6 Styles of roofing shingles
11 May, 2021
Tips to hire the right roofer
21 May, 2021
What you should know before repairing or replacing your roof
If you are thinking of buying a new roof, you better be prepared to choose the right roofing. The roof is your home’s protection against the elements of nature and when a new roof is needed, you can’t avoid it forever.
This roofing buying guide will help you make an informed decision before deciding which roof to put over your head. Regardless of the type of roof you get, you will need the same basic process to get a new roof, the right product, and hire the best roofing contractor in Houston.
Replace or Repair
One of the first things that you should know is that the average roof is expected to last between 13 and 18 years. The need for repair or replacement is visible when you notice holes in drywall, cracked tile, stains, or drips. No matter what type of problem you have, it is important that you take care of them on time. And while there are repairs you can think of to fix, even if you’re not afraid of heights, we don’t recommend you to navigate steep ladders and pitched roofs. Instead, stand on a vantage point where you can examine your ceiling and look at it with a pair of binoculars.
Even with no signs of damage, it is best to replace a roof when:
The roof is over 18 year old Shingles are visibly worn Missing shingles Shingles are cracked Shingles are cupped and curled Your roof’s flashing is damaged or broken You’ve experienced multiple leaks inside or outside your home Your roof looks bad If you can see any of those damages, then you need to call a roofer.
The right roofing type
Replacing a roof is a major investment, so find out what type of roof you want.
There are several styles of roofing shingles available: Asphalt Composite Shingles, Clay and Concrete Shingles, Metal Roofing, Slate Shingles, and Wood.
Before choosing the ideal tile for your home, consider the following points:
- Choose colors that complement the exterior of your home.
- Check local building codes and homeowners association guidelines before replacing a roof.
- The fire rating scale of the roofing material (rated A, B, or C) is important. A is the most classified and the most resistant to fire. An unclassified material is not recommended and may not be the best long term option
You might be impressed by the lifetime protection warranty that bay shingle manufacturers offer, but it’s more like 10 years. That’s the period during which most manufacturers will pay the original roof owner in full to replace defective shingles under the basic warranty. Also, the performance of your roof is highly dependent on installation, climate, and maintenance. When evaluating warranties, check the length of the policy and what is covered.
Replacement cost
If you think that soon you’re going to be looking for a new roof, you should know that there are a variety of factors that affect the cost, including the types of roofing material used:
- The size of your roof
- The height of your ceiling
- The roof pitch
- Type of material you’re selecting
- The condition of your roof and its frame
- Whether you have skylights, chimneys, and other roof bumps
- What condition your soffits, fascia, gutters, and flashing are in
- How many layers of existing shingles your roof has and whether or not they will need to be removed
- The location and accessibility of your home.
Although replacing a roof is a job for a professional roofer, estimating the cost can be helpful when comparing roofers’ offerings. To estimate the amount of roof you’ll need, multiply the total length and width of each roof section in feet to measure its area and add 10 percent to allow for waste. Then divide by 100 to determine how many squares you will need.
Other Things to Consider
- To prevent condensation and the formation of ice dams on the edge of the roof, make sure you have proper ventilation under the roof deck and proper ceiling insulation. Adequate insulation also increases a roof’s efficiency.
- If your home is in a humid climate, consider roofing material treated with zinc or copper particles for algae resistance.
Hiring a Roofer
Once you’ve decided on a shingle style, you’ll want to speak with several contractors before making a choice. Do your due diligence when hiring a roofer, since the quality of the installation will have a major impact on the durability and appearance of the roof.
No matter which roofer you are hiring, follow these recommendations:
- Find an experienced roofing contractor in Houston who has a good reputation.
- Ask for bids from at least three roofers.
- Ask them for references from previous clients.
- Ask if they have licenses and certifications.
- The cost of the shingles themselves should be similar no matter who installs them, but other costs related to labor and materials are what you need to consider when comparing offers.
- Ask for the warranty on the materials and the work done.
- Ask the roofer if they have workers and liability insurance.
- Get a breakdown of all the costs involved: a price for the shingles, another for the labor to remove the old and install the new, and a contingency estimate that outlines the costs if your roofer finds that the siding needs to be replaced.
- Some installers offer separate and separate workmanship warranties from the shingle manufacturer. Be sure to request one in writing.
We know there is a lot to consider for replacing your roof, or repairing it if possible. Contact us today to find out about the variety of services we have for house roofing. We’re happy to help you!