What to Expect During a Roof Installation: Step-by-Step Overview

Getting a new roof installed is a significant investment in your property, whether it’s residential or commercial. The roof installation process can feel overwhelming if you’re not familiar with what’s involved, but understanding each step can help ease the anxiety. From preparation to final inspection, a successful roof installation requires careful planning and professional expertise.

In this article, we’ll break down the entire roof installation process, so you know exactly what to expect. Whether you’re considering roof installation for a new building or replacing an old roof, this step-by-step guide will walk you through how professionals like Lapeyre Construction handle the project from start to finish.

1. Initial Planning and Assessment

Before the actual installation begins, planning is a crucial first step. It ensures the roof will be tailored to meet your property’s needs, considering both aesthetics and functionality.

a. Roof Assessment and Measurement

The process starts with a detailed assessment of your existing roof (if applicable) or a review of your building plans for new constructions. A professional roofing company will measure the roof’s dimensions, including slopes, angles, and total square footage, to determine how much material is required. They’ll also assess your current roof’s condition, looking for any structural issues that might need to be addressed before installation.

This inspection is also important for determining the right roofing material, whether it’s asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or commercial roofing materials like TPO or EPDM.

b. Material Selection

Once the roof assessment is complete, you’ll need to decide on the materials for your roof. This decision depends on various factors, including:

• Budget: Materials like asphalt shingles are more affordable, while metal and tile roofing are more expensive.
• Climate: Certain materials perform better in specific weather conditions. For instance, metal roofing is ideal for regions with high winds and heavy snow, while asphalt shingles are versatile for most climates.
• Aesthetics: The visual appeal of your roof is important for maintaining your property’s curb appeal. Materials come in a wide variety of styles and colors to complement your home or business.

A professional roofing company like Lapeyre Construction can help you choose the right materials for your project, taking your budget and the local climate into consideration.

2. Prepping the Site

Once the planning phase is complete and materials have been chosen, the next step is preparing the site for the roof installation. Proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

a. Protecting the Property

One of the first things a roofing crew will do is protect your property from potential damage. This involves covering landscaping, windows, and walls with tarps or plywood to prevent any falling debris from causing harm.

Driveways or parking areas may also be covered to protect surfaces from roofing materials or equipment. Safety is a top priority during roof installations, and professional roofers take steps to minimize disruption and damage.

b. Removing the Old Roof (If Applicable)

If you’re replacing an old roof, the removal of existing materials is the next step. The roofing crew will carefully strip off the old shingles, tiles, or metal, taking care to remove all debris. This includes nails, flashing, and underlayment that have been compromised over time.

In some cases, homeowners may opt for a roof overlay, where the new roofing material is installed over the existing one. While this is a less expensive option, it’s generally not recommended as it can reduce the lifespan of the new roof and may mask underlying problems.

Once the old roof is removed, the decking—the wooden surface beneath the roofing material—is inspected for damage. Any signs of rot, mold, or other deterioration are addressed before moving on to the next step.

3. Installing the Roof Deck and Underlayment

With the old roof removed and the site prepped, the roofing crew will now focus on installing or repairing the roof deck, which serves as the foundation for the entire roof system.

a. Inspecting and Repairing the Roof Deck

The roof deck is a crucial part of the roof structure, as it provides the base for the shingles, tiles, or metal panels. If the deck is in poor condition due to rot or water damage, it may need to be repaired or replaced before the new roof is installed. A stable and sturdy roof deck ensures the new roof can perform as expected, providing structural support for the roofing material.

b. Adding the Underlayment

Once the roof deck is secure, the next step is applying an underlayment. The underlayment is a water-resistant or waterproof barrier that sits between the decking and the roofing material. It’s designed to provide an extra layer of protection from water infiltration, especially in areas prone to heavy rain or snow.

There are several types of underlayment, including felt paper and synthetic materials. Your roofing company will recommend the best type based on the roofing material and local climate.

4. Installing the Roofing Material

With the underlayment in place, the actual roof installation can begin. The installation process varies depending on the type of material you’ve chosen, but the core principles remain the same: ensure durability, weather resistance, and a secure fit.

a. Shingle Installation

If you’ve opted for asphalt shingles, the crew will start by installing the starter shingles along the edges of the roof. This initial layer provides a clean line and ensures that water is directed away from the roof’s edges. Then, rows of shingles are installed from the bottom of the roof to the top, overlapping each layer to create a watertight seal.

Proper installation is critical for preventing leaks, especially in areas like valleys or ridges, which are more vulnerable to water pooling. Flashing, a metal material used to seal joints and roof penetrations, is installed around chimneys, skylights, and vents to further prevent water from entering the structure.

b. Metal Roof Installation

For metal roofs, large panels are installed in a similar manner, starting from the bottom and working upwards. Metal roofs require careful fastening to ensure that the panels remain secure in high winds or other extreme weather conditions. Sealants are used along the seams and edges to prevent water from penetrating the roof.

Metal roofing is particularly advantageous for its long lifespan, with some panels lasting up to 70 years with proper care.

5. Clean-Up and Final Inspection

Once the roofing material is fully installed, the job isn’t complete just yet. A professional roofing company will take the time to ensure that the site is thoroughly cleaned and that the roof is inspected for quality assurance.

a. Site Clean-Up

During the roofing process, debris such as old shingles, nails, and underlayment can accumulate. Before the roofing crew leaves, they’ll clean up the entire site, ensuring that no stray materials are left behind. Magnets are often used to pick up any loose nails or metal fragments from the yard or driveway.

The crew will also remove any protective tarps or coverings used to shield your landscaping and property from damage during the installation.

b. Final Roof Inspection

A final inspection is conducted to ensure the roof has been installed properly and meets all safety and quality standards. The inspection includes checking the flashing, seals, and vents to confirm that they are secure and watertight. Any potential issues, such as misaligned shingles or loose nails, are corrected before the project is officially completed.

Once the inspection is complete, you can feel confident that your new roof is ready to provide long-term protection for your home or business.

6. Post-Installation Maintenance

Even after your new roof has been installed, routine maintenance is crucial for maximizing its lifespan. Scheduling regular roof inspections, cleaning gutters, and addressing minor repairs promptly will help prevent larger, more expensive issues down the road.

Most roofing companies, including Lapeyre Construction, recommend having your roof inspected annually, especially after severe weather events like storms or heavy snowfall. These inspections allow you to catch small issues early before they become major problems.

Conclusion

A roof installation is a complex process that involves careful planning, expert craftsmanship, and attention to detail. Understanding what to expect during the installation process—from the initial assessment to the final inspection—helps ensure that your new roof is built to last. By working with a professional roofing company like Lapeyre Construction, you can rest assured that your roof will be installed safely, efficiently, and with the highest quality materials.

Whether you’re installing a new roof for the first time or replacing an old one, choosing the right roofing team is the key to a successful, durable, and long-lasting roof.