Considering a Roof Renovation? Here’s What You Need to Know

Few investments are as impactful or long-lasting as a solid and durable roof. This is especially true in Texas, where extreme weather will, without fail, turn the smallest weak points on your roof into very big and very costly problems. Whether your roof is already showing signs of wear, you want to proactively upgrade and weatherproof it for enhanced protection, or you’re trying to improve curb appeal, this guide is for you. We’ll bring a bit more clarity to the roof renovation process—and some key tips to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience.

Why Renovate Your Roof?

Let’s start simple. A nice roof can have a big impact on your home’s overall appearance—and thus its market value. It’s about “curb appeal.” If your current roof looks outdated, worn down, or mismatched with the rest of your home, a renovation is in order. Some new homeowners often find that the previous builder made poor decisions with dormers or certain sections of the roof, which a renovation can fix.

But far beyond appearances, a well-chosen roof will give you peace of mind, knowing your home is protected against the tough Texas elements. With some roofing materials lasting up to 100 years (like slate), doing a renovation right could lock in many decades of protection and attract future buyers when the time comes—making a new roof a fantastic long-term investment. After all, to protect your property from the scorching summer heat, frigid hailstorms, heavy rainstorms, and strong gusts of wind, Texans need high-quality roofing materials, such as architectural shingles, metal, or slate.

The same goes for the internal components that make up your roof. After all, a roof is much more than the shingles you see on the street. It’s a complex system of underlayment, flashing, structural supports, ventilation, and more that all work together to protect your home. (You can read our glossary of the roof system or more information.) Over time, internal components can deteriorate, compromising the entire system. A renovation is a great chance to make sure all of the internal components are new, weatherproof, and ready to resist the elements.

The Roof Renovation Process

Before we break down the renovation process, it’s important to understand Texas’ sometimes shady roofing market. As we explored in a previous guide, the roofing market is under-regulated and doesn’t enforce a licensing requirement for contractors. That means inexperienced “contractors” can show up, oversell their expertise, get access to your homeowner’s insurance, overcharge their services, and cheap out on labor and materials to keep as much money as possible.

In other words, you need a contractor with years of experience and positive testimonials from dependable sources. They should be experts in their field who can answer your questions and guide you through the renovation process with skill and transparency.

1. Consultation & Inspection

The first step in a roof renovation is a thorough inspection. Your contractor will come to your home, assess the existing roof, and discuss your vision for the renovation. The inspection will focus on signs of damage and structural issues, as well as take measurements. They will also help you determine what kind of materials will provide the best protection within your budget.

2. Planning & Material Selection

After the inspection, your contractor will provide a detailed plan outlining the scope of the project. This will formalize the materials you want (roof covering, underlayment, etc.) as well as the timeline to complete the project.

3. Roof Removal & Prep Work

Once everything is approved, the next step is preparation. This typically involves removing the old roof covering and preparing the underlying structure. Depending on the condition of your roof, your contractor might replace sections of decking or reinforce the frame. Now that the roof is opened up, a more thorough inspection can be conducted to spot unseen damage or structural weaknesses that need repairs before installing the new roof.

4. Roof Installation

With the prep work completed, the installation can begin. Your contractor will install the new roof covering, underlayment, flashing, and any other components discussed. For most roofs, this process takes several days to complete.

5. Final Inspection & Clean-Up

Once the roof is fully installed, all that’s left is a final inspection and clean-up. Your contractor will check the roof for any issues and ensure all work is up to code. A clean-up crew should also remove any leftover materials, debris, and nails.

Insider Tips for a Successful Roof Renovation

To help ensure your renovation goes smoothly, here are a few lesser-known tips to keep in mind before, during, and after your roof renovation:

• Ask About Warranties: Ensure you’re getting the best materials for your climate and budget by paying attention to material warranties, which can protect you against defective materials—and ask your contractor about a “workmanship warranty,” which ensures that any defect due to the installation process will be corrected.
• Ask About the Clean-Up Process: Roof renovations create a lot of debris. While the most visible debris is sure to be cleaned up, ask your contractor if they can use a magnetic sweeper to pick up stray nails from the property—which might otherwise hurt you, a pet, or your vehicle’s tires.
• Hold On to Spare Shingles: When the renovation is complete, ask your contractor if they can leave you with spare shingles. Having extras on hand can save you time and money when repairs are needed in the future since you’ll already have the right materials.

We’re Here to Help

Need an expert opinion? Don’t hesitate to contact the DFW Roofer team with your questions about choosing the right roof. Call us at (469) 751-4018 or schedule an appointment through our online appointment form.