1. Inspecting Your Existing Roof and Providing an Estimate
The first step is when we get to know you and collect all the information we can about your roof. To us, this is the most important part of the roof replacement process.
We strive to provide the most accurate estimate possible in order to meet your expectations. To help you feel comfortable working with us, we offer past customer references. This puts you in touch with our prior clients so you can ask them about their experience with us.
To provide you with an accurate estimate, a specialist will visit your home to conduct an inspection. Roofers usually do not have a standard rate per square foot since the costs can vary considerably. During the visit, our inspector will note any contours from dormers, skylights, and different shapes that will affect the cost of labor and materials.
In order to provide you with a firm number on your estimate, we use a technology called Eagleview, which uses satellite imagery to measure and photograph the property. During the inspection, we’ll also be sure to assess the number of layers of shingles currently on the roof, note any active leaks or problem areas that will need to be fixed, and identify soft or weak spots where there may be damaged sheathing.
2. Selecting The Style that Works for Your Home
Most residential roofs in the Delaware Valley use asphalt shingles, which we have a great deal of experience working with.
There are a variety of color and texture options you can choose to accent your home’s siding.
Metal roofing has also become popular in recent years and is another low maintenance alternative to shingles.
3. Scheduling Your Installation
Our team will carefully assess the forecast and find a window of time with no precipitation. Once we get started, we will continuously monitor the weather.
To minimize the time your home is exposed to the elements, we remove your roof in sections, completing each by the end of the day. A roof will never be left unfinished overnight.
The process usually takes 1-2 days to complete.
4. Removing Your Old Roof
On the first day of installation, we take extra time to protect your property. Your gardens, patios, and plants will be protected with a system of plywood and tarps, in order to direct debris to a safe area.
As we remove the shingles, we’ll discover the condition of the plywood underneath. While our inspectors usually catch damaged areas before you get your estimate, there are sometimes inevitable surprises.
If we encounter unexpected damage, we will photograph the problem spots and discuss our repair plan with you. In most cases, only certain portions have been compromised, so not all of the plywood will need to be replaced.
We never cover up damaged wood to speed the project along.
5. Repairing Underlying Damage
A good roof can last between 20-40 years, so it’s not a good idea to disregard small damages and say “no big deal.” You want to hire a roofer who thoroughly inspects your roof so they can repair each and every underlying problem, in order to avoid taking off the roof again to repair the damage.
You don’t want to have to tear up the roof prematurely because the roofer didn’t exercise better care the first time around.
6. Installing the New Roof
Before we install the shingles, we use a sticky material called ACE WeatherShield around the perimeter of the roof. We use the same material to reinforce any penetrations, which helps prevent future problems in these weaker spots.
Next, we use a synthetic underlayment between the shingles and wood decking and install new pipe collars and new flashing.
Finally, the shingles start to go on from bottom to top with special cuts for dormers, skylights, vents etc. As per the manufacturer instructions, our workers are careful to use exactly 6 nails to secure each shingle. Otherwise, the shingles could easily blow off of the roof during the next storm.
While installing roofs, we never leave a home exposed overnight. If it’s a large project that will take several days, we break the roof into sections, finishing each before the end of the day.
7. Cleaning Up
After the project is finished, it’s important to clean up thoroughly to get the property looking the way it did before the work began.
Unlike some contractors, we also clean out the gutters when we are finished. Not only is this the respectful way to treat someone’s home, but it is an important step to ensure the safety of the family who lives there.
As an extra precaution, we use a powerful magnet to ensure that no stray nails are left behind.
Ready to Get Started?
When the project wraps up, you can start to enjoy the relief that comes with having a newly updated roof.
Now, you can go into the future without worrying about your roof collapsing during a harsh winter or dealing with leaks when it rains.
When you’re ready to begin, contact us at Porter Family Contracting or call 610.461.1118.
