What's Involved in a Roof Replacement?
Of every significant repair that can be done to your home, replacing your entire roof and installing a new one is as important as it gets.
Roof replacements aren't very glamorous, and they'll never get you the attention a new back deck or kitchen will bring, but its importance is unmatched.
Unfortunately, many of us take for granted the importance of our roofs until they fail, allowing water to destroy the inside of your home.
There are just a few things that can be as disastrous as a failed roof.
You shouldn't take the care and maintenance of your roof lightly, and when it's time to replace your roof, you need to act quickly.
A quality job done by a trusted roof replacement company will keep you and your family protected and safe for decades to come.
How To Know You Need A Roof Replacement
The very first step in a roof replacement is knowing whether or not you need a roof replacement.
Fortunately, there are common warning signs and things to look out for that could indicate that it's time for a roof replacement.
The first thing to consider is the age of your roof.
If your roof is between 15-20 years old, and you're starting to notice wear and tear, it might be time to replace it.
The next thing you need to do is check for damage to your roof, especially after a storm.
Even if there hasn't been a recent storm, you should still do a visual inspection of your roof regularly.
If you notice any damage, like curled shingles or missing tiles, you should contact a local roofing company.
Damaged shingles are a tell-tale sign of roof damage that should be inspected and repaired or replaced right away.
If you notice any water stains on your walls or ceilings, it could be due to a roof leak.
If you notice any wet or soggy attic insulation, you almost definitely have a leak somewhere in your roof.
Get your roof leak inspected as soon as you can because if you wait too long, it can cost you extra in interior water damage repairs.
Choose Your Roofing Material
Before you can have your roof replaced, you need to decide on the type of roofing materials you're going to use.
There are several basic roofing materials from which you can choose and several considerations you should make to select the best roofing material for your home.
Some materials will work better for flat roofs, and some will work better on slanted roofs. If you have a low pitch on your roof, you may be limited to certain materials.
For example, wood shake shingles do not work well on low pitches.
Some roofing materials are more appropriate for certain regions than others.
Choose a material that will work well in your climate and will also give you the right look for your home.
You also want to consider the cost of your roofing material because some will cost considerably more per square foot than others.
Your roofing contractor should be able to help you decide which roofing material is best for you.
Here are few common options for roofing materials:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of shingle; they're what you see on most homes.
They cost less per square foot than the other available roofing types, and they are the easiest to find.
Asphalt shingles are great for several types of roofs, but they aren't the most visually appealing option.
They are flat, ordinary, and kind of bland, but they are still a very dependable option for residential roofs.
Metal
Metal roofing has increased in popularity over recent years.
This is likely due to its durability and fireproof properties.
However, metal roofing varies considerably, and you can find metal roof panels that look like shingles as well as full sheets.
But here is a downside to this roof material.
Roofing contractors need to specialize in metal roofing installation, so the average cost for a metal roof tends to be higher.
However, the durability of the metal could make it cost-effective in the long run.
Tear Off or Second Layer?
Many people wonder if they can save some money on the typical roof replacement costs by adding new shingles on top of their old shingles.
This used to be a common practice, but it's no longer allowed in some jurisdictions, and a complete roof replacement is required.
Even where layering is allowed, applying a new layer of shingles over the old should be carefully considered.
The main argument against layering your asphalt shingle roof is that the materials can get too heavy for the underlying roof framing.
This can cause structural issues, especially if you have an older house.
A roof with a triple layer of asphalt shingles is equivalent to having a single layer of slate shingles, the heaviest type of roof material.
Another reason to avoid layering your shingles is that you could end up repeating some of the surface irregularities that may already be present on your roof.
If you're in a situation where you need to replace your roof, your current roof may have bubbles, bumps, and waves that need to be fixed.
When you add new shingles on top of your old shingles, you are left with these same issues and an unattractive new roof.
The easiest way to minimize this problem is to go over your old roof and correct as many of these minor repairs as you can before re-roofing.
The main advantage of layering your roof is to reduce the work involved, thus reducing your labor costs.
Removing your current shingles and adding a new layer adds more work to the roof replacement process, so you will pay more to have the job done.
Get Your Roof Replaced By A Professional
The best thing you can do to save money during a roof replacement is to work with a reputable roofing contractor.
Working with an experienced roofing crew will ensure that the job is done right the first time.
Nothing beats working with an experienced local roofing contractor.
TK Roofing and Gutters has been the trusted roofer in Northeast Ohio for over 15 years, and they are ready to help you with your roof project today.
Whether you need a roof repair, roof replacement, or help with a claim with your insurance company after a storm, the roofing specialists at TK will provide you with excellent service and workmanship.
When you start your search for a reliable roofer in your area, you can trust Ohio's Best Roofing Company With Your Roofing needs today.