Three Ways To Prepare For Having Your Roof Replaced

Getting your home's roof replaced can be a complex ordeal, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. Preparing for your new roof involves choosing what type of roof you like and which fits best for your home, making sure your roof is thoroughly inspected beforehand and that you have a solid contract to work with going in.

Choose Your Materials

With a full roof replacement, you have the opportunity to choose not just different colors and styles of roofs but also the material. For example, if you currently have asphalt shingles but have wanted to try clay tile instead, this is the perfect time to see what your options are.

Each roofing material has its own pros and cons. For example, asphalt shingle is an affordable option but doesn't last as long as other materials. Clay and concrete tiles are a little more expensive and may require extra work on your roof to support the weight, but they are energy-efficient and will last longer than less-expensive options.

What material is actually best for your house in terms of efficiency and lifespan can also depend on your climate. Clay tile is a good choice for hot and dry climates because it doesn't absorb heat as much as rubber and darker asphalt shingles, whereas metal roofs work better in humid and windy areas because they're more resistant to wind and algae growth.

If you want to explore something that might work better than your current material, ask your installer for recommendations. 

Have Your Roof Inspected

Getting your roof replaced can sometimes require more work than just tearing out the old and installing the new. As one of the most important parts of your home, your roof needs to be sturdy, free of any damage, and resistant to leaks. Signs of roof damage or instability may not always be immediately visible, so it helps to have your roof inspected inside and out before anything is made official.

Some examples of issues you may find in an old roof are wood rot, pest damage, water damage, sagging, and warping and bowing wood. Problems like these can grow more severe over time, especially if they weaken the stability of your roof, so if your installer finds any, repairs will be necessary before your new roof can be installed. While this can add to your installation cost if you find any damage you didn't know existed, making sure your roof structure is stable before your new roof is installed can help you safely avoid any worse issues down the line.

Review Your Contract

Before you make anything final, it's a good idea to take a thorough look at your contract to see that everything you and your installer have discussed is in writing. For example, it's a good idea to make sure that services like removal of your old roofing material and other trash are in your contract and not at a premium you didn't expect.

Beyond checking for the individual items you want, it's also helpful to run down a checklist of services and information that all roofing contracts should include. For example, look for warranty information, a start and end date, and payment terms. When dealing with something as vital as your home's roof, a detailed contract is your friend.

Don't forget that contracts can often be negotiated. If you have a better offer from another contractor or want to change something you see in writing, talk to your contractor to see if a new version can be written up. This can not only save you money but can also give you extra peace of mind by ensuring everything is spelled out exactly the way you need before the installation begins.

Contact a local roof replacement contractor for more information.