A Simple 8-Step Guide
Replacing your roof is a major project, and at Cora Construction, we know it can feel overwhelming. Many Memphis homeowners worry about the mess, the noise, and how long the process will take.
We believe that education is the key to a stress-free experience. If you live in the Mid-South, here is our straightforward, step-by-step guide to how we will protect and transform your home.
Step 1: Property Protection (The Pre-Game)
Before the work begins, we focus on protection. A roof replacement is essentially a construction zone. We ask that you move cars from the driveway and protect fragile items inside your home.
When our crew arrives, we set up “The Catch-All” safety netting system and heavy-duty tarps.
Step 2: The Tear-Off
We always remove all existing layers of your old roof down to the wooden decking. This is the only way to ensure the foundation of your new roof is structurally sound. Yes, it’s noisy and messy, but our protection system from Step 1 keeps the debris contained.
Step 3: Decking Inspection & Repair
Once the bare wood is exposed, we inspect it carefully. In Memphis’s humid climate, hidden water damage or wood rot is common. We replace any damaged plywood to ensure your new roof sits on a solid, safe surface.
Step 4: Installing the Waterproofing Foundation
This is where your home becomes "weather-tight." We don’t just put shingles on wood. We install a layered defense system:
Drip Edge: Metal flashing at the edges to guide water into the gutters.
Ice & Water Shield: A sticky, waterproof barrier installed in valleys and around penetrations (like the chimney) where leaks are most common during heavy rain.
Underlayment: A breathable, synthetic layer that covers the entire roof.
Step 5: Shingle Installation
Now, your home’s curb appeal takes shape! We install your chosen shingles (architectural shingles are excellent for resisting Memphis wind and storms) using specific, industry-approved fastening patterns.
Step 6: Flashing & Detailing
Water leaks most often occur where the roof meets something else, like a chimney, a wall, or a plumbing vent. We install custom flashing (metal pieces) at all these critical intersections to seal them completely.
Step 7: Attic Ventilation
A new roof must breathe. Proper ventilation is crucial in Memphis summers. If heat and humidity get trapped in your attic, they can bake your shingles from the inside out, shortening their life, and increase your energy bills. We install or update your Ridge Vents to ensure proper airflow.
Step 8: Final Cleanup & Inspection
We treat your property like our own. We remove all construction debris. Our team performs a “Magnetic Sweep” of your lawn, landscaping, and driveway to collect stray nails. A Cora Construction supervisor then performs a final walkthrough to ensure every detail meets our high standards.