Roof Replacement How To

A Step-By-Step Guide To Replacing A Roof The Right Way

replacement of new roof

Replacing the roof on your home or business is one of those tasks that we may not necessarily look forward to but also understand the vital importance of. However, making sure that the process is done correctly is what saves you from headaches down the road and nothing is more important than educating yourself on the proper steps needed to replace your roof the right way.

This step-by-step guide will help you understand how a proper roof replacement should be done so that your house or commercial location is taken care of properly for years to come.

  1. Research and Discuss Which Replacement Roofing Material is Right For You – There are multiple types of roofing materials available on the market today. Make sure that you understand the benefits of each type of roofing material available and be sure that it fits within your budget. For example, a metal roof can last on average for 50 to 60 years but also will cost more than a shingled roof which lasts around 15 to 20 years on average. 
  2. Remove Your Old Roof – This seems like an obvious step but some non-reputable roofing contractors will try to put a new roof on top of an old roof to save time and money. This practice can lead to your new roof not lasting as long as it should and costing you more money down the road. A professional roofer will strip off the old roof completely including the felt paper (tar paper) before replacing it. 
  3. Inspect The Sheathing and General Condition of the Roof – The sheathing of the roof needs to be inspected thoroughly for any moisture damage or other issues that may have occurred over the years. A reputable roof replacement contractor will perform an inspection and inform you of any issues that may be found during the process. 
  4. Install Drip Edges – The drip edge is an important step in replacing your roof in that it guides rainwater into the gutters where it belongs and keeps the water from entering the sheathing areas of the roof. This protects against wood rot and moisture issues. Making sure that the drip edge is installed correctly is vital in ensuring the longevity of your roof. 
  5. Roof Underlayment Application – Applying the roof underlayment is the process in which the felt paper (tar paper) is rolled out across the roof to provide a protective layer between the sheathing and roofing material. Choosing a higher quality underlayment is recommended because it plays such a vital role in the protection of your home or business location. A synthetic underlayment is also an option and your roofing contractor will discuss the differences between each material so that you can make the right choice.
  6. Roof Material Installation – This is the final big step in the completion of your new roof. Depending on which type of roof material you have chosen, the installation process might be quicker or longer. Part of this process will also include the installation of flashing around any area that is more susceptible to water infiltration and also pushes water away in the appropriate direction. Asphalt shingles will require the use of roofing tar for added protection. 
  7. Clean Up and Inspection – Once your new roof is installed your contractor will clean up the area to remove any screws, nails, or leftover materials. At this point, you will be invited to inspect the final job and present any questions or concerns that you may have. Also, be sure to ask about the warranty of the work performed as well as the product warranties of the materials used for the job. 


Once your new roof is completed and done the right way, you can rest with peace of mind knowing that your home or business location will be protected from the elements for years to come. As always, make sure that you ask plenty of questions beforehand to ensure that you make the right choice to keep your property looking good and your wallet happy.

To get a quote or learn more about how to install a roof from roofers in Fort Mill or roofers in the Charlotte area then please feel free to reach out and contact us.

new roof being replaced
Roof Replacement Done By Capital City Exteriors In Charlotte, NC

Roofing and Construction Experts
Serving the Greater Charlotte Area

Capital City Exteriors is here to answer all of your questions and provide accurate and timely estimates for your project.

Request a Free Estimate Call: 704-804-8538

North Carolina (NC) Locations Served: Matthews, Mount Holly, Mint Hill, Huntersville, Indian Trail, Cornelius, Concord, Gastonia, Kannapolis, Monroe, Mooresville, Lake Norman, Kings Mountain, Lincolnton

South Carolina (SC) Location Covered: Lancaster, Indian Land, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Rock Hill