In Canada, there are a range of reasons why you may be considering a home roof repair project. Reasons include normal wear and tear as well as damage from neglect. Some parts of Canada like New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland also experience hurricanes and other weather events causing damage to roofs. Ultimately, regardless of your reasoning for considering a house roof repair, it is a big job better done by experts.
In this article, we discuss the typical home roof repair project lifecycle so that you can understand what to expect when you hire a roofing company or contractor to remediate issues with your house roof.
Initial Project Assessment
The first step in the project lifecycle of a house roof replacement is the initial assessment. This involves an inspection of the existing roof to determine its condition and any necessary repairs. The goal of this assessment is to determine the best course of action for replacing the roof. This may involve repairing certain areas of the roof rather than replacing it entirely, or it may involve replacing the entire roof.
During the assessment phase of the project, the roofing expert you selected should examine the roof for signs of damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, leaks, or other issues. They should also estimate the age and condition of the roof, as well as any other factors that may impact your roof replacement project. This may include the type of roofing material currently in place, the slope of the roof, and any challenges or constraints that may arise during the replacement process.
The mark of a true roofing specialist is that they will also inspect crawl spaces below the roof to view rafters and other roof components that cannot be seen from the top of the roof. These parts are just as important and in some cases like mould have more of an immediate impact on the health of the inhabitants than what’s visible on the surface outside.
Planning Project Phase
Once the initial assessment is complete, the next step in the project lifecycle is planning. This involves selecting the materials for the new roof, obtaining any necessary permits, and developing a project timeline. It’s important to carefully consider the various options available when selecting the materials for a new roof. Factors to consider may include the cost of the materials, their durability and lifespan, their appearance, and their suitability for the local climate.
Obtaining any necessary permits is also an essential part of the planning process. Depending on the location of the property, there may be local building codes and regulations that must be followed when replacing a roof. A roofing professional will typically be familiar with these requirements and can help ensure that the project is in compliance.
Finally, the project timeline should be carefully developed to ensure that the roof replacement process goes as smoothly as possible. This may involve coordinating with other contractors or professionals who may be involved in the project, such as electricians or HVAC technicians. It’s important to allow sufficient time for each stage of the process and to be prepared for any unexpected delays or challenges that may arise.
Preparation Project Phase
Once the planning stage is complete, the next step in the project lifecycle is preparation. This involves removing the old roof, repairing any damage to the roof deck, and installing any necessary underlayment. The process for removing an old roof will depend on the type of roofing material in place. It may involve simply removing the shingles or tiles, or it may be more involved, such as in the case of a flat roof that requires the removal of multiple layers of material.
Once the old roof has been removed, the roof deck may need to be repaired if it has been damaged or if it is not in good condition. This may involve replacing damaged plywood or other structural components of the roof. After the roof deck has been repaired, any necessary underlayment can be installed. Underlayment is a water-resistant material that is installed beneath the roofing material to help protect the roof deck and provide an extra layer of protection against leaks.
Installation Phase Of The Project
Once the preparation stage is complete, the next step is installation of the new roofing material. This typically involves installing the new shingles or tiles, as well as any necessary flashing and other components. Flashing is a strip of metal or other material that is used to seal the intersections of the roof, such as around chimneys, vent pipes, and other protrusions. It helps to prevent leaks by directing water away from these areas.
During the installation process, it’s important to follow proper installation techniques to ensure the longevity and performance of the new roof. This may involve installing an ice and water shield to prevent leaks around the edges of the roof, as well as installing ventilation systems to help regulate the temperature and humidity within the attic space. Proper ventilation can help extend the lifespan of the roof by reducing the risk of moisture-related damage.
Finishing Touches
After the new roof has been installed, the final step in the project lifecycle is the finishing touches. This may include cleaning up the job site, conducting a final inspection, and providing maintenance recommendations. It’s essential to remove any debris or materials left over from the roof replacement process, as well as to tidy up the area around the house to ensure that the property looks clean and well-maintained.
A final inspection should be conducted to ensure that the new roof has been properly installed and that there are no issues that need to be addressed. The roofing contractor should also provide the homeowner with maintenance recommendations to help ensure the longevity of the new roof. This may involve providing a list of tasks that should be performed on a regular basis, such as cleaning gutters or inspecting the roof for signs of damage.
In Canada, many municipalities have regulations regarding when they need to conduct inspections during the roof replacement project. If done as required, you can anticipate potentially seeing an increase in your home value assessment, since recorded property repairs are often taken into consideration for the calculation. For example, BC Assessment states in its guidelines that they review the quality and condition of the improvements to buildings. Of course, an increase in assessment value for your home is especially helpful when it comes time to sell a house.
Conclusion
Replacing a house roof is a complex project that involves a number of different steps. By understanding the project lifecycle and following the proper procedures, homeowners can help ensure that the process goes smoothly and that the new roof is of high quality and able to protect their home for years to come.
