Your home’s roof gets exposed to changing temperatures and extreme weather all the time. The average roof lasts for between 15 and 25 years with routine maintenance before you’ll start needing to figure out how to replace a roof.
If your roof is old or you’re frequently scheduling repairs, installing a new roof is the best option for your home. However, the installation process isn’t as simple as you might think.
You need to know what to expect before you schedule the appointment. Here are a few important things every homeowner needs to know before replacing a roof on their property.
1. Make Sure a New Roof Is Necessary
Believe it or not, installing a new roof isn’t always what your home needs. Before you make the decision to replace your old roof, make sure the replacement is the right choice.
Schedule an inspection with your trusted roofing contractor and let them look at the condition of your roof.
During this inspection, they’ll look for the warning signs that your roof is failing. This means inspecting the attic, the support structure, and the roofing materials themselves. If they think the materials are in good shape, you may be able to simply repair the roof.
However, if they think that the damage is severe or feel that you’ll end up having to make frequent repairs to keep your home safe, replacing the roof is the better option. Rely on your roofer to tell you what’s best for your home.
2. You’ll Need to Choose the Right Materials
The type of roofing materials you choose largely influence the amount of maintenance and repairs you’ll have to deal with in the future. Instead of choosing the cheapest option possible, be more selective.
Choose roofing materials that will last for decades and have manufacturer warranties that are valid for years after installation. If you’re not sure what type of materials will work best for your home, discuss the options with your roofing contractor. They’ll be able to recommend the best materials for your needs and your budget.
If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, you’ll need to check with your HOA to see what types and colors of materials are acceptable. The last thing you want to do is commit to a material only to find out that it violates the HOA’s rules. If it does, you may have to remove the roofing materials and replace them with approved options at your own expense.
3. Shop Around With Different Contractors
Roof replacement cost is one of the biggest deciding factors for homeowners and it varies from contractor to contractor. This means you’ll need to shop around with different contractors to find the best option for your budget.
Try to schedule in-person estimates with at least three roofing companies and get everything you can in writing. These written estimates should include the cost of materials, labor, the types of work they’ll do, and the guarantees they offer.
Compare those estimates in detail and choose the contractor that fits your needs best. Remember, the best contractor may not be the cheapest option—in fact, choosing the cheapest contractor isn’t always the best idea.
You want to make sure the contractor you work with will do a good job and stands behind the work they do for years to come. This means you may end up paying more for their services, but the quality of their workmanship will more than make up for the cost.
4. It’s Best to Prepare Your Home for the Appointment
Once you find a roofer you’re comfortable working with, you’ll need to get your home ready for the appointment. This means taking a look around your yard and identifying possible hazards that could get in the crew’s way.
Remove items like lawn decorations, furniture, and toys to provide a clear pathway around your home. If you can, park your car on the street or in the garage to allow the roofing crew to get their equipment as close to your home as possible.
Cover sensitive plants and shrubs with tarps or old blankets to protect them from falling debris. If you have pets, keep them indoors while the roofers are working. This way, everyone will stay safe throughout the roof replacement.
Taking these simple steps before the roofers arrive will help speed up the appointment and makes it easier for them to do their jobs well. The result will be a better and faster installation.
5. Roofing Work Is Always Loud
Roofing work is always loud. This is the case no matter what type of material you install. Make sure you’re ready for that noise.
If you work from home, consider finding a quieter place to get your work done while the roofers are on-site. If your kids get bothered by loud noises, take them away from the property while the installation is underway.
Though it’s noisy, the work won’t take forever. Be patient and know that the roofers are doing everything they can to minimize the noise they generate.
6. Installing a New Roof Is an Investment in Your Home
Installing a new roof doesn’t just keep your home from experiencing annoying leaks. It also adds value to your property. According to the information found at https://prr247.com/new-look-better-appraisal-how-adding-a-new-roof-will-increase-your-boise-home-value/, the right roof replacement can increase your property value by thousands of dollars.
If you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, a roof replacement can make all the difference in the price you get. Even better, it can help you attract more qualified buyers and get offers faster.
Ready to Start Replacing a Roof?
Installing a new roof is one of the best things you can do for your home and your property’s value. Just make sure to keep these key things in mind before you schedule an appointment. Better yet, why not contact a credible roofing company to do a roofing inspection if you don’t trust yourself to do one at all or thoroughly? There are a lot of reputable roofing companies that offer free roofing inspections, so feel free to consult them and move forward from there. Such companies include Team Roofing, which is based in Atlanta, for residents around the area. You get to contact their roofing experts to do your roof inspection for free so that you can be guided on what further action to take. Most importantly, you can verify their credibility by asking for their licenses and certificates to prove their qualifications.
When you take the time to understand what goes into a full roof replacement, you’ll be better equipped to make the right choices for your home.
Replacing a roof is only one way to improve your home’s appearance and value. Check out our latest posts for more advice on how to make your home stand out from others on the block.
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