There has been a noticeable increase in the demand for roofing contractors in the United States of America for several roofing projects, including roof replacement. Homeowners depend on roofing contractors to assist them in fixing damaged roofs or replacing them.
Replacing your roof is a significant and financially demanding project to elevate your home. Hence, nobody wants to take the wrong steps, make terrible choices, or lose money. You can easily avoid making bad decisions by considering several factors before replacing your roof. We will share eight of these factors and some tips for your roof replacement in this article. Just stay with us.
Factors to Consider Before Replacing Your Roof
1. Your Aesthetic Preference
The first thing you should do before replacing your roof is to decide on the style of roof you want. You have the option of going for a striking or subtle look. There’s also the decision of color. Depending on the type of roof you are getting, you are left with a variety of colors to choose from. Some roof types have varieties, while others are limited.
2. Types of Available Roofing Materials
Just in case you aren’t aware, there is a wide range of roofing materials available beyond asphalt and cedar shakes. Options include composite shingles, solar shingles, rubber shingles, etc. Composite shingles, for example, mimic materials like slate and cedar shakes. They have a longer lifespan than regular roofing materials and come with warranties of 50 years.
3. Differences in Prices
It would be best to consider the difference in cost to know which one best suits your pocket’s size. Synthetic roofing materials are more expensive than classic ones. However, the cost of maintaining them in the long run is cheaper. For instance, synthetic materials are more resistant to inclement weather. They are low-maintenance compared to wooden shingles, which require frequent maintenance. Hence, while considering the immediate cost, it is also vital to factor in the long-term benefits and expenses of keeping them in good shape.
4. Layering or Stripping Old Material
You would also have to decide whether to strip off the old roof for a replacement or choose the layering option. Layering is not a bad idea in a scenario where the roof damage is localized (in a few spots). But if it is severe damage that has exposed your home to the elements, stripping is the better option. Although some people practice having two layers of roofing materials, we advise against it. It is better to get the old material out of the way to give the roofing contractor room for a thorough inspection and solution to the problem.
5. Durability of your choice
When replacing your roof, investing in premium-quality materials, which are usually on the high side of price, is better than going for cheap materials. Cheap roofing materials may cause you to spend more money in the long run on maintenance and repairs.
Durability is a very important quality to factor in when choosing a material. How resistant are they to harsh weather? Are they resistant to fire, pests, UV rays, and molds?
6. Warranty Type
Typically, traditional roofs have a warranty of 20 years. However, materials like synthetic ones have a warranty of 50 years. So, you have to consider the warranty the manufacturer offers. The higher the warranty, the more confidence you have in your decision and the better your resale value. Warranties sometimes serve as compensation for the money you spend on your roof.
7. DIY or Hire a Professional
DIY roofing has become a thing, as some people prefer to take the risk of roofing their homes themselves to save some money. While that isn’t an entirely bad idea, we recommend hiring a professional roofing contractor in your area for the job. Using a licensed contractor with years of experience will save you time, energy, and even money in the long run. Also, replacing your roof yourself may void your warranty.
8. Hiring the Best Roofing Contractor
Never underestimate the results of hiring a competent contractor. If you want assurance of a great experience, choose the best contractor.
How do you locate or identify one? It’s simple. One thing you could do is identify roofs in your area that you like and find out which contractor did the job. You could also check reviews online on specific websites.
When you finally find a contractor of your choice, ensure they have the necessary accreditations and insurance before hiring them. At the end of their service on the roof, ensure that they include cleanup in their overall service. They need to get rid of debris that may be harmful or an unpleasant sight.
4 Tips on Replacing Your Roof
1. Carefully Read the Paperwork and Examine the Estimate
Before finalizing things with your contractor, carefully review their contract and estimates. Read it and ensure that certain details, including the cost of replacing your roof and the materials being used, are stated. If, during your thorough inspection, you have concerns, don’t be hesitant to address them before putting down your signature.
This list below is what to look out for in every roofing estimate:
- Method of installation
- Number of layers they will remove
- Means of protecting your property
- Flashing and pipe boot replacement
- How they intend to deal with your decking replacement
- Choice of roofing material
- Drip edge
- Cleanup and dump fee
- Warranty details
- Roof vents
- Duration covered by the estimate
- Your right to recession
Ensure that your contractor abides by your town’s or city’s building code. They should also have a letter that confirms that their insurance carrier covers the project and that they have the correct permits.
2. Avoid Going for the Cheapest Option
Going for the cheapest option for your roof replacement is not the best thing to do. If you have that mindset or intention, you need to eliminate it. A poorly skilled roofer will take advantage when they find out you want the cheapest service. They will charge you less than competitors with the intention of using substandard materials and offering poor workmanship.
This is not to say that you have to get the most expensive service or roof. However, you shouldn’t be so keen on getting only cheap stuff without considering the consequences. While taking this advice, bear in mind that you can still get quality without going bankrupt or anything like that.
3. Collect Price Estimates from Various Companies
One of the best ways to find the right roofing company is to contact various companies and get their estimates. Choosing the right one will greatly impact the outcome of replacing your roof.
Doing this also helps you avoid being cheated and get the best option because it gives you a chance to compare the various prices. The truth is that some roofing companies are desperate to sell their products to homeowners. Hence, they take advantage of certain situations. A good example is a roofing company recommending a roof replacement when what you need is a roof repair. Consulting multiple companies will help you expose companies that are trying to take advantage of you.
4. Hire a Local Roofing Company
It is crucial to consider only local roofing contractors when hiring for your roof replacement job. If there’s any company you are considering for the job, its physical office should be close to where you stay. A local number should be available, too. The purpose of this precaution is to find them quickly when issues arise in the future.
In addition, many of these out-of-state companies do not follow the local installation codes because they won’t be close by to bear the consequences. This is precisely why you need to hire only local companies. They know the necessary paperwork, local codes, and every other necessary information to ensure a successful installation in accordance with the state’s demands.
Conclusion
Feeling overwhelmed when you discover that your roof needs replacement is normal and understandable, be it for your home or business. There are many things to factor in when you need a roof replacement, from deciding on what you want to getting estimates to finally finding the right roofing contractor.
After reviewing these tips and factors to consider before replacing your roof, you should feel less overwhelmed. This list is meant to make your decision-making process easier. So, when you are ready to replace your roof, you know what to do first. But before then, you can check out how much it costs to replace a roof in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time of year is best to replace my roof?
The best time to replace your roof is in the fall. It is the season when many people choose to replace their roofs. Fall is usually considered the most suitable time to install a new roof because of the weather consistency of early summer and the gentle temperatures of spring.
What is the average lifespan of a roof?
The average lifespan of a roof typically falls between 25 and 50 years. However, several factors influence this lifespan. They include durability, material type, and location.
