Replacing the roof on your home is something you will do once or maybe twice in your lifetime. Asphalt shingle roofs can have a lifespan of over 20 years, and clay and concrete tile roofs can last up to 100 years with good maintenance. So it’s hardly surprising that most of us are unsure exactly how the process works.
If the time has come to put a new lid on your Arizona home, you’re probably wondering how it will impact your life and how long it will take. In this guide, we will walk you through every step of the process so that, from inspection to handover, you know what to expect.
Inspection and Assessment
Every roof is unique, so the roof replacement process must begin with a thorough inspection. Although you have decided to tear off your old roof and install another, this does not necessarily mean you need to replace everything.
During the inspection, your roofing contractor will examine the state of every roof component. The inspector will also check the condition of the roof deck to assess whether it is good for another few decades or if it requires repair or replacement.
Choosing Roofing Materials
The contractor will also discuss your choice of roofing material. This will be dictated by several factors, including your budget, desired aesthetic, and the style of your home. However, it pays to work with a local roofing contractor who can advise you on how each roofing material holds up to the sometimes brutal Arizona climate.
The timescale for your roof replacement can vary significantly depending on your choice of roofing material.
Typical roof replacement times are as follows:
- Asphalt roofs: 1–3 days
- Concrete tile roofs: 8–9 days
- Spray foam roofs: 1–3 days
The contractor will use the information gathered in the inspection to provide a tailored quote for your project. Getting at least three like-for-like quotations for your project is a good idea.
Obtaining Permits
Once you have chosen your roofing materials and contractor, it’s usually time to apply for city and county permits. For example, in Phoenix, most new roofs require a permit unless they are simply re-roofing with the same material as the original roof. Permits ensure the new roof is correctly installed and meets local building codes.
Permits also require you to hire a contractor who is licensed and insured in Arizona, providing further protection. Reputable contractors can advise you on the permits you need and may even be able to help you obtain them.
Arranging Financing
A roof replacement is a major project, and many of us need financing to get it done. Talk to your roofing contractor about financing options they can recommend. Some contractors partner with lenders that offer favorable rates and terms, including fast access to funding, and do not require home equity.
Preparing for Installation
In the days leading up to the tear-off day, your contractor will arrange for the materials to be delivered to your home. Expect a dumpster to arrive as well to accommodate waste from your old roof. If you are replacing an asphalt shingle roof, it may be possible to salvage and recycle the shingles, which requires an additional dumpster.
To get your home ready, do the following:
- Clear the area around your home, removing obstructions
- Find an alternative place to park your vehicle during the installation process
- Make arrangements to keep your pets away from the work site for their safety during the project
Tear-Off Day
This is an action-packed day that will dramatically alter the appearance of your home. It’s a messy and noisy process, and you may choose to keep your family away for the day.
Once the shingles have been removed, the contractor will again inspect the roofing deck, flashing, and other components to check if they need to be replaced. The next step will be to repair or replace any damaged components before starting to install the underlayment and shingles.
Good ventilation is crucial to the energy efficiency of an Arizona roof. Your contractor will inspect your current ventilation and install any needed upgrades to your ridge or static vents.
Fitting the Underlayment
After replacing the metal drip edge of the deck, your contractor will roll out the underlayment. Roofing underlayment is an additional barrier between the shingles and the roofing deck. It protects the structure of the roof from moisture ingress.
Installing the Roofing Materials
The contractor will start installing shingles or tiles along the bottom and side edges. This is the start of a meticulous process of overlapping the shingles or tiles to ensure the roof remains watertight for years. Contractors use nails or screws to secure the roofing materials in place and help them withstand Arizona’s monsoon rains and hailstorms.
Finally, hip and ridge shingles are used to create clean edges and an arrow-straight ridge.
Quality Checks
As the crew installs your roof, they will be overseen by an experienced contractor. He or she will carry out regular quality checks to ensure the roof meets local building codes and industry standards. Quality checks are crucial, as a high-quality installation should result in fewer maintenance issues in the future.
As the homeowner, you are free to watch and inspect the work at any time during the process.
Finishing Up
Once the installation is over, the crew will turn their attention to the clean-up. Reputable contractors pride themselves on customer satisfaction, including leaving your home at the end of a job as clean as we found it. Dumpsters and porta potties will also be removed, leaving no trace that they were ever there.
The contractor will then take you through a final walkthrough to ensure you are happy with the result. He or she will also talk you through your warranties and how to activate them.
Overson Roofing — The Phoenix Roof Replacement Experts
If you only replace your roof once in your lifetime, choose a company that has spent a lifetime replacing roofs. At Overson Roofing, we have been fitting new roofs for the folks of the Phoenix metro area since 1982, and we’re ready to bring our experience and expertise to your project.
Our residential roofing options are designed to withstand the extremes of the Arizona climate. We understand what it takes to construct roofs with the correct levels of insulation and ventilation to protect your home and reduce energy costs.
We provide tile, asphalt, and spray foam residential roofing options and can help you make the best choice for your home style and budget. Your satisfaction is our priority. Call our roofing experts at [phone number] today for a free estimate, or contact us online, and we will call you back very soon.