You should read this information before hiring just anyone to replace your roof. This guide will give you 7 tips and important considerations to keep in mind when you need to start thinking about replacing a roof.
Do you have water on your head? How is the moss on your roof? Has a storm caused damage to some of your roofs?
All of these terrible indications point to the potential necessity of a new roof for your property. However, replacing a roof is expensive. You shouldn’t proceed without first taking some time to conduct the study.
Before replacing a roof, consider these 7 considerations.
- Roofing components
The cost of your new roof will directly depend on the type of material you select. The cost of the material itself is simply one consideration; another is the time and labor required for installation.
Carefully weigh your options. It may seem wise to choose a less expensive option, such as asphalt shingles, in order to save money. However, you can end up saving money in the long term if you spend a bit more on a material that is stronger and more durable.
But what if you don’t intend to occupy the home for a sufficient period of time to benefit from your investment? A house with a better roof will have a higher resale value. So having a nice, sturdy roof is a smart idea even if you intend to sell in a few years.
- Replace or Remove the Old Roof
Before you start, decide if you need to remove your old roof. If you can simply have the new roof placed over the existing one, you can save hundreds on installation fees.
However, a few things have an impact on this. First off, due to weight restrictions, only two layers of asphalt shingles are permitted. Therefore, if your roof has already been coated, there is nothing left for you to do but tear it off.
Remember that shingles attach to the roof itself more effectively than they do to other shingles. This implies that in order to securely secure the new shingles, it is generally a good idea to remove the old roof first if you live in a windy location.
Additionally, it is a good idea to strip your roof first if it is in particularly poor condition. Without removing all the old shingles, your roofer might not be able to notice any structural problems or damage.
- Selecting a Contractor
Similar to picking a significant other, you shouldn’t work with the first person to compliment you and flash you a toothy smile. Even if it could not be exactly the same, you should compare prices.
There are many roofing scams, and these businesses frequently appear following storms that might have been powerful enough to destroy roofs. Verify the contractor’s credentials in detail. Before choosing a company, read internet evaluations and try to speak with former clients.
Make sure the business has the appropriate insurance in place as well. In reality, to ensure your safety, you should ask the contractor’s insurance provider for a letter confirming their insurance coverage.
If one of the workers is hurt on your property without the required insurance, you could face some major issues.
- Inquire about the warranty
Another crucial component of the puzzle that you should carefully consider is the warranty. You’re investing a lot of money in a roof, which is pricey.
Materials with flaws shouldn’t become a problem for you. After all, you are paying experts to manage it for a reason. However, make sure your new roof has a solid warranty, or else, you can be stuck with the bill.
Just be sure to comprehend what is and isn’t covered because warranties can differ. Additionally, a few things, such as failing to obtain building permission, might void your guarantee.
- Review the small print
Observe the golden rule: always read the small print. We understand that carefully reading the contract on a Saturday afternoon may not be your idea of fun. But consider how many hours you would need to put in to pay for a roofing error.
Now it doesn’t sound so horrible, does it? A thorough reading through
- Your Homeowner’s Insurance May Be of Assistance
The good news in all of this is… Your homeowner’s insurance could in some circumstances contribute to the price of a new roof.
This most frequently occurs when your roof sustains damage that is not due to aging or normal wear and tear. This would cover things like a storm or fire damage.
Just don’t try to get the insurance company to help out by setting fire to an old roof. It’s against the law, and immoral, and you risk getting into a lot of problems.
You might be entitled to compensation if the damaged objects contain any of your personal property, such as clothing or furniture, in your house. Additionally, if the damage is severe enough that you must temporarily move out, insurance can assist with those living costs.
- Wait to pay till the magnet appears.
Our last important fact is one that many people undoubtedly won’t consider. After all, the ordinary homeowner is unaware of what goes into replacing a roof.
There are probably a BILLION nails in your yard after a roof replacement, especially if you had to rip off your old roof. No, not exactly a billion, but a lot.
To remove all the nails, a skilled contractor will come around with a rolling magnet and canvas the entire area. In the event that your contractor shows up for the final payment and appears to have “forgotten” this little point, kindly remind him before giving him the money.
Because the contractor failed to complete this stage, you don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of having nails in your tires (or your feet!).
You are now prepared to replace a roof
You probably had no idea there were so many details to consider before replacing a roof. Prior to spending any money or signing any contracts, keep these points in mind. This will guarantee your safety and provide you with a high-quality replacement roof.
Get in touch with us right now to learn more or to get a quotation! Please contact us for any of your roofing needs.