After enough time, every home will need a roof replacement at some point. Usually needing to replace a roof is the cause of damage or simple wear and tear. Either way, as a homeowner you may be wondering what the best way is to go about a roof replacement.
You might even have a list of questions that if answered, would help put your mind at ease about the whole process.
To provide some guidance, we’ve compiled our own list of 7 tips for when its time for a roof replacement.
1 – Don’t Focus on Price Alone
When taking on a large home project such as a roof replacement, it’s easy to get caught up on the numbers. Certainly you want to get a great price, particularly on an investment as large as this one. But price shouldn’t be the only factor to consider.
Because of the sheer size of a project like this, you want to also focus on quality. When researching roofing companies, you want one that covers all bases of roof replacement. For instance, you want to make sure that the estimate you receive covers all costs for necessary permits or inspections, materials as well as removal and disposal fees.
It’s okay to ask a roofing company about the quality of the materials that they use and their process. Feeling comfortable about who you are working with can give you peace of mind about your roofing project.
2 – Compare the Pros and Cons of Re-Roofing
When it comes to replacing and installing a roof, there are a few options. One option is known as re-roofing, where new shingles are installed over existing shingles. The other option is to tear off the existing shingles before installing new shingles.
The benefit of a re-roofing is that it is not as expensive. However, the downside is that a re-roof is not going to last nearly as long as the roof tear-off route.
In addition, with a re-roof it’s much more difficult to tell if there are underlying issues without tearing off the existing shingles. This can lead to larger problems down the road if undetected issues from the previous roof affect the roof replacement.
So while a “roof over,” as re-roofing is known as, may seem like a better option initially because of price, it is not the recommended option.
3 – Familiarize Yourself with Basic Roofing Terms
It’s a good idea to understand how roofing companies prepare estimates. It’s all based on what is called a square. In terms of measurement, a square is 100 square feet.
So when a roofing contractor provides an estimate, they are basing it on the estimated number of squares of material needed to cover your roof.
As an example, if your roof is 2,500 square feet, it will need 25 squares to cover the surface area of your roof.
4 – Get an Inspection
One of the other things you’ll want to do beforehand is having a proper roof inspection. By doing this, you’ll have a better understanding of what issues your roof has and what needs to be replaced.
Generally your roofing company can do this for you prior to preparing an estimate. It’s important to complete this step, because sometimes you may find that your roof only needs repair vs. a complete replacement.
Either way, this step will help determine the best options for your roof.
5 – Ensure Proper Ventilation
When it comes to extending the life of your roof, this is a biggie. You’ll want to ensure that proper ventilation is being used in your roof replacement because it helps regulate temperature and moisture in the attic.
Without adequate ventilation, your roof is more vulnerable to damage that was otherwise preventable. So be sure to talk with your roofing company about the kind of ventilation they are using. Doing so can be difference in how long your roof lasts.
6 – Get to Know Your Roof Replacement Company
Perhaps one of the most important things to do in preparing for a home roof replacement, is learning all you can about the roofing company you’re working with.
Not only will this help you in familiarizing yourself, but it will also help you get a better idea of what to expect.
What are their reviews like online? What sort of warranty do they offer? Do they have the necessary insurance and permits? How long do they normally take on roofing projects?
Answers to all these questions will give you a sense of the type of work you can expect on your home. It will also help you make a decision when comparing roofing companies in your research.
7 – Make Sure they Offer a Quality Warranty
With any roofing project, you always want to make sure that your roofer offers a quality warranty with their work. Doing so will ensure that your roof is “covered” (no pun intended). A roofing company that offers a quality warranty is saying two things to you as a customer:
- They stand by their work
- They want to ensure you are protected
At Norwest Roofing, we offer workmanship warranties for all roof repairs as well as 10 year workmanship warranties for all roof replacements.
Need a Roof Replacement Professional?
If you are in need of a roof replacement, we would be glad to help. We have helped many homeowners as well as businesses with their roof replacement needs and can help you too.
As mentioned, we offer a quality warranty and stand by our work. In addition, we offer free estimates.
For a roof replacement in San Antonio, please contact us.
