Starting a new build? One of the most important parts of your project will sit overhead when construction is complete: your new roof. Whether you’re creating a dream home or building a custom property to sell, the roofing phase is where design, structure, and protection come together.
Unlike roof replacement, which updates an existing structure, new construction roofing gives you a clean slate. You can choose the materials, slope, ventilation system, and more. That’s lots of freedom, and also lots of choices.
Understanding the process for roof installation on a fresh structure will help you stay informed, on schedule, and confident in your decisions as the project unfolds. Here’s what you can expect from a typical new construction roofing project.
Step 1: Planning and Preparation
Before the first nail is driven or shingle is delivered, you’ll set the tone for the project.
This is when architectural design, engineering input, and permitting come into play. You’ll need to finalize roof design details like:
Pitch and Slope
These influence how your home looks and how well it manages rain or snow.
Ventilation Strategy
Proper airflow helps regulate indoor temperature and moisture.
Load-bearing Capacity
The amount of weight the roof can support is especially important in areas with snow, heavy rainfall, or high winds.
Don’t worry. You don’t need a degree in engineering nor do you have to make these decisions alone. Roofers in Salt Lake City are familiar with the slope and capacity needed for a roof to withstand Utah winters and what ventilation best suits the blazing Utah sun.
At this stage, you’ll work with your construction team to review building codes, choose materials, and coordinate timelines with other parts of the build, such as siding, HVAC, and window installation.
Step 2: Framing and Decking
Once your home’s walls are up, the roof’s framing begins. Contractors will install trusses or rafters. These form the structural “bones” of your roof. After that, they add decking, usually made of plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). This creates a solid base for everything that follows, like underlayment and shingles.
Before moving on, safety checks are typically performed to ensure everything meets local codes and structural requirements.
Step 3: Weatherproofing the Roof
With the framework in place, it’s time to shield your home from the elements. This starts with underlayment—a water-resistant or waterproof barrier that goes over the decking. In places like Utah that are prone to ice or heavy rain, roofers may also install specialized ice and water shields in vulnerable sections of the roof.
At this stage, your contractor will also add flashing. That’s thin pieces of metal placed around edges, vents, and chimneys. The flashing helps direct water away from seams and joints.
Step 4: Installing the Roofing Materials
Now comes the part where you finally see your roof take shape. This is where your choices for materials come into play. That shingle, metal, tile, or other material you chose finally makes an appearance.
The specific installation process depends on the roofing you selected, but the overall goal is the same. This step completes the process of creating a durable, long-lasting roof that complements your home in both function and appearance.
During this process, your roofers will also address ventilation components like ridge vents, intake vents, and exhaust fans to regulate airflow and prevent heat or moisture buildup inside your attic space.
Step 5: Final Details and Inspections
Once the main roofing material is installed, your contractor will add the finishing touches. The details will vary based on your roof structure and material selection, but this might include:
- Drip edges to direct water into the gutters
- Gutters and downspouts to manage drainage
- Sealants around flashing and vent areas
Before the job is officially done, you’ll need an inspection to ensure everything is up to code and properly installed. Any final adjustments like resealing, realigning materials, or double-checking your flashing will happen during this step.
This inspection might be coordinated with your builder or general contractor. It’s the final checkpoint before you move on to exterior finishes like siding and windows, or begin interior work.
What You Can Do to Prepare
Even though your new construction roof contractors will handle the heavy lifting, there are a few things you can do to help everything go smoothly:
Clear the Area
Make sure there’s easy access for deliveries and clear areas for materials.
Coordinate with Other Trades
HVAC, plumbing, and window teams may need to work on or from the roof. Timing these trades is important. If you are working with a general contractor, they will likely do most of this coordination.
Stay Involved in Material Selection
Your roof’s durability and appearance depend on your choices, so be clear about preferences, budget, and other guiding factors.
The Big Picture
A new construction roofing project is more than just putting up shingles. It’s building the roof that will protect your home for decades to come and be a vital part of its curb appeal. Every stage is critical to making sure your home stays dry, safe, and beautiful.
The process will be much easier and less stressful if you choose a roof team with new-build experience. If you want help choosing materials, managing ventilation, or understanding how your new roof integrates with other components like siding and windows, work with professionals who understand the full construction lifecycle. Your choice of experienced new-construction roofers helps ensure that every detail—down to the last nail—is handled with expertise and care.