Most roof replacements are only partial, as the contractors are only putting on new shingles and making a few repairs to the underlying structures. In a full replacement, both the shingles and decking are replaced along with any other structural components that need to be upgraded. The following is what you can expect from a full replacement service.
1. Rafter Inspection
A full replacement should include a full inspection of the rafters and underlying roof support structure. Your roofer will be looking for signs of weakness, like bowing, as well as rot if your rafters and trusses are made of wood instead of metal. In older homes, your roofer may also check the supports and wind strapping for needed upgrades, as these can be out of date compared to more recent codes and climatic concerns.
2. Decking Replacement
Underneath the shingles and between the rafters are sheets of plywood called roof decking. Decking can last for decades and doesn't need to be replaced as often as shingles. A full replacement is needed in part because the decking has been damaged by water, impacts, or age. If there is more than one or two small spots of damage, then all of the decking will need to be replaced.
3. New Shingles
Any type of roof replacement, from partial to full, will include shingle replacement. A full replacement is a good opportunity to upgrade the shingles if you desire. Metal and clay shingles, for example, tend to have a longer service life than other options. You can also upgrade to nicer, higher-quality asphalt shingles in any color that you desire.
4. Eave Updates
The eaves are a major part of your roof. Not only do they seal the ends to the rest of the home structure, but they also contain important vents that ensure condensation doesn't build up in the attic. Wood eaves are prone to rot, so in a full replacement, they will be inspected. Minor damage to the eaves or vents can be repaired, but major damage may mean it's time to upgrade to metal or vinyl eaves.
5. Seals and Flashing
The final repairs made during a full replacement are putting in new flashing and boots around rooftop vents and penetrations. Flashing is used around straight penetrations, like chimneys, while boots are placed around vent stacks. Replacing these parts ensures there will be no leaks at the most vulnerable spots on your roofing.
Contact a roof replacement service to learn more.
One day when we were all sitting in our living room, I thought I felt a drop of water fall onto my arm. At first, I figured it was my imagination, but when the second one fell, I knew we had an issue. Although it wasn't raining that day, it had rained the day before, so I started looking for the source of the problem. After looking in my attic, I could tell what the problem was, and I knew I had to fix it. I started looking for ways to stop the water immediately, but it just wasn't working for me. Fortunately, roofers came out, fixed the problem, and showed me what I needed to do to clean up the mess. Read more on this blog.