What to Know About a Residential Roof Installation
Need a new residential roof or just want to know what is involved in a roof installation?
Before we get into the steps of residential roof installation, first let’s consider when to know if you need a complete roof installation. Obviously, if you are building a house, you need a roof. Otherwise, consider a new roof if any of the following apply:
- Your existing roof is 15 to 25 years old
- The roof leaks, is covered in mold, and/or you regularly find roof shingles fallen off in your yard
- You’re looking to improve your home’s appearance and/or resale value
In some cases, a roof repair is sufficient. But particularly if your roof is getting towards the end of the manufacturer-recommended lifetime expectancy, you are likely throwing away money on temporary repairs when you are better off putting that money towards a brand-new roof.
First: Roof Inspection
A proper roof inspection can tell you if a new roof is needed. A licensed, trained, and experienced roofer looks for missing shingles or other roofing materials, pooling water, cracks or holes, mildew or mold, rooting wood, and pest infestations, as well as underlying structural conditions, as factors that determine whether or not you need to consider a complete installation.
In addition, a roof inspection measures your roof. An accurate measurement is necessary to determine the quantity of roofing materials needed and to base an equally accurate quote for the cost of the residential roof installation.
How Much is Residential Roof Installation?
The cost of residential roof installation depends on the following:
- Type of roof materials (e.g., shingles, metal, slate tiles, etc.)
- Size of your roof
- Whether there is underlying structural damage that requires repair before roof installation
- Estimated labor charges
On average across the US, it costs between $9,000 and $16,500 to replace a 2,000 to 2,200-square-foot roof on a single-family house up to two stories high. However, average costs are only that: average. Your roofing contractor can explain in detail exactly what you are paying for and why for your particular home’s roof installation.
How Long Does Residential Roof Installation Take?
Again, how long a residential roof installation takes depends on the size of the roof, the availability of labor and materials, and any additional structural work possibly required before roof installation can begin. That said, the average roof installation is about two days; one day to remove the old roof, and the second day to install the new roof.
Residential Roof Installation Steps
The seven steps in a residential roof installation:
- Tear off and remove the old roof.
- Install drip edge, metal flashing on the edge of the roof that keeps water away from the fascia.
- Install underlayment over decking.
- Install roof materials (shingles, metal, etc).
- Install flashing, thin metal to cover any gaps in the roof.
- Cap roof ridge (the peak of the roof).
- Seal all exposed nails.
Note: reputable roofers do not install a new roof on top of another. That may seem like saving money, but it’s a guarantee of premature roof failure that eventually costs you more.
Underlayment is a moisture-resistant material that prevents ice or rain from getting underneath the roof and into your home. Synthetic materials have long since replaced felt underlayment because they are lighter and flatter, as well as provide better water resistance. Check to make sure your roofing contractor installs two underlayments.
The first is a waterproof ice and water membrane across the roof’s perimeter to primarily protect “valleys,” areas where the roof meets slopes to form a V-shaped valley where water can flow. These valleys exist around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
The second underlayment covers the rest of the roof deck with water-resistant and tear-resistant material to provide the installer with a secure walking surface. Because a safe residential roof installation is the best residential roof installation!
Elevated Roof Repairs
Residential roof installation requires an experienced and knowledgeable roofing contractor committed to the highest safety precautions. While a new residential roof installation is not cheap, it is an investment in your home as well as the safety and comfort of your family. When you spend money on residential roof installation, you want to do it with the confidence that you hired the most trustworthy company that uses the best quality roofing materials applying outstanding workmanship and customer care.
Elevated Roofing is the most trusted residential roofing systems installer in Stockton and Rockford, Illinois, delivering the highest quality residential roof installation & repair services at the best price. We stand by our work and use only the highest quality roofing and underlayment materials, such as CertainTeed. This is why Elevated Roofing offers a five-year guarantee for your new residential roof: in the unlikely event there is a leak or any problem, we fix the problem free of charge.
If you are considering a new roof installation or repair, contact us to get a roofing estimate.