Roof Installation in Utah

Benefits of Installing a New Roof in Utah

If you are considering updating your home, one of the most effective improvements you can make is a roof installation. Hiring a professional to install a new roof on your home provides a variety of benefits, including:

  • Return on your investment. A new roof may not be inexpensive, but it does form a significantly valuable investment that offers a substantial return. When properly installed and maintained by a professional, a new roof can experience a lifespan of twenty to thirty years. Appraisers estimate a quality roofing system creates a return on investment of approximately 70%.
  • Safety and security. As a roof nears the end of its lifespan, it can seriously compromise the safety and security of your home. An old roof can fall victim to mold and mildew, negatively affecting the health of your family. If an old roof becomes dilapidated, this undermines the structural inability of your entire home. Severe weather conditions like heavy storms and high winds can cause the roof to collapse, harming your loved ones.
  • Energy efficiency. Your roof is essential in maintaining the insulation of your home, and installing a new roof is one of the best home improvements you can make to increase energy efficiency. Older roofs typically feature air leaks, meaning your HVAC system must work harder and expend more energy to produce your desired temperature. New roofing systems allow you to keep your home set at a consistent temperature without wasting energy.
  • Cost-effectiveness. Improving the energy efficiency of your home with a new roof allows you to save substantially on your monthly bills. You can keep the indoor temperature of your home cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter while avoiding expensive energy bills. Some modern energy-efficient roofs even allow you to get better home insurance rates or receive tax credits.
  • Curb appeal and property value. Your roof comprises nearly 40% of your home’s exterior, so an old roof with missing, curling, broken, or rotting shingles diminishes the curb appeal of your home. Whether you are considering selling or just want to improve your home’s aesthetics, an expertly constructed roof made from top-quality materials can completely transform the exterior appearance of your home and increase your property value.

What to Expect When Your Contractor Installs Your Roof

When you need a new roof installation in Utah, your contractor will discuss the details of the process with you before coming to install the roof, but there are certain steps that you can expect along the way. The primary stages of roof installation are as follows.

  • Removing the old roofing material. In many cases, your old roof will have to be removed before the new one is installed. Some roofing contractors choose to install a new roof over the old one to save time and money, but you should be sure to discuss this matter beforehand, as layering too many new roofs can cause them to fail prematurely. For the best results, removing the old roof down to the wood underneath it is typically recommended.
  • Evaluating the roof. Once the old roof is removed, the contractor will need to evaluate the sheathing underneath. These are the flat wooden panels that provide the structural support for the roof and a base on which to attach the shingles. If there are any areas that have been damaged by weather elements, water, pest infestations, or mold, they will need to be replaced.
  • Protecting against ice. If you live in a colder climate or an area that experiences cold winters, you likely have ice on the roof for at least part of the year. If this is the case, you will want to have an ice and water barrier installed around your new roof. This barrier is applied around the edges of the roof, with special attention to the bottom edge, where ice is most likely to build up. This roofing component is a sticky underlayment that adheres to the sheathing. It is further strengthened and stabilized by nailing it down with roofing nails.
  • Putting the drip edge on. The drip edge is a part of the new roof that is installed in two areas. On the lower portion of the roof, it is applied before the underlayment goes down. It is also used on the sides of the roof, where it is applied after the underlayment. On the lower edge, the drip edge goes over the top of the ice and water barrier, nailed flat against the roof. The drip edge on the sides and lower part of the roof prevents water from running over the edge and getting behind your siding, where it can cause significant damage to your home.
  • Installing roofing underlayment. The underlayment that the contractor places on your new roof may be made from synthetic materials or felt paper. The synthetic variety offers much more durability than felt paper, so if you want to make the choice that will most effectively protect your home, it is wise to choose synthetic over felt paper. This option is a bit more expensive, but it is the most durable option and is the most convenient to use.

The contractor will roll the underlayment along the roof’s edge and use cap roof nails to secure it every four inches around the outside edges and every eight inches in the center of the roof. They will move up the roof, layering the underlayment with an overlap of six inches over the layer below. At the top, a final row straddling the peak should be installed, capping off both sides of the roof with the same layer.

  • Installing the roofing material. The final step in your roof installation, and the most satisfying one, is seeing the contractor place the new roofing material over the underlayment. Whether you have chosen asphalt shingles, metal, or another type of roofing material, seeing your color and design choices take shape makes it all worthwhile.
  • Your roof installation contractor will also need to be sure to seal pipes and roof vents as they complete the job, which typically involves placing a rubber boot over the protrusions to protect these sensitive areas. Depending on your roofing material choice, flashing will also likely need to be used in certain areas and sealed with roofing cement. All of these steps work together to construct a roof that will protect your home for years to come.

Trust the Professionals to Do the Job Right

If you’re ready to enhance your home with a new roof, contact Far West Roofing today for a free estimate. Our company has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and we have won the “Best of State” Award for the past five years in a row. To speak with one of our expert roofing contractors in Utah, call (801) 618-2644 or submit a contact form.