When you know you need your roof replaced, a whole slew of stressors reveal themselves. Because it’s such a rare thing, many of us don’t know the steps involved until we find ourselves in need of a new roof. It can be a significant expense, and if you’re not prepared for it or aware of the process, you can end up spending even more (no one likes surprise expenses).
The following will break down some of the things you need to keep in mind before replacing your roof. Of course, every home is different and, therefore, each house has its own quirks that you’ll need to adjust to. Always check with a professional to make sure you’re making the right decisions for your particular roof.
Your Roof Is Important (Maybe The Most Important Part Of Your House)
The roof is what keeps water out of your home. In turn, this protects all other aspects, like the foundation and walls. There’s a reason it’s so expensive to replace. It needs to follow strict regulations for safety reasons and is made of materials designed to withstand all forms of weather, wear, and tear.
It’s Okay To Shop Around
References are a great place to start. If someone else on your street had their roof replaced recently, ask about the service they received. Because replacing a roof is so rare, most companies don’t need to worry about repeat business and so things can get a little low on the customer satisfaction side.
Make sure the people you’re considering have the appropriate certifications for the work they’re doing. If you ask and they refuse to show the certificates or refuse to give you a previous customer to call, this is a big red flag.
Of course, the price is going to be a significant concern. To help guide you, the average cost in 2014 for replacing a roof was $11,000. This being said, depending on your area, the type of roof, the shape of your roof, and the size of your home, it’s better to think of the average price range, which is somewhere between $8000 and $20,000.
Learn About Roofing Materials
There are five main types of roofing, and each has different costs associated with them. There are asphalt rooves (the most common kind), and these tend to run $120-$400 per 100 square feet. There are wooden shingle rooves which cost somewhere between $637 and $877 for 100 square feet. There are slate rooves ($800-$4000 per 100 square feet), tile rooves ($600-$4000 per 100 square feet), and metal rooves ($500-$1800 per 100 square feet). Each of these materials has aesthetic and practical differences as well as different life expectancies.
Again, these price ranges are meant to serve as a rough guideline. Every home is different, and there are many factors (like chimneys and the degree of incline of your roof) that can drastically change these prices.
There are also new solar-panel roofing tiles available depending on where you live. This product is environmentally friendly and can save you money when it comes to utilities, but it will cost more upfront. This isn’t going to be the right choice for everyone, given the price, but it is the perfect thing for some homes.
Keeping Your New Roof Pristine
Once the new roof is up, your work isn’t done. There are steps you can take to make sure your roof stays nice and new. This is particularly important if you live in a climate with harsh weather. Roofing experts from TSimpsonRoofing.ca suggest doing an annual trim of hazardous branches that could cause damage to your roof (if you don’t trust the branches in an ice storm, you shouldn’t trust them during the rest of the winter either). Keeping your gutters clean and prioritizing roofing repairs can also keep your roof strong and functional for years to come. Many roofing companies also offer a winterizing service if you’re not sure how to best prepare your roof for the elements.
Don’t Expect To Get Too Much Work Done While The Roof Is Being Replaced
When a team is over at your house and working up top, it can be harder to focus because of the noise (and let’s be honest, it’s a bit weird hearing someone walk around on your roof). If you or any member of your family work from home or regularly do school work at home, you might want to make arrangements to have this done at the library, coffee shop, or a friend’s house just in case the noise is too much for you.
The above information should give you everything you need to start your roof replacement off on the right foot. Make sure to ask all the questions you have up front when choosing a team to replace your roof. It’s a big decision, and you want to have all the information you need to make the best choice for you.
