Installing a New Roof? Here’s What You Should Expect

Though the chill of winter lingers in the air, with February drawing to a close spring is just around the corner. And for Ontario homeowners, that means it’s time to start planning this summer’s maintenance and renovation projects. 

For many, this means getting ready to have the roof replaced. The climate in Ontario has never been particularly easy on houses, and roofs usually bear the brunt of freezing winters, scorching summers, and heavy rains in the months between. 

But no matter what kind of house you live in, re-roofing is a major project, and one that can cause some trepidation for new homeowners who’ve never had to handle such an expensive repair job. If you’re anxious about an upcoming roof installation, here is what you can expect from the process, and a couple of tips for finding the best contractor. 

What Does Roof Replacement Entail?

While re-roofing a home is a big job, it is also fairly straightforward, and the process can be broken down into four basic steps.

1. Consultation: During the consultation, your contractor will inspect the existing roof, provide advice on materials, and identify problem areas that might require extra work, such as the installation of extra ventilation or reinforcing chimney flashing. 
2. Removal of Old Roof: whether you have a flat roof or a pitched roof, the first step will involve removing the existing shingles. This is usually done in sections to minimize the risk of large parts of the roof being left open in the event of rain. 
3. Installation of New Materials: Once the old roof has been removed, new shingles will be laid down. This may also involve the installation of ice and water shield or tarpaper on vulnerable sections. 
4. Site Clean-Up: Re-roofing a house creates a lot of garbage, and your roofing contractor should take care to clean up the entire site when finished to make sure no nails or shingle fragments are left behind.

Depending on the size of your roof, it may be possible to get all of this done in a single day. In cases where multiple days are needed, your roofing contractor should ensure that all open sections of the roof are completed by day’s end to ensure that your home is not left vulnerable to the elements. 

Tips for Finding a Reliable Contractor 

Finding the right contractor is the key to a successful installation, so take your time to shop around for a company that can meet your needs. 

Generally, it’s a good idea to work with a contractor familiar with the particular needs of homes in your area. If you live in Pickering, for example, hire a company with experience in Pickering for the best possible results. Roofers in Pickering will be familiar with your style of home, and will also understand the unique weather conditions your roof must withstand. 

You should also make it a priority to work with a roofing company with experience in your style of roof. If you have a tar and gravel roof, you’ll want a company that is familiar with those materials. 

While Ontario houses are generally designed to withstand the strain of such a fickle climate, climatic extremes take their toll on even the most solidly-built home, which is why it is important to replace your roof before it reaches the end of its warranty. 

If you have plans to replace your roof this summer, start getting in touch with Pickering roofing companies today, so you can find the best contractor for the job.