What Should You Know Before Replacing Your Roof?
The roof of your home is its most important protective component, which is why it’s crucial that you understand how to identify when it’s time to start planning for a roof replacement. And given the fact that replacing your roof will involve an investment of several thousand dollars, it’s also critical that you know what to look for in a quality Dallas roofing contractor.
Check out our guide below to learn about some of the most important things you should know before you replace your existing roof.
Signs You Need a Roof Replacement
First and foremost, you need to know how to determine whether your home is due for a complete roof replacement or whether it just requires a few roof repairs. Signs that indicate you need a brand new roof include:
- The shingles are curling, cracking, peeling, or buckling in several spots.
- Your roof is well past its projected functional lifespan.
- The roof is sagging (this generally means you have roof rot).
- Your gutters are loaded with shingle granules.
- You can see considerable damage to roof flashings or seals around skylights, your chimney, and other roof protrusions.
- You’ve noticed considerable water damage in your attic.
- You can see daylight streaming through your roof from inside your attic.
- There’s an excessive amount of moss or lichen on the roof, and it’s become a chronic problem.
If you’ve determined that you’re indeed due for a roof replacement, read on for what you need to know before you hire a team to complete the job.
It’s Worth It to Pay More for a Longer Lasting Roof
Aside from the roofing contractor you choose to hire, the roofing material you select is the most important decision you’ll make when getting a Dallas roof replacement. And while no roof replacement is ever cheap, some materials are considerably more affordable than others, and that’s because they don’t last as long as their pricier counterparts.
Generally speaking, it’s in your best interest to opt for a more expensive type of roofing if you have room in your budget. The more a roofing material costs, the more durable it is, and the longer its functional lifespan will be.
For example, asphalt shingles are the most affordable type of roofing on the market, but they also have the shortest lifespan of any roofing material. Something like metal or slate, on the other hand, is far pricier, but it will also last several decades longer than a less expensive material.
Stripping Off the Old Roof Is Better Than an Overlay
If your existing roof consists of just one layer, it’s possible to get an overlay on top of the roof you currently have, depending on the type of material you choose for the replacement. Layering a new roof on top of the old one can save you some money, but in the long run overlays tend to have more problems than their single-layer counterparts.
Not only does an overlay add considerable weight and therefore stress to the top of your house, but it can also make accessing the decking difficult if it ever requires repairs. Generally, opting to completely strip away the old roof and install a new one is the best way to go.
Get Quotes From Several Roofing Companies
Not all roofing contractors are created equal, so if you want top-notch workmanship (who doesn’t?) and excellent customer service, you’ll want to get at least three estimates. As you’re shopping around and considering your options, be sure to research each roofing company thoroughly. Things you’ll want to look for include:
- Licensing and insurance
- A well-established online presence
- Customer reviews
- Service awards and rating with the Better Business Bureau
- Gallery of past projects
Keep in mind, too, that you should never select a roofing company based on price alone. If you get a quote that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Compare all your estimates and toss out any low outliers before moving forward with your selection process. Quality workmanship comes at a price, so if you want to avoid roof problems, it’s usually in your best interest to stay away from remarkably low-priced contractors.
Get Everything in Writing
Any reputable roofing company will document everything in writing, and that’s exactly what you should expect when you get a roof replacement. Ask for your estimate in writing, as well as your delivery timetable, project scope — all of it. Although you might trust a verbal guarantee from a roofing contractor you really like, for your own protection, make sure everything is on paper before you move forward with the project.
Ensure All Nails Are Removed From Your Property
When roofing contractors strip off your roof, they’ll remove thousands of nails from your home. Where do those nails end up? For the most part, on the ground around your house. If you want to avoid a popped tire or injuries, make doubly sure that every last nail is removed from your property before the roofers wrap up the job.
Contact Paradigm Roofing for a Free Roof Replacement Quote
Is it time to replace the roof on your Dallas-area home? Reach out to our team at Paradigm Roofing to request a roof replacement estimate! We serve homeowners throughout Dallas County, Collin County, and Tarrant County and have over 30 years of experience in residential roofing installation. To get started or learn more about our services, request a free quote online or call us today at 972-542-7774.