Thinking about a roof replacement? It’s a big decision, and understanding the process can make all the difference. As a homeowner, you deserve to know what goes into installing a new roof on your most valuable asset – your home.
I’m Chad Yochens, owner of Roofiant, and I’ve been replacing roofs and serving homeowners in Central Ohio for over 20 years. At Roofiant, we believe in transparency and empowering homeowners with knowledge. That’s why I’m breaking down the 7 essential steps of a roof replacement, with a focus on the exceptional quality and performance of Owens Corning Duration shingles, so you can make informed decisions and feel confident throughout the process.
Step 1: The Big Reveal – Tearing Off the Old Roof
The first step is removing your old roofing materials, including shingles, underlayment, and all existing flashing. At Roofiant, we believe in starting with a clean slate, so we don’t just leave old flashing in place. This ensures a proper seal and prevents future leaks. We take extra care to protect your landscaping and property during this process.
Step 2: The Foundation Check – Inspecting and Repairing the Decking
Once the old roofing is removed, we thoroughly inspect the roof deck – the wooden sheathing that forms the foundation of your roof. We look for any signs of damage, rot, or weakness. If we find any issues, we’ll repair or replace those sections to ensure a solid base for your new Owens Corning Duration shingles.
Step 3: Laying the Groundwork – Installing the Underlayment
The underlayment is a crucial layer of protection that goes on top of the roof deck. It acts as a water barrier, preventing leaks and protecting your home from moisture damage. We use high-quality underlayment products, often opting for Owens Corning DeckDefense or similar premium options, that are designed to withstand the harsh Central Ohio climate and provide a superior foundation for your Duration shingles.
Step 4: Setting the Stage – Installing the Drip Edge
The drip edge is a metal flashing that is installed along the eaves and rakes of your roof. It helps to direct water away from the roof edge and into the gutters, preventing water damage to your fascia boards and soffits.
Step 5: Weatherproofing the Weak Points – Installing New Flashing and Pipe Boots
Flashing is installed around chimneys, vents, skylights, and other roof penetrations to create a watertight seal. We use durable metal flashing that is designed to withstand the elements and prevent leaks, ensuring the integrity of your Owens Corning Duration shingle roof.
At Roofiant, we go a step further by replacing all old pipe boots with Lifetime Ultimate Pipe Boots. These high-quality boots are made from durable materials and come with a lifetime warranty, unlike standard pipe boots that often fail prematurely (around 10-15 years) due to cracking and rotting. This gives you added peace of mind knowing that these critical areas are protected for the long haul.
Step 6: The Star of the Show – Installing Owens Corning Duration Shingles
Now for the highlight – installing your beautiful and durable Owens Corning Duration shingles! These shingles offer exceptional performance and come in a wide array of colors to complement your home’s style.
Here’s why we love Owens Corning Duration shingles:
- Durability: They’re engineered to withstand high winds, heavy rain, and even hailstorms.
- Beauty: Available in a variety of colors and styles to enhance your home’s curb appeal.
- Performance: Offer exceptional protection against the elements and provide long-lasting performance.
- Warranty: Backed by Owens Corning’s impressive limited lifetime warranty, which we match with our own limited lifetime workmanship warranty at Roofiant.
- Top-Rated: Duration shingles are Consumer Reports’ highest-rated 30-year dimensional shingles, giving you confidence in their quality and performance.
We also work with other trusted brands like GAF and CertainTeed, offering a variety of shingle options to meet your needs and preferences.
Special Considerations for Low-Slope Roofs (3/12 and Less)
For roof areas with a pitch of 3/12 or less (meaning the roof rises 3 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal distance), special considerations are needed to ensure proper water shedding and prevent leaks.
At Roofiant, we typically install Owens Corning 3-ply DeckSeal for these low-slope areas. This robust system provides superior protection against water intrusion and offers excellent durability.
Depending on the specific situation and the slope of the roof, we may also recommend and install TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) or EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) roofing systems, which are specifically designed for low-slope and flat roofs.
Step 7: Ensuring a Healthy Roof – Installing Owens Corning VentSure Ridge Vent
Proper ventilation is essential for a healthy roof. It helps to regulate attic temperature and prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold, rot, and premature roof failure. As a standard practice, Roofiant installs Owens Corning VentSure Ridge Vent with Weather Protector. This high-quality ventilation system offers several benefits:
- Optimal Airflow: Provides continuous ventilation along the ridge of your roof, ensuring proper airflow and preventing heat and moisture buildup.
- Weather Protection: The Weather Protector helps to prevent wind-driven rain and snow from entering the attic.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: The VentSure® Ridge Vent blends seamlessly with your shingles for a clean and attractive look.
Beyond simply installing a ridge vent, Roofiant conducts a thorough assessment of your home’s ventilation needs. This is crucial because inadequate or improper ventilation can lead to a host of problems, including:
- Increased energy costs: Poor ventilation can make your attic hotter in the summer and colder in the winter, forcing your HVAC system to work harder.
- Ice dams: In winter, poor ventilation can contribute to the formation of ice dams, which can cause water damage to your roof and home.
- Moisture damage: Excess moisture in the attic can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and insulation damage.
- Premature roof failure: Poor ventilation can shorten the lifespan of your roof by accelerating shingle deterioration.
We use Owens Corning’s ventilation calculator and our own expertise to determine the proper ventilation requirements for your home. We can then recommend and install the necessary ventilation components, such as soffit vents, gable vents, or powered attic ventilators, to ensure optimal airflow and protect your investment in your new roof.
The Roofiant Difference: Quality, Expertise, and Peace of Mind
At Roofiant, we’re committed to providing our customers with the highest quality roof replacements. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Experienced and Certified Roofers: Our team consists of experienced and certified roofing professionals who are knowledgeable about all types of roofing systems and installation techniques.
- Premium Roofing Materials: We use only high-quality roofing materials from reputable manufacturers, ensuring a durable and long-lasting roof.
- Meticulous Installation: We pay close attention to detail and adhere to the highest industry standards for installation, ensuring a beautiful and properly functioning roof.
- Thorough Cleanup: We take pride in leaving your property clean and tidy after the job is complete.
- Excellent Customer Service: We’re always available to answer your questions and address your concerns throughout the entire process.
- Competitive Pricing: We offer competitive pricing on our roof replacement services. You deal directly with the Owner, from the initial call to final walkthrough. This allows you to save at least 10% from not having to pay any extra for sales commissions.
- Local Expertise: We’re a local company with deep roots in Central Ohio. We understand the unique challenges our climate presents and can provide tailored advice for your specific needs.
Your Roof Replacement Journey Starts Here
A roof replacement is a significant investment, but it’s also an opportunity to enhance the beauty, value, and protection of your home. By understanding the process and choosing a qualified roofing contractor like Roofiant, you can embark on your roof replacement journey with confidence.
Contact Roofiant today for a free roof inspection and estimate. We’re here to guide you every step of the way and ensure you get the roof your home deserves.
