The roof is definitely one of the most important parts of any building; it plays a vital role in protecting the contents and inhabitants of the underlying structure from the elements. This ultimately means that a lot of care must be taken regarding having an aging or irreparably damaged roof replaced.
Even though roof replacement jobs might seem straightforward to some, as you are only tearing off the existing roof and replacing it with a new one, they are far from it. Property owners have several important decisions to make before they can even get the roofing project off the ground. To make your life much simpler, here’s a list of five of the most important things you should know before commencing a roof replacement project.
Roofing Materials
Before you replace your roof, you will need to decide on a suitable replacement roofing material. Property owners have a wide selection of options to choose from when it comes to the most suitable roofing materials for the replacement job: these include metal, wood shingles, asphalt, synthetic, and tile roofing.
Your choice of the most suitable option from these options depends on a variety of factors. First and foremost, the material chosen determines the final look of the property. Some materials, such as tile roofing, tend to be highly durable but may be much costlier to have installed as a replacement for other materials due to the need for added structural support to shoulder the additional weight. Climatic conditions also have a role to play in your decision for the most suitable roof replacement material. Metal roofing is mostly suited to warmer and drier climates.
Remember to consider its suitability to the current situation/application, whichever roofing material you end up choosing.
Essential Documentation
To have your new roof installed, you will need to have several documents prepared beforehand. Having a new roof installed translates into a huge undertaking that will impact the resulting structure’s safety. This is why you need to seek approval from the relevant authorities in the form of a building permit. The permit shows that the new installation is in line with the current building codes and does not negatively affect the underlying structure’s structural safety.
Roof installation projects involve a lot of work, resulting in a complicated agreement between the client, property owner, and contractor. To ensure that everyone’s on the same page, it is best to capture every detail of the agreement, including project cost, materials to be used, and project duration, among others, in a written contract. This legally binds both parties to the document’s provisions, which can be used in future legal proceedings if need be.
Another important document needed for roofing jobs comes in the form of the manufacturer’s warranty. With a valid warranty, you can obtain free roof repair and maintenance services if you encounter any issues included in the document. Warranties are only valid if the contractor makes the installation certified or authorized to do so by the manufacturer.
Choosing The Right Contractor
To get the most out of your investment and achieve the intended results with the least hassle, you must hire the right roofing contractor. The huge number of roofing contractors available today makes finding the perfect fit highly likely; however, it also narrows down the long list to one option much harder.
Look for a contractor such as armorservices.com who has been in business for a reasonable amount of time. An experienced contractor will have established roots in the community and be there to correct any errors made. Fly by night contractors will vanish, with your money, at the first sign of trouble, leaving you with no one to turn to.
In addition to the above, look for a reputable contractor backed by satisfied clients who did positive reviews on reliable third-party customer review websites. Most importantly, avoid hiring a contractor simply because they offer a low bid for the project; although important, their quoted cost should not be your only consideration.
Do You Need Stripping?
If you have a shingle roof, then you can consider applying a second layer of asphalt shingles on top of the original one as a replacement of sorts. This can help you save up to 1,000 dollars of your hard-earned cash on the roof replacement job. On the downside, this means that the roofer will not inspect or even repair the flashing and decking beneath.
However, if the roof is replaced with two layers of shingles already, you will need to have it stripped away before a new roof is installed. This makes it possible for the roofer to improve ice and water shielding in colder climates.
If, however, the shingles used on the original layer are anything else other than asphalt, such as wood, then you need to have new plywood decking installed in addition to having the entire roof stripped. This can add a substantial amount to the project cost.
Completing The Project
The roof replacement project cannot be considered complete before the site is cleared of any resulting waste, especially nails. Depending on the type of roofing job conducted, tens if not hundreds of nails could be left lying around in your yard. It is up to the roofers to ensure that no nail is left in the ground, posing all sorts of dangers to you and your family.
A powerful magnet mounted on wheels is used to collect all the nails, leaving a safe environment for humans, pets, and anything fitted with inflatable tires! If your old roof is always in need of costly repairs, having a new one installed will help you make some worthwhile savings in addition to improving the condition and value of the property. With the above consideration in mind, you will be able to prepare well for the project at hand.
