roofing, you get more than just a roofing contractor; you get a partner committed to delivering a smooth roof replacement journey.
Understanding Roof Replacements
You may be familiar with the apparent signs that call for roof replacement, such as missing shingles, leaks, or significant water damage. But understanding the intricate processes beneath the terms “roof replacement,” “roof repair,” and “new roof” allows homeowners to understand the depth of work involved while highlighting the need for a reliable roofing contractor.
So, what exactly is a roof replacement? It’s a complete renovation of your old roof, involving the removal of the existing roofing material down to the bare roof deck, repairing any damage, and installation of new roofing elements. While a roof repair typically involves fixing a specific damaged area, a complete roof replacement involves changing the entire roofing system, providing you with a fresh roof that’s equipped to withstand the test of time and weather extremes.
Roofing materials are a primary and critical factor affecting the longevity and performance of your roof. At Leverage Roofing, we use high-quality materials tailored to the specific needs of your home and the local climate. These materials include asphalt shingles, which are popular for their affordability and versatility; metal roofing, known for its exceptional durability and longevity; and wood shingles for those who prefer a traditional, rustic appeal. The choice of material significantly impacts the aesthetics, performance, longevity, and the roof replacement cost.
The Process of Roof Replacement: Detailed Steps
With the basics understood, let’s move forward to what steps are involved in the actual roof replacement process. A comprehensive roof replacement is more than just replacing old shingles with new ones. It’s a systematic process, demanding accuracy, attention to detail, and professional expertise.
Inspection and Assessment
Before anything else, a roofing contractor will check the old roof’s condition. They should inspect for any signs of water damage, wear and tear, or severe damage to the roof deck. Minor repairs are often part of this stage.
Removal of Old Roof
After assessing, the contractor will remove the old roofing material down to the roof decking. This allows them to spot any hidden damage and make sure the decking is in good shape.
Repair and Preparation of the Roof Deck
Irrespective of the roofing material you choose – asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or wood shingles – preparing the roof deck is essential. It may include repairing or replacing damaged portions and ensuring a sturdy base for your new roof.
Installation of Drip Edge and Water Shield
Respectively providing additional protection against water seepage at the roof’s edges and areas prone to ice dams or water pooling, the installation of a drip edge and ice-and-water shield is crucial in weatherproofing your new roof.
Laying the Roofing Material
Whether asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or especially if you’ve chosen an alternative roofing material, we carefully lay it to ensure maximum coverage, even in the nooks and corners.
Roof Components Installation
The final steps of the additional roofing components are important. From placing the metal flashing around roof penetrations (like chimneys or vents) to ensuring proper ventilation with ridge vents and roof vents, to installing pipe boots for plumbing vent pipes, these are things not to overlook.
Completing the Ridge and Cleanup
Finally, we install the ridge capping – the final touch that seals off the peak of your roof. We then carry out a meticulous cleanup, leaving you with a beautiful new roof and a spotless property.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Roof Replacement
After understanding the roof replacement process, it’s equally crucial to emphasize essential factors you need to consider – from sifting through roofing estimates to enhancing energy efficiency.
Cost Factors
A new roof can be a major investment, so it’s wise to get multiple roofing estimates before settling on a contractor or professional. The roof replacement cost includes materials, labor, square footage, and potential additional costs like permits or disposal fees. At Leverage Roofing, we provide transparent pricing models to help you budget accurately.
Material Choices
While we’ve mentioned asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and wood shingles, your choice should correspond with your home design, local climate, and budget. You should also consider what colors might suit the rest of your house best.
Synthetic Underlayment vs. Felt
When choosing an underlayment, consider the benefits of synthetic materials. They tend to be more durable, offer better protection against water and mold, and improve overall energy efficiency.
Ventilation and Insulation
Adequate roof ventilation prevents heat and moisture buildup in your attic, preventing roof decay and enhancing the efficiency of your HVAC system. By having proper ventilation systems like ridge vents, gable vents, or roof vents, you not only prolong the life of your roof but also reduce energy costs.
Additional Protection
Elements like drip edges, water shields, and metal flashing provide additional protection, enhancing your roof’s resilience.
Special Features
The roof replacement process is an excellent opportunity to consider upgrading or adding special features like solar panels to enhance energy efficiency.
Warranty
Most reputable roofing companies offer warranties for their work. It’s important to inquire about receiving a lifetime warranty so you can be confident in trusting your contractor.
Choosing a reliable and experienced local roofing contractor is just as critical as these considerations. Your chosen roofing company should not only guide you to make an informed decision but also handle unforeseen complications and ensure a seamless roof replacement process.
Leverage Roofing: Trusted Partner in Roof Replacements
Located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, we’re a locally owned and operated family business. We pride ourselves on customer service and professional quality roofing services for residential and commercial roofs. We work hard every day to enhance our community one roof at a time. Our team is made up of dedicated, skilled, and experienced roofing specialists, who use high-quality roofing materials to ensure your new roof’s longevity and durability.
We cannot overemphasize the importance of having a trusted partner like Leverage Roofing for this significant investment. Our team is equipped to ensure not just the successful implementation of your new roof but a smooth, stress-free process from start to finish. Our commitment to delivering quality work and customer satisfaction has made us the most recommended roofing company in South Carolina.
Understanding what’s included in a roof replacement arms you with knowledge and confidence as you approach this undertaking. The roof replacement process can be stressful and complicated but it is made much easier when you have a dedicated partner familiar with every nook and cranny of roof replacement.
If you are wondering if your roof needs to be replaced, or you know it does, contact Leverage Roofing today to schedule your free roof inspection or to seek answers to your inquiries related to the roof replacement process. Remember, a safer, well-priced, and better roof is just a call away.