What Homeowners Should Know Before Scheduling Roof Replacements

By Chelsea Evans


Replacing the shingles on a home is a big job that can be expensive. One should not undertake roof replacements without being certain of what you need and the company that will be doing the job. A roofing contractor can provide answers as to what needs to be done as well as the cost of the job. Regardless of the situation, it is important to know the options before having the job started.

Sometimes the shingles must be replaced prematurely if the builder or previous owner selected inferior or inappropriate materials for the location. Today, there are many choices available. As the homeowner speaks with contractors he or she might discuss possible options, costs and benefits of the types of materials. This may help in determining what is appropriate for the home and for one's bank account.

Before a person selects the contractor, he or she might want to do some investigating. Reputable contractors should provide references. Check out these references to determine what to expect for the job. Sometimes a word of mouth reference from a friend or relative is the best way to find the appropriate company to do the job.

Most roofs are constructed from asphalt shingles today. These materials provide a twenty year lifespan. As they are exposed to all sorts of weather, they can begin to age allowing aggregate to loosen and wash away while felt suffers from the elements. After about twenty years, the chances of problems such as leaks greatly increase.

In some instances it is possible to apply a new layer of shingles over existing roofing. There is; however, a limit to the number of layers that can be added. Most building codes specify no more than two layers of shingles due to the increased chances of roofing collapse. The materials are very heavy and the roof must also support the weight of snow or ice that accumulates in the winter. Materials that are curling at the edge should be removed.

Owners should insist on a written contract before allowing work to start. The document provides protection for homeowners and contractors. With the contract owners know what they should expect and what the price entails. The contract should specify the contractor contact the owner for repairs that will put the project over budget.

Residents should realize this job will be loud. The noise can be overwhelming to an already stressed out resident and can take several days of work. To avoid the heat, roofers often begin as early as 6 AM. It may be best to plan for the job to take place when you are out of town or at least purchase some ear plugs.

When needing roof replacements owners will want to find a trustworthy contractor. The owners will want to understand the advantages and disadvantages of materials selected. While the job can be very large, it is required to ensure one's home remains safe and sound to protect the family. Leaks can cause the property to suffer very significant damage unless repairs are made as soon as possible.




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