Replacing your roof isn’t something you do very often so what’s involved in the process might be a bit of a mystery. To shed some light on the process and ensure you get the best from your roofing contractors, let’s dissect roof replacement into 10 easy steps.
What Do I Need To Know Before Re-Roofing My Home?
What do I have to consider when installing a new roof? Before we begin let’s just go over a few of the main things you might want to know before investing in a new roof.
- How Long Will It Take? Putting new roofing on a house can take anywhere from a couple of days to a week. Factors that will influence the time it takes are the size of the roof, the weather conditions, and the complexity of the roof. It is a multi-step process that involves many components and features.
- How Much Will It Cost? The number one factor when discussing the cost of a roof replacement is always going to be the size of your roof. Obviously, a larger roof means more materials and time, which increases the cost of the roof. The second determining factor is your choice of roofing materials, as rough guide metal tiles (pressed tin that looks like clay tiles) or long-run roofing iron are your most cost-effective options over the longer term here in New Zealand (coming in at approximately $60 per square metre).
- Does Roof Replacement Require Building Consent? Generally speaking, replacing like for like will avoid the need for building consent, however every case is different, so it pays to check with your roofing contractor or local building authority before proceeding. Replacing an iron roof (light weight) with clay tiles (heavy) is where most people will need consent, this is because the existing building structure must be taken into account – can the building actually support the weight of the new roofing materials?
- DIY vs Professional Contractors? While you might be tempted to think you can re-roof your house yourself, this is definitely one of those times when it is best practise not to cut costs on the quality and peace of mind that comes with professional roofing installation. With the integrity of your home at stake, it is not worth the risk – plus the professionals will ensure all legislative and building code requirements are met.
- Should I Repair Or Replace My Roof? Whether you can get away with a roof repair or replacement is going to depend on the amount of deterioration of your roof. Significant signs of corrosion and any roof that is over 40 years old will definitely point towards full replacement. Fading, moss or lichen growth, and being under 20 years old will generally just require repairs. Consult a professional roofing contractor if you are unsure.
- Will The Weather Have An Impact? The short answer is yes. Rainfall, wind and even extreme heat can affect your reroofing schedule. Your roofer is entitled to make the decision as to whether they believe it is safe for their workers to be up on your roof on any given day. What this will mean for you is your new roof may not be completed when expected, but the good news is it usually won’t cost you any more money (always check your contract for the fine print though!).
10 Steps To Reroofing A House
When replacing your roof there are a number of common steps included in the process that need to be followed to ensure you get the desired results. See below for the ten steps to reroofing your house.
1. Initial Roof Inspection
Perhaps you’ve noticed some damage or deterioration in your roof, maybe you’ve discovered a leak, or maybe your roof is reaching the end of its useful life, whatever the reason, the first step in the re-roofing process is to get a professional roof inspection. Specialised roofing contractors are the best people to see for these services and will usually provide free inspection services. They will make a time to come out and physically inspect and assess the condition of your roof. They will then advise you on the current condition of your roof, what is needed, and how it might be achieved.
2. Choosing Your Roofing Material
Having settled on replacing your roof entirely and booking it in, you will need to decide what type of roofing materials you will use. In the majority of cases, this will result in a like-for-like replacement (which helps avoid building consent costs and structural issues). This means if your roof is currently long run steel, you will likely replace it with long run steel, or if your roof is clay tiles, you’ll like replace it with clay tiles. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t choose different roofing materials, it is quite common for people with tile roofing to convert to long run steel or metal tiles. Ask your roofing contractor about your options and the pros and cons of each type of roofing.
3. Making Sure You Are Insured
Insurance is an essential part of any construction project. As the homeowner, you do need to contact your insurance company and let them know that you are re-roofing your house. Your insurer will then be able to advise you on what they need from you (if anything) and what will happen in the unlikely event of something not going according to plan. This will include claim policy if the roofer is considered at fault and who they will pursue to recover the loss.
4. Locating, Removing And Replacing Roof Protrusions
Your roof will have a variety of protrusions or elements in the roofing system that create openings within the roofing surface. These commonly include toilet, hot water and kitchen vents, solar panels, aerials, satellite dishes, ventilation points, skylights, and chimneys. When you replace your roof these things will need to be carefully removed and repositioned on the new roof surface (or replaced if they are old and worn). Taking some time to make these decisions ahead of time will ensure the reroofing process goes smoothly and reduce the likelihood of costly mistakes or damage. You may also wish to add new vents or allowances for light and ventilation to increase the efficiency of your home.
5. Removing The Old Roofing And Prep
Removing the old roofing is a labour-intensive process that paves the way for a clean and solid foundation for your new roof. This process involves establishing site access, taking the necessary safety precautions, setting up scaffolding/edge protection systems, removing the roof and any nails or screws and ensuring all waste is disposed of appropriately. Once the old roof is removed, your roofing contractor will inspect the underlying structure of the roof to ensure there aren’t any unforeseen structural or integrity issues, preventing potential problems down the road. This is the perfect opportunity to address any roof decking issues, as the internal roof structure is readily exposed. This could include the repair or replacement of battens or purlins, insulation, roofing membranes, underlay and guttering.
6. Installing The New Roof
As long as the materials have arrived on site your new roof should be installed pretty quickly. In fact, this will likely be the fastest part of the whole process as everything is pre-measured and all the prep is done. Long run roofing iron will be the fastest to install – professional roofing contractors can have your roof done in a day or two if it’s a straightforward install. Tiles will take a little longer as they are a bit more labour-intensive. The installation process is usually pretty straightforward, however it does pay to be aware there will likely be a number of vehicles and activity on site.
7. Installing Roof Flashing
After installing the roofing materials, it will be necessary to complete the process by installing flashing. Ridge flashings, barge flashings, head flashings, apron flashings and valley flashings are necessary to prevent water from getting in through the joints and edges of the roofing system. Flashing will also be needed around chimneys, vents, skylights etc. It is also prudent ot consider proper ventilation at this stage to ensure your roof space doesn’t trap excess heat and moisture.
8. Clean-Up!
Using skip-bins roofing contractor will remove and dispose of all roofing materials, timber, screws/nails and other waste products after completing the re-roofing process to ensure your property is left in good condition. They will also dismantle scaffolding, remove all tools and machinery and carry out a thorough tidy-up of the site. This doesn’t mean you will be left with everything looking exactly as it did as some evidence of their work is inevitable, but at least it will be safe and clean for your family.
9. Inspection And Final Touches
You and your roofing contractor will meet to conduct a final inspection to ensure everyone is happy with the result. This will include addressing any necessary adjustments or touch-ups and checking for adherence to building codes and aesthetics.
10. Follow Up And Warranties
All good roofing contractors will make themselves available for any follow-up questions or concerns. Part of the process is providing you with workmanship guarantees and manufacturer’s warranty information. Most/if not all roofing materials will come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers undue/unexpected deterioration. Check with your roofing contractor the specifics relating to your roofing materials and keep any paperwork regarding the installation and products used for peace of mind.
Maintaining Your New Roof
Once your new roof is complete, one of the best things you can do for longevity is keep it in tip-top shape. This means following regular maintenance and care guidelines. Here are the basics to keep in mind when maintaining your new roof.
- Keep Your Gutters Clean. Blocked gutters can quickly lead to lead to water damage, so keeping them clean and clear is one of the easiest things you can do for your roof.
- Clear Debris. Keeping your roof free from the build-up of debris (leaves, twigs etc) reduces the likelihood of moss and lichen growth, rust, water damage, and general deterioration, protecting your roof over the longer term.
- Trim Overhanging Branches. One of the most common ways roofs get damaged is from falling trees and branches. Removing any overhanging branches or nearby trees is highly recommended.
- Book In Annual Inspections. Have the professionals check for damage periodically, if you catch it early, you might be able to avoid even more costly repairs.
Replacing your old roof doesn’t need to be a hassle – contact the Action Reroofing team today to discuss your roofing options.
