When we consider the importance of every external aspect of our property, sometimes, the roof can go unnoticed. When people are buying a new property, the roof is one of the most important components. However, when we get used to a property, and we only look at the aesthetics, the roof can be severely neglected. Installing a new roof is not cheap, but if you believe you need to install a new roof, you need to consider several factors before installation.
What Material Will You Use?
One of the most important decisions is your roofing material, and when we start to consider the right material, there are a number of factors:
- The price.
- The appearance.
- The lifespan.
With these three areas, you’ll end up with an almost infinite amount of questions. And when you are considering the latter point, you will naturally veer towards materials like metal or concrete. However, aesthetics might not be as important if you are considering getting a solar company to install solar panels or are not bothered by the color of the material. If you upgraded your roof a couple of decades ago, the temptation can be to go with the same material as last time, but you should look at newer materials. In the long run, you need to consider each material and wait up with regard to the investment side of things.
The Condition of the Roof Frame
If you have had problems with a leaking roof in the past, you shouldn’t just consider the right material to keep the rain out, but you should also inspect the plywood supporting the roof. You could find areas where the sheathing is broken, or soft. If there are any signs that it is disintegrating, you need to replace it as soon as possible. You also need to remove the existing layer of roofing and undertake a thorough examination prior to installation. Because if you can find a fault in the frame, you may not need to invest in roofing materials, but also it will prolong the life of your roof, potentially saving your property from a more devastating leak further down the line.
Choosing How to Install New Shingles
If you are going to replace your roof, you will have to decide if you are going to remove the existing shingles or add new shingles onto your current layers. Bear in mind that you cannot have more than two layers of shingles on your roof, and also, the second layer of shingles could put more stress on your roof. Therefore, you should remove the old layer before installing the newer shingles. However, this is costly and time-consuming. But if you are living in an area with a cold climate, removing the old roofing can help you put in an ice and water shield, which will prevent further leakage if ice builds up on the roof.
Finding the Right Contracting Company
It is not recommended to do this yourself. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. If you have the tools needed to replace roof shingles, and a sufficient amount of DIY experience, this is a simple installation that you might be able to do. However, when you are looking for the right contracting company, you need to request a number of quotes and make sure that they can install the material. You have to bear in mind that the vast majority of companies are experienced in installing asphalt shingles. When it comes to choosing the right roofing contractor, you also have to consider the fact that they do not benefit from repeat custom, because roofing is only something that’s done every couple of decades, so think about getting references from tradespeople and friends that you trust.
Do Not Forget the Essential Documents!
It’s not about making sure the contractor has the documents, you should double-check these things. Firstly, you need a contract, as this will lay out every aspect of the process, but there are two other documents to get, which is a building permit, as this will make sure the contractor sticks to the building code and a letter from the contractor’s insurance provider. This should be addressed to you, and needs to confirm the projects will be covered.
A big home upgrade is always a complicated task, and your roof is going to be the biggest task of all. And, to make sure that you don’t need another roof replaced in a few years, make sure that you conduct the relevant maintenance, such as inspecting your roof regularly, looking for rust, and cleaning your roof.
