More than just a cover over your home, your roof is also a key component in protecting you and your loved ones from the elements. If it’s damaged beyond repair, the smartest thing to do is to get a replacement. However, replacing your roof can be a major undertaking; it’s costly, time-consuming, and can make you struggle with different decisions—from materials and style to how the color will affect your curb appeal. It would greatly help then if you had the basics covered as that would give you the understanding necessary to make the right decisions for your roof replacement. Read on to find out the five “Cs” you should know before investing your hard-earned dollars in this project.
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Contractor
As with any upgrade, there will be contractors willing to do an exceptional job for a reduced cost. While this sounds fantastic, be wary, especially where your roof is concerned. If sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Making attractive offers is a common tactic used by scammers lurking around, who will unlikely no fulfill their end of the bargain and skip out on you sometimes before any work begins as long as they have your money. This is why it’s important to be critical of the roofer you’ll be working with.
CHOOSING A ROOFER: Roof replacement is one of the biggest investments you can make that’s why it’s crucial that you work with a reliable contractor.
Before asking for a contract, make sure that your roofing contractor is:
- Experienced. Only hire roofing contractors that have a history of doing excellent work in your area. As much as possible, avoid working with a contractor that has only been in the business for a few months. You don’t want to entrust a project as huge as roof replacement to an amateur roofer, as it is difficult to determine if they have the skills and knowledge necessary to install new roofing properly.
- Reputable. In addition, talk with roofing contractors who have a positive reputation in your community. There are plenty of smooth talkers out there, so it’s highly important to evaluate your options and choose a company you can trust. If none of your family members or friends can give you a personal referral, read online reviews to get an idea of which roofer most people in your community trust. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to make sure the contractor has a good reputation.
- Good Communicator. Lastly, you have to be sure it’s easy to communicate with your roofer. They should always be willing to answer your questions and provide the information you need in order to monitor your progress. With a clear and open line of communication between both parties, rest assured that you can make informed decisions about your roof replacement.
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Choices of Materials
Newer roofing materials arrive on the market all the time. If it’s your first time replacing your roof in the last 30 years, you should definitely take the time to look at what else is new on the market. In addition to some of the traditionally used materials, there are also highly attractive and durable innovations that can be ideal for your current needs. Here are some of your best choices:
ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOFING: Thanks to its proven beauty and durability, this type of roofing material continues to be the most popular among American homes.
- Asphalt Shingles. Since asphalt shingles offer superior features at a lower price, many American homeowners choose this material for their roofing projects. In fact, more than 75% of homes in the U.S. have asphalt shingle roofing. There’s a wide array of asphalt shingle colors and styles to choose from, and they look great on just about any home or structure.
- Metal. Metal roofs were first introduced as a resilient solution for industrial buildings, that’s why many homeowners were hesitant about choosing this material before. Thanks to modern technology, however, metal roofs now come in numerous styles, colors, and textures that complement different architectural designs. They also come with superb strength and unmatched energy efficiency to suit your needs.
- Slate. No doubt, slate is very beautiful. It can be a bit pricey than other materials, its cost is well justified since it can last for a century, highly durable and capable of withstanding nasty weather conditions.
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Curb Appeal
As one of the most noticeable parts of your exterior, your roof plays a key role in improving your curb appeal. This is why you should make the right decisions in terms of colors and styles to choose. You’ll be living with that new roof for many years, after all, so you’ll want to be sure your chosen design can boost, and not ruin, your home’s appearance.
MIXING AND MATCHING COLORS: Roof colors serve as the finishing touch for your home’s exterior, so make sure you choose the right one.
Start by taking note of your home’s permanent elements, such as your chimney and siding. Set color swatches against the area where these components intersect and then review them at various times of the day to see if they match in design. You also need to learn to mix and match different colors. You can choose a palette that has a higher contrast to your siding to create balance. When you’re not sure what palettes to choose, you can never go wrong with complementary colors. They can help you come up with a design that is pleasing to the eyes.
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Construction or Installation
A great portion of how your roofing performs usually depends on the manner it was installed. With so many contractors out there ready to lend a hand, how would you know which one will best meet your project’s needs? You can break down your options by looking for a manufacturer-certified contractor.
PROPER INSTALLATION: Your roof is only as good as its installation. Make sure to work with an expert roofer to make the most of your project.
When a roofer is certified, it means that they have undergone a series of professional training to help them become up-to-date with the latest installation trends and techniques. They also meet the required standards by the state, which means they can perform expert installations of new roofing systems. To ensure your project’s success, though, be sure to get a written contract from your contractor. This way, you’ll have a copy of all the details of the project, helping you ensure that you do get what was agreed upon. Make sure you understand all terms though before signing anything! Should you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your roofing contractor first.
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Comfort and Peace of Mind
Warranties will protect you from costly charges when unexpected issues come up. Before purchasing a new system, find out what kind of warranty coverage comes with it, as well as what you have to do to ensure the warranty stays valid. There are also two basic types of roofing warranties that you should get: material and workmanship. Typically, material warranties are provided by roofing manufacturers while workmanship warranties are offered by contractors. Having both will give you the ultimate protection.
Replacing your roof is a huge undertaking; don’t leave anything up to chance. You need to stay as informed as possible, weighing each option carefully before making a decision. After all, your roof will be with you a long time so you have to be happy with your project and understanding these five Cs will help you get there.
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Author Bio:
Brian Spicer is the president of Spicer Bros. Construction. When’s not in the field taking care of the needs of homeowners across the DelMarVa peninsula, he takes to writing to share his knowledge in the home improvement industry. Check out the company blog for updates from Brian!
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