6 Basic Things To Keep In Mind Before Replacing A Residential Roof

The roof over your head is one of the essential parts of your home. It protects your house from the rain, snow, sleet, hail, and scorching summer heat. People invest a lot of money into their homes, so, understandably, they want to get the most out of it.

Deciding to replace your roof is a big decision. Homeowners should think about replacing their roof when the shingles show signs of wear or they’ve suffered structural damage, such as when a tree falls on a top, or the roof has been damaged by hail. Shingles may be brittle and worn, the flashing and vents may be cracked and leaky, or there may be signs of mold growth.

You should talk to a roofing professional before moving forward, but this article will give you an idea of How Trees Can Damage Your Home’s Roof?  

Whether you go with asphalt shingle, metal, or tile roof, keep these six tips in mind before making the purchase or replacement decision.

Image Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/focused-man-building-roof-of-wooden-construction-3771111/

WHEN SHOULD YOU REPLACE YOUR ROOF?

Replacing a roof is an expensive, time-consuming project that should only be done when necessary. Because of how expensive it is, you should always weigh your options for replacing a roof. The rule of thumb is to replace a roof every 15-20 years. Older roofs are more likely to leak, which can lead to water damage and rot in other parts of your home. The cost of replacing a roof, however, shouldn’t be the only determining factor.

#1. CONDITION OF YOUR HOME

A roof that’s in bad shape needs to be replaced immediately. A buildup of debris, like leaves or bird droppings, can cause a lot of damage. If your roof is in good shape but you want to update its appearance, roofing experts might suggest installing an overlay. It’s less expensive than replacing the roof entirely, but it improves your home’s curb appeal.

Image Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/firefighters-on-ladder-9837736/

#2. MATERIALS

Roofing contractors typically offer three types of materials:

• Asphalt Shingles,
• Wood Shingles
• or Metal.

ASPHALT SHINGLES

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of residential roof. They’re made of a combination of asphalt, cellulose, and fiberglass, and they are available in thousands of designs. Asphalt shingles are durable and relatively inexpensive.

WOOD SHINGLES

Wood shingles are another option, and while they cost more upfront, they can last longer, often up to 40 years. Asphalt shingles typically last 20 years, making wood shingles save a considerable amount of money on long-term maintenance costs.

METAL ROOFS

Metal roofs tend to be more expensive than other roofing materials, but they last the longest and cost less in the long run. The upfront cost is offset by the 25- to 50-year lifespan, and they don’t need to be painted.

Image Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photo-of-brown-roof-shingles-1453799/

#3. REPLACING THE WHOLE ROOF OR JUST THE SHINGLES

Sometimes it makes sense to replace only a portion of your roof, like when you replace old, weathered shingles. But there are times when the entire roof replacement makes more sense. You should discuss the pros and cons of each during your planning process. As always, plan for future maintenance and consider how long you plan on living in your home when considering whether to go ahead with a complete roof replacement.

#4. ATTIC VENTILATION

The fresh air that your attic needs to prevent moisture buildup comes from three different sources. Firstly, cool morning air will enter your attic when you open your home’s windows. Secondly, hot afternoon air will exhaust out of your attic through soffit vents and ridge vents. Finally, warm air inside your home can escape through small gaps in your ceiling or between other objects in your attic space, such as ductwork or plumbing. Insufficient ventilation is one of the most common causes of moisture buildup inside attics.

#5. CHECK YOUR HOME OWNER’S INSURANCE POLICY

Certain types of roof damage are covered under most standard homeowners’ insurance policies. Check with your insurance company to see what you are already covered for. If you have contents coverage, your roof is probably covered by that as well. If you have a condo or townhome, ask your insurance provider if they have a master policy in place.

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#6. GET MULTIPLE QUOTES

Just because you get one estimate doesn’t mean that you should go with it. Not all contractors are created equal, and there can be significant differences in their prices. Get quotes from a minimum of three different companies to compare them simultaneously. Look for things like labor costs, materials, warranty info, and other factors to help determine which contractor is offering you the best deal.

KEY FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A ROOFER

Finding a residential roofer can be challenging, especially if you’re unfamiliar with all of your options. Here are some key things to keep in mind while searching for someone to repair or replace your residential roof

Make sure that they are licensed & insured

Verify the certification is current

Check the value of their work and reviews

THE BOTTOM LINE

For a proper roof replacement, a homeowner needs to hire a roofing company. How much should it cost? That depends on several factors, including the size of the roof, the type of roofing material, the labor involved, and the materials needed. Homeowners can take steps to minimize the cost of a roof replacement. For example, they can install attic insulation before replacing a roof, which can cut energy costs. They can also replace damaged shingles before replacing the whole roof, which saves money.

Whether you hire a general contractor or roofing specialist, make sure you discuss all aspects of your project before signing on with someone.

Another helpful article can be found at https://iceblast.com.au/ways-reduce-humidity-home/

Author Bio: Jessica has been closely studying the changing trends in Lifestyle for quite some time. Intrigued by the booming growth of this sector, she takes interest in penning down her views providing quality insight on it. Currently, she is studying about Best Roofing Company