All roofs would inevitably need some repair after some time battling winds, rain, snow, and sun. At one point or another though, the damage might be too extensive that a little patchwork simply won’t cut it. That’s where roof replacement comes in.
Understandably, many homeowners wouldn’t immediately light up at the idea of their roofs being torn apart and being replaced with a new one. After all, there are the costs and the temporary displacement from their homes. But you can’t take roof replacement lightly. Once your home needs it, it shouldn’t be delayed because doing so would only cause more damage, trouble, and costs for you. Before starting the project, however, it’s best you know how to do it the right way to avoid creating new problems and to get the most out of your new roof. Here are five roof replacement tips you should keep in mind.
1. Never Roof Over
Everyone wants to save some bucks on any home renovation project. In doing so, some homeowners may consider a roof over where you simply add a new roof on top of your old one. While this is cheaper, this is plainly a bad move to make.
Roof overs will only give you relief for a short amount of time since your new shingles wouldn’t last long. They wouldn’t be able to lie flat on your old roof and they’d trap heat and moisture under them which will eventually lead them to fall off or cause additional damage to the structure underneath. Roof overs also add extra weight to your old roof and make it hard to locate cracks and leaks later on.
Tearing off your old roof, on the other hand, allows your contractor to inspect the structure, find any damages, and make repairs before putting over the new roof.
2. Inspect and Repair the Roof Deck
As mentioned, you have to check under your shingles and see to it that your roof’s decking or sheathing is in good shape before attaching new shingles. Most decks suffer damage over time which won’t be visible without taking off the old roof. Once the damages are found, replace rotten or broken boards. Replace the whole thing as well if absolutely necessary. Remember to take out old nails as well to protect the new shingles going over it.
3. Avoid Making Decisions Solely Based on Pricing
If there’s one project you want to avoid skimping on, it’s your roof replacement. Although you’d want to save some money, using quality materials for your new roof is vital. Take your shingles for instance. You can decide between three-tab and architectural. While the first one is cheaper, you’ll get more out of your money with the architectural type since it’s thicker and lasts longer.
This also applies to the smaller details of your roof like the underlayment or flashing in the valleys. You need quality material for these as well and most importantly, you shouldn’t skip on these. They affect the lifespan of your roof as well.
4. Install Attic Ventilation
Good ventilation extends the life of your new roof. It helps reduce attic temperature in the summer and it also keeps moisture from building up in the colder months. Ask your contractor what kind of venting they can help you with for both the top of the roof and in the base of it. You can also install attic fans or an entire home ventilation system.
5. Hire a Quality Roofing Contractor
A lot of homeowners may consider doing part of the roof replacement themselves to reduce the costs but most of the time, it’s best to leave it in the hands of professional roofing contractors. They have the training and experience coupled with the knowledge of safety procedures, building codes, and proper roof installation.
When choosing your roofing contractor though, don’t think every single one of them is the same and will treat you in the same way. Do your research and select a professional company that is properly qualified and licensed. Make sure they also carry insurance, they have a good history with their clients, and they follow all local building codes and regulations.
There are plenty more things you should consider when replacing your roof but these five tips will get you started in the right direction. The right contractor working with quality materials will ensure the roof replacement will be done properly and you’ll have a strong and sturdy roof above your head for years to come.
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