As any homeowner knows, there are a lot of important parts that make up a house. There’s the foundation. There’s the windows and doors. There’s the plumbing. Those are all important, but a roof may top them all in terms of importance. After all, when people talk about having a roof over their head they do so because it keeps them dry, has an effect on the overall look of their home and keeps them safe from different kinds of weather.
Since a roof is so important, it’s important to keep an eye on it and be on the lookout for any potential problems. Cracks and leaks can lead to bigger problems and before long you may be in need of a roof replacement. If a roof replacement is in your future, here are some things to keep in mind as you go through the process of looking for a roofing service.
Low-cost options
When it comes to roof replacement, one option for a roofing service to do is simply put new shingles over your old ones. This helps eliminate some of the cost associated with roofing and it’s a good idea if your existing roof doesn’t have serious issues. If this is is the case, asphalt shingles are a popular option. They’re found on nearly 80% of American homes and are very durable. But it’s also important to keep in mind that heat and moisture buildup can lessen the effectiveness of new shingles and in some cases a roofing service may just be covering up existing problems such as sagging and rot.
Metal roofing is another cost-effective option and is worth investing in. They’re made of recycled content and can, in some cases, lower the cost of homeowners insurance. They’re also eco-friendly and can easily be put over an existing roof. This eliminates the need for a roofing service to use dozens and dozens of shingles, which can end up in landfills when their usefulness has expired.
Watch out for costs
There’s little doubt that having a roofing service patch up or totally replace your roof can be essential repairs. But there’s also little doubt that costs can add up quickly, especially if a home owner doesn’t do a little bit of homework before the process starts.
In a perfect world, home owners aren’t replacing their roofs once a year. Depending on what type of material your roof is, the average roof should last 15-20 years if not longer. It’s important to keep in mind that while a brand new roof can be a hit in the pocketbook or wallet, it can pay off over time because it will likely be more durable than an existing roof with patchwork done to it.
If a roofing service is hired to transform your roof, workers will typically measure it first to get an idea of how much material they need. They’ll also inspect the roof to check for problem areas. Even if your roof is functioning correctly, you should get a roof inspection done annually to get an idea of whether they are any issues to keep an eye on or deal with immediately. Roofers should also be able to give you an estimate for the cost of repairs.
Checking the boxes
There’s a lot that goes into a roof replacement aside from the physical work. You want to make sure all the proper paperwork is filed correctly and that a roofing service has all the necessary permits. Before any work is done, a home owner should have a written contract that spells out in detail what work is being done.
The roof contracting industry generates about $46 billion in the U.S. annually. If you’re considering roof replacement for your home, there are many low cost options available, but it’s important to consider whether a total roof replacement is the best option for your home. Talk with a local roofing service about what your options are and make sure all the I’s and T’s are dotted and crossed before work gets under way.
