Replacing your roof is easily one of the most important renovations that you’ll have to make as a homeowner. Overall, decisions you make could end up affecting you for years to come. A poorly executed roof job can quickly become a money pit, and having to redo the job a few years later could put a severe strain on your finances. Thankfully, this isn’t something you should have to worry about if you take the proper precautions and are thoroughly prepared. Let’s take a look at some of the things you should consider before having a new roof installed.
The Material
The first thing you will have to do is look at your needs and budget to see which material would work the best for you. You also have to consider things like your climate, trends in the area, and your home’s style and architecture. If you want something dirt cheap that will work for most properties with a sloped roof, then asphalt is the way to go. It is the cheapest, and one of the most versatile options there is. You should know, however, that it’s also one of the least durable roofing materials there is. So, if your goal is to live in that property for a long time, and maybe even pass it down to your children without them having to worry about replacing the roof, then you might want to look at other options.
If you want something that will look great and last forever, look at slate or metal shingles. If you want something that will also be durable but slightly less expensive, look at concrete. It might not be as durable as the two aforementioned options, but a nicely maintained concrete roof can easily last you up to 50 years.
There are other options like architectural shingles, which are made from asphalt but look much better than your traditional asphalt roof, and other materials like wood, clay, and composite that you could check out. Speak with a good contractor and ask them about some of the pros and cons of each to know which ones would be a good gift for your property.
The Contractor and the Contract
Choosing the right contractor is extremely crucial when ordering a roofing job. Choose the wrong one and they could run with your money halfway through the project, make it hard, or impossible, to get your warranty honored, or take advantage of you with the quote and contract. That’s if they don’t just take your money and disappear into the night.
This is why you need to do your due diligence on any contractor you are trying to hire. First of all, make sure that they have a license and that they are properly insured. Make sure that the people they are working with are covered, too. If you work with someone whose employees aren’t covered, then you may end up being liable for any damage they cause to your property, other people on the premises, or even themselves.
Once you’ve verified the roofer’s paperwork, you will need to look very closely at the quote they give you and what’s included. This will allow you to know what you’re paying for, but it could also allow you to save money.
If you notice that they are charging you for waste disposal, for instance, you could propose to handle it yourself and save money instantly if you go with the right service. You should have no problem finding a service that will take care of this for you for a fraction of the price if you live in a sizable city with plenty of options.
If you live in Austin, for instance, then you could use an Austin-located dumpster rental service, like Waste Connections, to dispose of waste properly. They have different dumpster sizes that you can pick from, and they will bring it right to your door whenever you’re ready. They will then pick th dumpster up for you once you’re done and recycle, or dispose of, the waste. Don’t underestimate how much money you could save by hiring a third party, and ask them for a quote today so you can get an idea.
Should You Keep the Old Shingles?
Know that you also have the option of having the new shingles laid over the old ones, but this choice is controversial. Most experts do not advise that you do this as water could penetrate under the top layer and create some severe issues – especially when that water freezes and thaws. The two layers will also put additional stress on the house’s structure.
This is only a viable option if the first layer is in very good condition or if removing the first layer is too expensive, which is often the case with non-asphalt roofs, so think twice.
These are all things you’ll need to look at whenever you’re having a new roof installed. Look at your options, choose the person you’re going to work with wisely, and learn a thing or two about roofing in general so you can make good decisions.