Imagine coming home to find that your home is drenched as a result of a roofing leak that went unresolved for months. The cost to repair the damage to your home and replace the roof can be expensive. Believe it or not, many homeowners find out the hard way that they should have replaced their roof years ago, and as a result, they suffer the consequences of further structural damage and costs. Your best bet? Consider the signs that it’s time to replace your roof, and begin in advance to find a roof type that best suits your needs.
Signs You Should Replace Your Roof
There are several factors that could help consumers realize when the need to replace their roof has arrived. Some factors that you will need to consider are the age of the roof, the structural condition of the roof, and the frequency with which the roof needs repairs. If the roof is older than ten years old, has a lot of structural damage, and needs repairs every other month, this is a high sign that you should simply replace your roof altogether.
Types of Roofing Materials
The roofing materials you choose will first depend on the type of roof you have. Flat roofs, for instance, require a different type of roofing material than pitched roofs. Therefore, determine if your roof is flat or pitched before considering the types of materials you have to choose from. The most common types of roofing materials used are asphalt shingles, wood, metal, tile/cement, and slate.
Cost of Materials
When considering roofing materials, you should not only consider their physical appearance. It is important that you also consider how much the materials are going to cost. This can be done by completing your own price analysis online, or by consulting with a roofing company about your material options and prices. When factoring in price, however, keep in mind that cheap is not always the ideal solution. Remember to consider other factors such as durability, ease of installation, and of course personal style preference.
Durability of Roofing Materials
Longevity is important when factoring in the roofing materials you will choose. Learning a bit about how long each roofing material is said to last can help you in making the best investing decision. Asphalt shingles are the least expensive and most common roofing materials chosen. They can last an average of 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance. Wood is prone to weathering and therefore will only last about 25 years if you’re lucky. Metal is very durable and is becoming increasingly popular for roof selections. It is said to last about 30 to 50 years. Tiles are also a good option and can last a good 30 years before requiring replacements, while slate is the most costly and most durable of all. Slate roofing can last 100 years or more.
Hiring a Contractor
When looking to hire a roofing contractor, you not only want to look for a company that will help install your new roof, but you also want to invest in a company that will service and repair your roof when necessary. Therefore you should look at factors that include their licensing and certifications, rapport within their community, and the services in which they provide. A company that will install your roof but also has services specializing in hail damage roof repair is beneficial to you in the event you need assistance.
Following these tips while also reviewing your personal budget will help you make the best decision as it pertains to replacing the roof of your home. If you need assistance in selecting the right roof for your home, consulting with a reputable contractor or company is ideal for the best advice.
