It’s no secret that winter weather can be very harsh on a roof. It’s also no secret that you might need to replace your roof soon, especially if it is old or in bad condition. If that sounds like something you may need to do before the cold weather comes back around again this winter, then it’s important to know what you need to do in preparation for replacing your roof.
Researching everything about roof replacements can be a daunting task, but it’s important to do your homework before you make such a big purchase. There are many things to consider when getting a roof replacement, from the materials used in the roofing process to the cost of the project.
Things to Know Before Getting a Roof Replacement
What are some things you should consider before hiring someone for roof replacement? Before replacing your roof, make sure you know these things:
It’s Important to Know Whether You Actually Need to Get a New Roof
Leaking is the most common reason for a roof replacement but you need to know if the leak is happening due to the roof, or because of another problem in your home. For instance, if you have a leak under an eave that is caused by clogged gutters, then it’s not actually your roof leaking.
Your local roofing contractor can check your roof for you and give you an honest opinion as to whether a replacement is necessary.
Your Roof Replacement May Not be Permanent
Although a new roof is a big investment, it’s important to remember that a roof replacement is not always a permanent fix. Homes settle and shift over time, which can cause roofing materials to wear down and eventually need to be replaced again.
Your roofing material can also affect the price of the repairs. Tile roofs, for example, cost more than asphalt shingle roofs – but it may be worth the additional expense if you live in an area that gets lots of rain or snowfall.
It’s Important to Find and Hire a Roofing Contractor
Hiring a roofing contractor in your area is essential to your roof replacement. They will know the best roofing material to use for your climate and can give you an estimate on the cost of a replacement. They must have a physical office, local number, and will come to your home with samples and various roofing options.
Contractors will also know about all the processes, such as how long it takes or what happens if there is damage done during a replacement. So you can ask them any question you have and they’ll be able to give a straight answer.
Your Roofing Contractor Will Give You an Estimate
Once you’ve decided on the material that best suits your home, give them to one of your local roofers. They will do a thorough inspection and recommend whether or not replacement is necessary. They should also be able to provide details about materials they can use so feel free to ask as many questions as you want. Most roofers will give you a written estimate which is important to look over.
Not all roofs are created equal and there are many factors that go into the replacement process. Make sure you understand what’s included in the estimate so there are no surprises down the road.
The Roofing Material You Consider Choosing Matters
The most common roofing materials are asphalt shingles, wood shingles, shakes, tile, metal, and slate.
Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to choose one that will work best for your home and climate.
Here are the roofing components and materials you need to know:
- Underlayment
- Roof decking
- Roof flashing
- Drip edge
- Shingles
- Ridge Capping
- Roof vents
- Pipe boots
- Ice and water shield
The Roof Replacement Process
Replacing your roof is a big job – it’s not something that you can do in a day or two.
This is the step by step process of what happens when you get your roof replaced:
- The new roofing materials will be delivered to your home.
- Your roofing contractor will arrive and begin to remove the old roof.
- Before doing it they will set protection for your property.
- Once the old roof is removed they will install the new roofing materials.
- They will install new gutters if needed
Once all of those steps are complete, it’s time for a final inspection to make sure everything looks good and you’re all set!
It’s important to note that there may be a few additional steps involved in getting a roof replacement, depending on your specific situation.
The lifespan of Your New Roof
With a new roof installed, your home will have a leak-free roof for decades to come. Your roof will also be much more energy-efficient, adding value to your home. As long as it’s properly cared for, your new roof could get around 80-90% of its life span.
Conclusion
A roof replacement can be a big investment, but it’s one that will pay off in the long run. By taking the time to do your research and understanding what goes into getting a new roof installed, you can be sure that you’re making the best decision for your home.
