BEFORE
PREPARATION AND PLANNING
2-6 Weeks Before Installation

• Inspection: As part of the estimating process, a roofing contractor should perform a thorough roof inspection, including your attic space, to assess the scope of the roof project. This is how a contractor is able to provide you with a detailed quote and scope of the roofing project. It is advisable to get multiple quotes so you can compare.

• Contractor: Prime Tops Roofing will select a contractor that will provide you a timeline for the installation. 

• Financing: If you have decided to sign a contract, it indicates that the project is approved and the contractor will soon need payment. In case you require assistance with financing, many contractors provide financing options. Alternatively, if you don't opt for the contractor's financing, you will need to arrange financing through your credit card or bank.

• Planning: After you’ve approved the quote and your permit has been approved, your contractor will begin the planning phase. This includes ordering necessary roofing materials, such as shingles, underlayment, and venting, but it can also mean arranging ancillary services, like dumpsters, portable restrooms, etc. It is important to finalize your shingle color selection before the contractor can proceed with ordering the materials. This will help the contractor plan the project accordingly and avoid any delays.

​A few days leading up to installation day

• You might expect a dumpster* to be delivered to your home 1-2 days before the new roof installation starts. Discuss with your contractor the specifics on timing and ideal placement for the dumpster to avoid vehicles getting trapped in the driveway or garage. 

• Your new asphalt shingles and other reroofing materials could arrive a few days before or the morning of installation day (these could be placed on your roof or in your driveway). 

• If your roofing contractor is recycling your old asphalt shingles, a secondary dumpster* may be delivered as construction debris needs to be separated for recycling purposes. 

• To ensure a smooth roofing process, please clear the work area of any items that could obstruct or get damaged by the roofing crew, such as bikes, basketball hoops, planters, or other gardening tools. Additionally, ensure that you have an alternate plan to park your vehicle(s) on the street. Lastly, make sure to clear the area of any pet waste as no one wants to accidentally step in it. 

​*In some cases, contractors may use a dump truck in lieu of a dumpster. Talk with your contractor about their specific process to be best prepared.

DURING

GENERAL – ROOF INSTALLATION

Preparation on the day of your new roof installation:

• Make sure your pets are secured; discuss with the contractor or crew any requirements for opening and closing gates. 

• Ensure the roofing team has access to the roof, including unlocked gates and there no obstructions for ladders to gain access to the roof. 

• Take appropriate measures to protect any valuable items in your garden, i.e. statues, planters, etc. Notify the roofers of any items in your yard to be aware of during the installation.

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PRO TIP:  Work with your roofing contractor to understand if they are covering your flowers or shrubbery. If not, we recommend doing it yourself. 

• If there are special requests (such as asking them not to use your bathroom), make sure discuss those in advance. 

• In most cases, you can plan to be home during the roof installation process. However, it can be very noisy, and could possibly be disruptive if you work from home.

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PRO TIP:  Your neighbors will appreciate a few days-notice of the installation (and noise!).

THE ROOF INSTALLATION PROCESS

• Removing the old roof. The roofing crew will begin by removing all your old roofing materials. This is the messiest part of the process. Roof inspection. With the old materials out of the way, the roofing professionals will carefully examine the current condition of the roof deck (sheathing) and flashing. As the foundation to the roof, it’s important to make sure there is no damage to the roof deck before installing the new materials. Flashing around vents, chimneys, and valleys in the roof may need to be replaced depending on their current condition to prevent water seepage. 

• Underlayment installation. Once they replace the metal drip edge on the deck, the roofers will roll out the underlayment across the roof deck. There are several options for underlayment, including ice and water barrier which is specifically used at the valley and eaves of the deck. Synthetic underlayment will be used for the remaining portions of the deck. Be sure to discuss these options with your contractor during the quoting process. 

• Installing Shingles. The contractor will start the shingle installation process with starter shingles along the bottom and side edges of the roof deck. Next, asphalt shingles are applied in staggered rows, secured with roofing nails. As a finishing touch, hip and ridge shingles are used along the roof ridge and hips. 

• Installing or replacing vents. Whether you have existing ridge vents and/or static vents, your contractor will probably replace or add to them, depending on the ventilation requirements for your individual roof. 

• Communication with your Contractor: If you are home during the installation, feel free to be outside watching or communicating with the crew. Usually, a crew supervisor, if not the contractor owner, will check up on the job throughout the day. This is your roof and you have every right to ask questions if you have them.

AFTER
FINAL DAY/FINISHING UP ON THE JOB

• The roofing contractor will most likely do a final walk-through with you; this is where you make sure they have done everything they said they would do.

• Typically, the roofing contractor will do a sweep of your property for loose nails and other debris.

• A final roof inspection should be done to ensure proper installation and materials are without defect. 

PRO TIP: Be sure you have talked about the cleanup process prior to the start of your job and if you are unhappy, ask the roofing contractor to do a secondary sweep for nails.

AFTER YOUR NEW ROOF HAS BEEN INSTALLED

• The dumpster and porta potty will be removed from the property.

• A representative from the roofing contractor might set up a time to come to your house to do a general review and collect the final payment.

• This is a great time to register your warranty online.

PRO TIP: Prior to signing the contract you should understand the warranty you will be getting and whether the contractor or you will be responsible for registering the warranty.

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• Consider leaving a review for your contractor. You may receive an email from your contractor asking for a review on their website or questions regarding the quality of your roofing materials.

• Finally, share your experience online. We (and other homeowners!) would love to see your transformation photos! Tag us @primetopsroofing with #newroof on Instagram and Facebook.