Owning a house is a big responsibility. From constant maintenance to personal touches to make your home noticeably better than your neighbors’, owning a home is a lot of work. Replacing the roof on your house is also a big endeavor that you will most likely need to undertake at one point or another while owning a home. But how do you know if you need to replace your roof? How much does it cost to replace your roof? How do you find the best professional contractor for the job? In this article, we’ll review these questions and more.
How to Tell if you need to Replace your Roof?
So, it might be time to replace your roof, but how can you tell? You’ll need to check both the inside and outside of the roof. But before you get started, make sure you have all the appropriate equipment and tools to assess the health of your roof. This may include gloves, a flashlight, safety goggles, a pry bar, or even a roofing harness.
First, check the inside of your roof, in the attic. You’ll need to assess if there’s any leaking, visible mold, or visible light. These are clear indications of required roof repairs. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to make minor repairs. However, if the damage is far-reaching, you may need to replace large sections of your roof.
Next, check the outside of your roof (and remember, safety first!). Depending on the age of your roof, you may see aging and damaged shingles or tiles. Again, depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to make small repairs. It’s also possible that your roof shows signs of warping or sagging. If this is the case, it may indicate structural damage. In this case, it’s best to call in a professional.
How much does it cost?
The cost of your roof repair will depend on where you live, the size of your roof, the type of roof you have, and who you work with. Some areas of the United States may have higher average roof replacement costs than others. Additionally, your contractor will likely charge based on square footage. If you have a large roof, you can expect to pay more. Roof tiles usually cost double the price of roof shingles, but tiles last longer than shingles.
What should you look for in a contractor?
Replacing your roof is expensive so you might try to find the person who can give you the best deal. But the roof over your head is an investment that you shouldn’t skimp on. After all, whether you plan on staying in your house for the rest of your life or you plan to sell as soon as possible, a sturdy roof is essential. That means you should find the right person for the job.
There are several things you should look for in a contractor. First, local referrals can be a great resource for finding the right contractor. If you find several neighbors who have all used the same contractor to replace their roof, and they all recommend that contractor, it might be a good idea to call that contractor. Additionally, if you have several contractors in mind, you can call the Better Business Bureau to find out more information. If two neighbors give you a good recommendation, but the Better Business Bureau tells you the contractor has had plenty of issues, it’s probably a good idea to look for someone else. Make sure whoever you work with is certified, has insurance, and safe practices. Finally, some roofing contractors can offer you a warranty. If for whatever reason, the roof replacement is not sufficient, and you don’t have a warranty, you’ll have to pay for a second replacement. Let’s avoid that!
Final Thoughts
Replacing your roof is no easy task! But with the proper assessment, the proper knowledge, and the proper professional, you can replace your roof with minimal issues. This is a long-term investment, and you probably can’t afford a mistake. So, take your time, call your neighbors, find the right contractor, and get ease of mind with an awesome new roof.
Don’t take a gamble on one of your most valuable possessions and get an experienced professional to do the job. A & J Reliable has been the most consistent and highly rated roofing contractor in the Tri-State area for over 40 years. Call or click today to learn how we make the contracting process stress-free.
