What to Know Before Replacing a Roof

The idea of having to replace your roof is something that is incredibly daunting, and as such, many homeowners will put it off until it’s necessary.

It’s not surprising that people put it off because it’s the lid of the house. It keeps the weather out and protects the rest of the home’s structure.

A roof replacement is one of the most significant investments that a homeowner will ever make, so jumping in without preparation isn’t the best idea. A lack of prep can result in budget overruns, poor craftsmanship, and structural issues.

Understanding the realistic costs and the timeline will ensure a smooth and stress-free roof replacement.

Choosing the Right Roofing Materials 

The right roofing materials are important to be well aware of because they will contribute to affordability, as well as ease of installation. Here are a few examples of roof materials that are common and popular for homeowners to choose:

Asphalt shingles

This is perhaps one of the most common choices due to its affordability, the variety of colors, and ease of installation. 

Metal roofing

Metal roofing, although it requires a higher upfront investment, is highly durable, long-lasting, and energy-efficient too. A metal roofing contractor will be able to address this type of material installation better than your general roofing contractors. 

Premium options

There are some premium options to pick from. These include clay tiles, slate, and wood shakes. All of which offer unmatched aesthetics but will demand heavy structural support in order to allow such roof support.

When choosing between architectural and 3-tab shingles, it’s advisable to opt for the architectural design as they tend to offer better wind resistance and longevity in performance.

Understanding Costs and Budgeting 

The pricing of your roof is perhaps one of the most important factors to consider. After all, you don’t want to be spending more than you budgeted for and end up in more financial debt as a result.

The square footage of your roof will likely dictate the baseline materials costs you can expect. That’s why it’s good to make sure accurate measurements are taken by the contractors you’re looking at. It’ll help provide more accurate costing so you’re not surprised by the quotes you receive or the ongoing costs that likely mount up over time.

Pitch and complexity

Another consideration is the pitch and complexity of the roof itself. Some roofs will have steep slopes and valets, as well as existing skylights or a skylight you might want to put in. These are all contributors to increasing labor time and overall estimates.

Hidden damage

It’s best to budget an extra 10-15% for unexpected rotting plywood deck replacement that’s discovered after tearing off the existing roof.

Unless you’re getting your roof inspected regularly, hidden damage might not always appear until it’s revealed on a roof replacement job.

Tear-off vs overlay

Removing your old roof is a lot better than simply nailing new shingles over the old ones. With a roof tear-off, it’s widely considered the superior choice by roofing professionals as it exposes the wood decking for vital repairs.

It also guarantees a flat and stable surface for the new underlayment, providing proper manufacturer warranty coverage. Though it’s cheaper upfront, an overlay is going to trap heat and hide structural damage.

Vetting and Hiring the Right Contractor

Perhaps one of the most important steps in the process of a roof replacement is picking the right contractor for the job.

Licensing and insurance

Verify that active local licenses are provided and that you’ve seen them before you commit to a contractor. It’s also useful to know if they have workers’ compensation and general liability insurance in place.

These are important for the protection of you and your home, as well as the contractor’s safety and wellbeing.

Local reputation

There’s the local reputation of the business/contractors you’re looking at too. It’s best to look for established businesses that have physical offices and verified local references. The reputation of a company is important to consider and ensure they’re the right fit.

The quote process

To ensure you’re selecting the right one, it’s best to secure at least three written, itemized estimates are great to have for materials, disposal and labor.

It’s also going to give you a more accurate idea of how much a roof replacement in general should cost. By having multiple quotes, you can make comparisons before making the final decision. 

Warranty clarity

It’s best to differentiate between the manufacturer’s material warranty and the contractor’s workmanship warranty.

Preparing for Installation Day

Once your contractor has been picked, it’s now time to prepare for the upcoming installation day.

Clearing the driveway is a must, as well as moving away any patio furniture that gets in the way. It’s a good idea to cut the grass short in order to find any stray nails that could cause problems both before and after installation.

For your interiors, remove any fragile items from top-floor walls and shelves. The intense vibrations may cause these to fall off and get damaged as a result.

You’ll also want to plan for loud, early-morning construction noises and for your daily routine to be thrown off course somewhat. You may also find it helpful to let neighbors know of your plans in order to keep them informed, so they’re not woken up or annoyed with the unexpected noise.

Plan and Prepare Carefully for a Roof Replacement

When replacing your roof, it’s good to plan and be prepared. A great roof relies on quality materials and an elite installation crew in place. Doing your homework and being prepared will ensure fewer problems occur as part of the process. Be mindful of what materials you choose, making sure you’ve budgeted as accurately for the project as possible.

Pick the right contractor by asking for recommendations and getting plenty of comparable quotes. It’s wise to expect delays and additional costs, so be mindful of these to avoid being surprised.

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