Should You Repair Or Replace Your Roof?
Depending on how serious your roof damage is, you may need to choose between repair or replacement. If you have significant leaks and other damages, a replacement is often the best option.
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The material used for your roof is a big decision that impacts price, lifespan, warranties and aesthetics. It is a good idea to learn as much as you can about the different roofing materials so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs and the style of your home.
Choosing the right roofing materials can help to protect your home from rain, snow, wind and sunlight. It can also help to control the amount of heat or cold that passes through the top of your house, thus reducing energy costs. The most common roofing materials are asphalt shingles, metal roofs and wood shingles or shakes. Asphalt shingles are affordable, durable and offer a variety of colors to match the architectural style of your home. Metal roofs are more expensive, but they last longer and can reflect the sun’s rays to lower cooling bills. Wood shingles and shakes provide an attractive look, but they are not fire-resistant and require regular maintenance to prevent moss growth and mold.
Your roof is the most prominent feature of your home, and it contributes significantly to its appearance. A new roof offers the opportunity to change the look of your entire house and enhance its curb appeal. It is also a chance to replace outdated or damaged shingles with modern ones, which are more attractive and better protected against rain, snow and wind.
While a new roof can increase the value of your property, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of the various roofing materials before making a final decision. Generally speaking, the cost, durability and longevity of a roofing material are the most important factors to consider, as they will have a direct impact on your overall budget and the overall look of your home. Taking the time to make a wise choice will help you avoid buyer’s remorse and make an informed investment in your home. If you are unsure which material to choose, it is best to consult with an experienced roofing contractor to get personalized recommendations that fit your specific requirements and budget.
Preparing for the Work
A roof is a vital part of your home. Without it, your walls would become damaged, mold and mildew would grow, and your house would be prone to leaks. While re-roofing can fix minor problems, severe damage to the layers of shingles or other materials requires a full roof replacement. The good news is that a full roof replacement provides a great opportunity to upgrade your roof with a new material and improve its energy efficiency, insulation, and water resistance.
When it comes to roof replacement, a good roofer knows that preparation is key. They will need access to the whole roof, so it’s best if you clear out any lawn toys, patio furniture, and debris from all around your house. This will save them time and prevent you from losing a favorite item to a flying shingle or nail.
The roofing crew will also need to walk all the way around your home to reach different areas of the roof. So, make sure that there is at least a 15-foot radius of clearance around your house to avoid any tripping or falling objects. You may want to remove any decorations or other items hanging from your walls, as vibrations from hammering can knock them down.
In addition, if you have any trees or plants that are especially fragile or expensive, mark them and protect them with tarps or netting. Otherwise, they could get snagged by flying shingles or nails and be ruined. The same goes for ponds or other water features, such as natural pools tucked behind reeds or koi ponds covered in leaves. Mark these out to let the roofing team know to take extra care.
The roofing team will also need to remove any roof accessories, such as satellite/TV dishes and solar panels, if they are still attached. These will be reinstalled after the replacement. In addition, a residential roof is highly recyclable, so the conscientious roofing company will try to recycle as much of your old roof as possible. The rest will be carted away in a dumpster, destined for a landfill.
Getting the Work Done
A roof provides an essential barrier against weather. Without it, your home or business suffers from water leaks, pest infestations, mildew, mold, and higher energy bills. A roofing company that is licensed and insured should be able to guide you through the entire process, including filing an insurance claim, choosing the right materials, and handling permit requirements.
The day the work begins, a team of workers will arrive with equipment, trucks, supplies, and highly trained technicians. Some crew members will begin removing your old roof, while others prep for installing the new one. For example, they may take off rubber or lead boots around sanitary stacks and lift off vents, if necessary. Metal flashing along chimneys and projections, as well as in valleys, covers joints and prevents leaks. This material usually remains in place, but if it is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Other crew members will lay tarps and put down protective netting, if necessary, to cover flower beds or other valuable plants. You can mark or protect particularly delicate and expensive plants by flagging them with orange tape, if possible, so other crew members will give them an extra wide berth. You should also clear toys and furniture from the area. The workers might need to walk all around the house to access the roof from different sides, and you don’t want them tripping over children’s toys or your patio furniture.
For most homeowners, a full roof replacement is a significant investment. Fortunately, there are financing options available, from a renovation loan to cash-out refinances. You can also pay for a part of the project with a credit card, as long as you don’t go over a limit that would affect your credit score.
Some repairs are minor, such as localized leaks or a few missing shingles. However, if damage is widespread and threatens the integrity of the roof structure, it is time to consider a full replacement. Most homeowner’s policies cover the cost of a replacement, especially when it is needed due to severe storm damage. Make sure to keep your paperwork and warranty records in a safe location so you can access them in the event of an issue.
Cleanup
Whether it’s a simple roof repair or a major project like a roof replacement, proper preparation and diligent clean-up are crucial to the process. The work area must be kept clean to ensure safety, minimize disruptions and prevent inadvertent damage to other areas of your property. In addition, cleanup is necessary to ensure a quality job and a pristine finish.
During the course of your roofing project, the crew will periodically clear away debris and clean up their work area. They will also use tarps and other protective coverings to safeguard delicate surfaces like windows, landscaping or outdoor furniture from falling shingles or nails. If there are any items that cannot be moved, such as a grill connected to your gas line, a plywood shelter can be constructed to protect it from accidental damage.
A comprehensive post-roofing cleanup includes removing all old materials and disposing of them properly. This includes shingle granules, nails and other waste from the work area as well as any other debris collected during the roof installation or repair. The crew will also clean out gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and prevent water backflow that could damage the new roof.
The last part of the cleaning process is sweeping, blowing off and vacuuming all paved surfaces, including walkways and driveways, to remove any dust or shingle granules that may have fallen. If you have a deck or patio, the roofers may also sweep these areas to help them look better and to eliminate any tar stains.
If you have a pet, make arrangements to keep it at a friend’s or a boarding service during the duration of the project. The constant banging and pounding can disturb dogs, cats, and even hamsters. They may also be frightened by the noise and strange people walking around on your property.
If there is no mention of clean-up in your estimate or contract, ask for it to be added. It is a critical part of the roofing process and can greatly impact the quality of the finished job. The skilled workforce at residential roofing contractors are well-versed in proper clean-up procedures and will adhere to all guidelines and regulations regarding the safe disposal of waste.