Signs that you need a new roof include sagging sheathing, missing tabs, damaged flashing around the chimneys, and a leaking attic.
If you ticked off on any of these signs, there’s both good and bad news for you. The bad news is that you most likely need a full roof replacement. The good news is, Remodeling Magazine says that roofing replacements come with a 71.6% recoup (or recovery) value this year, which is significantly higher than last year’s recovery rates.
But how does one get a roof replaced? Isn’t it highly inconvenient – and how does one make the entire process less of an inconvenience? Here’s how:
Hiring a Contractor
Some states require contractors to be licensed, while others just need them to be registered. Find out about your state’s specific regulations by calling your local labor department or checking the Contractor’s License Reference website. Most roofing professionals will be required to provide a surety bond, as well as workmen’s compensation and liability insurance. Verify your contractor’s credentials nevertheless to make sure you will be covered, should anything untoward happen throughout the course of the project.
In addition, make sure that your roofer is well-versed in your building codes. Some localities adopt more than one body of code, and satisfying all the regulations is necessary to securing a permit.
Specifying Job Details
This is the part where it pays to choose the right contractor. Roof installations for an existing home are classified into two: tear-offs or overlays. A tear-off requires stripping your roof down to the plywood sheathing, while an overlay involves mostly laying down new shingles over the existing ones. An overlay saves you more money, but local building codes may not permit it in some cases.
If you have other goals, too, let your contractor know. Energy efficiency, for instance, is very possible with the right roofing materials and design. And enhancing curb appeal can be factored into the equation, too.
Consult with your roofer as to the best way to approach your installation. Once you have agreed on the specifics of the project, ask for:
- A written proposal. This will cover the scope of the project, and its costs. Mind the starting and completion dates most especially, as well as the payment procedures and schedules.
- A list of partner manufacturers. The products your contactor uses will greatly define the quality of your new roof. A partnership with a trusted brand such as GAF, for instance, means you will benefit from advanced product knowledge, as well as excellent product support.
- The warranty. Read the fine print included in your warranty, especially the provisions that may void it. If you do not understand any part of it, do not hesitate to ask your contractor. GAF Master Elite contractors, or roofers who are certified by other manufacturers, can provide stronger warranties, in most cases.
On to the Project
Arguably, the easiest period in a roof installation is the project proper itself. We recommend meeting with your contractor prior to the first day to find out about their supervision and quality control procedures. Ask how many people you should be expecting at your home, as well as their start and end hours each day.
Ensure safety, too, at all times. Listen to your contractor, coordinate with the entire team, and make the appropriate preparations to minimize risks.
Author Bio
As the owner of Garlock French Corporation, Bob Dresback knows that he has a responsibility to equip homes in Minneapolis against the elements – as well as enhance their energy efficiency and curb appeal. And it is a job he takes seriously. Check out his posts on his Facebook page.