Roof replacement is one of the most important home improvement projects you can focus on as a homeowner. It offers many benefits, including exceptional weather protection, improved energy efficiency and enhanced aesthetic appeal. These allow for a sturdier, more beautiful and more comfortable home. To ensure its success, you need to cover all bases. As one of the leading residential roofing companies in the area, we prepared this step-by-step checklist to help you with this investment.
Find Out If You Need a New Roof
Before you invest in a new roofing system, you must first determine if you need to tackle roof replacement at all or just focus on simple repairs. Several factors have to be considered when it comes to roofing work, including the extent and severity of the roof damage, the actual age of your roof, the urgency of the situation, and the budget you’re willing to allocate for the project. Ask a trustworthy roofing contractor as well; they can give you an honest opinion about whether to repair or replace. They even offer free inspections and estimates!
A residential roof repair may be an affordable option, but it may no longer be the best solution, especially if your roof has sustained serious damage due to a storm that hit your area recently or is closer to the end of its serviceable life. Your roof needs to be replaced if it is showing noticeable signs of deterioration due to long-term weather exposure. These include missing shingles, granule loss and daylight showing through the floorboards.
There are two varieties of roof replacement: a re-roof, or installing the new roof over the old one, and a tear-off, which is the removal of the old roofing materials and components before installing the new roof. The former is a money-saving option, but only if the roof decking is still in good shape. Otherwise, you might have to stick to the latter. Apart from labor, the disposal of the old shingles and flashings can drive up its total cost. Nevertheless, this option gives you a brand new roof that is more durable and long-lasting.
Research Your Roofing Options
Once you know if your roof does need a replacement, you should start researching different roofing options. You can never go wrong with asphalt shingles, but if you got the budget for the entire project, you can choose other roofing materials like metal, wood shake and slate. Each has its distinct benefits and drawbacks, and your final choice will depend on your goals and available resources.
Here’s a look at some of the residential roofing options that our company offers homeowners in the local area:
- Asphalt Shingles – They are still the most popular roofing materials available in the market today. Cost-effective, easy to install and versatile, they come in a wide range of colors and styles, which means you’re likely to find one that will complement the rest of your home’s exterior and increase your property’s curb appeal.
- Wood Shakes – If your home’s architectural style leans toward the traditional aesthetic, this roofing material is worth considering. To ensure the material’s long-lasting appearance, however, you’ll have to keep it well-maintained.
- Slate – Despite the hefty price tag, slate roofs can last for many decades. That’s one of the reasons why many homeowners who choose this roofing material never bother replacing their roofs again.
- Composite – This roofing material mimics the authentic look of slate or wood shake roofing systems but at a fraction of the cost. It is modeled after these high-end choices and can give your home an elegant, stylish appearance.
Choose the Right Roofing Contractor
Next, you’ll have to find a roofing contractor that can install your preferred choice of roofing material. This step shouldn’t be overlooked because it involves arguably the most important decision you can make during the entire process. The roofing company you choose will make or break your new roof’s performance and longevity for years to come. Expect even the best roof to fail early in its lifespan if it is installed improperly by an inexperienced roofer.
To avoid this, be sure you research your prospects carefully. Verify their qualifications by checking if they have adequate insurance and necessary licenses and manufacturer certifications. Once you’ve found a roofing company you can trust, you should talk to them and take advantage of their knowledge and experience. Never be afraid to ask everything about your project. They’ll be more than happy to help you find the best type, color and design of roofing material for your home. Find out if they have clean-up procedures in place after each workday. Don’t forget to ask for a detailed estimate and project timeline. Discuss these with your roofer before signing the contract.
Prepare Your Home
Days or weeks before the start date of your roof replacement project, make sure you do the necessary preparations for your home. Expect it to be noisy, so make sure you notify your neighbors about the upcoming roofing work in advance. If possible, show them your permits and take their needs into account for their peace of mind.
Roof replacement can get messy, too, especially if it involves removing the old roofing materials and components. Transfer outdoor furniture and plants and other items indoors. If that isn’t possible, cover them with drop cloths or tarps so they don’t collect dust and debris. Do the same if you have shrubs and flower beds planted on your property. Cut the grass short on your lawn as well. This will make it easier for the roofers to pick up stray nails once they’re done with the roof replacement.
Also, provide as much available space outside your home as possible. Clear out the driveway and everything in your yard, patio or garden. This staging area is where the roofing contractor will place all of their tools, equipment and roofing materials. They may also bring with them a dumpster that will be used to collect the debris before disposal.
Be sure to follow everything outlined in this guide to help you make the most of your roof replacement project. If you are not sure if your roof needs to be replaced soon, get in touch with Elevated Roofing LLC. From residential roof replacement to commercial roofing repair services, our team of experienced roofing specialists is committed to getting the job done right the first time.
Give us a call at (205) 537-9754 or fill out our contact form to request a free roof inspection.