You are surely familiar with the retro encabulator’s ability to provide inverse reactive current for unilateral phase detractors. No? Not surprising, since it is part of a deadpan parody of technical jargon. We all fear those strings of incomprehensible words. Homeowners may wonder, “What is a complete roof replacement?” but may be afraid to ask.
Leave the House
A complete roof replacement for a Norwood-area residence does not mean your entire roof structure disappears. Roofers take away the top layers of your home’s roofing system. They leave the house, the rafters, and usually the sheathing. They replace just about everything else.
Roofers arrive outside your home bright and early with equipment, trucks, supplies, and highly trained technicians. Some crew members begin removing the old roof, whatever it is (metal, tile, shingles, shakes). They take off rubber or lead boots around sanitary stacks, lift off vents, and carefully remove the roofing material itself. Other crew members get ready to install your new roof.
Layer by Layer
A residential roofing system is built up of layers, starting with your rafters that support the sheathing (sheets of plywood or oriented strand board — OSB — that support the roofing material). On top of the sheathing is underlayment, and water and ice shield. On top of that, installations vary by material:
- Metal and tile roofs may have battens
- Fiberglass-asphalt shingle roofs and wood shakes have starter courses along the eaves and ridge shingles along every ridge
- Low-slope roofs (as over a porch or addition) have various compositions of bitumen, felts, or membranes
Metal flashing around chimneys and projections, and in valleys, helps cover joints and prevents water leaks. Usually, metal flashing remains in place. Drip edge along the sides of your roof is almost always replaced.
Sheathing is inspected inside and out for signs of rot, mold, or insect damage. Usually, a written estimate includes a specific number of replacement sheets of sheathing built into the Scope of Work, with a per-sheet charge for more. Sheathing is the foundation to your full roof replacement, so do not skimp on having a strong foundation!
Away With You!
Residential roofing is highly recyclable. Asphalt shingles become roads. Metal roof panels become bicycles. A conscientious roofer will recycle as much of your old roof as possible. The rest is carted away in a container, destined for a landfill.
Carting and recycling costs are also built into your estimate. The roofing crew will ensure no roofing nails, aluminum, or other debris remains on your lawn. Most roofers perform clean-as-you-go routines to prevent injuries and keep the work area tidy.
Keep or Toss
A residential roofing system has a lot of parts. Not everything on your roof has to be replaced with each full roof replacement. As noted before, sheathing often remains. Flashing is almost always left in place. Roof vents are removed, saved, and reattached.
Your roofer will toss degraded roofing components. Fiberglass-asphalt shingles are good for around 20 years, after which they all should be replaced. Similarly, low-slope roofing materials generally have a 15- to 25-year lifespan.
If you have wisely opted to replace a high-maintenance wood shake roof with economical shingles, all the shakes will go. Older metal roofing, past its typical 50-year life, will be recycled.
Something New Has Been Added
Some roofing layers should always be replaced with fresh, new, and modern materials, no matter the type of roof. Keeping something past its prime will not save you any money, since repairs inevitably follow.
- Expect to see fresh underlayment rolled out and stapled down
- Expect fresh, resilient self-adhesive water and ice shield to go down along eaves and in valleys to prevent water leaks and ice dams
- Crisp, tight-fitting rubber boots will go around sanitary stacks
- New flashing and caulking may be needed around vents and other roof piercings
- New drip edge will help usher water off the sides of your roof pitches
They’re Off!
Most residential roof replacement takes between one and two days. Crews work skillfully and quickly to install your beautiful replacement roof. As soon as the work is done and inspected, crew members clean up, store equipment, and are off!
No dallying, no idle time. Another job awaits. You are left with a clean yard, a gorgeous new roof that boosts curb appeal, and the serenity that comes from having a roof that will last at least 20 years. You are free to admire your replacement roof, and all its interconnected new layers, in peace. Please connect with us today at O’LYN Roofing. We specialize in applying our 40+ years of experience in the roofing industry so that you, our faithful clients, feel comfortable asking questions about their Norwood-area homes. Our highly skilled technicians are ready to safely make affordable repairs to every type of residential roof.
