There are a lot of important things to know before having your roof replaced. Always be sure to ask your roofer any questions you may have. It’s also good to do research online so that you can be confident that you’re making an informed decision.
Say All Your Ideas In The Beginning
Take the time to think about what you want. Don’t just rush to replace it. This is your opportunity to speak up and tell your roofer that you want to use sustainable materials, reduce your energy costs, or to use a different architectural style.
Materials
There are a variety of types of roofs, from metal to shingle to flat roofs. Shingles, or roofing tiles, come in myriad colors, designs, and materials, including:
- Slate
- Copper
- Clay
- Concrete
- Asphalt
- Solar panels
Process
The first part of a roofing project is to tear off the old shingles. In some cases, a roofing contractor may decide to just put new shingles over the existing layer. This is a much less expensive option and it’s also a lot faster work to do. But if your roof already has two layers of shingles on it, then you will need to remove them before applying your new shingles.
Once the shingles have been removed, if that’s the case, you’re roofer will inspect the decking to see if it needs any repairs or replacements. They will also replace the underlayment, which is a waterproof barrier that protects your home from moisture and is typically made from a rubber or petroleum material. And the flashing will be applied, especially around chimneys and windows, to prevent water from seeping in and causing damage.
What To Expect When Work Is Being Done
Roofing is very loud work. There will be a lot of hammering, nails that have to be pried out, and other work that is very noisy. So while the roofers are at your home it’s a good idea to find another safe place to be during the day if you need to be in a quiet spot. These days it may be harder to find due to the coronavirus, so you can wear earplugs while workers are present if the noise bothers your ears.
Roofing debris is very likely to fall, which can damage vehicles, bikes, and anything that’s left out. Park your car in your garage or down the street to get it out of the way.
Timeline
How long a roofing project will take depends on how much area needs to be worked on if the materials are in stock (some shingles are rarer than others), and if there is any extensive damage that needs to be fixed first, such as mold growth in an attic. But factoring for all of these elements, the actual time that workers will be on your property is 2-5 days.
However, when accounting for how long the overall project will take, factoring in the initial consultation and planning phase, it can be anywhere from 2 to 3 weeks from the time you start searching for a roofer. If you’re working with a qualified roofer, such as Jackson Contracting, then the inspection can be done without coming in contact with you.
Cost
Again, until a roofer examines your property, there’s no way to know how much your roof replacement is going to cost. However, costs can range from $8,000 to $15,000. Be sure that your roofer provides you with a written contract where all expenses are broken down so you know exactly what you are paying for.
