Important: At Roofing Mission & its Neighbouring Areas (a.k.a “BulletpRoof Roof Systems”), our re roofing service involves replacing the old shingles with new shingles instead of layering new shingles on top; There are a number of reasons why we don't layer shingles aside from it being bad practice; This enables us to replace any damaged roof deck boards under the shingles to ensure the longevity of your new roof. Preventing any old problems causing a brand new roof to leak and need to be replaced sooner than its full lifespan, and any extensive water damage to the home's interior from happening unexpectedly.
Table of Contents
What is Re-Roofing?
When it’s time to replace your home’s roof due to it reaching the end of it’s 20 year lifespan of the past installation/replacement or from damage (seeing peeled or curled off, cracked, dented, sun faded or moss/algae covered shingles), whichever comes first.
There are two choices, to either get a roof replacement or re-roofing to restore your roof back to looking like new again.
- A roof replacement involves tearing off your entire old roof and replacing it with a whole new one; roof deck, shingles and all. Suggested in cases where the roof is damaged beyond repair like damaged roof decks, leaks in the roof, or excessive mold and rot making the roof structurally unsafe for the homeowners to live in their home, etc. Being the extreme alternative, it’s the more expensive solution in both time and cost, that very few homeowners can afford.
- While re-roofing (also called a shingle replacement) involves replacing the old shingles with new shingles and repairing the roof deck along the way. It’s meant for roof decks that are in relatively good shape, maybe a few pieces of plywood in the roof deck retained moisture and became soft or there were traces of mold; Smaller repairable issues. Which takes far less time and is a less expensive alternative that we recommend most often to homeowners.
Why don’t we layer new shingles on old shingles like other roofers?
Good question. Most roofers layer new shingles over the old shingles, sometimes in multiple layers, because it is the cheapest short-term fix for a homeowner but it isn’t what the home really needs; How many layers of shingles are allowed depends on your home's location and the regulations in that area. When shingles are layered like this, it prevents exposing the roof deck which could have mold, rot, damage, missing nails or loose seals, etc. to worsen the structural integrity of the roof over time. With the worst-case scenario being a roof caving in, forcing the homeowner to get a roof replacement.
Being bad practice and reducing the longevity of your roof, in turn your home. We keep your roof intact by removing the old shingles, exposing the roof deck and repairing any issues with the roof deck. This includes and is not limited to the following:
- Replacing any moldy or soft roof decking that wouldn’t allow for nails to be used properly
- Re-nailing any loose boards that if left alone would make the roof look bumpy (after a week or two) due to missing nails
- Re-sealing or repairing the seals on plumbing, chimneys, air vents, etc. to make sure water channels off the roof and there is continuous ventilation available to your roof. Preventing any future water damage
Homeowner’s Considerations when Re-Roofing
As a homeowner, a roof is a long-term investment and should be treated with care, which starts with having the “Right Installer” for the job. Finding this “Right Installer” is easier said than done because as a homeowner, you probably think there’s a problem with the roof and that’s it, while the “Right Installer” sees how the roof impacts the home.
To find the “Right Installer”:
- Speak to Multiple Roofers - Request 2-3 estimates, more if needed, to gauge their experience and warranties provided because in the case the re-roof wasn’t done properly and the warranty doesn’t cover work done; Expect another re-roofing expense within 10 years. Question additional costs like skip-bin hire, edge protection, scaffolding hire and install, and any contingency costs that your re-roof could incur to see how affordable they are.
- Get Perspective - Calculate the value of your re-roof investment by dividing the total quoted amount by the warranty provided, then compare each installer. Based on each roofer’s materials and knowledge, which installer promises the best re-roof possible for your home.
- Complete Transparency - Based on your home’s roof style, location and timing with the weather the roofer should be knowledgeable enough to put two-and-two together with the correct roofing materials for the job. Equally, they need to be able to justify “why” that is the case, supported by your own research of manufacturer’s materials if need be. This is all to avoid inferior materials hurting the longevity of your roof and be aware of all of the costs associated with selecting that roofing material.
- Simply put, ask questions and get answers. This will help to uncover the “Right Installer” for you.
Now that you found the “Right Installer”, the homeowner should consider the following:
- Average re-roof time from start to finish? On average, between 3 days to 1 week depending on the weather, and the size and complexity of the roof itself. It’s best to ask the installer to provide an estimated time frame to better understand your situation.
- Should we move out? No, because the re-roof procedure will not cause any damage to your home’s interior. Your roofer will work in sections; removing the old tiles or shingles, disposing them and then replacing each section before moving onto the next one. Just in case it rains, your home is always protected.
- How can we prepare the home for the roofer? Your roofer will handle most of the preparation, except you can help prepare by clearing areas that the roofers need access to for one. Making it easy for the roofers to easily manage the arrival and removal of roofing materials. Equally, during the construction, safety is important because of the chance of debris falling and the noise could startle any pets you own. It’s recommended that the homeowner explain to their children that they need to play inside for a few days and keep pets in a quiet room to avoid stressing them out, if possible.
Re-Roofing Process
Before the work starts, all of the paperwork needs to be completed to protect both parties. This includes signing a contract, receiving the construction lien notices, finalizing the shingle selection for the homeowner’s home and setting up an estimated project start date.
Prior to the project starting, depending on the complexity of the roof, your roofing contractor may opt to have the materials and “staged” on top of your roof a few days before the project starts. Ask for this date, if you’re unaware or if it is an inconvenience for whatever reason.
Project start to finish:
- Preparation Work - Before any tear off starts, we protect your home and make our work area safe for the team; by protecting landscaping and plants, installing safety boards if the roof is steep, installing guard rails and scaffolding, moving yard furniture, protecting siding from scratches and damage, etc.
- Tools and Material Transport - Transport tools, mobile dump bin, have a crane lift new materials onto the roof strategically (to avoid them from falling off or damaging the roof trusses).
- Tear Off Old Roof- Remove a section of old roofing materials and debris, dispose of it in the dump bin. Depending on the weather, we use tarpaulins to protect the exposed roof from absorbing excessive water.
- Inspect Roof Deck - Check the plywood deck is in good shape; replacing any plywood that has mold, is soft due to water damage, nailing in any loose plywood, etc. Ensuring that the roof deck is acceptable for nailing new shingles, while avoiding existing damage to the roof from worsening and unsightly bumps in the roof appearing weeks later (usually 1-2 weeks after work is done).
- Install Underlayment - Once the roof deck is in good shape, roof underlayment is installed with added water and ice shielding to roof valleys and penetrations to avoid excess moisture to run-off. Cover the roof with roofing felt, which acts as a barrier between the shingles and the roof deck so that the shingles don’t stick. Clean up any debris and material waste, dispose of in the dump bin.
- Install Roof Flashings and Shingles - Once the underlayment is ready, the starter shingles, regular shingles and at the end, ridge and hip cap shingles are installed. During this step, to prevent future water issues and air circulation issues, roof flashings and venting components are installed. This involves properly fitting and sealing any plumbing, air vents, valleys, adjacent walls, skylights, etc. Cleaning up any debris and materials and disposing of in the dump bin.
- Repeat Steps 3-6 for one section of the roof at a time. Allowing for the roof to remain fully protected from wetter weather from damaging the roof at any time.
- Final Clean Up - Dispose of any remaining roofing materials and use a magnetic roller to capture any remaining nails, staples or metal debris are completely removed. Leaving your home and roof cleaner than when we arrived.
In the case of a cedar roofing, there is no roof deck, so the skip-sheathing will require repairs and a new roof deck will need to be installed.
Re-Roofing is Completed, What’s Next?
Your roofing contractor will remove any guard rails, safety boards, scaffolding, tools, materials, transport the dump bin away and provide a final inspection of the new roof. A last check for anything that was missed earlier during the re-roof construction.
At this point, the homeowner should check the new roof and confirm that it is to their satisfaction. It’s highly recommended, to discuss roof maintenance and warranties with the roof contractor to give you and your family some peace of mind that your new roof will last.
Anytime there are issues in the future, please feel free to contact the roofing contractor for further assistance.
