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Roof Installation
When it comes to installing your roof, we offer nothing but the highest of quality and top-notch customer service. RMDG will walk you through the entire process to ensure you feel comfortable with each step we take.
What To Expect When Getting a Roof Installed
Whether you’re installing a roof on your own or hiring a professional, it’s important to know if your roof is properly installed. Understanding the roof installation process for your roof type will help you feel more confident in the final result. Here is what you can expect a roof contractor to do when installing or replacing your roof.
1
Remove The Old Roof
The first step is to remove the old roof. Oftentimes, people will install multiple layers of roofing in order to save time. However, too many layers can lead to missing a leak or other failings in the roof. While it does take longer, removing the old roof down to the sheathing and then rebuilding it will ensure a better roof long term.
2
Evaluate What's Underneath
Before installing the shingles, there are a few steps to help protect the roof. After removing the old roof, it’s important to evaluate the sheathing underneath. Sheathing is what provides structural support and is what the roofing materials are attached too. Your roofing expert should take the time to check for moist areas or other trouble spots.
3
Apply a Barrier
Next, an ice and water barrier is applied around the roof. This underlayment layer is sticky and should adhere to the sheathing. In cold climates it goes around the edges of your roof, with special attention to the very bottom edge since it’s most prone to ice damming and water buildup.
4
Installing the Drip Edge
Once the barrier is installed, installing the drip edge is next. The drip edge prevents water from running down the fascia and then back under the siding, which can lead to major water damage. The underlayment is a water resistant material that goes across your whole roof. For the lower part of the roof, the drip edge is installed before the underlayment. The drip edge goes beneath the ice and water barrier and is nailed in flat with roofing nails.
5
Installing the Underlayment
Next, the roofing underlayment is installed. There are two thicknesses available, 15# and 30#, and two materials, felt paper and synthetic. The 30# is twice as durable as the 15# and the synthetic option for both is more durable than the roof felt paper. The layers of underlayment should overlap by at least six inches to prevent leakage and secured by special underlayment nails.
6
The Remaining Drip Edges Are Added
Once the underlayment is installed, drip edge for the sides of your roof is added. Installing these after helps prevent water from getting underneath the underlayment. Once these lower layers are installed correctly, your roof is ready for whatever roofing system you’ve chosen.
INSTALLING ROOFS WITH DIFFERENT MATERIALS
How to Install Roofs
There are several different roof materials and roof systems, and each one has its own installation process. The first step for each one is safety. Your roofing professional should wear the appropriate safety gear, perform the work when the roof is dry, and follow manufacturers instructions.
Installation Methods Per Roofing Materials
Asphalt Roofing Installation
A layer of starter shingles begins the installation process for asphalt shingles. Starter shingles are nailed about half an inch past the drip guard. They don’t have the same seams that asphalt shingles do, which helps keep water off the underlayment. Starter shingles should also be applied by eaves and joints. Then, it’s time to install the first course of shingles. This should be done by starting at the bottom of your roof and overlapping the shingles, working across. A chalk line can be used to help keep the shingles straight. The shingles should lay so that the top layer of shingles covers the seams of the bottom layer. There should be at least 4 roofing nails per sheet and the nails need to be hammered straight down.
Metal Roofing Installation
Metal roofing looks and functions best when there are no seams. For this reason, it’s best to get the metal roofing panels cut to the length of your roof; this will help avoid leaks. Metal roofs also require inside closure strips. These go on the edges of the roof to cover the underlayment. Once the insider closure strips are installed, the metal panels are then added. One potential problem with installing metal roofs is that they can buckle. But starting from the eaves can help avoid this problem. Instead of nails, metal roofs are installed with screws and washers. With exposed fastener systems, the washers act as a seal. Once the panels are in place, an outside closure strip finishes the roof. These outside closure strips can be solid or vented depending on your needs.
Clay Tile Roofing Installation
While asphalt and metal roofs are installed in sheets, a clay tile roof is done one tile at a time. A chalk line should be used to create a pattern for the roofing tile, both going up the roof and across. Clay tiles last a long time, so it’s important that high quality nails are used, ones that are resistant to corrosion.
Cedar Shake Roofing Installation
Cedar shake roofing is slightly different from shingles. For instance, shingles are cut on both sides, while shakes are split. However, cedar shake roofing is installed the same way as shingles, starting from the bottom and overlapping across the roof.
Slate Roofing Installation
Slate roofs can last for upwards of 75 years. Similar to clay tile roofs, each slate is installed one at a time. When installed, the slates should overlap by at least three inches on the side as well as at the top to help keep water out.
Roof Installation Costs
It goes without saying that roof replacement costs and roof installation costs vary by the type of roof material you want, the square footage of your roof, and how complicated your roof is. On average, most roof contractors...
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will charge between $350 and $600 per 100 square feet for an asphalt shingle roof. On average, the cost to install a 2,200 square foot roof can vary between $7,000 and $13,200.
Other Types of Roofing
If you are getting any other type of roof system installed, your costs may be higher. Check out the national average costs:
What’s included in my cost estimate?
When you get an estimate back from a roof contractor, the price will usually include the removal and disposal of two or fewer layers of old shingles as well as the installation of underlayment, ice and water shield, and new flashing for the chimney. It’s a good idea to check your estimate carefully to ensure that everything your roof installation will need is included in the total price.
When you work with RMDG, the quote you receive will include all costs to do the job. You will also get a 5-year, industry-leading workmanship and labor warranty, something few other roofing contractors can offer. This is the real benefit of choosing professional roofing services with RMDG.
Other Types of Roofing
If you are getting any other type of roof system installed, your costs may be higher. Check out the national average costs:
- Metal roof: Between $12,000 and $20,000
- Clay tile roof: Between $25,000 and $50,000
- Cedar shake roof: Between $15,000 and $30,000
- Slate roof: Between $20,000 and $45,000
What’s included in my cost estimate?
When you get an estimate back from a roof contractor, the price will usually include the removal and disposal of two or fewer layers of old shingles as well as the installation of underlayment, ice and water shield, and new flashing for the chimney. It’s a good idea to check your estimate carefully to ensure that everything your roof installation will need is included in the total price.
When you work with RMDG, the quote you receive will include all costs to do the job. You will also get a 5-year, industry-leading workmanship and labor warranty, something few other roofing contractors can offer. This is the real benefit of choosing professional roofing services with RMDG.
Roof Installation Near Me
If you want to make sure that your roof is in the best possible condition, you need to call a professional. It’s easy to find a RMDG service provider near you!. Your local RMDG provider will then get you on the road to roof repair. No matter what your roof needs, RMDG is nearby and ready to offer you our efficient, high quality services.
Roof Installation FAQs
Learn more about our most frequently asked roof installation questions
How Much Does Roofing Cost to Install?
The cost of roofing depends on the type, size, and difficulty of the roof. Here is a general breakdown of average roof installation cost:
- Asphalt shingle roof: Between $7,000 and $13,200
- Metal roof: Between $12,000 and $20,000
- Clay tile roof: Between $25,000 and $50,000
- Cedar shake roof: Between $15,000 and $30,000
- Slate roof: Between $20,000 and $45,000
How Much to Install Square Footage of Roof?
The cost per square foot varies by roof material and system. Here is a general breakdown of the material cost:
- Asphalt shingle roof: Between $3.50 and $6.00 per square foot
- Metal roof: Between $4.50 and $25 per square foot depending on the type of metal. The least expensive is corrugated steel and aluminum and the most expensive is zinc and copper
- Clay tile roof: Between $10 and $18 per square foot
- Cedar shake roof: Between $5.50 and $10.00 per square foot Slate roof: Between $9 and $16 per square foot.
What is the Cheapest Roof to Install?
The cheapest roof to install is also the most common: asphalt shingles.
What is the Average Price to Tear Off and Replace Roof?
The national average to completely tear off and replace a roof is between $7,000 and $12,000. This price will usually include the removal and disposal of two or fewer layers of old shingles as well as the installation of underlayment, ice and water shield and new flashing for the chimney.
Does Insurance Cover a New Roof Installation?
Most policies offer two types of coverage: roof repair and roof replacement. Roof replacement is usually covered if it is caused by something that could not have been prevented like weather or accidents.