Construction & Contractors Blog
Are you replacing your current residential roof? Roofing structures last a long time; however, inclement weather, impact, and negligence can shorten their lifespan. Installing a new roof improves your home's curb appeal and protects the rest of the structure from damage. A roof replacement project is complicated and time-consuming. Therefore, before getting started, discuss the following things with your contractor.
Do You Need a Full or Partial Replacement?
Before replacing your roof, it's crucial to inspect the old one and determine whether you need a full or partial replacement. Ask your contractor to inspect your roof and provide an unbiased assessment of its visual and functional state. Ideally, if the roof is extensively damaged, replacing the entire structure would be cost-saving in the long run. On the other hand, if parts of the roof are still in excellent condition, you can save money by replacing the worn components.
What's the Quality of the New Materials?
When buying a new roof, it's essential to pay attention to the quality. A good-quality slate, tile, or shingle roof should last around twenty years. Metal roofs can last up to fifty years with proper maintenance. Conduct research on available options before investing in the new roof. Roofing contractors have a vast knowledge of roofing materials, and they can help you find the best options on the market. As you shop, pay attention to modern features such as:
Look for manufacturers who offer a reasonable warranty for their products. For example, roofing products backed by a 20-year warranty are reliable and durable. If the materials suffer any structural defects within this period, the manufacturer covers the repair costs.
How Will You Handle Unexpected Issues?
Roofing projects come with uncertainties. For example, the weather may change mid-project, forcing the contractor to halt the project. How do they plan to protect your home from inclement weather? Sometimes, unexpected repairs may also occur. For example, the contractor may find you need new gutters or flashing mid-project. Does your contract cover such additional work? Discuss how you will handle unexpected issues to avoid disagreements during the project.
How Will You Dispose of the Old Roof?
A roofing replacement project generates a lot of waste. The previous roofing materials require to be disposed of. Don't assume that your contractor will do this for you. Talk to them beforehand to avoid being stuck with a heap of waste roofing materials. If your contractor doesn't offer disposal services, you can make prior arrangements to rent a skip bin for this purpose.
Proper planning ensures a smooth roofing replacement project. Talk to your contractor about these issues before the project starts.
Share28 November 2020
My name is Debbie Greenberg. I’m a single woman who owns her home, and like most homeowners I dread home repairs. I’m not very handy with do-it-yourself projects around the house. I can do a few minor repairs when necessary, but for the most part I have to call in a professional. Last year I had a leak in my roof. When it rained, water would leak into my kitchen. What appeared to be a simple fix turned out to be anything but simple. It took over four months to finally identify the problem, and double the money I was initially quoted to fix it. The problem ended up being that the flat part of my roof didn't have shingles, but a sheeting material. I learned a bit about home roofs along the way, and that is what I want to share with you.
