Wednesday, July 24, 2013

What Consumers Should Know Before Making Roof Replacements

By Chelsea Evans


If it is time to repair or replace shingles on your home, the job can be expensive. Homeowners will want to take time to learn what is really needed for their house and the reputation of the company they are considering for the job. Roofing contractors can provide answers to many questions including the best type of repair and cost. Roof replacements are sometimes the only option when the materials are in bad shape.

Sometimes it is necessary to replace roofing because the contractor who built the home or the previous owner made a poor choice in materials. Today, there are many choices available. As homeowners talk with contractors, they should ask about other options, their costs and benefits. This can help to determine the material that will make the most sense to the structure as well as the wallet.

Before hiring a contractor, one should do some investigation. Each contractor should have a ready list of references. Talk with these references to determine what you can expect. The best reference comes by word of mouth from friends or other acquaintances as to a quality company to provide this work.

The most common roofing is asphalt shingles. These materials offer a life span of approximately twenty years. As they are exposed to the weather aggregate begins to loosen from the asphalt and the felt may suffer due to exposure to the weather. Once the twenty year period is up, the chances of leaks or other problems with the materials are greatly increased.

In some instances it is possible to apply a new layer of shingles over existing roofing. There is; however, a limit to the number of layers that can be added. Most building codes specify no more than two layers of shingles due to the increased chances of roofing collapse. The materials are very heavy and the roof must also support the weight of snow or ice that accumulates in the winter. Materials that are curling at the edge should be removed.

Always ask for a contract before the job begins. A written contract protects both the homeowner and the contractor. It allows you to know exactly what is included in the cost as well as potential problems. The contract should specify that the roofer contact the owner before additional materials are purchased or work is done.

The process is very loud. If a member of the family is already suffering from stress the additional noise that begins early in the morning can be overwhelming. It is sometimes best to plan for work to take place when this person is away from home for several days. The work can otherwise interfere with an already disrupted sleep pattern.

When scheduling roof replacements, it is vital to find a contractor you can trust. You should be well informed about the process and materials that will be used. While it can be a big and expensive job, taking care of the this part of the house is essential to ensuring the rest of the home remains structurally sound and continues to provide protection for the family.




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