When it comes to home repairs, replacing your roof is probably the most significant, both in terms of importance and costs. Keep in mind that your roofing shouldn’t only prevent rain from pouring into your house. It should also provide you with much-needed energetic efficiency and better heat distribution.
With that in mind, there are many things you need to consider to ensure your roof replacement doesn’t turn into a disaster. The first thing to know is when and why you might need a new roof. Considering that you’re reading this article right now, you’ve probably checked that point off by now.
Let’s get straight to the point, then. Here are the things to consider when replacing a roof. Thinking about them before you start the project is a must if you want to make sure everything goes according to plan.
Roofing Materials
The first thing you need to decide on is the material of your future roof. When it comes to that, there are plenty of choices ahead of you. To make your decision easier, we’ve prepared a list of the top five roofing materials.
Each of them has its pros and cons, so make sure you know them all before the purchase.
Wood Shakes
If you’re looking for a material that will make your house look exquisite, wood shakes or shingles should be your first choice. They are quite pricey, though, and despite looking great, they come with a few downsides. Wooden roofing has a relatively low lifespan, and they aren’t much protection in case of a fire.
EPDM Rubber
EPDM rubber is an excellent choice if you have a flat or low-pitched roof. It’s a low-cost, reliable, and long-lasting roofing option. When maintained properly, your rubber roof will last up to 35 years.
The costs may vary depending on your provider. Usually, it’s a range between 2 and 4 pounds per square foot. You can visit Rubber Roofing Direct if you’re interested in learning more about EPDM roofing.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt composite shingles are another low-cost roofing option. Made from fiberglass base, asphalt, and mineral granules, this type of shingles are extremely popular in the USA. They’re cheaper than many other roofings, easy to install and maintain and have a 30-year lifespan.
Metal Roofing
When it comes to steel roofing, you have two options. You can either decide on a standing seam roof or metal shingles. Both types are incredibly durable and can last for up to 50 years.
The seam metal is slightly more expensive, though. It also doesn’t look as stylish as new shingles.
Ceramic or Clay Tiles
And last but not least, the ultimate classic. Ceramic or clay tiled roofs might not be as popular as they used to be, but they’re still one of the best choices you can make when it comes to making your new roof look absolutely fantastic.
The only con is the cost. Clay tiles are expensive, but once installed and maintained, they can last up to a century.
Contractor
Once you decide on the type of your roof, you’ll have to settle on the right contractor. Usually, the best idea is to hire a crew recommended by your roofing material provider. Bear in mind that different materials require specific installation methods.
If you wish to find a roofing contractor on your own, you must do some in-depth research. Pick only the ones that have performed hundreds, or even thousands of installments. Also, don’t just pick the cheapest crew you can find. Your new roof’s endurance and lifespan will depend on their work.
Time of Repairs
When replacing your old roof with a new one, it’s vital to pick the right time for repairs. Usually, the roofing season starts in spring and ends in early fall. The weather conditions are the best then, but since the demand is high, so are the installation costs.
If you want to save yourself some money, you should consider off-season work. Some roofing contractors lower their prices during late fall and early winter, so you can replace your roof at a relatively low cost if you play your cards right.
If you decide on that, make sure you hire a reliable contractor. Only skilled and professional roofers can do their work right during more extreme weather conditions.
Bottom Line
As you can see, there are many things to think about when replacing your old roof with a new one. First, you have to pick the material that suits your type of roof best. Secondly, you need to hire a reliable roofing contractor. Only by selecting the best crew possible, you can be sure the whole operation goes smoothly.
Also, when it comes to the costs of a roof replacement work, everything depends on the material, contractor, and time of the year. For example, going for asphalt composite shingles will cost you less than clay tiles. The same rule applies to off-season work.
