If you're looking for information on installing a roof, you've come to the right place. Although every step does not apply to every project, here is an overview of the basics …
Installing a Roof: Step # 1 – Planning
- Who's going to do the work?
- What type of roofing will you install?
- When will you do the work?
- Where will you get the roofing materials?
- Why choose one type of roofing over another?
- How will you proceed with the work?
Installing a Roof: Step # 2 – Estimating
- Create a "birds-eye" sketch of the roof.
- Measure the slope of the roof.
- Measure the length of every hip, ridge, valley, eave and rake.
- Measure the faster length of each roof section.
- Determine size and type of pipes, vents and other flashings required.
- Take "before" pictures.
- Calculate the square foot of the roof area.
Installing a Roof: Step # 3 – Purchasing
- Create a list of materials needed.
- Get at least three quotes for material prices.
- Order the materials.
- Receive delivery and loading of the materials.
- Purchase or rent any special tools required.
Installing a Roof: Step # 4 – For Roofovers
- Determine that the existing roof has no more than two layers.
- Determine that the condition of the existing roof can accommodate a roofover.
- Install new drip edge.
- Install new valley metal.
- Install new gooseneck vents and pipe flashings.
- Remove hips and ridges.
Installing a Roof: Step # 5 – For Tear Offs
- Remove the old roofing down to the bare wood.
- Remove all protruding fasteners.
Installing a Roof: Step # 6 – Carpentry
- Repair any deteriorated sheathing, framing and / or fascia.
- Renail roof sheathing as needed to meet code.
- Cut out ridge vents slots as needed.
Installing a Roof: Step # 7 – Underlayment
- Install underlayment over entity roof deck.
- Temporarily seal all vents, pipes and other flashings.
Installing a Roof: Step # 8 – For Flat Roofs
- Remove existing roof down to the bare wood.
- Repair any deteriorated wood.
- Install tapered system as needed.
- Install base sheet, with nail pattern per code.
- Install self-adhering mid-ply.
- Install and prime drip edge and flashings.
- Have "In-Progress" Inspection
- Install self-adhering cap sheet.
Installing a Roof: Step # 9 – Flashing
- Tack on the drip edge with 3 "minimum lap.
- Check appearance from ground.
- Nail off drip edge, with nails no more than 6 "apart.
- Install valley metal and wall flashings.
- Install new gooseneck vents and pipe flashings.
- Have "Dry-in" Inspection.
Installing a Roof: Step # 10 – Layout
- Measure for vertical and horizontal lines.
- Chalk red layout lines on underlayment.
Installing a Roof: Step # 11 – Shingle
- Install "ice and water shield" where required.
- Install starter strips.
- Install field shingles.
- Install cap shingles on hips and ridges.
Installing a Roof: Step # 12 – Ventilation
- Layout ridge vent slots.
- Cut out slots.
- Caulk around slots with flashing cement.
- Install ridge vents with corrosion-resistant screws and grommeted washers.
Installing a Roof: Step # 13 – Cleanup and Final Inspection
- Remove any debris from roof and gutters.
- Clean up ground.
- Haul away debris.
- Return any leftover materials.
- Take "after" pictures.
- Have Final Inspection.
