Roof Installation Process
The two major types of composition reroofing projects are 1) Wood Shake to Composition Conversion and 2) Composition to Composition Reroofing. The procedure for each type of reroofing is explained below.
Permits and Inspections
- Permits and Inspections - The requirements for permits and inspections vary by type of reroof and vary by city. Most cities have building inspectors that inspect various stages of the roof removal and roof installation to ensure the work is to code. Some cities (e.g. Oakland) require a building permit but do not perform city inspections for a reroof.
- Dry Rot - Any wood in the roof that is damaged due to dry rot must be replaced to pass city inspections and building codes. Dry rot in the eaves can often be observed during the initial roof measurement and can be included in the proposal. However, dry rot that is under the old roof may not be observable until after the old roof is removed. In such cases, TCR will discuss the issue with the homeowner when the dry rot is exposed, and TCR will replace the dry rot for the cost of the additional material and labor.
- Tear-off Inspection - An inspection done after the old roof has been removed.
- Decking Inspection - An inspection done after OSB (Oriented Strand Board) has been installed. Also known as a Nailing Inspection.
- Final Inspection - An inspection done after the roof is completed.
- Ladder - City inspectors do not bring a ladder to the job site and the roofing contractor is required to leave a ladder at the job site for the city inspector to use. TCR will retrieve the ladder from the job site after the final inspection is completed.
Homeowner Preparations
- Garage - Homeowner should cover items in the garage (e.g. washer and dryer) and remove vehicles from the garage so that dust and debris falling through the openings in the roof do not collect on or scratch valuables. TCR can assist the homeowner with tarps if requested.
- Driveway - Homeowner should remove vehicles from the driveway so that a TCR dump truck has access to the house to facilitate the roof removal.
- Solar Panels - If solar panels are present, homeowner should disconnect water from solar panels. TCR can remove and discard old solar panels if requested. If solar panels are to be reused, homeowner should make arrangements with a licensed contractor to remove the solar panels prior to the reroof.
- Satellite Dishes & Antennas - If dishes and/or antennas are present, homeowner should arrange for a technician to disconnect and remove them from the roof. If the dishes & antennas are not removed, TCR will take reasonable precautions to remove and reattach them to the roof. However, TCR does not have the expertise to install and/or align antennas or satellite dishes. TCR makes no warranties about the proper functioning of the antennas or satellite dishes after the roof installation.
Wood Shake to Composition Roof Conversion
- Roof Removal - A TCR dump truck is parked near the home and a TCR tear-off crew removes the old roof into the dump truck. Depending on the size of the roof and number of layers, the roof removal generally takes several hours.
- Gutter Removal - If new gutters are to be installed, remove the old gutters.
- Dry Rot Wood Replacement - Replace any wood that is damaged due to dry rot. TCR will replace the damaged wood for the cost of materials and labor. Note that all dry rot must be replaced to pass city inspection and building codes.
- Tear-off Inspection - City Building Inspector performs a tear-off inspection.
- Paint - Prime and paint any wood that was replaced due to dry rot.
- Apply OSB (Oriented Strand Board) - Most wood shake roofs use skip sheeting (also called space sheeting). Sheets of OSB (similar to plywood) are applied to cover the space sheeting.
- Decking Inspection - City Building Inspector performs a decking inspection.
- Apply 30 lb Felt - Apply 30 lb felt for a moisture barrier.
- Install Flashings and Vents - Replace any damaged flashings. Install vents. The number and location of vents is determined by the size and shape of the roof.
- Apply Shingles - Install composition shingles.
- Install Gutters - Install aluminum seamless gutters if ordered.
- Clean up - Remove any and all roofing debris.
- Final Inspection - City Building Inspector performs final inspection.
- Retrieve Ladder - TCR retrieves ladder after final roof inspection.
Composition to Composition Reroof
- Roof Removal - A TCR dump truck is parked near the home and a TCR tear-off crew removes the old roof into the dump truck. Depending on the size of the roof and number of layers, the roof removal generally takes several hours.
- Gutter Removal - If new gutters are to be installed, remove the old gutters.
- Dry Rot Wood Replacement - Replace any wood that is damaged due to dry rot. TCR will replace the damaged wood for the cost of materials and labor. Note that all dry rot must be replaced to pass city inspection and building codes.
- Tear-off Inspection - City Building Inspector performs a tear-off inspection.
- Paint - Prime and paint any wood that was replaced due to dry rot.
- Apply 30 lb Felt - Apply 30 lb felt for a moisture barrier.
- Install Flashings and Vents - Replace any damaged flashings. Install vents. The number and location of vents is determined by the size and shape of the roof.
- Apply Shingles - Install composition shingles.
- Install Gutters - Install aluminum seamless gutters if ordered.
- Clean up - Remove any and all roofing debris.
- Final Inspection - City Building Inspector performs final inspection.
- Retrieve Ladder - TCR retrieves ladder after final roof inspection.
