If you’re thinking about replacing your roof, you’re not alone - about 5 million roof replacements are performed every year in the USA! Roof replacements are a critical home maintenance project that can protect your property from leaks and structural damage.
A good roof replacement should also bring you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home is safe from rain, snow, sleet, and that you are safe within your home, even when the storm rages outside. Knowing the signs that your home needs a roof replacement and what to consider before you replace your roof can help ensure that your roof replacement project will be a success.
Signs Your Home Needs a Roof Replacement
Below are the common signs that your home needs a roof replacement:
- It’s been 20-25 years since the roof was replaced
- Water is leaking into your home or business
- Shingles are visibly cracked or damaged
- Shingles are missing
- There’s mold in your home or business
- Moss is growing on the roofing material
If you're not sure how old your roof is or whether it needs to be replaced, get an inspection from a professional roofer. A good inspection will help you determine whether your roof needs to be replaced, repaired - or, let you know if it's in good shape and nothing needs to be done!
Things to Consider Before You Replace Your Roof
Before getting a roof replacement, there are many things to consider. Knowing all the variables can help you decide what time of year to replace your roof, what kind of materials to use, and more.
Roofing Materials
There have been many changes to roofing materials in the last 20 years, and now there are numerous roofing materials to choose from. Every material must be handled in its own way. Mistakes can lead to improper installation, premature failure of the roof, leaks, structural damage and more. Be sure to find a roofing company that is experienced in your chosen material. Find out what your contractor's warranty is, and what the material warranty is.
It Will Be Noisy
There’s no way around it: replacing a roof is a noisy business. Though most roofing companies only work during normal business hours, it would be considerate to give your neighbors a heads-up that you'll be getting a new roof. Be prepared for the noise yourself.
If you have small children who need naps, pets who are upset by strange noises, or if you're prone to headaches from loud noises, make arrangements to get through the worst of the noise.
Shop Around
Interview several roofing contractors before choosing the right roofer for your project. Ask each roofer the same questions, to make it easier to compare one to the other. Get bids from each contractor before making your decision.
Ask your friends and neighbors for references, and check with Google for reviews. How long have they been in business? Are they members in the National Roofing Contractors Association? Also verify their insurance and licenses as you shop. You don’t want any bad surprises!
Focus on Quality
The cheapest roofer is rarely the best roofer. Contractors that charge suspiciously low prices often base their business model on cutting corners and sacrificing quality. It’s tempting to shop prices, but the lowest priced roofer is unlikely to be the best choice.
It's also important to ensure that you're making an apples-to-apples comparison when considering two roofers charging different amounts. Compare the roofing materials. Ask about your old roof: are they getting rid of it for you? Are they going to put new shingles over the old roof? Generally, it's best to have the old roof removed.
Read The Paperwork Carefully
Never hire a roofer that hasn't given you a contract. When you do get a contract, read the details and the fine print. Make sure they have the proper permits, and insurance and their insurance is up-to-date. Do your research before making a hire!
Need a New Roof?
Trust the experts! Hire a quality contractor to re-roof your home or business. If you need a new roof, call Pickard Roofing in Durham, NC to learn more about how we can help you.
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.
