THINK YOU NEED A NEW ROOF?
Here are seven important things to consider when replacing a roof. With so many new homes and commercial properties being built every day, there’s been a major increase in the need for roofing contractors in the U.S.
Many people are also relying on roofing contractors to help them repair damage to their roofs brought on by extreme weather and everyday wear and tear.If you’re thinking about a roof replacement, you’ll probably be calling a contractor soon, too.
Before you do that, though, you should also know exactly what a roof replacement entails.Read on to learn about seven of the most important things to consider when replacing a roof.
Several situations call for an immediate roof replacement, and some of the signs are more obvious than others:
Your Roof Is Old: The lifespan of a roof is believed to be 20 to 25 years, so you should replace it once it reaches this age.
Your Shingles Are Buckling and Curling: Inspect the slopes of your roof that receive direct sunlight. If you see that shingles are losing granules and curling, they may need to be replaced.
Your Roof Valleys Are Showing Neglect: If shingles in your roof valleys are missing or breaking apart, it's time to get a new roof. These valleys are one of the most critical parts of a roof, as rainwater flows through them on its way to the gutters. If this area is damaged, it becomes vulnerable to leaks.
Your Chimney Flashing Needs to Be Replaced: If your flashing is made of tar or cement, it may be a good idea to replace it with a metal flashing system, which is water-tight and lasts longer.
Your Gutters Are Full of Shingle Granules: As roofs near the end of their lives, they start to lose more granules, which often end up in the gutters. Check your gutters to see if they are full of these granules. Another sign of granules wearing away is a darker or inconsistent color on certain areas of the roof.
You See Daylight Through the Boards of the Roof: Go up to your attic to check whether daylight is coming through the roof.
Your Roof Is Sagging: A sagging roof is a serious problem that requires immediate action and usually indicates a structural issue. The issue may be with the attic decking or perhaps even the foundation supports. While you are not necessarily in immediate danger, this issue is much easier to deal with when it is in a small area — not when it has spread all over the roof.
Things to Consider When Replacing a Roof:
Do any of those signs sound familiar to you? If so, then there’s a good chance you’re in need of a roof replacement.
Most people have no idea where to begin when it comes to replacing a roof. If you’re in this same boat, start by taking the following factors into consideration:
1. Roofing Material Options
Be sure to consider all your options before you make a decision for your home.
One of the most important decisions is your roofing material. When deciding on a material, consider the appearance, price and lifespan of each available product. For instance, although asphalt roofing shingles are among the most economical options, their lifespan is one of the shortest for residential roofs. Concrete or metal shingles, on the other hand, tend to last longer and are usually a better choice if you're interested in making a long-term investment.
Apart from more traditional shingles like asphalt, shakes and slate, you can also buy beautiful metal roofs that mimic the look of other roofing materials and architectural shingles that are superior to traditional asphalt in both performance and looks. While some of these newer materials can be three times the price of standard 3-tab asphalt shingles, they will also last longer and enhance the curb appeal — and therefore, the resale value — of your home.
If your last roofing installation was 20 years ago, don't just go with the same material as before — take a look at new roof types, too.
Consider each option carefully and think about the advantages and disadvantages of each. If you're unsure about which material would best suit your home, hire an expert to take a look at your roof and figure out which materials would be the best investment for your house.
2. Things Will be Loud
Keep in mind that replacing a roof is a loud process. The stripping old shingles and hammering of new ones are going to cause a lot of racket. If you, your children or pets are sensitive to loud noises, it may be best for them to stay somewhere else while the roofing is taking place, if possible. It's also considerate to let your neighbors know ahead of time about this noisy project and when it will start.
It is also important to keep in mind that you will need a lot of shingles to cover a roof. If you have plans to go somewhere during the day, remember to get your car out of the driveway before the shingles are delivered. Otherwise, the delivery truck might block you in.
3. You Should Shop Around
It’s best to shop around and compare your options before you decide on a roofing contractor.
Ask for references from neighbors, friends, or family members, and get estimates from each of them before you make your final decision.
It’s a good idea to verify their insurance and licenses at this point, too. That way, you won’t get any unpleasant surprises later on.
4. Focus on Quality
It may be tempting to find and work with a contractor who offers the lowest prices and work with them.
Remember, though, that a roof is definitely not something you want to skimp on. As with most things, you get what you pay for when hiring a roofing contractor.
It’s worth it to invest in quality — that goes for the people replacing the roof as well as the materials themselves — when you’re working on a big project like a roof replacement.
This will help you ensure you get great, long-lasting results.
5. Ask About Roof Removal
When you’re looking for a roofing contractor, be sure to ask them about roof removal. Specifically, ask if they will get rid of your old roof for you.
It’s generally best to have the old roof removed instead of having new shingles placed over it.
If this happens and there are soft spots or rotting wood, you’re not really getting the problem fixed. It’s just a band-aid that will lead to larger and more expensive problems later on.
6. Ask About Refuse Material Disposal
Finally, ask about how the roofers are going to get rid of the refuse material from your roof. Ideally, they’ll bring in a container to store it all.
If they do this, be sure to find out where they’ll place the container and what they’ll do if it causes any damage to your driveway or other parts of your property.
7. Read the Paperwork Carefully
Finally, before you agree to work with any roofing contractors, you should read through their contract carefully.
Look over it and make sure it includes specific details about the products being used and the cost of the replacement. If you notice any issues, address them before signing.
You should also make sure that your contractor is following the building code for your city or town.
Make sure they have proper permits and a letter confirming that the project is covered by the contractor’s insurance carrier, too.
Do You Need a New Roof?
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you learn that you need a new roof.
From the cost to the process of finding the right roofers, there are a lot of things to consider when replacing a roof.
If you keep this list in mind, though, you’ll have a much easier time figuring out what you need and finding the right people for the job.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or to get a free roof evaluation and estimate.