While residential roofs are designed to last for a long time, no roof lasts forever. Therefore, replacing your home's roof is a project will have to undertake at some point in the future.
There are lots of considerations to make before embarking on a residential roof replacement project. Read on to find out some of the main things to consider to ensure a successful re-roofing project.
Should You Tear Off or Lay Over?
One of the main things to consider when planning a roof replacement job is whether to strip the old roofing material first or just place the new roof directly over the old one. The decision to tear off or roof over depends on a variety of factors. Start by checking your local building codes and standards to find out if you are allowed to have more than two layers of roofing material on your roof.
If you are allowed to install the new roofing material directly over the old one, inspect your roof to determine if it is strong enough to carry a second layer of roofing material. While adding new roofing material over an existing one can save you time and money, as well as minimize the generation of construction waste, it should only be considered for roofs with no underlying structural issues.
What Kind of Roofing Material Should You Use?
Roofing over an existing roof is only possible if you have a shingle roof. You can only put new shingles over old ones and cannot mix materials. That said, a re-roofing presents the perfect opportunity to try new materials. Look at each option carefully and review the pros and cons before making a decision.
Some of the important aspects to consider when deciding on a roofing product include its expected lifespan, maintenance requirements, appearance, and upfront costs.
The best roofing material for your home is the one that best suits your needs and budget. It is a good idea to get your roofing supplies from a company that provides a warranty on their products.
Which Roofing Contractor Will You Hire?
There are many different types of roofing material on the market, and it's difficult to find a single roofer that focuses on all of them. Once you have decided on your material, it is important to look for a roofer that specializes in the particular type of roof you want to install.
Make sure they offer a workmanship warranty so you can have protection against installation errors.
Roof replacement is a big job, so make sure you involve a roofing professional working with you every step of the way.
