The Roof Replacement Process in One Day: A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners in the GTHA
Getting a roof replacement can be very worrisome, especially if this is the first time you’re going through the process, as it is a major construction project that includes many different stages. From the consistent loud noise to the large mess and ensuring the team you hired follows safety precautions, it can be overwhelming. With Nailed It Roofing, you can relax. We handle everything, ensuring a smooth, worry-free experience from start to finish!
Step 1 – Set Up & Protection
The first step of starting any new project begins on the ground and is one of the most important steps before getting on the roof. When our team arrives at your home, we will walk around the property, noting key areas or items that are susceptible to damage. All furniture will be moved away to avoid damage, and highly sensitive areas such as driveways, windows, gas lines, air conditioners, etc., will be protected. Tarps will be set around the perimeter to catch debris and protect gardens and flowerbeds. Eavestrough guards will also be used to prevent scrapes and dents from ladders while setting up to get onto the roof. Once the property has been fully protected, the crew will install the necessary safety equipment on the roof to avoid any injuries and follow the guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Labour.
Step 2 – Tear Off Old Existing Materials
Once the team has protected your property and set up all the necessary safety equipment on the roof, the next stage is to remove and dispose of the old existing roof materials, including shingles, underlayment, vents, valleys, etc. The tear-off is done quickly and consists of exposing the home's roof down to the plywood.
Step 3 – Inspect Roof Deck
Once the roof is exposed down to its roof deck, the foreman will inspect the entire roof to ensure the decking is in good condition. Main defects that require the decking to be changed include soft spots, cracks/holes, mold, warping/bowing, etc. The most used roof decks are planks, which will be found on older homes, and 3/8 plywood, which would be found on newer built homes.
Step 4 – Leak Barrier (or Ice and Water Membrane)
The first membrane installed on a roof, over the roof deck, is called a leak barrier, also known as an ice and water membrane. This is typically a peel-and-stick asphalt-like membrane that is installed on the bottom three feet of the roof deck around the perimeter of the home, as well as in between valleys. The main purpose of this membrane is to prevent ice dams and leaks caused by wind-driven rain.
Step 5 – Roof Deck Protection (or Synthetic Membrane)
After the roof deck and all valleys have been covered with a leak barrier, the next step is installing the roof deck protection, also known as synthetic membrane. This membrane differs from the leak barrier, as it is more like a tarp material that is weather, wind, and tear-resistant. This membrane is typically installed above the leak barrier with a slight overlap to ensure water cannot get behind any membranes. The roof deck protection is installed all the way to the ridge to ensure there is no exposed decking. The purpose of this membrane is mainly to help protect the deck from moisture infiltration. Another great benefit is that it waterproofs your decking and prevents water from coming into your attic if any shingles were to blow off in the future. Because the membrane covers the entire roof, it also slightly helps with energy efficiency.
Step 6 – Installing Starter Strip Shingles
Once all the required membranes have been installed, the next step is to get the first row of shingles installed along the edge, known as the starter shingles, which are later covered by the desired shingles being installed. The purpose of the starter shingle is to create a secure base along the eaves and rakes for all the other shingles, as well as thicken the entire border of the roof, helping prevent shingle blow-offs. In previous years, installers often used a shingle flipped upside down to act as a starter shingle. However, with new innovations entering the market, starter shingles have gotten thinner, with better adhesives to prevent the wind from lifting the first row of shingles.
Step 7 – Shingle Installation
There are many different types of shingles available, varying in style and color. The shingle installation of a roof is typically the most time-consuming, with varying installation methods. The most common type of shingle being installed is a fiberglass and asphalt architectural style shingle. These have replaced the outdated 3-Tab shingles, which were most popular in the early 2000s. Architectural shingles are much more advanced and reliable compared to the 3-Tab shingles. 3-Tab and architectural shingles differ in quality and style, making them easy to distinguish. 3-Tab shingles have seams between each tab, making them more susceptible to blow-offs and lay flatter in comparison to architectural shingles, which give a brick pattern look. Architectural shingles are two-ply, making them thicker and giving them more dimension, with no seams in the shingles.
Step 8 – Ridge Cap Shingle + Vent Installation
Once it's time for the ridge cap shingle installation, the roof replacement is almost complete. Ridge cap shingles are specifically designed to cover the hips and ridges of any roof. It differs slightly from the shingles being installed on the main slopes; however, the color is matched and gives a beautiful finish tying everything in. Lastly, all new vents should be installed, sealing all exposed nails. A general rule of thumb for ventilation is one roof vent for every 10 bundles of shingles on the roof.
Step 9 – Clean Up & Inspection
At this point in the project, all materials should be installed, and a final inspection and cleanup remain before leaving the job site. The foreman or quality control specialist will ensure all materials are correctly installed. A blower should be used to blow off the newly installed roof. This is important as there will be granules left behind from the newly installed shingle packaging. The idea is to blow the granules into the gutters and to do a final blowout around the gutters to avoid clogging. Once the foreman confirms quality check standards, the same inspection is conducted on the ground to ensure all debris is cleaned and no damages occurred throughout the project.
Contact Us and Get your Roof Shingles Replaced in One Day
A roof replacement doesn't have to be a stressful, drawn-out process. At Nailed it Roofing, we minimize the disruption to your daily like by replacing your roof shingles in one day. This is possible with our trained roofing teams that specialize in efficient installations without compromising on workmanship. If you're a homeowner considering a roof replacement in the GTHA (from Toronto and Mississauga to Hamilton and Brantford), contact us for a roof quote.
