Is it possible for a novice to roof their own house?
That depends.
Do you view yourself as a handy person who has completed a lot of DIY projects? Do you have experience with siding and gutter systems? Is your roof simple (with few peaks and chimneys)? Are you comfortable with heights? Do you have a lot of free time? Do you have friends who can help?
If you answered “yes” to most of those questions, you might be tempted to search for articles giving instructions on “how to roof a house.” However, while we admire your tenacity, most would recommend leaving roof installation to professionals.
When you hire a company to complete home roof installation, they will take the following basic steps to complete the project.
How to Roof a House
Before you begin the process of replacing a roof, you must choose the materials for your project. Each manufacturer has instructions and guidelines for installing its materials.
Step 1: Obtain a roofing permit.
If your city or community has building codes regarding roofs, you may need to become a licensed roofing contractor. For example, the regulations may require using a particular roofing material or a specific number of shingles.
These codes will ensure that your roof is attractive and safe. Not meeting codes may cost you money in roof replacement costs and penalties.
Step 2: Remove your old roof.
The next step to roofing a house is rather messy, as you have to remove your old roof. Remove the staples, fasteners, nails, and shingles from your old roof using a pry bar. It would help if you had a plan to dispose of this debris while protecting the landscaping surrounding the structure.
Keep in mind that stray staples and nails that end up in your yard may cause serious injury.
Step 3: Install the underlayment.
Underlayment helps guard against seepage. Your local building codes may require the correct installation of underlayment.
Step 4: Install the drip molding and roof valley flashing.
One of the main functions of a roof is to force precipitation into the structure’s gutters. This is done with the installation of drip molding and roof valley flashing.
Step 5: Begin laying shingles.
The placement and installation of your roofing material are dependent on what type of product you use.
Mark the center of the roof at the top of the eave with a vertical chalk line. Some begin shingling at this line. Other manufacturers may recommend starting at a different place.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on laying roof shingles and how many nails to use per shingle. You might need to use more than the recommended amount if the structure is in an area known to cause roof damage from high winds.
Continue with the process, using a tool to make sure the lines are straight.
Home Roof Replacement is Not a Project for Beginner DIYers
As you can tell from this brief guide, roofing a house is not a project for those unfamiliar with home construction. Even if you do have the knowledge and are handy with tools, you might find that roofing a house on your own is a bit overwhelming.
AmeriPro is a family-owned roofing business that has offices all over the country. We are an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred and GED Master Elite Contractor and will complete your home roofing installation project when promised. Schedule your free roof inspection today!
