Getting a new roof is a detailed process. If you are interested in putting a new roof on your home in Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, or Tacoma, you should understand how we go about installing a new roof. Let's talk about the step-by-step process.
1. Off With the Old
When getting a new roof, you always want to start fresh. Some companies might agree to layer shingles, but it’s not something we recommend. You can learn more in this post: Why We Don’t Recommend Layering Shingles.
During the removal process, we will remove the old shingles and tar paper (also referred to as underlayment). This gives us a good look at the roof deck because we want to make sure we are starting with a good foundation.
2. Drip Edge
A drip edge is a piece of metal that is installed along the edges of your roof. It helps to divert water into the gutters and prevents water damage along the fascia.
It gives the roof a nice, clean edge, prevents the shingles from curling, and keeps water from running down your fascia boards. It is fastened to the eaves before the underlayment is installed.
3. New Underlayment
Underlayment is a self-sticking material that can prevent strong winds from allowing water into your house. It’s applied directly to the roof deck (the plywood).
4. Tar Paper
Roof felt, or tar paper, also helps remove the water that gets under the shingles, and it also increases the roof’s fire rating. It is rolled out in short sections and stapled to the roof deck. Each paper needs to overlap the one before to provide adequate coverage.
5. Waterproof the Valleys
Roof valleys direct water away from the structure, so they need extra protection. Underlayment and felt paper are installed much the same way as above, but with different methods that allow for the specific structure of the valley coverage.
6. Install the Starter Shingles
Every new roof starts with starter shingles. These are the initial shingle installed on the roof, just before the first course of shingles. They help the roof shed water by covering shingle joints (and cutouts in traditional three-tab shingles) at the eaves. They also improve the roof’s wind resistance by sealing the finished shingles to the roof along the roof’s edge.
7. Install the Shingles
Next are the shingles. This process takes the longest, but it’s usually the simplest part of roofing a house. Shingles are applied in an overlapping pattern and secured with a nail gun.
8. Install the Flashing
Like waterproofing the valleys, this step needs to be completed to ensure you have a tight seal around chimneys, vents, or other roof penetrations.
9. Cap the Ridge
The ridge is the very peak of your roof. When we cap the roof, we use specific shingles that give the peak a nice, finished look, and help to keep water from getting under the shingles.
10. Clean it up
The final step for any roofing job is to leave the job site pristine. We ensure your yard and driveway are free of nails and debris.
If you’re ready to get this process started, give us a call today.