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Is your home’s roof on the older side? Is it beginning to leak in certain areas and displaying other indications of deterioration? If so, there is a good chance you will need a new roof soon. You must contact a reputable roofing installation company, such as Universal Roofing & Exteriors, to install a new roof on your home.
However, you should know a few things before installing a new roof. Educating yourself on the process ensures you get the best deal possible on your roof and select the best one for your home. You must determine whether a roof replacement is necessary. Remember that a leaking roof does not necessarily necessitate a new roof. Before replacing your roof, your local roofing contractor will determine if only repairs are necessary.
Choose the right roofing company
When you decide to install a new roof, you’ll need to select a roofing company to complete the work. A great roofing company will have a track record of success, including the projects they’ve completed and their list of satisfied clients. This information can often be found on their website or Google search page, giving you the confidence you need to select them as your trusted roofing contractor for your roofing project.
A trustworthy roofing company should possess the following:
- Numerous years of experience in the roofing industry
- A range of roofing services is offered, including new roof installation
- Numerous material options for roofs
- Fair and reasonable pricing
- Free consultations for those interested in learning more
Before agreeing to work with a roofing company, you should interview them and learn as much as possible about them. You should also read online reviews written by homeowners who have previously worked with the company. This will help you determine whether a roofing company suits your needs.
Ask for recommendations when looking for roofing materials
With so many different options, figuring out which roofing material is best for your home can take significant time and effort. It is in your best interest to inquire with the roofing contractor about the materials they recommend using, particularly if you are on a budget and are looking to save money anywhere you can.
The most commonly used material among homeowners in the U.S. is asphalt shingles, the best economic choice for roofing projects with a budget cap.
Double-check if you need a roof replacement
Did you know that you don’t necessarily have to remove your current roof and install a new one? In most locations, it is prohibited to stack roofing materials repeatedly, but it is permissible to place shingles over an existing layer of roofing one time.
This is known as “overlaying” or “re-roofing.” It can save you significant money while providing a renewed and fortified layer of protection against nature’s elements.
Prepare for potential problems if they occur
During the installation of your new roof, there is a possibility that unforeseen complications will arise. For instance, roofers may remove your existing roof and discover rotting or sagging decking beneath your shingles. It could compel them to repair these sections of your roof before installing new shingles.
You should consider this a blessing in disguise, even though it can increase the cost of installing a roof. If you had missed this issue, it could have led to more expensive repairs.
Discuss the project schedule with your roofing contractor
Many homeowners believe installing a new roof will take several days or weeks. It could take a roofing company some time to install a new roof on a particularly large home with numerous challenging peaks and valleys. Most of the time, however, a roof installation will take one day or less (however, this can vary depending on the roofing project’s scope and the home’s size).
Just reassure yourself that you won’t freak out if your entire home starts to look like a construction site, at least temporarily.
Make sure your roofing contractor has a clean-up protocol
After installing a new roof on your residential property, your roofing contractor should do more than pack up and leave. During your new roof installation, hundreds of nails will likely be scattered across your yard. These nails could endanger you, your children, and your pets.
They could also result in flat tires on your automobiles and lawnmower. A reputable roofing company should always prioritize the cleanup of debris and other items. Before requesting final payment, they should use large magnets to clean up your yard and leave it as pristine as your new roof.
Prepare financially for the cost of a new roof
The total roof replacement cost will vary significantly based on several variables, including materials, labor, disposal of old materials, the removal process, and other items specified in the contract for your roofing project.
The national average cost to replace a roof is approximately $8,978, with most homeowners spending between $5,695 and $12,272. In a project of this nature, the square footage of your home and the type of roofing material you choose will be the two largest variables.