6:45 AM — The Frame Goes Up
The first beams rise with the morning sun, marking the shape of what will soon be a new home. It’s early in the process, but the roof—though still invisible—has already been part of the design cosation for weeks. And it should be Veteran Brothers Roofing & Restoration
For any new construction project, the roof is more than a cap on top of the structure. It’s a key player in the home’s durability, energy performance, style, and future maintenance requirements. Starting the roofing process with the right decisions saves time, money, and frustration down the road.
9:00 AM — Architectural Plans and Rooflines
Before construction even begins, the roof must be addressed in architectural planning. The type of roof—gable, hip, shed, flat, or a combination—affects everything from framing to water drainage to local code compliance.
A gable roof may be ideal for ventilation and snow shedding in colder climates, while a low-slope or flat roof might suit contemporary builds in milder regions. The slope also determines the types of roofing materials that can be used, influencing costs and timelines.
New construction roofs are a blank canvas—but only if carefully considered during the early planning phase.
11:30 AM — Materials Enter the Conversation
As the skeleton of the home takes shape, it’s time to think materials. Asphalt shingles remain the most common for residential roofing, offering affordability, color variety, and reliable performance. Metal roofing, however, has gained popularity for its longevity, fire resistance, and energy efficiency. Other options, like synthetic slate or clay tiles, add elegance but may demand a reinforced roof structure due to their weight.
The choice isn’t just about looks. Material selection influences insulation needs, roof ventilation strategies, and how well the home handles regional weather challenges.
Working with an experienced contractor—like Mike Ragan Roofing—helps homeowners align material choices with both budget and long-term expectations, ensuring no surprises emerge once construction is underway.
1:00 PM — Underlayment and Weather Protection
Once the roof deck is installed, the next step isn’t shingles—it’s what goes beneath them. Underlayment may not be visible in the finished product, but it’s vital in protecting the home from moisture, especially during heavy rain or snow.
Synthetic underlayments offer stronger tear resistance and UV protection during installation, while traditional felt is still a viable, budget-conscious option. Either way, skipping or rushing through this step can lead to early leaks—even before the first storm hits.
It’s not uncommon for framing and underlayment to be completed on the same day during new construction. A weather-tight structure means other trades can begin interior work, even if shingles or metal panels haven’t been installed yet.
3:15 PM — Ventilation Planning
A properly ventilated roof isn’t optional—it’s essential. Without airflow through the attic, heat and moisture build up, leading to mold growth, reduced insulation performance, and premature shingle aging.
New construction offers an advantage here: the ability to install ventilation systems the right way from the beginning. Soffit vents, ridge vents, gable vents, and attic fans can all be integrated without retrofitting or cutting into finished spaces.
It’s a phase often skipped or overlooked in DIY builds, but Nashville roofing professionals know better. Every layer of the system depends on proper airflow to function at its best.
5:00 PM — Flashing, Valleys, and Drainage
As the roof takes final shape, attention turns to the details—flashing around chimneys and skylights, valleys where water naturally flows, and edge components like drip guards and starter shingles.
This stage might seem minor, but it’s where most long-term roofing issues begin. Improper flashing leads to leaks. Poor drainage causes water to sit or back up under materials. Inconsistent shingle placement shortens the lifespan of the entire system.
For homes with complex rooflines or multiple additions, it’s especially critical that every joint and junction be properly sealed. That includes integrating gutters from day one, rather than leaving them as an afterthought.
While many homeowners focus on aesthetics, roofing professionals know that these unseen elements make all the difference in how well a roof performs over time.
6:30 PM — Inspection and Final Touches
With the last shingle nailed and the ridge cap secured, a thorough inspection ensures every aspect of the roof has been completed to code and manufacturer specifications. This includes:
- Fastener patterns and spacing
- Alignment and overlap of shingles or panels
- Sealant application at vulnerable points
- Vent and flashing integrity
- Gutter and downspout installation (if applicable)
A properly installed new construction roof won’t need touch-ups, patches, or emergency repairs in the short term. It should be ready to protect the home for decades with only routine maintenance.
At this stage, Mike Ragan Roofing ensures all finishing work is complete and that documentation—such as warranties and inspection reports—is provided to the homeowner or builder.
Final Thoughts: Roof First, Not Roof Last
Too often, the roof is viewed as the finishing step of a home build. In reality, it’s one of the most important parts to plan well in advance.
A new construction roof isn’t just about materials—it’s about decisions made at every stage: framing, slope, ventilation, drainage, and integration with the entire home system. When done right, it protects everything beneath it. When rushed or treated as secondary, it becomes a source of future repairs and avoidable expense.
From design consultation to final inspection, roofing professionals bring insights that help align vision with function. And in projects where every detail counts, those insights make all the difference.
Mike Ragan Roofing works with builders, homeowners, and designers to ensure every roof is a long-term investment in protection, value, and peace of mind—starting on day one.
