Your roof is one of the essential elements of your home, but there comes a time when you have to replace it eventually due to either damage or age. Ignoring problems with your roof might save you money at the moment, but it allows the issue to worsen and costs you more in the long run.
If you’re wondering if it’s time to replace your roof, there are several factors to consider. The main factor is your roof’s age; some materials last longer and have better durability than others. Other factors you should check are if your roof droops or sags in some areas, if you can see daylight in your attic or crawlspace, or if you have moss or algae growing on your roof. Over time, the unwanted greenery damages your shingles, leading to the need for shingle replacement. If it’s time to replace your roof, below are seven things to know before you replace your shingles.
Decide on Roofing Material Options
The first thing you should consider when it’s time to replace your roof is what material you want your shingles. As we mentioned above, some materials last longer and have better durability than others with proper maintenance. Asphalt shingles last between 20 to 50 years, metal lasts up to 80 years, clay/concrete tiles last anywhere between 50-100 under ordinary circumstances, and slate tiles last from 60 to over 100 years. You can see slate roofs on homes in older St. Louis neighborhoods, but asphalt is the most commonly used roofing material today.
Shop Around
When deciding to replace your roof shingles, we recommend shopping around and comparing your options instead of simply choosing the closest roofing contractor in your area. Ask for references from others in your neighborhood, your family members, and read reviews. When choosing a contractor, you should also take the time to verify their licenses and insurance. You should also contact each contractor to receive a cost estimate and compare your information before making your final decision.
Choose Quality Over Price
While it’s tempting to choose a contractor who offers the lowest price to replace your roof, it’s better to choose one who can provide a quality roof that will last a long time. You don’t want to pay for your roof, only to discover your roof is of poor quality, and then you have to pay more for a contractor to redo the roof.
Keep in Mind That It Will Be Noisy
Another factor that homeowners forget is how noisy it becomes when taking up an old roof and replacing it with a new one. If you find loud noises particularly bothersome, you may want to find an activity to do outside the home, or visit friends and family when the contractors work on your home. Those who work from home often either find a place with public wi-fi or alter the time they start and finish work.
Ask About Material Disposal
The old roof material has to go somewhere, and hopefully you’re not the one responsible for the cleanup. Another one of the questions you should ask a roofer is how they dispose of the material from your roof and what they do if removing old roofing material damages parts of your property. Ideally, they will bring a container with them to store the debris, and they’ll have a plan to ensure no damage occurs, but are insured to cover damages. The last thing you want is to take time out of the day after work to clean up any mess they leave behind.
Read the Paperwork
To avoid any misunderstandings and miscommunication between your contractor and yourself, it’s vital to have a written contract for any home improvement project. Before you sign the contract, read it thoroughly to ensure that there aren’t any hidden surprises and that the contract includes details such as the total cost of the project, materials, contractor schedule, and the other details you specified. Only sign the contract after you read it, address any issues and understand everything it contains.
Acquire Essential Documents
Before the contractors start replacing your roof, you need to make sure you have all the permits and documents your county or city requires for any significant repair work, such as building permits. As requirements vary by location, it’s important to check what you need to ensure the legality of the work on your roof. While you might not think that you would need a building permit to replace your roof, it is considered a structural project which requires a specific permit.
If you’re looking for a reliable company that offers top-notch solutions for your roofing needs, then Exterior Building Services is here to help. Whether your roof has a leak or suffered from storm damage, your experts will help you address whatever problem you have in a timely manner. Fill out our contact form or call us at (314) 470-8733 for a free consultation.