Things to Consider When You're Planning a Roofing Replacement
It pays to take your time and weigh your options when you need to replace your asphalt shingle roof. There are several decisions you need to make, and you can make some of them based on the performance of your old roofing materials. Here are some things you may want to consider when you're planning your roofing replacement.
How Well Your Old Shingles Stood Up to Storms
If you had to repair your roof several times due to storm damage, that could be a sign you need a different type of roofing on your home. You can still use asphalt shingles, but you may want to buy shingles that are thicker and made to be more durable against impacts and wind.
You might even want to switch to metal roofing, which is usually more durable than asphalt shingles. If you only have a single layer of shingles on your roof, you can add a metal roof on top of them since metal is lightweight.
How Much Trouble You Had With Ice Dams
If you dealt with ice dams every winter, and your roof suffered from damage because of them, be sure to let your roofer know. Ice dams could signal a problem with poor ventilation around the roof, and your roofer might need to improve ventilation by installing more vents when the roof is applied.
How the New Roof Will Match Home Renovations
If you also have plans to put on new siding soon or paint your old siding, you'll want a roof that complements the exterior of your house. You might want a different color for the shingles when you get your roofing replacement. You might even want to switch to luxury or architectural shingles so your roof has a more upscale appearance.
How New Roofing Will Affect Energy Efficiency
If you've been improving the energy efficiency of your home, you're probably interested in getting an energy-efficient option for your roofing replacement. One option is to switch to metal that reflects the sun.
Another choice is to put on a tile roof that has enhanced ventilation and releases heat from the attic. However, you can also choose asphalt shingles and buy cool shingles that have granules that reflect the sun.
How Much the Roof Will Cost
When you consider the cost of a roofing replacement, factor in the cost of materials, labor, and ongoing repair and maintenance costs. When you have a tight budget, asphalt shingles are a good option since the basic, three-tab shingles are one of the least expensive types of roofing materials.
If you can afford more, you might want a higher grade of shingles that should require fewer repairs or metal roofing that is durable and lasts for decades. Your roofing replacement contractor can go over prices and labor costs for various types of roofing so you can find something ideal for your budget while still giving you the protection you want for your home.
Can you imagine hammering away at shingles from dawn until dusk? If this sounds like fun, then you may have a future in the roofing industry. If this does not sound fun at all, then you're going to be someone who calls a roofing company and leave the work to the professionals. There's nothing wrong with that. Roofing is hard and dangerous; it's definitely not for everyone. In fact, we don't climb up on the roof ourselves. We do, however, write about roofing on this blog. We consider that to be a small service we can do for homeowners who are interested in roofing and want to know more.