![A worker installing new roof](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211019095300im_/https://media.angi.com/s3fs-public/styles/widescreen_large/s3/s3fs-public/worker-installing-new-roof.jpg?CUPHdXMh9omtarCjVtI1L3NipjI_CgSr&itok=E_bGlu2R)
3 pros!
The many small steps of roof replacement projects break down into seven basic steps in this handy guide, from finding the right roofing contractor to the final inspection
Roof replacement is definitely not a DIY job. It's a significant investment and a serious home renovation project that adds longevity and value to your home when done correctly. Even though you need to hire a roofing contractor to complete the job, you should understand the steps involved, so you know what to expect.
Step 1: Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor
Roofing is not a job for DIYers, however experienced or enthusiastic they might be. Replacing a roof is dangerous because you're working with tools, heavy objects, and at height.
Plus, you can cause significant damage to your home if you get any part of the job wrong. And it'll end up costing you more to fix than it would have done to hire a contractor in the first place. So, be smart and hire a local roofing contractor. Do your research and choose a contractor with plenty of good reviews and references who can answer all your questions sufficiently.
Step 2: Preparation
The first thing your contractors will do is prepare the area around your property. They'll likely give you some basic instructions, too, like to move your vehicles and anything else that's moveable well away from the area around your house.
They'll need a fairly large, clear space set aside for material delivery, which should occur a few days before the job is due to start. Once the materials arrive, the job can properly begin.
But there's still a bit more prep work to do before the team can start tearing off the roof. They'll tarp the ground that they plan to use as the dump zone for the old material and debris. So, if, for example, you have a portion of your driveway that needs repair and you're concerned about inflicting more damage before you're ready to repair it, let the contractor know not to use this area as the dump zone.
Next is more tarps, this time covering anything you don't want covered in debris and dust, such as your lawn, shrubs, ponds and water features, and anything else that isn’t movable out of the danger zone.
Step 3: Tearing Off the Old Roof
Now that the preparation's taken care of, the real work begins. Although some old-school roofers may try, it's not advisable to lay new roofing materials over old ones; this shortens new materials’ lifespans and opens the roof up to all kinds of problems due to increased weight. Plus, in an increasing number of jurisdictions, it's prohibited. Therefore, we recommend choosing a roofing contractor who plans to remove the old before laying the new.
So, your contractors will start by tearing off the old roof in sections and dropping the debris into the designated dump zone. They start in the corner that's the furthest away from the dump zone, so they don't have to keep walking across the exposed underlayment as they remove more old materials. It saves time and minimizes the amount of foot traffic across your roof.
Step 4: Cleaning and Repair
Once the old shingles are gone, the roofing team will clear the debris from your roof and gutters. Note, though, that they won't give your gutters a full cleaning. You should have your gutters cleaned at least once a year to stave off any issues with blockages, leaks, and overflows. The cost of gutter cleaning is considerably less than fixing the damage caused by a constantly overflowing gutter. If the base layer of the roof is still in good condition, the roofers will simply make minor repairs. If there's significant damage, they'll need to replace the sheathing.
Step 5: Installing the New Roof
![A tiler covering a roof with new tiles (Photo by vitranc/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images)](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20211019095300im_/https://media.angi.com/s3fs-public/styles/structured_-_full_width_image/s3/s3fs-public/tiler-covering-roof-new-tiles.jpg?ZAAoOYRtu3qzMTn46Udff7sZktDyCm6I&itok=df0zjNO1)
(Photo By vitranc/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images)
Now that the old roof is gone, it's time to install the new one. It's a multi-step process, but a large team can still complete the work in a matter of hours.
Sheathing: If the sheathing is in bad condition, they'll tear up the old layer and install a new one.
Ice dam protection: If you live in an area prone to brutal winters, installing an ice guard membrane is smart as it's a waterproof barrier that prevents melting ice pooling under the shingles and penetrating the shingles, which causes significant water damage.
Laying roofing paper: A layer of overlapping roofing paper provides another water penetration barrier.
Applying metal drip edging: Nailed along all the roof edges over the roof paper and ice guard.
Adding valley flashing: If your property has a roof with multiple planes, the roofer adds valley flashing where those planes meet to prevent moisture from getting into the joint.
Applying shingles: Adding the new layer of shingles is where the bulk of the installation work occurs. The contractors will start at the eaves and work their way upwards.
Adding flashing: Anywhere that is a potential trouble spot for water ingresses, such as around chimneys, skylights, vents, or attic windows, requires flashing installation.
Ridge vent installation: Installed along the roof peak, this continuous vent improves air circulation in the attic, allows hot air to escape, and helps to prevent ice dams. Where ridge vents aren't suitable, the contractor may opt to add gable vents or other roof vents instead.
Step 6: Cleanup
The cleanup stage begins with blowing off your roof and gutters to clear them of all roofing-related debris. Next is removing the tarps, tools, and leftover materials from the ground. Then they'll use a strong magnet to go over your property to ensure they've gotten all the roofing nails.
Step 7: Inspection
Finally, the contractor will give the roof a thorough inspection to ensure it meets their standards and that there are no flaws. After this, the job is complete.