3 Things to Know Before Replacing your Roof

Roof replacement is one of the most significant and most expensive projects you can undertake in a home. According to Angie’s List, the cost of replacing your roof is $11,000 on average. If you consider the huge role a roof plays in a house and that cost, you can see why it’s not a project you can take lightly. However, if you hire a qualified roofing contractor, a new roof can transform your home and even push up its resale value. Before you take up this enormous task, be sure to consider these three facts.

1. Purpose for renovation

Does your house need a new roof? If the existing roof has been up there for more than 20 years or there are clear signs of wear and tear, you might need a new roof. You can also call a roofing contractor if the roof is no longer energy-efficient, you can see the light through the boards, and your shingles are buckling and curling.

However, you may need to do some renovation to upgrade the house with solar panels. Many people today are going green to preserve the environment, and a roofing project to increase energy efficiency is necessary. The characteristics of your roof can determine the solar panel installation cost. For instance, if your roof has dormers, skylights, and multiple levels, installing solar panels will be an uphill task and hence more expensive. If the roof can use some renovation, replacing it when you are installing the solar panels will be more economical.

2. Best roofing material

According to research, there are at least four new roofing materials that have shown up on the market since you roofed your house. If you want to replace your existing roof, it is worth it to choose a different material from the one you are getting rid of. This is because the newcomer’s designs are more long-lasting, appealing, and energy-efficient.

If you don’t know what to choose between shingles, metal sheets, copper, tiles, fiberglass, and rubber, consult a professional for some advice. They will look at your house and the climatic conditions in your area before recommending the best roof for you.

3. Roof removal

When deciding on what kind of roof you want, be sure to consider whether the old one should be removed or layered. The law allows you to lay up to two layers of shingles, but that depends on their condition. If you have traditional shingles and the foundation of the roof looks good, you can take out the old shingles and replace them with something else. However, if your roof has any other material, you may need to remove the entire deck and build it from scratch to integrate a new roof.

The most important factor when replacing a roof is the roofing contractor. Look for a qualified and highly recommended contractor who will offer you quality. Besides being top-rated, they must also help you to take care of everything, including permits, disposal of the old roof, and picking up the nails with a magnet. If you are going to install a solar panel, the contractor will also recommend the best way to renovate the roof.