Even with the best roof maintenance tips, it will come a time when you will have to replace the roof. This is often when the roof is too old or it keeps on developing issues that you can’t repair. For you to have a successful roof replacement you need to do a number of things. Here are some of these things as given by roof repair contractors:
Avoid roofing over
Roof replacement is expensive and many people try to cut costs. One of the ways in which they do it is by roofing over. This is where you place the new shingles directly over the old ones.
While this might seem ideal and help you to save money that you would have spent removing the old shingles, it often leads to more problems than you previously had.
In addition to costing you money to buy new shingles, roof-overs greatly reduce the life of the new shingles. This is because there are issues with heat buildup and moisture problems.
For your new roof to last for a long time, you should install it on a brand new surface. This calls for you to completely remove the old roof then install the new one.
What is the condition of the wood under the shingles? You should carefully go through it with the roofing contractor. If the wood isn’t too damaged, you should go ahead and fix, but if the damage is extensive, you have no way out other than to replace it.
You should never place the new roof on damaged wood as the roof will have a short life.
Use high-quality materials
Some people have the notion that they can use any material and their roof will be perfect, but there is nothing that is further from the truth than this. Just like anything else on earth, the quality of roofing material you go for greatly determines the look of the roof and its durability.
When shopping for the roofing materials, always go for the highest quality that you can afford. While they will be expensive to purchase at first, they will save you a lot of money in the long run. In addition to the roofs developing fewer problems, they also will last for a long time; therefore, you don’t need to keep on installing new roof every now and then.
Work with an experienced roofing contractor
Buying high-quality materials isn’t enough. You need to work with the right contractor. As rule of thumb, ensure that the contractor is highly experienced. This will give you peace of mind that your roof will be done properly. The last thing you want is hiring a professional who will install a roof that will come down as soon as it’s up.
You also need to consider whether the contractor is licensed or bonded. Before you hire the professional, find out whether he/she has adequate insurance. Does the contractor provide warranties for the materials and labor?
Also find out whether the contractor has all the necessary permits and follows the local, regional, and national regulations.
The contractor you hire is as good as the materials you buy; therefore, you should take your time and find the right one.
Ensure that the roof is properly installed
You don’t have to worry too much about the installation of the roof when you hire the right contractor, but this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t participate in the installation process. One thing you should do is to ensure that you buy enough materials for the roof.
This calls for you to work with the contractors and measure the size of the roof.
One of the elements that greatly determines the life of the roof is proper ventilation. During the installation, ensure that there is enough ventilation. Proper installation modulates the attic temperatures. It also reduces the moisture buildup in winter.
For your roof to last for a long time, ask your roofing contractor about the venting that they will use in their work.
In addition to proper ventilation, you also should ensure that the contractor installs the right protective coverings. When buying the roofing materials, you also should work with the roofing companies and buy the right protective barriers made from felt or other high-quality materials.
Always ensure that the shingles aren’t affixed directly to the raw wood.
