Before the final phase of your reroofing project, J-Conn Roofing & Repair will have repaired any damage to the existing roof/decking, as discussed in our previous blog posts.

If your property has nearby trees or shrubs that may impede the reroofing process or be a possible source of future damage, they will need to be trimmed prior to reroofing.

If your existing roof has leaks around the chimney, installation of a cricket may be necessary. When a chimney protrudes through the lower edge of a roof, rain draining from the roof peak will encounter the chimney. Over time, if the water is not properly diverted, it can degrade the seal around the chimney, leading to leaks. A cricket is a small structure at the “uphill” side of the chimney, raising the roof in that small section at an angle sufficient to cause water to run around the chimney instead of impacting it, making leak formation much less likely.

A valley is a section of roof where two different planes meet and water drains. Roofs with valleys require special attention to ensure adequate drainage and prevent the formation of leaks. Our roofers ensure that valley underlayments and sealant are properly installed (or repaired/replaced, if necessary) prior to the final roof installation.

We will inspect vents and flashing to determine if they are damaged or unused. In this instance, we remove the old vent and flashing and install a suitable patch in the decking prior to reroofing. Large cutouts or poorly installed vents may require replacement of a small section of the plywood. If your home has skylights, they will also be inspected at this time to determine if repair or replacement is necessary.

As a final preparatory step, we inspect the exposed roof surface for loose nails and any apparent structural defects that may require remedying before the reroof installation begins.