Replacing the Roof Over Your Head (14 Helpful Tips)

Let’s face it. We all like roofs over our heads. But sometimes, the roofs we like get old and no longer offer protection from the storms. It’s hard to ignore the water stains in the attic, the shingles in the trees, or the splash on the forehead when you’re lying on the couch. It’s time to face the facts that the old roof has gone bad. The roof over your head needs help and Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding offers many roofing services, all under one roof. Here are some tips about replacing your roof.

All homes have this in common. There are asphalt roofs in every size, color, shape and style everywhere and they all have one thing in common. Eventually, all roofs need to be replaced. That dripping sound above your head is a reminder that the rain is coming in. It’s seeping into your home and it’s only going to get worse when the gross mold appears. If your roof is more than 20 years old, it may be time for a roof replacement.

Roofing is not a DIY project. Your first thought may be to buy a box of hotdogs and invite some friends over for a roofing party. Not a good idea. It’s better to rely on a professional roofer and keep your friends on the ground. Falling off a roof is not fun, and the back is the first thing to go when you’re heaving heavy bundles of shingles up the ladder. Roofing requires precision installation and the proper equipment. It has to comply with structural standards and satisfy building codes. It’s better to rely upon a professional roofing company that’s experienced and trusted.

Where do you begin?

First find out if you really need a roof replacement. Maybe you just need a few repairs or a treatment like Roof Maxx^® to add five or more years to your existing roof? A qualified roof inspector can determine the condition of your roof and give you a free estimate on the cost of repair or replacement. Check into free estimates, 100% financing to help you out, and warranties to keep you covered.

Make an appointment. The roofing season is short once the snow or ice pile up, or the temperatures drop below freezing. Try to schedule your roof replacement so it’s done before winter. How long does a roofing project take? Depending on the size of your house, the roofing crew can usually complete the project in one or two days. If the project is more complex, it could take a little longer.

Select quality shingles. There are a lot of pop-up roofing companies out there with bargain shingles, but you get what you pay for. Choose quality shingles by GAF^®, installed by a GAF^® Master Elite Contractor such as Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding. Both companies have trusted reputations and honest quality. Ask about the amazing color and style collections offered by GAF^®. If you see a roof you like, your GAF^® contractor can match it.

Prepare Yourself!

Prepare your yard before the crew arrives!

• Move your vehicles from the driveway and garage and park them down the street or at a neighbor’s house. Move your car out of the garage ahead of time so it’s not trapped inside. Leave room for construction vehicles on the street.
• Clear your driveway of all objects. The roofing crew will need to use your driveway for debris bins, equipment and construction vehicles.
• Move everything out of the way so there is a15’ to 20’ clear path around the base of your home. Move patio furniture, ornaments, chimes, hanging plants, potted plants, bird feeders, bird baths, fountains and all moveable items. Falling debris from the roof can damage things on the ground.
• Unlock your backyard gates so the crew can get through.
• Mark fragile shrubs, ponds and sprinklers and cut your grass low so it’s easier for the roofers to find tiny debris or nails that fell into the grass.
• Notify your closest neighbors about the construction so they can move cars or outdoor items that may be in the path of falling debris.

Prepare your home. Move fragile items out of your attic temporarily. Lay tarps or plastic over items in your attic to protect against falling dust. Cover items in the yard or garage that can get scratched from floating shingle granules, including motorcycles, lawnmowers and furniture. Remove fragile items to protect them from falling during banging and vibrations. Close windows to keep the dust outdoors.

Keep your kids and pets away. Keep your pets and children indoors or bring them somewhere else to stay during construction. Loud noises can disturb children and pets. Keep them away from construction vehicles and equipment. Nails and debris can cause injury. Don’t let them play nearby.

It’s Roofing Day!

Crack of dawn arrival. The roofing trucks will arrive as early as possible to begin your roofing construction. Give your neighbors and family the heads up. Roofing crews are trained professionals with experience in roofing and being nice to neighbors. If you have concerns about particular items that you want to protect in the construction area, mention them.

Off with the old. It will get busy when the crew rips and scrapes the old roofing off the house. The debris goes into large hauling containers to take to the recycling center or landfill. Once the roof is stripped, the crew will do a ‘roof tune-up’ to inspect and secure any issues. They will also check the flashings around your chimney, vents and rooftop fixtures, and make repairs if needed. They will prepare your roof deck for installation.

Installing the underlayment. Your roof is actually a roofing system and one of the most important parts is the ‘underlayment.’ It’s a waterproof or water-resistant barrier that is installed directly onto your roof deck. It provides an added layer of protection from rain, wind and snow in the New England climate. While your shingles are your first defense against the weather, the underlayment provides a reliable second layer of protection.

Installing the shingles. Shingles are the frosting on the cake. Once the roof is prepped and the underlayment is installed, the shingles will be nailed into place and your new roof will come to life. A new roof has many benefits. It will protect your home from the environment for years to come. A new roof will make your home look beautiful again. It may even reduce your heating and cooling costs. And best of all, it stops the leaks.

Grand finale cleanup. The crew will remove your old roofing debris and clean up the site. The crew will finalize the project with magnets to collect stray nails and vacs to suck up small pieces of debris in the grass and shrubs. And even though the crew will do its best to remove small pieces, use caution in the area of construction and keep a watchful eye on the ground.

Look up! When you look up, you will be proud of that new roof on your house. Check out the color and style. See the shingles glow in the moonlight. Your new roof is a reflection of your good taste and personality, and all your neighbors are looking. If you decide to sell, a new roof is an excellent selling point. If you have questions about your new roof or if problems arise, ask for assistance. Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding is here to take care of you and the roof over your head.

Adam Quenneville Roofing & Siding is proud to be a trusted name in roofing anywhere in New England. We offer free estimates, high-quality durable GAF® roofing products and a list of professional roofing and siding services.

Call or Text 413-536-5995
Call Toll-Free 855-552-6273
Or schedule your appointment online!

Blog by Deborah O’Neill