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Roof Replacement: All You Need to Know Before Installing

The roof is one of the most essential features of your home’s exterior. It’s the part of your home subjected to the harshest abuse by outdoor elements. Luckily, today’s roofing materials are tough enough to survive for decades with minimal upkeep and affordable repairs.

If you plan to keep your house for a while, a roof replacement is likely in your future. While a roof replacement project might be costly, it helps boost your roof’s quality. Installing a new roof can increase your property’s value and curb appeal. 

Are you planning to schedule a roof replacement? Then contact experienced roofing contractors in Greenville, SC, to help you with the project. 

Signs You Should Schedule a Roof Replacement

Roofing replacement is a significant investment, so you should be sure it’s necessary before you start. Here are a few of the most apparent warnings that it’s time for a new roof:

  • Your roof is over twenty-five years old.
  • Water leaking into your home or commercial building.
  • Shingles have apparent damage or cracks.
  • The roof is sagging.
  • Mold has infested your house or place of business.
  • The roof is covered in moss.

If you have seen an increase in energy costs, you may also require a new roof. High utility costs may be because your home loses heated or cooled air through the roof.

Factors to Consider When Replacing Your Roof

It would save you considerable time and money if you knew exactly what to expect during a roof replacement. Below are some things to consider so you stay organized for the upcoming project.

Roofing Materials

When it’s time to replace your roof, you can choose from many different materials.

Roofing materials and technology have evolved dramatically in recent years, giving you options that likely didn’t exist when your home was constructed.

Many homeowners still choose asphalt and slate shingles, but metal is quickly becoming a more popular option. Metal roofing materials have come a long way in recent years, with many now available that can pass for other types of roofing while being both more durable and cost-effective.

Before settling on a choice for your house, be sure you’ve explored all of your options.

Things Will Get Loud

It may take several days to build a new roof. Shingles will be scraped, stripped, and hammered, making a lot of noise. Consequently, picking a time when the noise will be the least inconvenient is one of many factors to consider while replacing a roof. 

If you want to be especially thoughtful, you can also inform your neighbors about the project. Also, if your loved ones, including any pets, are easily startled by noise, it may be best to relocate them temporarily.

Get Different Quotes

Before committing to a roofing company, it’s wise to conduct research and get many estimates for the project. It’s best to canvass your neighborhood, friends, and family for recommendations and price quotes.

This is also an excellent time to double-check that they have the necessary licensing and insurance. That way, you can avoid any surprises down the road.

It could be tempting to tackle roofing installation independently to save money. However, most homeowners hire a professional roofing business instead because of the time, effort, and safety considerations involved. 

Keep your cool and look for a seasoned roofing contractor in your area to help you out.

Insist on Quality

You might be tempted to hire the cheapest bidder for your construction job. However, it would be best if you did not try to save money on a roof. Roofing contractors are not different from any other service in that you get what you pay for.

A roof replacement is a significant undertaking, so it’s essential to use high-quality resources throughout the project. This includes both the labor force and the roofing materials.

This way, you can be confident that your efforts will produce desirable outcomes.

Peeling Off vs. Layering On

Before installing a new roof, you’ll need to decide whether to take down the old shingles first or place the new ones on top. Most building rules stipulate that no more than two courses of shingles may be installed.

Removal of the old shingle layer before the application of the new one is often recommended. Adding a second layer will increase the roof’s weight, which could lead to problems down the road. 

Putting them on the bottom layer is your best bet if you’re looking for the cheapest alternative. The original layer should be removed if the old shingles are sagging, the roof is uneven, or you reside in an area where strong winds are expected.

Water and ice barriers can be added after the previous roof has been peeled off, which provides another advantage. These shields are rubber membranes installed on your roof’s eaves to prevent leaks caused by ice dams. 

Read the Paperwork Carefully

To prevent misunderstandings, a formal contract between you and your contractor is essential for any home renovation job. Specify everything you and the roofer have discussed, including the materials to be used, the expected level of service quality, the overall cost, and the timeline. 

Don’t put your name on the dotted line until you’ve resolved any concerns and comprehended the terms of the agreement.

Ensure to inquire about the plan for disposing of waste and refuse materials from your roof. Most contractors will come with a container to put it all in.

If this happens, you should ask the company where they plan to put the container and what they’ll do if it damages your driveway or other property.

Get the Required Documentation

Before beginning the reroofing project, you should verify that you have all the necessary paperwork, such as permits from the city or county. A building permit is needed for any significant renovations to your house. 

Because it is a structural project, obtaining the necessary permits is one of the many things to consider while planning a roof replacement. Always make sure you’re meeting the standards for your specific region.

Having all required documents and documentation on hand will help you avoid delays and other hassles. 

Contact Experienced Roofing Contractors in Greenville, SC

Greenville Roofing’s crew is highly experienced and capable of completing any roofing project. Roof repairs, roof replacements, and roof installations are all part of the comprehensive roofing services we offer in Greenville, South Carolina. Customer satisfaction is our top priority. 

Our goal is to offer you the highest standard of roofing installation and maintenance possible. We work on both commercial and residential roofs. Our crew will provide special attention to the technical and safety components of the project so that you can feel secure in your home.

Contact us today by calling (864) 416-4166 for more advice on reroofing services.

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