Roof Replacement Process

Roof Replacement Process

by | Jun 21, 2018 | Roofing Tips

Roof Replacement

Replacing a roof is the process of removing your home’s roofing system and replacing it with a new and durable material that will protect your home from the elements.

You can protect your property by taking the time to learn about the Roofing Replacement process and how to find a qualified roofer.

When you notice roofing damages, call experts immediately. You need to repair or replace it with a new roof.

Here’s a  quick guide about the steps of Roof Replacements written by Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR.

Related Article: How to Choose the Best Roofing Contractor

Roof Replacement Steps

Did you notice that some shingles are loose or broken? Are there bald spots where granules should be? Does the structure look old and worn? You may need to get your roof replaced!

However, if you want to get the best results, you should understand the process. These are the steps that reputable roofing contractors usually follow to install a new roof.

Prepare Home and Driveway for Roofing Replacement  

    • Clear your driveway of cars or items so that the hauling trailer can be easily accessed by workers
    • Remove all pets from fenced areas around workers
    • Remove breakable objects, such as flower pots, from the perimeter of your home
    • Follow proper safety measures by ensuring workers use appropriate safety gear when needed

Remove the Existing Roofing Structure

    • Workers begin to remove the existing roofing system by starting at the base of the old roof, on all slopes, and working their way upwards
    • Old shingles are removed using flat tools to dis-adhere them from the roof deck
    • Felt paper or underlayment is removed
    • Roofing nails and staples are nailed flat into the roof decking or removed
    • Your homes exhaust vents, including the ridge vent and other penetrations, such as solar panels and satellite dishes, are carefully removed to ensure their safety and proper reassembly

Ensure Proper Flashing

      • Ensure metal flashing around the chimney, and other penetrations are properly installed, in good condition, and counter flashed.
      • A drip edge may be used on the perimeter of the roofing structure. This provides a 2″ lip that allows rainwater to drip further away from home

Install Underlayment

    • Usually, felt ‘paper’ is used as a barrier under your roofing materials to keep any moisture away from your roof’s wood decking material.
    • This underlayment can be 15 pounds or 30 pounds felt, where the heavier felt paper is for steeper roof pitches.
    • For Metal Roofing projects, usually, a synthetic underlayment material is used

roofer replacing a roof

Install New Roofing Material

    • Whether you are replacing an Asphalt Shingle, Barrel Tile, Snap-lock Metal Panel, or Flat Roofing product the technicians that are installing your roofing material should follow the best industry-leading practices and company specifications
    • Experts prepare all the roofing materials (most also help you determine which are the best options for your new roof) and new shingles
    • Once your roof deck is fully prepared for the new shingles, the roof installation process begins
    • Your roofing contractor begin installing starter shingles to build a solid structure

Clean Up and Roofing Inspection

    • Using heavy professional magnets, we find and clear all debris from your home’s roof, driveway, and yard
    • After removing the roofing debris, the project manager will thoroughly inspect the installation and materials
    • Meet with customer to finalize job and receive full payment for work and materials

roof replacement process

Warranty 

    • Your roofing materials should be warrantied by the manufacturer
    • Roofing labor is warrantied by the roofing contractor that installs your roof replacement

Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR has a solid reputation for local roofing expertise and honesty, and we offer an ironclad warranty.

FAQs

Do you still have questions about the roof replacement process? Check this FAQ section and find all the information you need!

Knowing the difference between a roof replacement and a roof repair is essential to define the type of service you need.

A roof replacement means that you will get a new roof. This process takes time since contractors must prepare the structure to install the new shingles. Additionally, it can have a significant impact on your property’s curb appeal.

If you get a roof replacement, you should also keep in mind that the service requires more work and roofing materials, as it targets the entire roof.

Instead, a roof repair varies depending on the damage extent. If done by a seasoned roofing contractor, a repair can extend your existing roof’s lifespan and offer lasting solutions to problems caused by storms, wear and tear, extreme weather, and more!

That’s why it is important to seek expert help before starting any repair or replacement work on your roof. A skilled roofing contractor can help you determine what service you need.

Getting a roof replacement can solve some problems in the structure if it is damaged, but it also offers other benefits, including the following:

  • It helps you save money in the long run
  • You can have a new roof with better energy efficiency
  • It enhances your property’s curb appeal and can increase its value
  • The process can be the ideal solution to address all roofing issues

If you need a roof replacement and want to get the best results, finding a reliable roofing contractor is essential. Therefore, you must make a smart decision and choose the best expert. These are some tips that you can keep in mind to do so:

  • Get as much information as possible about the company since all contractors have different specialties. Do you need a replacement for metal roofs? Do you want a traditional shingle roof structure or prefer new technology? Answering those questions can help you make the best decision.
  • Check the contractor’s reputation on social media or Google. Reviews from previous customers can help you know if the company is trustworthy.
  • If the contractor has a location near you, visit their job site to learn more about their work and the roofing materials they use.
  • Always ask all the questions you have in mind and take the time to interview the potential contractor. A reliable expert will always be willing to provide you with all the information you need.

The lifespan and durability of your roof also depend on the roofing materials you choose. These are the most common:

  • Asphalt shingles
  • Metal shingles
  • Wood shake shingles
  • Stone-coated steel
  • Clay tiles
  • Concrete tile
  • Slate shingles
  • Solar tiles
  • Membrane roofing
  • Rubber slate tile
  • Green roofs
  • And more!

If you want to change the material of your existing roof but don’t know which is the best alternative, expert roofing contractors can lend you a hand!

Before starting the process, technicians can help you determine which are the best new roofing materials for your property and learn about all the benefits of each option you can find on the market.

Roof inspections are essential to determine the extent of damage and the type of service you need.

Before removing the old roof parts and installing the starter shingles, experienced contractors should perform inspections to spot issues that need to be addressed in order to get the best results.

A roof inspection by an experienced technician can also help you determine if you need a roof replacement because the entire structure is damaged or if a roof repair may be the ideal solution.

Putting ice and water shields on roofs is always recommended in areas where the risk of ice dams or wind-driven rain is high. In some states and cities, it is also mandatory.

Replacing roofs requires knowledge and experience. Therefore, before starting to remove the damaged old shingles, contractors often perform an inspection.

Before the inspection, some also ask homeowners several key questions since it is important to know some aspects of the structure. The main ones are its age, roof type, material, and more.

Repairing a 20-year-old asphalt shingle roof is not the same as fixing a five-year-old structure made of wood shakes, for example. That’s why it is essential to give contractors all the information they need!

How to Choose the Best Roofing Contractor

How to Choose the Best Roofing Contractor

by | Jun 12, 2018 | Roofing Tips, Water Damage Repair

Carefully Consider Roofing Contractor Reviews when Choosing A Roofer for Your Next Project

When choosing a roofing contractor to help you with your roofing issues, find a roofer that has a reputation for excellence and honesty. But how can you tell which roofing companies have excellent workmanship, and which ones are honest? Reading roofing contractor reviews carefully is the best way to find a local professional roofing contractor like Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR.

Related Article: Local vs out of Town Roofing Contractors

Better Business Bureau

First, you should check with the Better Business Bureau. Here you can view that the roofing contractor that you are considering has a positive rating with this impartial third party. “The services provided by your BBB can make you a better informed and more satisfied consumer. For more than 100 years, BBB has helped people find and recommend businesses, brands, and charities they trust.” Water Damage & Roofing of Austin has a 5 Star rating with the Better Business Bureau. We are a roofing contractor that you can trust.

Yelp

Yelp is another great tool to use when searching for an honest roofing contractor. This service has millions of users who log in to provide their feedback and experience with virtually any business or place of attraction. Business owners cannot alter reviews, allowing people to give unbiased feedback on the service they were provided. Here you can gain trust by reading what other customers have experienced. Honest feedback and a host of information to learn about the company you are considering.

Google Reviews

Google has pretty much transformed the world and how we find information. Simply go to Google and search for the roof mechanic that you are considering using. You will probably see the business on the Google Maps section, and they will have assigned a rating based on other customers’ reviews of the roofing company. Google users usually are very responsive to both good and bad businesses and review them accordingly. This can be an immense resource to research when looking for a qualified contractor for your project.

Ask the Company directly for referrals.

When choosing the right roofing contractor for your home or business building, it is a good idea to ask for references that you can call. When discussing the contractor’s abilities to help you with your roofing project, ask the referral about the project manager’s responsiveness to questions and for their opinion of the workmanship of the project. Importantly, evaluating the roofing company by its responsiveness to the customer’s schedule is their particular concern. A top-rated roofing contractor will take as much time as needed to explain the roofing issue in question and to explain the process and materials to fix the problem. Additionally, ask about the warranty details for work performed.

roofer repairing a roof

Not all roofing contractors are equal; choosing the right one will help you save money and headaches. Please call Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR for a no-cost roofing inspection. We have the expertise for your next roofing project. We specialize in residential metal roofs, shingle roofs, and tile roofs. We have put together a team that will bring value by building a great product and putting our customers first and making it easy for them to complete roofing work successfully.

Time To Inspect Your Roof

Time To Inspect Your Roof

by | Feb 27, 2018 | Roofing Tips

Roof Maintenance and Checkup

Now that some good-ol’ Central Texas thunderstorms with heavy rain, high winds and damaging hail have rolled through, it’s time for a complete roof maintenance checkup. Passing storms can wreak havoc on Austin-area homes, and more storms are likely with warmer temperatures. Homeowners, Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR has roofing inspection professionals who will check your roof from top to bottom and all around the edges. Be extremely cautious when using a ladder, and we don’t recommend climbing on the roof unless you are trained properly and use proper safety equipment.

Roof Maintenance And Checkup
Roof Inspection
Professional Roofing Specialists
Best Roofing Service
Residential Roofing Contractor

 

Roof Inspection

If you are able – and be careful not to overextend yourself – inspect the ridges and roofing material across the widest part of your roof. You can stay on the ground to visually inspect much of the roof. Look for any obvious signs of damage such as missing or damaged asphalt or slate shingles, tiles or any points where metal is exposed. Damage may also include “hail hits” in the form of small, black dots peppered across sections of your roof or wind damage where edges along strips of shingles may appear to have a “zipper” pattern (you’ll know it when you see it). Also inspect the ground around your home’s foundation particularly near gutter down spouts and beneath edges of the roof where there are no gutters. Look for roofing material such as pieces of shingles or tile and loose asphalt shingle granules. These are all signs your roof has taken a beating and needs maintenance and possibly roof replacement. If any of these possible roof damages are present, call us at Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR. We’ll be happy to stop by your home and conduct a complete roof inspection at no cost.

Read more: 5 Signs You Need A New Roof

Professional Roofing Specialists

We highly recommend you have a professional roofing company – and an Austin local roofing company – inspect your roof. Our local roofing specialists have years of experience and are trained to spot damage that most homeowners can easily miss. Your roof may have more hail damage than you think, leading to leaks, and you may miss signs of damage from animals (yes, they will get onto your house) or nearby trees. One big tree limb swaying and bending in a storm’s high winds can rip a hole in a roof instantly. You may not know your roof is damaged until water leaks through the ceiling and into your home. Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR inspectors will also look for points of damage around pipes, vents, skylights and chimneys that even professional roofers often overlook. We have years of experience inspecting homes and asphalt shingle roofs, tile roofs or metal roofs, and we can work on flat or sloped roofs.

 

Best Roofing Service

Once your roof maintenance checkup is complete, you’ll need to decide how to take care of roofing repairs or a roof replacement. Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR will explain any roofing services needed if you have us conduct a roof inspection. Our roofing specialists will also offer a detailed estimate and we will work to maintain affordable costs in the best way possible for your budget. We pride ourselves on recommendations from satisfied customers and want you to receive only the best roofing services.

Residential Roofing Contractor

Call Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR at (512) 820-6505 and let our water damage and roofing company help you return your home to the best living environment. Our friendly team of water restoration and roofing professionals will assess any damage, recommend an efficient and effective recovery plan, and complete your project while managing inconveniences and an established budget. We’re here to help you with your next roof maintenance checkup and roof inspection, so call now: (512) 820-6505.

Roof Repair Versus Roof Replacement

Roof Repair Versus Roof Replacement

by | Jul 26, 2017 | Roofing Tips

It is true that roofs deteriorate through time, but homeowners face confusion as to when is the right moment to replace an old one. Replacing roofs prematurely can be an unnecessary cost but relying too much on repairs for dilapidated ones cause leaks and extensive roof repair. This leaves the question, “When are repairs enough and when should I replace my roof?”

The answer hinges on several factors such as the shingle’s age, the climate and the structural integrity of your home. Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR is here to help you determine the right time for roof replacement in this article.

The Considerations

Total roof replacements are considered as major home investments, so homeowners try to delay this activity by doing repairs. After all, the prices for shingles have doubled for the last decade so it is understandable that resort to more affordable alternatives. Yet note that there are instances where repairs will not patch a problem, yet aggravate this until it affects your house.

The Roof’s Age

Perhaps the most important consideration, most asphalt shingles are deemed to last for 15 to 30 years. Tile roofs are expected to last longer, but wooden ones need to be replaced earlier. Damaged roofs but still in good shape may be fixed by repairs. However, ones that are at least 20 years old are bound for replacement.

The Seriousness Of Leaks

An inspection will help you determine how extensive the leak on your roof is. If the leak is isolated, a repair is enough. However, multiple leaks call for a replacement.

Your Intention To Stay

Roof replacement raises a property’s value but only do this if you intend to live in your place for a long time. If your circumstances render you to transfer residences from time to time and the roof can still be repaired, repairs are a much more viable choice.

The Hidden Costs

Unfortunately, roof replacement comes with other major refurbishments such as gutter replacement and landscape restoration. Never hesitate to ask your contractor about these hidden costs as included in a comprehensive estimate in the project. You also need to consider the materials you use for roof replacement to avail significant discount in your insurance policy. As a rule, wind or fire resistant materials result to lower periodic payments.

How Long These Solutions Last

Repairs are less expensive to incur but only provide short to medium term solutions. On the other hand, a new roof is more expensive but should last for decades. This also raises property values and is more guaranteed to shelter you from inclement weather conditions.

roofing contractor replacing a roof

Finding The Right Contractor

The roof is considered as the most important part of your home. It protects you from the weather while providing a nice ventilation inside. Finding the right roofing tradesperson that helps you decide whether you need a repair or replacement is a must. Austin Roofing Company & Water Damage | WDR commits to provide impartial assessments for the best interest of our clients. We also give pieces of advice to extend the life of your roof, and when is the right time to repair or replace your roofs.

Read more: Roof Replacement Process

Request a Free Roofing Quote