Tuesday, 23 July 2013

What Homeowners Should Know Before Scheduling Roof Replacements

By Chelsea Evans


When it is time to replace the shingles on a home the job is often expensive. Homeowners should not schedule roof replacements unless they are aware of what is actually needed and the reputation of the company that will do the job. Roofing contractors offer many of the answers as to what should be done along with cost. No matter what the situation, it is important to understand the options before starting the job.

Sometimes roofs need to be replaced prematurely due to the fact that the builder or the previous owners choose materials unwisely. There are more choices than ever before today. As homeowners talk with contractors they may want to discuss the options, benefits and costs for materials. This can help to determine the best material for the building as well as for one's checking account.

Before hiring a contractor, one should do some investigation. Each contractor should have a ready list of references. Talk with these references to determine what you can expect. The best reference comes by word of mouth from friends or other acquaintances as to a quality company to provide this work.

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing. These materials are designed for approximately a twenty year life span. During this time the aggregate can wear away and the felt can suffer from exposure to the elements. If it has been longer than that time period and the home has asphalt roofing, there is a great chance of leaks or other problems developing.

In some instances it is possible to apply a new layer of shingles over existing roofing. There is; however, a limit to the number of layers that can be added. Most building codes specify no more than two layers of shingles due to the increased chances of roofing collapse. The materials are very heavy and the roof must also support the weight of snow or ice that accumulates in the winter. Materials that are curling at the edge should be removed.

There should always be a written contract before the job starts. This document protects homeowners as well as the contractors. Owners know what they can expect, what is included in the cost and potential problems. Contracts should require contact and approval from the owner for repairs above the contract price.

Replacing roofs is loud work. If a family member is already stressed out, the noise can be overwhelming and may require several days. Workers often start their day as early as 6 AM. It may be best to plan the job to take place when the individual is out of town. At the very least they may need ear plugs to muffle the sound.

With roof replacements, homeowners need a contractor that can be trusted. Owners should be informed of both the process and materials to be used. Although the job is big and sometimes expensive, it is essential to ensure the home remains a sound structure to protect the family. A leaking house can be a miserable place in which to live and suffer significant structural damage if repairs are not made qickley.




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