10 Key Decision Points Impacting Roof Replacement

From taking care of your old roof to choosing your new roofing, there are numerous important decisions that enter into or relate to roof replacement. Every homeowner needs to carefully consider these key decision points in order to get the most out of his or her roofing.

While it may be tempting to ignore roof maintenance or to delay roof repairs or roof replacement needs, that ultimately works out the worse. Far better to prepare ahead of time and take decisive and well-informed action in regard to your roof.

Here are the top ten decisions homeowners do well to ponder before, during, and following roof replacement.

1. Keep A Close Eye On Your Roof!

Annual roof inspections by a professional roofing contractor are a must if you want to keep good tabs on the current condition or your roof. You can add a DIY “walk around” or view off a ladder – only walk on the roof top if completely comfortable with doing so and in safe weather conditions, but a professional opinion should still be had.

Good roof maintenance starts with monitoring your roof, and it ultimately results in a longer life span for your roofing. It’s a good idea to have your roof inspected in Florida just before and/or just after hurricane season but anytime is fine so long as you get an annual inspection.

2. Make All Roof Repairs Promptly.

Procrastination on roof repairs is a sure way to hasten the need for full roof replacement. Even a small leak can do a lot of damage, both to the roof deck and to your home’s interior. Roof problems don’t just go away if ignored but, in fact, tend to grow worse.

Some simple repairs can be made by homeowners if they have experience working with roofing, but most repairs should be handled by a professional. Remember that it can be as difficult to locate a leak or specific roof problem as to fix it if you lack the experience!

3. Take Steps to Prevent Storm Damage.

Another preventative measure you can take is to prepare your roof to weather Florida’s many storms as well as possible. For example, you can trim back any tree branches that overhang the roof, ensure gutters are unclogged, and add any roof cement, roof flashing, or drip edge (on the eaves) you may lack before the storm hits.

Also, be sure to have an emergency roofing phone number on hand. Don’t trust “drive by” or “door to door” roofing offers in the aftermath of a storm. Be familiar with a reliable roofer ahead of time – one who can prioritize emergency repairs.

4. Know The Signs of Roof Replacement Need

Don’t delay roof replacement too long. That can only expose your home to greater risks. Know the telltale signs that your roofing may be getting too old or deteriorating rapidly.

Signs to look for include:

• Shingles falling off or coming loose.
• Too many granules in the gutters and too few on the shingle tops!
• Shingles are buckling from long heat exposure.
• There is heavy algae, mold, or mildew growth on your roof.
• You keep getting leaks or needing roof repairs several times a year.
• Your roofing is well past its warranty.
• Your home insurance policy no longer covers your roof due to its age or its condition.

5. Timing Your Roof Replacement Project

Once it becomes clear that roof replacement needs to be in your near future, the next step is to decide on exactly when to schedule the project.

You may prefer it be done on a weekday or a weekend so you can be there when the work is being done. Or you may want to get it taken care of before the holidays when guests will be coming over. The earlier you schedule, the better chance you have of getting the ideal date.

6. Choosing The Best Roofing Contractor

It pays to do the research to find the best roofing contractor that operates in your area.

Not all contractors are the same. They are not “all created equal,” and it can make a big difference in regard to the quality of the work, its durability, customer relations/service, and the value you get for your dollar.

7. Selecting The Best Roofing Material

The most common kind of roofing material is three-tab asphalt shingles. If this is your preference, be sure to ask your contractor about which brands and styles are best. Otherwise, consider dimensional asphalt shingles, wood shakes, metal sheet roofing, clay tiles, and other options.

Don’t be afraid to get “picky” and “choosy” about the materials you buy. Remember they will be on your roof for a long time and affect your home’s curb appeal and overall value. Find the right color, shape, and quality. Realize that some products are more resistant than others to wind, rain, heat, hail, UV light, and more.

8. Properly Preparing the Roof Deck

Before roof replacement enters the stage of attaching the new roofing, you first want to properly prepare the roof deck. Double-check the contractor will take up all nails, replace rotten or molded plywood, and fix any damaged roof vents.

Also, it’s worthwhile to invest in high-quality roofing underlayment. This creates a second water barrier in case a little water sneaks past the first barrier (the shingles.) This can help prevent wood rot, mold, mildew, and leaks down the road.

9. Know the Risks of “Roofing Over”

Some homeowners make the decision to simply roof over existing shingles instead of removing them. This saves a little money upfront but creates more problems than it solves.

For example, the imperfections of the old layer of shingles will show up in the new layer through an effect known as “telegraphing.” Having multiple layers of roofing also adds unnecessary weight to your roof. And you will ultimately have to remove two layers of shingles and dispose of them later – so it’s not really eliminating an expense but just delaying one.

10. Getting The Most Out of Homeowners Insurance

Finally, you should make the decision to carry good homeowners’ insurance and familiarize yourself with the claims filing process ahead of time.

These are ten of the main areas where you will need to make decisions in regard to roof replacement. Steps taken before, during, and after the project is done will have significant impacts, so it’s well worthwhile to prepare ahead of time.

To learn more about roof replacement or to get a free, no-obligation quote on roof replacement, roof repairs, and more, contact Sheegog Contracting in the Central Florida area today!