Roof Replacement

Preparing for Your Roof Replacement

Before work begins, your roofing contractor will review the project details, order materials, obtain any required permits, and schedule your installation.

To help the project go smoothly, homeowners should:

• Move vehicles away from the home.

• Remove fragile items from walls or shelves, as vibrations may occur during installation.

• Secure patio furniture, grills, and other outdoor belongings.

• Keep children and pets away from the work area.

• Let your roofing contractor know if you have any flowers, shrubs, trees, lawn ornaments, or landscaping that is especially important or sentimental so extra precautions can be taken to protect them.

Protecting your home and property is one of the first priorities during a roof replacement. Before the old roof is removed, the crew should take steps to protect landscaping, windows, decks, patios, air conditioning units, driveways, and other areas around the home.

At VanderLaans, we use a combination of heavy-duty tarps, OSB protection boards, and, when appropriate, an Equipter to help contain debris and minimize the impact on your property throughout the project.

Removing the Existing Roof

The existing shingles, underlayment, flashing, and other roofing materials are removed down to the roof deck.

Removing the entire roofing system allows the roof deck to be thoroughly inspected for hidden damage that cannot be seen from the surface.

Inspecting the Roof Deck

Once the roof deck is exposed, it is inspected for:

• Rot or water damage

• Soft or deteriorated wood

• Delaminated sheathing

• Loose or damaged decking

• Structural concerns

If damaged decking is found, it should be repaired or replaced before the new roofing system is installed. Building a new roof on a solid foundation is essential to its long-term performance.

Installing the New Roofing System

After the roof deck has been inspected and any necessary repairs have been completed, the new roofing system is installed in the proper sequence.

A complete roofing system typically includes:

• Drip edge

• Ice and water shield

• Synthetic roof underlayment

• Starter shingles

• Step flashing and other flashing components

• Pipe boots and roof penetration flashings

• Roof valleys

• Field shingles

• Hip and ridge cap shingles

• Ventilation components

Each component is installed according to the manufacturer's specifications and works together to protect your home from the elements.

Cleanup

A quality roofing project includes a thorough cleanup.

Throughout the installation, crews work to keep the job site as clean as possible. Once the roof is complete, all roofing debris is removed from the property. Leaf blowers are used to clear roofing granules and small debris from landscaping, patios, and walkways, while rakes are used to gather larger debris from the yard.

Finally, magnetic sweepers are used around the home, driveway, sidewalks, and landscaping to collect roofing nails that may have fallen during the installation.

Final Inspection

Before the project is complete, a final inspection should be performed to ensure the roof has been installed correctly and meets the contractor's quality standards.

At VanderLaans, every roof is inspected by the on-site foreman before the project is considered complete. We verify the installation, review the finished roof, and ensure the property has been properly cleaned before leaving your home.

How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?

Most residential roof replacements are completed in just one day. Larger or more complex roofs, unexpected roof deck repairs, or weather conditions may require additional time, but our goal is always to complete your project efficiently without sacrificing quality.

Why It Matters

A roof replacement is much more than installing new shingles. Every step—from protecting your landscaping and inspecting the roof deck to installing each roofing component and performing a thorough cleanup, contributes to the long-term performance of your roofing system.

Understanding the process helps homeowners know what to expect and provides confidence that the job is being completed the right way.

Our Recommendation

At VanderLaans, we believe homeowners should understand every step of the roofing process before work begins.

Our goal is to provide clear communication, protect your home throughout the installation, install a complete roofing system according to manufacturer specifications and applicable building codes, and leave your property as clean as we found it.

Did You Know?

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that most roof replacements can be completed in a single day. With proper planning, experienced crews, and the right equipment, a quality roof can often be installed efficiently while still providing the attention to detail needed for long-term performance.