Getting a new roof is a major project for any homeowner. You want to be sure the job is done perfectly from start to finish. If you’re in Gresham, Oregon, or the surrounding areas, you can rely on Gresham Roofing and Construction. A good roof from us will protect your home from rain, snow, and heavy winds, keeping your family safe and dry.
But how does a new roof get put onto your house? Our experts will explain exactly what happens during an asphalt shingle roof installation to help you feel calm and confident. This complete guide will explore how to prepare your roof and the different materials from which you can choose. We’ll also reveal why hiring a skilled residential shingle roofing professional is the safest choice for your home.
An Overview of Asphalt Shingle Roof Installation
Installing or replacing a roof involves much more than nailing down some new shingles. The carefully planned construction project requires removing the old, worn-out materials and checking the wood structure underneath. Then, we put down multiple layers of heavy-duty protection. Every step builds on the one before it. The final result is a strong, beautiful roof system that lasts for decades.
Preparing the Roof for Asphalt Shingle Installation
Excellent preparation is the secret to a great roof. We start the project by protecting your property. Our team will work with you to protect your landscaping, flower beds, and outdoor furniture. We’ll also place a dumpster carefully in your driveway to collect debris.
Next, we’ll tear off the old roof, removing all the shingles, underlayment, and thousands of nails. Taking the roof down to its bare wood allows us to see the decking underneath. If we find any soft or rotten wood, we’ll replace it right away. A strong, solid wood base is vital for a safe, lasting asphalt shingle roof installation, so we never cut corners during preparation.
Types of Asphalt Shingles and Their Uses
You have a few great choices when picking your materials. The style you choose will determine how your home looks and how long the roof lasts. Here are the main types of asphalt shingles:
- 3-Tab Shingles – These are the most basic and affordable options on the market. They lie completely flat against the roof and look like a simple, uniform brick pattern. They’re great for tight budgets.
- Architectural Shingles – These are thicker and heavier than 3-tab shingles. They’re designed to look more like natural wood shakes or slate tiles. They last longer, handle strong winds better, and give your home great curb appeal.
- Luxury Shingles – These are the heaviest and most durable asphalt shingles you can buy. They offer a rich, premium look for your home while providing the highest level of weather protection available.
Choosing the right types of asphalt shingles depends on your project budget and personal style goals. Our experts can help you pick the perfect color and style for your house.
Step-by-Step Residential Shingle Roofing Process
Building a roof requires following a strict order of operations. Our residential shingle roofing process involves:
- Ice and Water Shield – We apply a special sticky barrier to the edges and valleys of your roof. This will prevent ice buildup and heavy rain from leaking into your home.
- Underlayment – We roll out a tough, waterproof barrier over the rest of the bare wood deck. Underlayment acts as a backup layer to keep moisture away from the wood.
- Starter Shingles – Our team lays a special flat row of shingles along the edges of the roof. A strong adhesive seals them so that high winds won’t lift the roof edges.
- Main Shingles – We carefully nail down the main body of shingles. We start from the bottom edge and work our way to the top, following a specific pattern to ensure water flows off the roof.
- Flashing – We install custom metal pieces around chimneys, skylights, and vents. Water loves to sneak into these gaps, but the metal flashing stops leaks completely.
- Ridge Caps – Finally, we put specialized shingles over the roof’s peak. They seal the top tightly and complete the beautiful look of your roof.
- Cleanup – We sweep the entire yard with strong magnets to pick up any stray nails. Our goal is to leave your yard cleaner than we found it.
Importance of Hiring an Asphalt Roofing Contractor
Roofing work is highly dangerous and physically challenging. You should always hire an experienced asphalt roofing contractor to do the job. A true professional – like you’ll find at Gresham Roofing and Construction – knows the local building codes and has all the proper equipment.
Most importantly, a reliable contractor offers strong labor warranties. If a leak happens later, they’ll return and fix it for free. Trying to install a roof by yourself can lead to mistakes, injuries, and voided material warranties.
Timeline and Expectations for Installation
Most residential roofing projects take one to three days to complete. A simple, single-story roof might be finished in a single day, while a large, steep, or complex roof will take longer.
The weather can also change our timeline. Heavy rain, snow, or high winds will force us to pause the work for safety reasons, but we’ll keep you updated on our daily progress.
Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
We fix many roofs that were poorly installed by other companies. An improper installation will ruin your home over time. Here are some common mistakes we always avoid:
- Poor Attic Ventilation – If hot air gets trapped in your attic, it can bake your shingles from the inside out. We make sure your roof has good ventilation.
- Incorrect Nailing – Nails placed too high on the shingle or driven too deep will cause problems. The shingles will easily blow off in the next heavy windstorm.
- Skipping the Tear-Off – Putting new shingles directly over old ones is often a poor idea. It adds way too much weight to your house framing and hides rotten wood that needs to be replaced.
- Reusing Old Flashing – To save a few dollars, some roofers reuse old, rusted metal flashing. We always install new flashing to guarantee a watertight seal.
How Proper Installation Extends Your Roof’s Lifespan
When we install your roof correctly, it will last for a long time. Good ventilation, proper nailing techniques, and high-quality materials work together to protect your home through decades of hot summers and freezing winters. Proper installation ensures you get the most value out of your financial investment.
Contact Us for Asphalt Shingle Roof Installation in Gresham, OR
Your family and your home deserve a strong, beautiful, and watertight roof. If you’re in Gresham, OR, or the surrounding areas, our team can help make that a reality. Contact us today for reliable shingle roof installation.
