Roof Installation Process

What Is Roof Installation Process?

A full roof installation follows a fixed sequence, and each step exists to protect the ones after it. The old covering is torn off to expose the decking, which is inspected board by board; rotten or delaminated sections are replaced, because fasteners cannot hold in compromised wood. Ice-and-water membrane or synthetic underlayment goes down next as the secondary water barrier, followed by drip edge at the eaves and rakes and new flashing at walls, chimneys, and penetrations — reusing old flashing is a common shortcut that causes later leaks. The covering is then installed to the manufacturer's nailing pattern, which is what its wind rating and warranty depend on: nails in the nailing zone, correct count per shingle, driven flush, not overdriven. Ridge ventilation and hip/ridge caps finish the field. A typical single-family asphalt replacement takes one to three days; cleanup includes a magnetic sweep of the yard and driveway for dropped nails.

Important Distinction

Note: An overlay (installing new shingles over old) is not the same as a full installation with tear-off; overlays hide deck condition and most manufacturers limit or void warranties over them.

Also Known As

These are the search terms and phrases that commonly refer to this topic, so you can find it however you describe it.