Do I Need To Replace My Roof?
You walk out your front door and notice a shingle or two in your yard. You think, "Was there a storm?" "Are the squirrels really that vicious in this neighborhood?"
Whatever the case, unless you have experience in the industry, it is always best to consult a professional for the next steps. Herein lies a problematic situation faced in the construction industry; when you trust a professional, you trust that their advice will always be in your best interest - unfortunately, it is often not.
Your first step is to vet and procure a licensed and reputable contractor in your area. Fortunately, the internet has become a valuable resource for these types of situations and makes scouring for a diamond in the rough that much easier. You will find one, and once you do, there are some things that you should know.
Not Every Roof Needs to Be Replaced
Do you ever wonder why there are so many roofers in your area? It is because there is a lot of money in roofing. Where there is an opportunity for money, there are opportunities for nefarious activities, including shady companies started to take your money and run. A clever tactic by these criminals is to automatically determine that with any damage, your roof should be replaced. This is not always true, and you should be aware of any potential deceit. These companies are out there so wary of their existence.
Every cloud has a silver lining. These companies don't last, AND they are pretty easy to spot. Be careful and keep your eyes out for criminals, and you will be just fine.
When you do find that perfect contractor, they will let you know what your unique situation is. No two roofs are the same - it's just a fact. Every component on every roof was installed with a degree of difference, making every situation completely one of a kind.
Your first step once you have found your contractor is to schedule an inspection. An inspection will consist of an on-site evaluation of the current state of your roofing system. This will outline any damage that your roof has sustained and the best solution for your home. It is important to note that not every roof needs to be fully replaced. Depending on the extent of the damage, there are many things that can be done to extend the life of your roof without replacing it.
Often, a good contractor will recognize this and assist in resealing or reshingling specific areas that do not constitute a full roof replacement. This is a cost-effective way to eradicate any problems you are facing and extend the life of your roof until it is time to fully replace the roofing system.
Replacement vs. Repair
Advantages of Roof Repairs
Roof repairs are far more inexpensive than roof replacements. Your roof components all age differently - some may last longer than others.
A repair can take care of the single failure in your roofing system without having to replace the components that are not as affected.
Disadvantages of Roof Repairs
Finding a qualified repair company can be the first of your problems when trying to get a roof repair. Most companies do not do repairs because of the time it takes and the low expense from the homeowner.
Matching the shingles that are being replaced can be difficult. Over time your shingles will become discolored from the sun and other elements. It may be apparent that there was a replacement because of the difference in the color of the shingles. From an aesthetic standpoint, this could be less than ideal.
Along with the challenge of finding a company to repair your problem, you may find it even harder to find a qualified company to take care of your repair. Shoddy work can exacerbate a problem and leave your home worse than before. Repair projects take an experienced and skillful crew to complete. Do not settle for less!
Advantages of Roof Replacements
There is no doubt that a brand-new roof on the house increases the aesthetic of your home, but what about the value? Studies show that the average American roof purchase on a new asphalt shingle roof returns an average of 68 percent of the investment.
There is also no question that a home is safest when its structural integrity is optimal. With a new roof, you are giving yourself peace of mind knowing that your home is much more durable and sustainable in a storm or other weather event.
Your home will look newer! A brand-new roof can make even the oldest structures look modern and beautiful. You will undoubtedly have a new sense of pride in your home with a brand-new roof replacement.
Disadvantages of Roof Replacements
As with any high-dollar expense, you will likely experience some level of stress. The idea is to limit the amount and stay focused on the positives.
Be ready for the noise. It is inevitable that there will be noise... a lot of noise! To remove and replace a roof, crews must rip up the old roofing system, including rotted wood, and then replace it with new materials. This process includes hammering, nailing, sawing, and the use of other loud power tools.
There are some contractors that don't take as much care during the cleaning process. Your yard may be exposed to scraps of shingles and other building materials, nails, and metal. Always request that your contractor use a metal magnet to get all of the loose materials that could cause issues in the future.
THINGS HAPPEN. It's not always sunshine and rainbows. A new roof can present some not-so-good circumstances; it is important to be patient and work with your trusted contractor to make the process as painless as possible. A good contractor has systems and procedures in place to mitigate any of the disadvantages and make your project swift and easy!
Get a Second Opinion
Last but not least, get a second opinion whenever you are determining whether or not to replace or repair your roof. Sometimes a second opinion will enlighten you about other aspects of your project that the original assessor did not account for. Sometimes you will realize that you do not need any work done at all. It is not usually because a contractor is trying to rip you off; there are just many variables that go into a formulated opinion. The more informed you are, the better decision you will be able to make.
At NEXGEN Roofing, we ensure that every homeowner is as informed as we are so that their decision to replace or repair their roof is a sound decision. It is our priority to give you an experience that you will be happy with. Call us today for a free inspection!