A roof replacement can be one of the most important home repairs a homeowner can do. When the exterior of your home is protected, you are less likely to encounter issues with water damage, mold, or rot. It is also a great way to boost the value of your home. However, you need to make sure you know what you’re getting into before you spend any money.
Whether you’re replacing your old roof for a more stylish design, or simply to keep your family safe, a new roof can be a big investment. This means you need to choose a roofing company that you trust. Make sure to ask about their warranty and payment options before you start. Many companies offer a warranty that covers the entire roofing system for 10 or more years.
While it may seem like the cost of a new roof is high, the benefits are well worth the extra expense. Not only will a new roof last for many years, it can also raise the value of your home. In fact, you may be able to recoup most or all of your costs if you eventually sell the home.
The initial cost of a new roof will vary, depending on the location of your home and the material you choose. Asphalt composition shingles are the most common and are relatively inexpensive. However, you’ll also want to consider metal and wood shake roofing options. Metals such as copper, steel, and zinc are the most expensive options, while wood shakes are more expensive than shingles.
Your insurance policy will determine whether you’ll be covered for a complete replacement or only part of the cost. If you’re planning on selling your home, your insurance may cover the replacement price. Alternatively, you can opt for actual cash value coverage, which pays for the current state of the roof.
There are several signs that your roof needs a replacement. Some of these include torn or missing shingles, water leaks inside your attic, and structural damage. Other signs of trouble are a broken gutter, excessive granule buildup in your gutters, and loose flashings. Even a small amount of granule loss can lead to clogged gutters, which can cause your roof to lose its water-resistant coating.
Choosing a team to perform the work is another consideration. You want a roofing crew that has a good reputation and can do the job right the first time. A good crew will use magnetic tools to pick up any metal objects in the yard and tarps to protect foundation plants. Additionally, a team that agrees to perform the work without conducting an inspection is more likely to not finish their work.
Finally, if you have a flat roof, you’ll need to install ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) rubber. Flat roofs are often more expensive than other types of roofs because they require special materials. For example, metal and wood shake roofing systems aren’t suitable for flat roofs.
