Roofing, like electrical wiring or plumbing, is essential to any home or business. The top of your building protects you from the elements and other potential hazards. Regarding aesthetics, a roof is a crucial part of a property’s value since it is one of the first parts of a home any buyer will see before entering the house or building.
For most property owners, roofing can be a complicated subject to talk about. Choosing the suitable materials, style, and contractor for your roof replacement is often intimidating. Below is the complete roofing guide to help you get the best possible roof for your house or building.
Assess Your Property Requirements
When It comes to roofing, there are two significant factors to consider.
Roof Purpose
Your roof can serve one or more functions, such as improving tenants’ lives, increasing the property’s aesthetic value, or simply having a standard “top.” Improving the quality of life usually means picking a roofing material that reflects heat away during hot days or keeps the temperature at a comfortable level during cold periods.
For roofing projects that will make your house look marketable, you need clay tiles or materials that give your property a natural and comfortable aesthetic. Another example of materials that give your roof that designer aspect is terracotta tiles. Terracotta tiles have a distinct color that makes them stand out, allowing you to quickly bring eyes to your house.
If you do not have any additional purpose or requirements for your roof, simply having a functional one is always a good reason. This purpose is usually among those who require roof replacement when the home or business owner experiences a severe storm or accident. You can focus on economical materials for your roof if you only need to find a replacement.
Budget
The amount you are willing to spend will determine what roofing goals you can accomplish. A large budget gives you more options on the materials you can use for your roof. Home or business owners can only spend a conservative amount on roofing projects.
Note that a limited budget does not mean you have to cut corners by using low-grade materials. Look for roof tiles, such as asphalt shingles that can achieve your purpose. Asphalt roofing provides enough insulation to your home while having an affordable price.
Finding The Right Contractor
Looking for a competent and trusted roofer is the next step once you have a goal and budget for your roof. The success of your roofing project depends on the experience and skills of the contractor’s workers. Below are several factors to consider when picking a roofer.
Past Projects
Experience is a significant factor in finding a contractor for your roof since their knowledge determines how well they can complete your roofing goals. An experienced contractor can find the best possible method for replacing, repairing, or installing most types of the roof on various properties. You want a roofer who has completed several projects for different clients.
While an individual contractor or a roofing business will always mention how many years they have been in the business, the best way to gauge their experience is to check on their past clients. Most roofing companies post their previous projects on their websites or social media pages. You can determine if they can accomplish what you want with your roof based on the types of the roof a contractor installed.
Transparency
A trusted contractor will ensure you are aware of the entire process of your roofing project, including the total costs of the entire work. You can determine the transparency of a roofer by the questions they ask before giving you a rough estimate.
Reliable roofers will ask you questions regarding the roof’s state, such as its age, materials, and if prior work was done on it recently. These questions allow a contractor to get an accurate estimate for your project. Note that the estimate is simply a guess of how much a roof repair, installation, or replacement will cost.
Another good sign of transparency is the communication between you and the contractor. A good roofer will educate you on how they will work on your roof and recommend materials or styles that fit your budget.
How Roofing is Done
Roofing is about tearing away old or broken roofs to make way for a new structure. To create a clean foundation, contractors remove every shingle, nail, and other debris.
An underlayment is placed on the foundation to prevent water from entering the building. If required, a drip edge is installed to create a stylish aesthetic for the roof while stopping the shingles from curing. Drip edges are installed before the underlayment to keep them in place. Tar or felt paper is also added to improve the roof’s fire rating and prevent water from entering the shingles.
The first set of shingles is set on the roof to start the replacement process. This set will act as the wall that stops water from entering the seams and causing a leak. The rest of the shingles are placed on top of the first set. Flashing is added around the windows, chimneys, or vents to prevent water from entering. With the roof installed, all debris is removed while exposed nails are sealed.
FAQ
Is roofing expensive?
The average cost of roofing work is around $8,000 – $15,000 in 2023. The material, roof style, and contractor determine roofing costs.
What should I first consider when finding a new roof?
Choose what type of roof you want for your home or building. A new roof can improve a house’s insulation or increase a property’s marketability.
Should I only use cheap materials?
Avoid using low-quality materials for your new roof unless you have an extremely tight budget. Some materials are affordable and have the best qualities for a new roof.
How are estimates different from bidding?
Estimates are rough guesses by the contractor on how much the roofing project will cost. On the other hand, a contractor’s bid is the finalized cost of the project. Bids will always have more details on the price of materials and labor fees.
Why should I get a licensed roofer?
Licenses ensure the contractors you are hiring are legitimate and will hold themselves responsible for the result of your roofing project. In addition, licensed roofers are likely to have insurance that covers accidental damages.
Conclusion
Roofing can increase the quality of life among the tenants of a home or business or improve the external aesthetics of a property. The price of a roofing project is determined by the material used, roof style, and contractor. It pays to know how much you are willing to spend in getting a new roof and the purpose of the roofing project to help you choose what kind of shingles to install.