What You Should Know Before a Roof Replacement
No one ever wants to hear that they need to have their roof replaced, as this is a pricey and hassling process. Unfortunately, once your roofer has recommended the need for roof replacement, there’s not much to be done but to learn as much as you can before the process begins.
Wait, shouldn’t you leave all that with the roofer? While we highly recommend that you hire a reputable company to perform the complex roof replacement, it’s still important for you to know what it is and how to ensure a smooth process.
Read on as we share what you must know before a roof replacement!
What You Should Know Before a Roof Replacement
A roof replacement involves tearing off your current roofing materials down to the decking, then installing new components, such as the underlayment, shingles, and the like.
This won’t only require a lot of new quality materials, but professional labor, which won’t be cheap. However, do know that it’s worth paying for, with your roof being an investment! So, with that said, these are the things to know before installing your new roof:
Expect Loud Noises
Our apologies in advance, but you must prepare for loud noises during a roof replacement. Unfortunately, there is no way around it. That’s why you must warn your family and neighbors about the roof replacement and potential noise before the process begins.
You may want to try staying out of the house during the roofer’s work hours or staying at another place altogether during the process. This is especially true for those with babies or children!
Hire a Local, Experienced Contractor
You might think that going the DIY route will save you save money but on the contrary. Hiring a reputable local contractor is a crucial investment as they have the adequate skills, training, and experience that gets the job done successfully. Also, if there are any problems related to your roof after the replacement, you’ll know who to contact and can avail of the roofer’s warranty.
Moreover, a local contractor knows what must be done specifically to the area you live in. They know what installation codes to follow, the paperwork required, and other factors to consider to ensure a correctly installed roof follows the state’s requirements.
Invest in Quality Materials
Again, your roof replacement is a significant investment, and it won’t come cheap! Understandably, everyone is on a budget, and you might be tempted to get a contractor offering the lowest price. However, you must get a contractor who will offer quality materials and labor at lower prices.
You will get what you pay for, and the cheapest roof replacement will result in cheap materials and labor, which will negatively affect your new roof’s lifespan and functionality.
While traditional shingles made of asphalt and slate are popular choices, you can also opt for metal roofs, a newer option. There are many metal roofing materials resembling other materials though they are more energy-efficient and durable. That said, discuss all your options with the roofing contractor and get recommendations on which is best for you according to your needs and budget.
How Long Does the Roof Replacement Last?
Once your new roof is installed, you’ll get a new roof that will perform excellently and protect your home for years to come. But the question is, how long will the new roof last?
The roof can last as long as the manufacturer’s specific lifespan provided that it is properly installed and ventilated. You can get up to 85% of the lifespan out of your newly replaced roof.
For instance, a dimensional asphalt shingle roof would have an average lifespan of 30 years. That means your replaced roof can last for 25-28 years. But do note that these numbers are just based on average rates and it still depends on if your contractor follows appropriate roofing principles and installs the new roof with adequate attic ventilation.
Inquire About Roof Removal
When looking for a roofing contractor, you must ask them about roof removal. This means getting rid of your old roof for you. It’s recommended to have an old roof removed rather than have new shingles placed over it.
If you do this and your existing roof has soft spots and rotting wood, you aren’t fixing the issue completely. It ends up being a band-aid solution that can result in larger, pricier issues later on.
Besides that, ask about material disposal. You must know how the contractor will remove the refuse material from your roofs. Ideally, they want to bring in a container to store and dispose of the materials. Besides this, ask the contractor where the container will be placed and what they will do in case of any damage to your property.
Read All Paperwork Carefully
Finally, before you sign any papers and pay your chosen contractor for your roof replacement, make sure to read their contract. Look over the contract to see if it includes all specific details like the products used and the overall cost of roof replacement.
If you see any issues, discuss them before signing the papers. Also, ensure that the contractor follows your city’s building code.
Besides the paperwork, always know how much the roof replacement will cost and that you receive a rate without hidden charges. There is no set price for every roof as it depends on factors like your exact location, materials used, the experience of the contractor, and so on.
Wrapping It Up
Are you thinking of having your roof replaced? Before that happens, you must know what the process entails and the factors you should consider to avoid any hiccups during and after the roof replacement.
Once you’re familiar with what a roof replacement is and the things to know about, the next step is hiring a professional roofer to do the job. Haven’t found one yet? Contact us now to get a free inspection!