Roofing installation is not an easy project, and it’s usually recommended that homeowners hire a pro for the job. However, if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you can save some money by doing the tear off yourself.

Begin by inspecting the existing roof for damage. If necessary, repair any areas of the roof deck that are damaged.

A roofing job involves the use of a variety of materials. These materials range from asphalt shingles to roof flashing. A good contractor will know how to properly install each of these components, and will use the highest quality materials possible.

The most popular residential roofing material is the asphalt shingle. It is inexpensive and durable, and can be made to match the look of a house. Asphalt shingles are also fire-resistant and can withstand high winds.

For a more unique look, homeowners can opt for a tile roof. Tiles are usually made from genuine clay or concrete, and are very durable. They add beauty to a home, and can be designed to complement Mediterranean, Southwestern or Spanish style homes. However, tile roofs are expensive and heavy, and require a sturdy frame to support them.

Another option is a membrane roof. This is a flat or low-slope roofing system that consists of layers of organic or glass-fiber mats and bitumen. The bitumen can be asphalt or coal tar, and is either heated or cold-applied. The heated type must be hot before it is applied, while the cold-applied type can be applied as a dry adhesive.

Lastly, wood roofs are available for those looking for a more natural and rugged appearance. The most common wood roofs are shingles and shakes. Shingles are milled into a uniform length, width and thickness for a clean look, while shakes are split into wedges for a more rustic and textured appearance.

Preparation

A quality roof installation process typically involves removing the old roof, inspecting the existing deck, making any repairs and installing underlayment, insulation and new gutters. In addition, the roof is sprayed with a waterproofing agent to ensure the roof can defend your home from water damage in the future. This step can take some time and requires the use of heavy equipment like roof hammers, pry bars, RhinoBond machines and dumpsters.

It’s a good idea to prepare your children and pets for the noisy, dusty and jarring process of roofing. Explain to young kids what is happening and be sure that they stay away from the work area. Pets can also be stressed by the noise, and metal flashing can cut them just as easily as a razor. If possible, it may be best for your pets to find alternate lodging while your roof is being installed.

Also, make sure that there is a 15-foot clearance all the way around your house where toys and patio furniture can be stored. The vibrations from hammering and nail gun use can shake the walls inside your home, so it is better to move any delicate items such as mirrors, wall-hung pictures or knick-knacks to a lower level of your home where they will not be damaged. Also, clear the attic of any items that are stored up there, as they can be knocked loose during the roofing process.

Shingles

Shingles are the main component of a roof. They do most of the work in shedding water and are available in many different colors, materials, and styles. Some are more expensive than others, but they all protect your home equally well. Choosing one is mostly a matter of budget, appearance, and how long you want the shingle to last.

Wood shingles have a classic, rustic look and can add a cottage-esque appeal to your home. They’re also water-resistant, which makes them a good choice for homes in persistently rainy or damp areas. They’re more expensive than other shingle types, but they can last for decades when properly cared for.

Clay shingles have a beautiful earthy, natural appearance that complements almost any home. They’re also durable and fire-resistant, making them a great choice for homeowners looking to lower their energy bills. They’re not as lightweight as asphalt shingles, but they still offer an excellent service life and help protect your home from rain, wind, hail, and wildfires.

Plastic shingles are less expensive than slate or other shingle types, but they’re not as durable as wood or clay. They’re designed to mimic the look of other shingle types and come in an array of colors, shapes, and sizes. They can be installed on flat roofs and are resistant to fading, cracking, and mold.

Underlayment

Roofing materials get all the attention, but it’s the underlayment that protects the framing and sheathing from moisture. It also helps keep the roof covering and deck physically separate, which has a few benefits for long-term roof performance.

Choosing the right underlayment is a big decision that depends on where you live and your budget. Asphalt-saturated felt was the most common choice until about a decade ago, when synthetic products started becoming popular. This material is a mix of varying blends of bitumen (asphalt), polyester, and natural plant fibers like cellulose. It has a flexible base layer that gets drenched with asphalt for water resistance. It can tear easily, though, so it requires a good number of nails to hold fasteners.

Other types of underlayment are made from fiberglass, polymers, and even rubber-like materials. While they are more durable than asphalt-saturated felt, most have a higher price tag and require some level of professional training to install correctly. They also tend to have specific instructions that must be followed, including reference lines for horizontal course-run overlaps and a minimum of 6” end laps. Whether you choose synthetic underlayment or traditional asphalt-saturated felt, it’s important to have a drip edge installed along the edges of your roof. This will prevent ice dams and strong winds from blowing water underneath the underlayment and into your home. This will also help prevent wood rot and mold.

Flashing

Flashing is a strip of impervious metal that’s installed at roof intersections or projections like chimneys, dormers, vent pipes, window openings and so on. The primary purpose of flashing is to prevent water leaks that can rot, mildew and encourage insect infestation in walls and roofs. It also guides moisture that would otherwise seep into a wall back outside. Flashing is typically made of galvanized steel, aluminum, or copper.

The type of flashing used depends on the project. For example, headwall flashing is bent and concealed in the siding of a vertical wall and beneath a course of shingles to prevent water ingress from behind the walls. Step flashing is angled and sits between courses of shingle to weatherproof the junction of the roof covering material and the wall, or in the valley of two intersecting roof planes. A piece of step flashing may be formed to deflect water away from a wall or into a gutter, and counter flashing is often found above windows and doors.

Flashing is generally nailed to the roof deck and embedded in a 3-inch-wide application of asphalt plastic cement, which is then covered with a shingle. It’s important that flashing is nailed and embedded before a layer of shingles is laid, because once it’s in place the shingles are unlikely to remove it. Flashing that’s exposed to the elements requires little maintenance other than the occasional cleaning with a household cleaner.

Ridge Cap

The Ridge Cap is a metal cap that covers the highest point of your roof. It’s designed to protect the ridge seam from water infiltration, as well as provide a classic look for your roof.

As the highest point of your roof, the ridge line takes the brunt of many harmful elements. Bad weather, falling tree limbs, and baking sun can all damage the ridge caps, which can lead to leaks and other roof problems. And if the ridge cap isn’t covered properly, moisture can sneak in through the top of your roof, damaging the shingles, insulation, and other roof components.

Ridge cap shingles are typically made of the same material as standard shingle. But they are thicker and pre-bent, which helps them shield the ridge easily and prevent damage. They also come in a variety of designs that match the look of the roofing system they’re paired with.

Some ridge caps include built-in vents that promote proper roof ventilation and help reduce temperatures in your home. They can also prevent air moisture and mold from accumulating in your attic. Ridge caps can last from 10 to 30 years, but it’s a good idea to have them replaced once they start showing signs of wear and tear. A professional roofer can assess the condition of your ridge caps and recommend whether repairs or replacement is necessary. A damaged ridge cap may contribute to costly leaks, and regular inspections will help identify potential issues.