Replacing a roof is one of the major home repair and renovation projects. Although it may not sound as exciting as changing the interiors, you cannot ignore its importance in your overall home improvement efforts. After all, you don’t want your cozy nest to lose its shine and health due to your old leaking roof. Whilst you are thinking about replacing your roof, you should also think about adding some extra protection to it, like a foam roof so you can avoid any future leaks. This will also be able to give you better peace of mind. So, before it gets too late where even repairing efforts cannot provide immediate and short-term relief, you should put your foot down and get started with the replacement process. Here are some points that can come in handy when you contact roofers about roofing installation for their price quotes and service details.
Roofing materials
You can choose the same material that was used in your old roof or make a new choice. It would be good to ask professionals like Roofer In CT (https://www.rooferinct.net/) for more detail between the options so you can make an informed decision. At the time of selecting the material, make sure to have a look around your neighborhood to get an idea about a dominant style. Some places make use of metal roofing because of their ability to withstand fire, and others choose tiles. Additionally, you also need to take into account your roof pitch or angle as it also helps you determine which material will be more suitable. For example, if your roof is steep, you can opt for wood shake shingles. Flat or low-pitched roofs don’t support them. If you need support with roof installation for a commercial business, you may need to know this information for the roofing company you choose to use. You can learn more about Commercial Roof Installation in Sacramento or somewhere more local to you by searching online for tips.
For residential projects, the popular choices in roofing include:
Metal:
Aluminum or steel roofs are standard in this category. These are known for their durability as well as fire resistance capabilities. You may have to pay more for their installation, but in the long-run, they will be cost-effective because of their longer life. Metal roofs can be styled in different ways, of which, elevated-seam panels that resemble composite shingles in appearance are one.
Slate:
Slate roofing is another option, but you may not opt for them because of the kind of cost and installation efforts they involve. Once damaged, these are also not easy to maintain and repair.
Asphalt:
Although comparatively less appealing in look due to its flat surface, asphalt has grown in popularity over the years due to its cost-effectiveness.
Wood shakes:
Wood shakes and shingles look very attractive and can give you excellent service. But if you live in a fire-prone region like Salt Lake City where wildfires are commonplace, this may not be an ideal choice.
Synthetic tiles:
The synthetic composite roofing uses 95% of recycled materials, such as rubber, and is evolving to be a popular style in this modern age. Although they mimic slate and stone tiles in appearance, they are quite lightweight and robust.
Clay or concrete tile:
Clay or concrete roof tiles look contemporary and go well with ranch-style architectural designs. They are also a fantastic match for homes which flaunt Spanish influence in their architecture. Generally, tiles need additional structural support and cost more than asphalt shingles, but you can give these a consideration for their energy efficiency. You can expect to make huge savings on your electric bills after the tiles are installed. Tiled roofs come in many shapes and colors with a long lifespan compared to other alternatives.
Options: Second Coating or Strip Off
Earlier, people would layer their existing surface with new materials at least once or twice. But due to restrictions in many regions, you have to consider tearing down the old layer mainly. However, you can consult with a well-established roofer, like PRC Roofing Pro, to understand what is permissible in your area. If you are allowed to lay new shingles over the preexisting one, make sure to take into account its positive and negative sides.
One of the significant downsides of laying new layers over the old ones is that it can create structural issues due to increased pressure on the underlying roof frames. Another problem can occur if any irregularities in the surface go unattended. The bumps, waves, and bubbles can reflect on the surface of the new roof, hurting its appearance. You can solve this issue by removing all the defects existing in the old roof ahead of re-roofing. This entire exercise can be completed with a hammer, a few nails, and some shingles that would cover protruding nails, gaps, etc.
You can be tempted to the option of layering because it needs comparatively fewer efforts than stripping off the old shingles and again covering it with the new. But you don’t need to worry about this when you contract your project to an experienced company.
Roofing cost
Choice of materials, such as asphalt shingles or slates, roofer, angle of the roof, and the total area of the roof are some of the factors that can determine the amount of money you would have to spend on the replacement work. Generally, asphalt shingles cost about $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot.
Plan your endeavor
Planning well is equally important as having awareness about other factors. You need to consider if you can bear the replacement as well as maintenance cost to keep your roof in the best health for its whole life. At the same time, it is essential to make sure that your roof installation is proper. A poorly installed roof can cost you huge expenses, requiring frequent maintenance and repairing work.
Generally, an average size roof takes 3 to 4 days to complete an installation job. The process involves many steps. The crew begins with removing old shingles, repairing minor defects in the preexisting structure, applying new layers of materials conforming to the needs of the region, and then cleaning all the debris as soon as the installation completes. The fresh installation requires an inspection to detect an issue that may have gone unnoticed and prove risky for your home.
So, check the condition of your roof and find out if its life is coming to an end. In that case, you would need to give serious thought to its replacement. The task may look tiring, but with the help of the right roofing company, you can achieve it hassle-free. When you hire a company, make sure that they are licensed professionals.
