What To Expect During a Roof Replacement Project
What You Can Expect During Your Roof
Replacement Project In The Philadelphia Area
Getting Your Roof Replaced? Know What To Expect?
Remodelocity Covers The Basics
Whether you’ve had storm damage or your roof is simply past the point of repair, getting a roof replacement is a big project. As a homeowner, you may be wondering what this entails. From getting the estimate to the final cleanup, these all are the expectations you should have for the project.
Getting The Estimate
The first step to getting a roof replacement is obtaining the estimate and you may even want to get several that you can compare. Regardless of which path you choose, there are several important factors that you need to consider.
First, you will want to ask the contractor if they are licensed and insured. You should never hire someone to do a job if they are not specifically licensed to do the work you are hiring them for. Having a license ensures they are extensively trained in this particular area.
Having insurance means that you, as the homeowner, will be protected from injuries and damages that may occur throughout the project. If the contractor doesn’t have their own insurance, you will end up liable for these costs.
Second, you will want to know how long they have been in business in your area. Hiring a new contractor isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but a seasoned contractor is more likely to have the expertise you are looking for. Additionally, if they have experience working in your specific area, they are more likely to know exactly what you need in reference to permits and materials.
Third, ask for an itemized estimate to give you a visible breakdown of the costs associated with each step of the project. This will allow you to see if you are being charged a fair rate.
Obtaining The Permits
You will need permits to begin construction on your home. Once you have established who your contractor is going to be, you can usually set it up with them as part of your remodel costs to have this service included. Leaving it up to the professionals will also be less of a headache for you. The contractor should know exactly what you need and where to get it.
Preparing Your Home
There are a lot of steps to take inside and outside your home to prepare for your roof replacement project.
On the interior, you will need to take down all of your wall decorations. The vibrations from the work on the roof could potentially knock them down, damaging them. In the attic, dirt and debris will be knocked loose so you will need to cover any belongings you have stored here.
Outside, start with the yard and clear your patio. This will allow your contractor to have enough space to work as well as protect your belongings from damage. Clear a space for storage of all materials that will be arriving within a few days of the project’s start. Additionally, you will need to have a space available for the dumpsters that will be delivered.
If you have small children or pets, consider an alternative location for them to stay for the duration of the project. The noise may disturb them and it may be difficult to keep them out of the way of the contractor.
Consider parking somewhere other than the driveway to allow the contractor easy access to unload their tools and supplies. Additionally, this can protect your vehicle from accidental damage.
Removal Of The Old Roof
Once the project starts, the first step is going to be the removal of the old roof which can take as little as one day to accomplish. All the old shingles or metal will be removed to allow the contractor access to inspect the underlying wood decking. Wood sheeting will also be inspected to ensure that it is properly attached to the roof.
If any missing nails are found in the wood decking, they will be replaced to prevent bumps from appearing on your roof in the future.
Installation Of The New Roof
Any damaged wood decking will be replaced followed by the installation of the drip edge. This is followed by the placement of the underlayment, typically an ice and water shield. It’s installed at all roof penetrations to stop ice and water from infiltrating your wood decking.
After the shield is placed, your roof will be covered in felt to prevent the shingles from sticking to the wood. Once this step is completed, the new materials will be installed from the bottom up.
The Cleanup
In your contract, you should have specified that the contractor would be responsible for all cleanup. This includes the removal of old materials as well as picking up all debris and nails from the yard. Once the project is over, your home should be left like it never happened.
Ready To Replace That Decrepit Roof? Give Your
Local Roof Experts A Call
Your roof replacement is a project best left to the professionals. If you have missing shingles or a leak, don’t wait, act now!
At Remodelocity, we live and work by a strict set of Core Values. If you want a contractor who doesn’t make excuses, you want us!
If you’re ready to kickstart your roof replacement project, you need the best roofing contractor in the Philadelphia area. Give us a call at (610) 945-1918 or contact us for your free estimate.
If you live outside Philadelphia, be sure to check out our other service areas.