When thinking about property maintenance and upkeep, particularly as a residential homeowner, roof replacement may not be the first thing on your mind. After all, if the roof isn’t damaged, does it really need to be replaced?

While an old roof may not look damaged, it can still present issues. And in a climate as temperamental as the one in New Orleans, where storms and humidity are common and hurricanes are possible, making sure that your roof is watertight and secure is incredibly important. Water damage from a leaky roof may only add to potential repair bills, and a damp interior climate may be a breeding ground for harmful mold and mildew. Additionally, a new roof can provide better insulation to your property, last longer, and improve your home’s market value, among other benefits.

Whether you are a commercial or residential property owner, getting your roof replaced can be a daunting prospect. You may be wondering how long it will take, how much it will cost, and to what degree it will affect your day-to-day life if you live in, rent out or conduct business in your building. But with a company like WestBank Roofing, you never need to worry about being in the dark. Our team will make sure you go into the roof replacement process with your eyes open, and keep you in the loop every step of the way. 

Understanding the Roof Replacement Process

Depending on your wants and needs, the size of your building and other factors, the roof replacement process may look different for each property owner. In general, the steps of removing your old roof and installing your new one include:

  • A professional inspection to determine what repairs, if any, need to be made to the existing roof structure. Alternatively, if you are concerned about the state of your roof rather than looking to make a change, the inspection will determine whether your roof needs to be replaced. This will likely include any roof with extensive damage or leakage, as well as roofing which is over 20 years old.
  • Obtaining a permit for the roof replacement, if necessary
  • A discussion about what you would like from your new roof. This may be keeping it as close to what it currently looks like as possible, or you may want to change your roof entirely. Our company provides services including flat roof replacement, flat roof to pitched roof installation, and fiberglass or metal roofing installation.
  • Choosing the color and style of the roofing material
  • Scheduling a time to work on your roof once the materials have arrived
  • Clearing any obstacles outside of your property which may impede the roofing contractors or be damaged during construction 
  • Removal of old shingles and any compromised roof decking—that is, the wooden boards that provide a flat surface for roofing materials to be installed upon. Roof flashing—a thin layer of metal placed around non-shingle surfaces on your roof, such as chimneys, to prevent leakage—may also be reinstalled.
  • Placement of new roofing materials, including drip edging—a piece of roof flashing installed on the edge of your roof to direct water into the gutters. Underlayment, a waterproof layer between the deck and shingles, may also be added before the shingles are laid down.
  • Debris will be removed and the roof cleaned up
  • A final inspection will be performed in order to make sure no debris is left and that the roof has been properly installed

The Potential Costs and Timeline of a Roof Installation

Unfortunately, there is no one set price for a roof replacement. The amount of work which needs to be done, the materials you choose and any changes you make to the style of your roof may all affect the cost of the service. Prices may range from around $6,000 to over $40,000 for high-end replacements and materials. However, we at WestBank Roofing will never ask you to start the roofing process without being as informed as possible, and that includes being aware of the costs beforehand. No matter your roofing needs, you can contact us anytime for a free estimate. 

When it comes to determining how long your roof replacement will take, you must first consider what you are looking for from your new roof. This may be one of the most time-intensive parts of the process, particularly if you are conducting home upgrades rather than simply repairing damage. However, the actual installation will likely be much briefer than you expect. Once the materials are delivered and work begins, many replacements can be completed within one to two days.

Roof Replacement Disruptions and How We Mitigate Them

During the roof replacement process, disruptions may affect residents, businesses and crews. Hidden damage, inclement weather and unremoved obstacles may delay our roofing contractors and cause your roof replacement to take longer than expected. It is important to be aware that while we will do our best to be aware of and avoid or plan around any disruptions to our crews, delays are always a possibility. However, rest assured that we will begin or resume work as soon as possible.

When it comes to our clients, business owners may find construction disturbing customers or restricting access to parts of the building, causing them to have to close down during the replacement process. Additionally, residential homeowners or tenants may find themselves and their pets disturbed by the noise or unable to leave their home while our roofing contractors are working. 

Choose Westbank Roofing for Your Roof Replacement Needs

Getting your roof replaced may seem like a daunting process, particularly when your roof has undergone serious damage or you are unsure of the costs involved. But when you work with WestBank Roofing, there is no need to be anxious. With experienced roofing contractors, high-quality materials and competitive prices, our company is here to make sure you are as informed and confident as possible. So if you are in need of roof repairs, or if you are looking to upgrade your home or business, call us to schedule your roof replacement consultation today.