Roofing Contractors: What Do They Do On and Off the Job Site?

Roofing projects can be exhausting. There’s the consultation, inspection, financing, actual decision-making – it’s a lot. It’s even worse if you’re unclear on expectations, which adds unnecessary stress and confusion.  With a qualified roofing contractor by your side, the process is simpler. Here’s a breakdown of the role roofing contractors play in your roofing project, specifically a roofing replacement. 

Steps In A Roofing Replacement Project

Roofs are large investments. Luckily, a high-quality, well-installed roof can serve you for decades. Unfortunately, some roofing contractors rush through the process or cut corners during installation. Roofing replacement is an art mastered by professional contractors. Failure to follow proper procedures may result in more damage and increased costs. That being said, on and off-site roofing process varies from one contractor to the next; however, most reputable roofing contractors follow a similar blueprint.  

Acquire necessary permits

The first step in a roofing project is to acquire the necessary permits from the local and state building departments. This might include the architectural review board or special homeowner association permits. In some areas, these permits regulate the roofing material and color you use. 

Roofing material delivery

Once the contractor determines what’s acceptable in your community, they’ll deliver all the roofing materials to your residence. The delivery can either be in the afternoon before the project starting date or the morning of. 

The roofing materials delivered depend on the size of your roof. It’s important that the delivered materials are kept in a dry area close to the roof’s access point. 

Move vehicles to safety

When the contractor arrives on the project starting date, they’ll ensure all valuables, including pottery plants, furniture, and grill, are moved to a safe spot. 

Moreover, they’ll request that you move your vehicle(s) from the garage to avoid inconvenience. It’s also a precaution that protects your cars from damage. The last thing you want is to deal with a windshield shattered by debris falling from the roof.  

Protecting your property

A contractor’s most important job is ensuring everyone on your property is safe during the project. This calls for them to set up the job site with proper safety equipment to avoid injury. 

The contractor is also responsible for protecting your property from damage when tearing off the roof. For instance, they’ll tarp the ground to act as the dump zone and cover the landscaping, shrubbery, and pool too. 

Tearing off the old roof and installing the new roof

Using special tools, the roofing contractor will pry off the old roof in sections. They often start on the corner furthest from the driveway so that they move towards the new materials and dumpster.

Note: if the old roof contains asbestos, it must be removed and disposed of according to local, state, and federal regulations. The contractor should be certified to handle the disposal of asbestos.

Inspect the wood decking

The decking acts as the base of the roof. If the roof replacement was because of water damage, there’s a chance the decking is damaged too. The decking could be rotted and soft due to the damage. A thorough inspection will be done to ensure the deck is solid enough for the new roof. 

Preparing the roof’s surface

The contractor performs a few different steps to prepare the roof’s surface for new material. These include:

• Drip edge installation – this is a non-corrosive metal placed on the roof’s edge that prevents water from seeping underneath and causing damage. 
• Installing underlayment – This is a waterproof material that’s installed between the roofing material and the wood decking. It prevents water from melted ice or rain from seeping into the decking and damaging the roof’s surface.

Installing the new roof

The tearing down process, inspecting the wood decking, and preparing the roof’s surface should happen in quick succession. If the roof is large and cannot be done in a day, the contractor should complete it in portions. The intersections between the old and new roof should be watertight to protect your home’s interior from damage. 

Clean-up and inspection

After the new roof is installed, the roofing contractor and his team will clear leftover debris from the project, leaving your property clean. The contractor then inspects the roof ensuring it meets quality standards. 

Licenses Your Roofing Contractor Should Have

Roofing license

In Florida, every contractor needs a license to offer roofing services. To earn the license, one must be over 18, have four years of experience, have a degree in construction or a related field, or have a college certificate plus work experience. They must also pass a licensing exam.  

Insurance coverage

The roofing contractor should have liability and worker’s compensation insurance. Liability insurance covers any damage to your property during the project, while worker’s compensation insurance protects the roofers from work-related injuries. 

Manufacturer certification

Although roofing contractors don’t need to be manufacturer-certified to handle roofing projects, it’s a big plus. Certified roofing contractors go through manufacturer training that makes them experts in specific roofing materials and systems. 

Our Roofing Experts Are Here To Help 

You deserve to work with skilled and experienced professionals to provide high-quality roofing solutions. You can count on All Phase Construction USA to deliver high-quality service. Our professionals are licensed and have over 30 years of combined roofing experience.

Whether you need a fresh install or a repair, we can get the job done professionally and efficiently. We’ll assess your roofing system and provide an honest and comprehensive quote. Contact us today to get a licensed and professional expert on your project!