Roof replacements may not be as exciting or television-worthy as kitchen and master bath remodels, but few home maintenance items are more important than maintaining your roof. A failed roof can lead to devastating damage, especially if water seeps in for a while before the actual issue is identified.
If your roof needs to be replaced, make sure you hire a roofing contractor who will properly replace the roof and install a new one. You’ll want the new roof to be done right, or else major problems could follow in a few years’ time.
Do Your Homework When Choosing a Roofing Contractor
When hiring a roofing contractor to replace your roof, do your homework before agreeing to any contract.
A roof will last 25 to 50 years if it’s properly installed and made from high-quality materials. Consider that in light of how long you normally keep a car and how much time you invest in researching that purchase. A roof justifies an equal investment in research.
As you compare roofers, don’t just go with the cheapest option. The cheapest option won’t be the best if you need another new roof prematurely, and there’s a well-known adage in the industry that “you can’t afford a cheap roof.” Saving a little now could cost you thousands later.
Whether you’re choosing between metal or shingles, you’ll likely find that many roofers use comparable or identical materials. Materials aren’t the only determiner of quality, however, and not all roofing contractors provide the same level of workmanship. For a roof that will last as long as possible, you want a contractor that consistently does a good job. To find such a contractor, look for a roofer who has a:
- History of doing business in the local area
- Good reputation among customers and others in the community
- Properly licensed and insured business
- Written and detailed quote for the project
Strip Away Your Old Roof Before Installing a New One
Sometimes contractors who offer cheap quotes will suggest simply layering a new roof on top of your old one, but this should generally be avoided. Removing the existing roof is the only way to thoroughly check for and repair any underlying issues that would compromise the integrity of your new roof. There are several potential issues that may need to be addressed:
- Past leaks may have deteriorated the deck surface
- Poor ventilation may be causing excess moisture on the deck surface
- Gutters and drain lines may have leaks at their seams
- Flashing may be loose and create leaks
Ultimately, the roof is not merely a surface of shingles or metal. It’s a roofing system that’s cohesive, and all of the parts must be in proper working order for the roof to function as it should. Removing your old shingles is the only way to make sure that a roof’s various systems are all in good condition.
Buy High-Quality Roofing Materials That Have Warranties
Once you select a roofing contractor to work with, you’ll have several different options for materials to use. In general, you’ll want to select the highest-quality materials that are available so that your roof lasts as long as possible.
Your roofing contractor can advise you on what materials last the longest in your particular region, for climate has an impact on longevity. Of the materials that they recommend, check what warranties are included and go with whichever offers the best combination of coverage and quality.
You might also want to consider the color of your roof. Although this is an aesthetic and not a functional decision, your new roof should complement your home’s design. Choosing a good-looking roof may help you sell your home, especially as it improves curb appeal.
Pay Attention to the Paperwork
As you finalize all of the details, pay attention to the paperwork that’s involved. Get a written contract that outlines what work will be performed, and make sure the roofer is insured for both liability and workers compensation.
At Pickard Roofing, we think Design. Craft. Renew. We are experienced in all types of roofing systems- and provide the right roofing design and selective craftsmanship for renewing our customer’s assets. We invite sustainable building customers to give us a call for your free evaluation. For over 90 years Pickard Roofing Company has installed countless metal, tile, slate, TPO, EPDM, and all types of shingle roofing in the Triangle. Our services include residential, commercial, custom architectural metal fabrication, and historical renovation.
