The Journey to a New Roof – Roof Replacement Guide
For many homeowners in Chicagoland, a roof replacement is one of the most significant and sometimes daunting home improvement projects they’ll undertake. Visions of ladders, large crews, and a bustling construction site can feel overwhelming, leading to natural questions and even anxiety about the process. How long will it take? What will my property look like during the work? What do I need to do?
At Seidel Exterior Group, we believe that an informed homeowner is a confident homeowner. Since 1970, we’ve been expertly replacing roofs across Illinois, and we understand that setting clear expectations is just as important as delivering superior craftsmanship. Your roof replacement isn’t just a construction project; it’s an investment in your home’s safety, value, and energy efficiency. We want you to feel comfortable and knowledgeable every step of the way.
This comprehensive, day-by-day guide is designed to demystify the roof replacement process. It outlines what you can expect from the moment our crew arrives until the final, meticulous cleanup. By understanding each phase, you can relax, prepare your home, and look forward to enjoying your beautiful, new, and well-protected Chicagoland roof.
Before Day 1: Crucial Preparations for a Smooth Project
A successful roof replacement begins long before our crew arrives. Here are some essential steps you, as the homeowner, can take to ensure a smooth, safe, and efficient process:
- Clear the Perimeter: Move vehicles, patio furniture, grills, potted plants, yard décor, and any valuable items at least 15-20 feet away from your home’s exterior walls. This protects your belongings from falling debris and gives our crew ample working space.
- Protect Sensitive Landscaping: While we use extensive tarps, if you have very delicate or irreplaceable plants close to your home, consider covering them with additional sheeting or consulting with us for specific protection strategies.
- Secure Attic Items: If your attic is used for storage, cover valuable items with old sheets or plastic to protect them from dust and vibrations. Remove fragile items that could be damaged by vibrations (e.g., glassware, framed photos).
- Inform Neighbors: A courtesy heads-up to your immediate neighbors about potential noise and temporary dust can go a long way.
- Clear Driveway Access: Ensure your driveway is clear for our equipment, material deliveries, and the waste disposal dumpster.
- Pet and Child Safety: Plan for pets and children to be away from the immediate work area. The noise and activity can be stressful for animals, and safety is paramount for children. Consider a friend’s or family member’s home, or an indoor location far from the work.
- Interior Preparations: Vibrations from tear-off can cause items to shift. Secure or temporarily remove valuable wall hangings (pictures, mirrors, shelves) from walls, especially those on the top floor directly under the roof.
- Vehicle Protection: If you can’t move cars far away, consider parking them down the street or in a garage.
The Roof Replacement Process: A Day-by-Day Breakdown
Most residential roof replacements on standard-sized homes in Chicagoland are completed within 1 to 3 days, depending on the roof’s size, complexity, weather conditions, and the extent of any unexpected decking repairs. Here’s a typical timeline:
Day 1: Arrival, Protection, Tear-Off, and Initial Decking Inspection
- Early Morning Arrival (7:00 – 8:00 AM):
- Our uniformed Seidel Exterior Group crew and project manager will arrive promptly.
- The material delivery truck and waste disposal dumpster (often a specialized roofing trailer) will be placed in the designated area.
- Our crew will quickly begin deploying comprehensive protective measures, laying out heavy-duty tarps around your entire home, covering landscaping, driveways, and walkways. This is a critical step to catch old shingles, nails, and debris, minimizing impact on your property.
- Old Roof Tear-Off Begins:
- Once the perimeter is secured, the tear-off process starts. Our crew will systematically remove your old shingles, underlayment, and any other layers down to the roof decking. This is the noisiest and dustiest part of the job.
- Debris is immediately tossed into the dumpster or trailer, minimizing accumulation around your property.
- Decking Inspection and Minor Repairs:
- As the old roofing is removed, our team meticulously inspects the underlying roof decking (plywood or OSB) for any signs of water damage, rot, soft spots, or warping.
- Any damaged decking will be cut out and replaced with new, structurally sound material. We will communicate any significant unexpected decking repairs immediately. This ensures your new roof has a solid foundation.
- Underlayment Installation:
- Once the decking is sound, a new layer of synthetic or asphalt felt underlayment (roofing felt) is installed. This crucial waterproof barrier acts as a secondary defense against moisture intrusion.
- Ice and water shield membrane is also installed along the eaves and in valleys, providing extra protection in these high-risk areas prone to ice dams, which are common in Illinois winters.
- Edge Protection & Flashing:
- Drip edge is installed along the eaves and rake edges to direct water properly into the gutters.
- New flashing is installed around chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes, ensuring these critical penetration points are watertight.
- End-of-Day Cleanup:
- At the end of Day 1, our crew will perform an initial cleanup of the immediate work area, collecting large debris and ensuring tools are stored safely and neatly.
Day 2 (and possibly Day 3): New Roof Installation & Final Touches
- Continued Installation:
- With the decking prepared and underlayment down, the installation of your new shingles (or chosen roofing material) begins in earnest. Our skilled roofers work methodically, ensuring precise alignment, correct nailing patterns, and proper shingle overlap for optimal performance and appearance.
- This includes the installation of starter shingles along the eaves, field shingles across the main roof areas, and cap shingles on the ridges and hips.
- Proper attic ventilation components (ridge vents, soffit vents, static vents) are installed and integrated into the new roof system, which is crucial for your roof’s longevity in Chicagoland’s climate.
- Penetration Sealing:
- All new vent pipes, attic fans, and other rooftop penetrations are properly sealed with new flashing and specialized sealants, ensuring they are completely watertight.
- Final Quality Check:
- As the installation nears completion, our project manager performs an ongoing quality check, ensuring all work meets Seidel Exterior Group’s rigorous standards and manufacturer specifications.
- Comprehensive Final Cleanup:
- Once the new roof is fully installed, our dedicated cleanup crew begins the meticulous final cleanup.
- All remaining debris, old materials, and excess packaging are removed from your property.
- The entire perimeter is swept and raked meticulously.
- Crucially, our team will use powerful magnetic rollers (nail magnets) to systematically sweep every inch of your lawn, flowerbeds, driveways, and surrounding areas to pick up any stray nails, screws, or metal fragments. This is a vital safety measure that we take very seriously.
- We’ll clean gutters and downspouts to ensure they are free of any final shingle granules or debris.
- Any smudges or dust on siding or other exterior surfaces around the work area will be wiped down.
- Final Walk-Through & Project Completion:
- Our project manager will conduct a final walk-through with you, reviewing the completed roof, answering any questions, and ensuring you are completely satisfied with the workmanship and the immaculate condition of your property.
- Final payment arrangements and warranty information will be discussed.
What to Expect After the Roof Replacement
Even after our crew leaves, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Initial Granule Shedding: It’s normal to see a small amount of “loose” granules from your new shingles in your gutters or on your driveway for the first few weeks. These are excess granules that didn’t fully embed during manufacturing and will shed naturally.
- Shingle Sealing: Your new asphalt shingles have a thermal seal strip. It takes a few days of warm, sunny weather for this seal to fully activate and bond the shingles together, making them resistant to wind uplift. Avoid walking on the roof during this initial period.
- Warranty Information: Keep your warranty documents and proof of installation in a safe place.
- Ongoing Maintenance: While your new roof is designed for longevity, regular gutter cleaning and periodic professional inspections are still recommended to extend its lifespan.
Why Choose Seidel Exterior Group for Your Chicagoland Roof Replacement
Understanding the roof replacement process helps, but choosing the right contractor makes all the difference. At Seidel Exterior Group, our decades of experience in Illinois mean:
- Clear Communication: We keep you informed at every stage, answering questions and addressing concerns promptly.
- Meticulous Planning & Execution: Our structured process minimizes disruption and maximizes efficiency.
- Uncompromising Quality: We use premium materials and employ highly skilled, certified installers committed to superior craftsmanship.
- Comprehensive Cleanup: Our dedication to leaving your property spotless is a hallmark of our professionalism and commitment to your satisfaction.
- Local Expertise: We understand the unique challenges and building codes of Chicagoland, ensuring your new roof is built to last in our climate.
- Strong Warranties: We stand behind our work with robust warranties, giving you long-term peace of mind.
A Smooth Path to a Superior Roof
A roof replacement is a significant undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be a source of stress. By understanding what to expect during each phase, from initial preparation to final cleanup, you can approach the project with confidence.
At Seidel Exterior Group, we pride ourselves on making the entire experience as smooth, efficient, and transparent as possible. We deliver not just a new roof, but a meticulously clean property and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is protected by the best.
Ready to start your roof replacement journey with a trusted Chicagoland expert? Contact Seidel Exterior Group today for a free consultation and discover the difference that professionalism and attention to detail make.
