9 Great Steps to Replace Your Roof
These 9 Great Steps to Replace Your Roof can prepare you for what is involved in replacing your roof. Use these steps to determine if the roof contractor you are considering has proper installation procedures. Will they install the new roof using proper roof installation requirements, which are mandated not only by building departments but also by the manufacturer? Building departments require installation to meet Florida and local building codes. However, manufacturers and quality roof contractors will ensure the roof is installed according to specifications designed to provide the manufacturer’s warranty. The codes and specifications should be followed for the homeowner to have peace of mind.
The 9 Great Steps to Replace Your Roof
- The contractor will ask you to remove vehicles from the garage and driveway to avoid blocking cars and to protect them from debris or nails. A roof material and a dumpster will be delivered to your home for tear-off debris.
- The contractor will cover plants and bushes beside the house with tarps to protect them and prevent debris and nails from reaching the yard or planters.
- Begin the roof tear-off from the farthest point from the dumpster and work forward to the front of the house, removing all shingles or other roofing materials down to the wood.
- There may be an additional cost if another roof is underneath the existing one, commonly called a roof over. This cost covers tearing off the second roof. Additionally, replacing any damaged or rotten wood will incur extra charges. The contractor won’t know the extent until the roof material is removed to expose the wood decking. Costs vary among contractors, so ask the contractor for their price for wood replacement at the time of the proposal. of wood damage
- Once all roof material is removed and the damaged wood is replaced, code requires that the wood decking be nailed off with 8d nails at 4-6-inch centers. Then, an approved underlayment is in line with code. Florida coastal counties now require a self-adhered underlayment (peel-and-stick) or an equivalent.
- An inspection by the building department is required during this dry-in stage, before any shingles are installed. The inspector will verify that the dry-in is installed properly, that the drip edge is installed to code with nails every 3 inches, and that the valley is properly prepared for shingle installation.
- Once the inspector is satisfied that the roof dry-in has been installed correctly, they will pass it, and the contractor can begin installing the chosen shingles. Florida mandates six nails per shingle for hurricane resistance and to withstand 130 mph wind lift.
- Note: If your property is on the island or beachside, use stainless steel nails to install your shingles, as salt air can cause nails to rust out in just a few years. Upon completion, the contractor will conduct a walk-over to confirm the installation meets all codes and specifications, perform a cleanup of the roof, including removing the dumpster, and conduct the final roof inspection.
- The inspector will verify that the roof is installed correctly, with the proper number and placement of nails. The contractor will provide the homeowner with any releases, the signed permit, and warranties.
Some roof contractors focus only on passing inspections without regard for delivering a quality roof, mainly to cut costs and boost profits. In contrast, reputable roof contractors have clear standards and genuinely aim to provide homeowners with a higher level of craftsmanship. They go the extra mile, uphold high standards, involve the homeowner, and concentrate their crews on producing a durable, satisfactory roof.
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If these 9 Great Steps to Replace Your Roof helped you, please consider Florida Roofing and Renovations Inc., which offers all the qualities homeowners want when having their roof replaced. If you need your roof replaced and would like a free estimate, call today. 321-914-3360 or email here.
