Roof installation may mystify or feel complicated to the majority of consumers. However, understanding the roof installation process is crucial to a successful project. For the most part, roofing installation is pretty straightforward. Today, there are many informative documents, presentations, and videos available online, through supply chains, and from manufacturers that explain and give presentations on approved installations and best practices.

One of the biggest issues that comes up with roof installation is workmanship. Most of the failures in roofs within the first 10 years, if not weather related, will be due to poor workmanship. But, understanding guideline roof installation before interviewing potential roofers can help you determine if the potential roofers are telling the truth about their trade and the roof systems they install. A roof replacement requires hiring a professional roofer to get the job done right.

Roof installation requirements can vary from state to state, pending climate and particular environmental exposures, such as hurricanes or high wind areas. Roof installation requirements can also change based on the type or brand of shingle being installed. But, for the most part, building code and manufacturer requirements for roofing systems are consistent across the board. Local building code or inspection offices can also be contacted to verify those local requirements, or any changes from year to year.

The choice of roofing material, such as asphalt shingles, can be influenced by local building codes and environmental conditions.

When you talk to a roofer about their system, they should be able to explain their process from start to finish in their proposal. Removing the roof and inspecting all the roof decking and existing flashings and penetrations would be the first step. If it’s determined that any decking or penetrations need to be replaced it would be at this time.

Proper underlayment installation is key to protect the roof decking and overall roof performance. Knowing what kind of decking you have and if it meets code is important, as well. It’s helpful for contractors to try to look at the underside of the deck from attic access before quoting a roof. This will help identify any additional costs that may come up with a new roof installation.

Once the integrity of the decking has been established and/or corrected, drip edge is the first component of a roofing system that gets installed. It is important for a roofer to identify anything that might impede the installation or access of the old drip edge such as gutter styles and/or gutter screens or helmets that may need to be professionally removed by a gutter installer. Additionally, using the correct type and size of roofing nails is crucial to ensure proper attachment of the drip edge and shingles.

The next component of the roof system is the ice and water shield that should be installed to meet the 2’ beyond the interior wall application from the eave edge up, flashing in the drip edge. This is followed by installation of a quality brand synthetic felt.

Next, pending warranty designation, a shingle starter should always be applied at minimum of the eave edge, and at times the rake edge. The type of starter used is determined by the style of shingle selected. After the starter is installed, step and or counter flashings would be installed at this point, pending intersections and penetrations. Finally, ridge cap shingles should be installed to seal the ridge of the roof, ensuring proper water drainage and preventing wind damage.

Then, the biggest component of the roof system is installed: the shingles. There is a particular method to installing the shingles, from how they are cut and staggered, to the exposure, to the quantity and location of the fasteners. An asphalt shingle roof is a cost-effective option that offers durability and ease of installation. After your shingles have been installed, for the final parts of a roof install, you will want to make sure that your roofer has planned to implement appropriate ventilation.

Once the ventilation is installed, all of the hips and ridges will be re-capped and sealed to complete your roof. To verify roof installation specifications, it is best to reference manufacturer requirements. Proper installation is crucial to prevent long-term issues such as roof leaks.