The decision to put a new roof on your home is a big one – but one that sooner or later must be made. Old, brittle, badly worn shingles are a roof leak just waiting to happen – and when roofing gets past its warranty, you are running extra risks every time a rainstorm heads your way.
Rely on a reputable, local Minnesota roofing contractor to handle your roof replacement job from beginning to end for best results. But it also pays to understand the process yourself, so you know what is going on.
Below are seven steps that every good roofing company should follow in replacing your old roof with a brand new one!
(FYI: Midwest Construction and Remodeling follows these)
1. The Pre-Planning Stage
Every effectively done construction project, including roof replacement, requires smart pre-planning to achieve optimal results. Midwest Construction and Remodeling will “size up” your roof in terms of square footage to determine how much material to order and in terms of shape and contours to get an idea of difficulty level and best approach. Based on these factors, we will give you a free, no-obligation, competitive quote; and if you accept it, it will give you a solid start date.
2. Preparing the Job Site
Next, the worksite must be prepared. That entails bringing in a dumpster to catch the old shingles and other debris, laying down tarps wherever necessary to protect your siding, windows, bushes, and lawn. Ladders, roof jacks, and other equipment will be brought on-site, along with the roofing material itself.
3. Removing the Old Roofing
Never, never, never put new roofing shingles over old ones. That would prevent the new shingles from laying properly, weaken them, and ultimately shorten their lifespan. So instead, all old shingles must be removed, along with roofing nails and flashing.
4. Roof Deck Inspection
At this point, the roof deck must be totally “cleaned up” and inspected. If rotten or badly weakened wood is discovered, it will be replaced. Plus, if nails are missing in the roof deck or if the decking bounces instead of laying down solid and flat at points, it will need some re-nailing work.
5. Preparing the Deck
After inspecting the deck, next, it must be prepared for the shingles. That means laying down drip edge along the eaves, flashing around chimneys and vents or in roof valleys as needed, and heavy-duty roofing felt (underlayment) over the whole roof deck. There will also be points where roofing caulk or tar (around chimneys) should be used help prevent leaks.
6. Installing the New Roofing
Working from the bottom edges of the roof upwards to overlap shingles properly to shed water, Midwest Construction and Remodeling will now install the new shingles. Special caps will need to be placed at the peak and on hip rises, and shingles will have to be cut with care in the valleys and over/around dormers.
7. Cleanup & Final Inspection
No job is truly complete until all waste is removed from the site. Midwest Construction and Remodeling will dispose of it all and does not expect the homeowner to do so in his/her trash can. Rolling, wheeled magnets can be used to scour the perimeter for any loose nails. A final inspection of the work and the site is the last step.
WE USE OWENS CORNING SHINGLES
Why Owens Corning Shingles are the Best Choice for Your Home
Whether you are ready to replace your current roof or build a new home, Owens Corning shingle roofers are the go-to roofers for long-lasting quality roofing shingles. These shingles are the top choice for homeowners everywhere because of the high quality, bold color choices, algae and wind resistance, and the Owens Corning warranty.
High Quality
Owens Corning shingles are well known for their high quality because of the materials used and the process by which they are made. The shingles are layered with:
- Patented Fiberglas, which protects against the elements and has a class A fire-resistance rating.
- Asphalt, which creates a barrier to protect from water damage.
- Reflective granules to minimize the effect of the sun’s rays.
- Adhesive strips to keep the whole roof watertight.
Bold Colors
Curb appeal is important if you are selling your home and when you are living there, too. Your guests, friends, and family will notice how vibrant and beautiful your home is from the curb. When you pick out colors and shades, you have a wide and varied selection to find the right match for your home.
Algae Resistance
Your roof is the protection your home needs from the elements. The roof needs to withstand constant rains and humid temperatures that can cause algae to grow on shingles. When this happens, the algae create discoloration and streaks on the roof, fostering decay. Owens Corning shingles are created with materials that are algae resistant to protect your roof and your home.
Wind Resistance
Once shingles are installed with Owens Corning sealant, they can withstand up to 130 mph winds. This reduces the chances of missing shingles during a storm, which can lead to water damage in your home.
Warranty
The warranty coverage runs all the way to fifty years, with items like material defects and labor to repair covered in them. The warranty can even be transferred once if you sell your home. Each warranty, from the standard to the platinum, offers excellent coverage for your new roof.
When you choose Owens Corning shingle roofers like Midwest Construction and Remodeling, you will have the guarantee of an excellent product like Owens Corning along with the experience of a certified contractor who is known for their superior workmanship and fair prices. Call today for an estimate.
