If you’re looking for information on installing a roof, you’ve come to the right place. Although every step doesn’t apply to every project, here is an overview of the basics…

Installing a Roof: Step #1 – Planning

• Who’s going to do the work?
• What type of roofing will you install?
• When will you do the work?
• Where will you get the roofing materials?
• Why choose one type of roofing over another?
• How will you proceed with the work?

Installing a Roof: Step #2 – Estimating

• Create a “birds-eye” sketch of the roof.
• Measure the slope of the roof.
• Measure the length of every hip, ridge, valley, eave and rake.
• Measure the rafter length of each roof section.
• Determine size and type of pipes, vents and other flashings required.
• Take “before” pictures.
• Calculate the square footage of the roof area.

Installing a Roof: Step #3 – Purchasing

• Create a list of materials needed.
• Get at least three quotes for material prices.
• Order the materials.
• Receive delivery and loading of the materials.
• Purchase or rent any special tools required.

Installing a Roof: Step #4 – For Roofovers

• Determine that the existing roof has no more than two layers.
• Determine that the condition of the existing roof can accommodate a roofover.
• Install new drip edge.
• Install new valley metal.
• Install new gooseneck vents and pipe flashings.
• Remove hips and ridges.

Installing a Roof: Step #5 – For Tear Offs

• Remove the old roofing down to the bare wood.
• Remove all protruding fasteners.

Installing a Roof: Step #6 – Carpentry

• Repair any deteriorated sheathing, framing and/or fascia.
• Renail roof sheathing as needed to meet code.
• Cut out ridge vents slots as needed.

Installing a Roof: Step #7 – Underlayment

• Install underlayment over entire roof deck.
• Temporarily seal all vents, pipes and other flashings.

Installing a Roof: Step #8 – For Flat Roofs

• Remove existing roof down to the bare wood.
• Repair any deteriorated wood.
• Install tapered system as needed.
• Install base sheet, with nail pattern per code.
• Install self-adhering mid-ply.
• Install and prime drip edge and flashings.
• Have “In-Progress” Inspection
• Install self-adhering cap sheet.

Installing a Roof: Step #9 – Flashing

• Tack on the drip edge with 3″ minimum lap.
• Check appearance from ground.
• Nail off drip edge, with nails no more than 6″ apart.
• Install valley metal and wall flashings.
• Install new gooseneck vents and pipe flashings.
• Have “Dry-in” Inspection.

Installing a Roof: Step #10 – Layout

• Measure for vertical and horizontal lines.
• Chalk red layout lines on underlayment.

Installing a Roof: Step #11 – Shingle

• Install “ice and water shield” where required.
• Install starter strips.
• Install field shingles.
• Install cap shingles on hips and ridges.

Installing a Roof: Step #12 – Ventilation

• Layout ridge vent slots.
• Cut out slots.
• Caulk around slots with flashing cement.
• Install ridge vents with corrosion-resistant screws and grommeted washers.

Installing a Roof: Step #13 – Cleanup and Final Inspection

• Remove any debris from roof and gutters.
• Clean up ground.
• Haul away debris.
• Return any leftover materials.
• Take “after” pictures.
• Have Final Inspection.

If you’re going to install your own roof, there’s a lot more you need to know. To make the job easier and help you avoid big mistakes, go to: http://www.roofingsecrets.com

John C Bishop is the author of “Roofing Secrets: How to Avoid Leaks and Save Thousands of Dollars!”