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• Asphalt Shingles: These are a go-to choice for many homeowners because they’re affordable and easy to install. They come in different styles, like three-tab shingles, architectural shingles, and high-end designer options.
• Metal Roofing: Durable and long-lasting, metal roofs can be found in panels or shingles. They’re made from materials like aluminum, steel, zinc, or copper, and they offer a modern look with great weather resistance.
• Clay and Concrete Tiles: Typically used in Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes, these tiles are known for their durability and fire resistance. Clay tiles are more traditional, while concrete tiles can offer a less expensive alternative with similar aesthetics.
• Slate: If you’re looking for something high-end and long-lasting, slate is a great option. It’s one of the most durable roofing materials out there, though it comes with a higher price tag and requires skilled installation.
• Wood Shingles and Shakes: For a rustic, natural appearance, wood shingles or shakes are a great choice. They’re usually made from cedar, but they require more maintenance and may not be suitable for fire-prone areas.

1. Inform your neighbors. The thing is that a roof replacement is a big and messy affair–and you’ll want to tell your neighbors beforehand so they can make their own arrangements. This also helps you avoid getting hit with noise complaints. 
2. Consult your local HOA. The color and design of your new roof can actually affect the look of the entire neighborhood. That’s why you should check in with your local homeowner’s association (if your community has one) to determine whether your new roof will be breaking any guidelines or covenants. To increase the chances of your project getting approved by your HOA, work with one of the trusted roofers in your area, Next Level Roofers.
3. Hire a reliable roof replacement company. Much of the success of your project will depend on the expertise of your chosen contractor. That’s why it pays to hire someone licensed, bonded, and insured like Next Level Roofers. We also have the necessary experience to ensure your roof replacement is done perfectly right the first time. Plus, we are a GAF Master Elite roofing company, which means access to top-tier roofing systems and the extended warranty coverage included with them.
4. Prepare your home for the work ahead. What you need to do may include, but aren’t limited to:

• Clearing the driveway of your vehicles so your roofer can easily access the worksite.
• Parking your vehicles across the street to protect them from debris.
• Mowing your lawn before the roof installation because taller grass can hide stray nails and other roof debris.
• Making sure you have the necessary building permits for the job (your roofer will usually take care of the legwork).
• Being on the same page with your roofer about preventing unnecessary mess and damage to your property.
• Taking down fixtures and decor from walls and ceilings.
• Arranging for a temporary place to live in until the work is completed.

Step 1: Prepare the Work Area

Before you start removing shingles, prepare your work area:

• Clear the ground: Remove any obstacles around your home’s perimeter where debris might fall.
• Set up a trash chute or tarps: Lay tarps around the house to collect debris, or use a trash chute to direct debris into a dumpster.

Step 2: Remove Ridge Caps

• Use a roofing shovel or pry bar to lift the ridge caps, starting at one end and working your way across.
• Remove any nails that hold the ridge caps in place.

Step 3: Start Removing Shingles

With the ridge caps removed, you can start removing the shingles:

• Begin at the peak of the roof and work your way down. This ensures that you’re not walking on exposed decking.
• Slide the roofing shovel under the shingles and lift them up, prying the nails out at the same time.
• Continue lifting and prying shingles until you reach the edge of the roof.

Step 4: Deal with Nails and Underlayment

• Remove remaining nails using a hammer or pry bar.
• Cut and remove the underlayment (felt paper or synthetic material) with a utility knife.
• Inspect for any damage to the decking and repair as needed before proceeding with new shingles.

Step 5: Inspect the Roof Decking

After all the shingles and underlayment are removed, inspect the roof decking for any signs of damage or rot:

• Replace any damaged decking to ensure a solid foundation for your new roof.
• Check for nails or debris

The roof dry-in process consists of installing the following components:

• Roofing underlayment
• Flashings
• Drip edges
• Temporary coverings

Each of these components plays a crucial role in ensuring the overall integrity and durability of your roofing system.

Roofing Underlayment

Roofing underlayment is a protective barrier installed beneath the roofing material to provide additional defense against water damage. This underlayment can be made of materials such as felt or synthetic materials, with synthetic underlayment being the preferred choice due to its enhanced durability and superior resistance to the elements.

To ensure the efficacy of your roofing underlayment in preventing moisture from seeping into the wood substrate and causing damage to your home’s interior, especially when it comes to roof decking and roof sheathing, it is crucial to install the roofing underlayment correctly on the wood substrate prior to the installation of the roof sheathing.

Flashings and Drip Edges

Flashings and drip edges are essential components of a roofing system. Metal flashings are typically installed to prevent water from infiltrating the joints and intersections of a roof. They are regularly utilized around:

• chimneys
• vents
• skylights
• other roof penetrations

Drip edges, on the other hand, are metal strips installed along the roof’s edges to direct water away from the fascia and into the gutters, thus protecting the roofline, siding, and fascia from water damage. The correct installation of flashings and drip edges is essential in averting leaks and water damage

1. Ice and Water Shield: This membrane is particularly important in areas prone to ice dams or heavy rain. It’s applied along the eaves, valleys, and around roof penetrations (like chimneys and vents) to prevent water from seeping into vulnerable areas.

These protective layers are crucial for extending the life of your roof and preventing leaks.

Step 3: Installing Starter Shingles

Starter shingles, also called starter strips, are the first row of shingles installed at the edge of the roof. These shingles provide an added layer of protection against wind uplift and help ensure the rest of the shingles are aligned properly. The starter shingles are placed along the eaves and rakes (the edges of the roof) before the main field shingles are installed.

Step 4: Installing the Shingles

Now comes the main part of the installation—the shingles themselves. Shingles are installed starting from the bottom edge of the roof and working upward in a staggered pattern. This method ensures proper coverage and alignment.

1. Nailing: Shingles are secured to the roof deck with roofing nails. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for nail placement and the number of nails per shingle. Inadequate nailing can lead to shingle blow-offs or leaks, while over-nailing can damage the shingles.
2. Overlapping: Each row of shingles overlaps the one below it, ensuring that water flows smoothly down the roof and off the edge without seeping underneath. This overlapping pattern is essential for proper water shedding and protection from the elements.
3. Cutting to Fit: Roofers will trim shingles as needed to fit around roof penetrations like chimneys, vents, and skylights. Special attention is given to areas like valleys (where two roof planes meet) to ensure they are properly sealed and protected.

Step 5: Installing Roof Flashing

Flashing is a critical component of roof installation, used to seal and protect areas where the roof meets vertical structures like walls, chimneys, or skylights. Flashing is typically made of metal (such as aluminum or steel) and is installed to prevent water from penetrating these joints.

For example, step flashing is used along the edges where a roof meets a wall, while chimney flashing is installed around the base of chimneys. Proper flashing installation is essential to prevent leaks and extend the life of your roof.

Step 6: Installing Ridge Cap Shingles

The final step of shingle installation is placing the ridge cap shingles along the roof’s peak. Ridge cap shingles are designed to cover the top ridge of the roof, providing a finished look while also protecting this vulnerable area from water intrusion. They are installed in a way that allows ventilation through the ridge while keeping out moisture and debris.

  We will conduct a final inspection to ensure everything has been installed correctly and that there are no missed spots or loose shingles. The roof will be checked for proper alignment, secure nailing, and any potential issues with flashing or sealing.

After the inspection, the roofing team will clean up the site, removing any debris, old roofing materials, and nails that may have fallen during the installation process. It’s important to make sure the cleanup is thorough, as stray nails or debris can pose a safety hazard.