If the roof’s lifespan is touching 20-25 years, you surely need to consider a roof replacement. Other than that if you have buckling or curling shingles, or a sagging roof, you might like to get a new roof for your house.
Regardless of the reason inciting you to replace the roof, there are a few preparations you need to take and a few factors you need to consider before you actually start the installation.
#1 Choosing the Right Material
The material of the roof will decide its look, cost, and longevity. Certainly, choosing a material is the most essential part to consider. There are lots of roof materials available in the market, few of the most popular are:
Asphalt Shingles: These are one of the most cost-effective options, but for residential roofs, their lifespan is considerably short.
Wood Shingles: These are the most attractive shingles, but are not cheaper and not suitable for fire-prone areas. However, they are very long-lasting.
Slate Roofing: Highly attractive in looks, these are heavy and expensive. Repairing and damaging slate roofs are not easy, as they have extremely slippery surfaces.
Metal shingles: These options are very long-lasting and are considered to be the better option than traditional material like asphalt, shakes, and slate. However, concrete and metal shingles are costly.
Weigh your options carefully on the basis of their advantages and disadvantages, and of course the cost. In case, you are still unsure of the best fit option for your roof, you take the help of experts at a roofing company. When you talk to them, it is not just roofing material they suggest, but much other additional information. Like, the experts at https://www.bartlettroofs.com/roofing-phoenix/ recommend to take a look at full-sized material samples and review the manufacturer’s warranties if applicable. Besides, they also help you pick a color that will enhance the curb appeal of your home.
#2 Choosing Peeling Off or Second Layer
What would you prefer, installing the new ones after removing the existing shingles or just go for another layer over it?
In many jurisdictions, more than two layers are not allowed. Also, your house’s infrastructure may not be able to bear the extra weight of another roof layer. In such a scenario, the best option seems to be going for peeling off the existing layer before installing the fresh shingles.
This suggestion is also recommended to conditions like:
- Shingles are curling
- The roof is partially damaged
- Roof is uneven
- A geographical area with high wind speed
- A geographical area with cold climate
#3 Choosing Your Budget Range
When you are deciding on a budget for roofing, you can’t set it on the basis of how much you can spend. There are several factors, your budget depends on. For instance, you will need to check:
- The area of the roof
- Type of material chosen
- Type of roofing
- The roofing contractor
- The steepness of the roof needed
The roofing cost is usually charged per square foot, which includes the cost for demolition, permission, waste disposal, and final cleanup.
Once you have an idea of the areas of expenses, you can get a rough detail of the cost. You can then decide which area you want to spend more or where you want to cut down the cost.
#4 Choosing the Right Contractor
Once you are clear about your requirements, it is time to look for the right contractor. After you get a list of contractors from various sources, you can request quotes for your roofing project. There is a high possibility that not all contracts work with all types of roofing material. So, you have to check each one of them individually.
If you look into the market there are numerous contractors available to work at both at a low and high cost. Now, it is important to clarify the reason for the difference, even if it looks like the one charging high works more efficiently.
The best way is to get references from family, friends, and tradespeople you trust. You can also check review websites or look into the websites that list installers having certification.
#5 Getting the Right Contract
Always ask for a contract before you agree on work if they don’t initiate from their end. A contract is important for both parties to ensure that the work is done as it was promised.
The contract must have specific details about every product to be used and work done during the project. Also, include the type of roof design in the contract in detail, if you are going for a complete change. So that you can check everything done at the end of the project.
It is also important to check in the document that the contractor follows the building code for your city or town. Cross-check everything you talked about before installation begins.
Conclusion
For the desirable roof replacement, it is important that no stone is left unturned during your research and always go for the reputed contractor for the job.