The roof is 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 much care must be taken regarding replacing an aging or irreparably damaged roof.
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 before getting the roofing project off the ground. To simplify your life, here’s a list of five of the most important things you should know before commencing a roof replacement project.
Roofing Materials
Before replacing your roof, you must decide on a suitable replacement roofing material. Property owners have a wide selection of options to choose from when it comes to the most appropriate roofing materials for the replacement job: metal, wood shingles, asphalt, synthetic, and tile roofing.
Your choice of the most suitable option depends on various 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 choose.
Essential Documentation
To install your new roof, you must have several documents prepared beforehand. Installing a new roof translates into a huge undertaking that will impact the resulting structure’s safety. This is why you must seek approval from the relevant authorities through a building permit. The permit shows that the new installation aligns with the current building codes and does not negatively affect the underlying structure’s structural safety.
Roof installation projects involve much work, resulting in a complicated agreement between the client, property owner, and contractor. To ensure everyone’s on the same page, it is best to capture every detail of the deal, 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.
Another important document needed for roofing jobs comes in the form of the manufacturer’s warranty. With a valid contract, you can obtain free roof repair and maintenance services if you encounter any issues included in the document. Proofs are only valid if the contractor makes the installation certified or authorized by the manufacturer.
Choosing The Right Contractor
You must hire the right roofing contractor to get the most out of your investment and achieve the intended results with the least hassle. 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 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, you can consider applying a second layer of asphalt shingles on top of the original one as a replacement. This can help you save up to 1,000 dollars of your hard-earned cash on the roof replacement job. On the downside, the roofer will not inspect or even repair the flashing and decking beneath.
However, if the roof is already replaced with two layers of shingles, you must have it stripped away before a new roof is installed. This allows the roofer to improve ice and water shielding in colder climates.
If, however, the shingles used on the original layer are anything other than asphalt, such as wood, then you need to have new plywood decking installed and the entire roof be 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 pins 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 collects 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, installing a new one 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 can prepare well for the project.
