Roof Replacement Checklist
If you own a home, chances are you’ve had to replace the roof at least once in your lifetime. Replacing your roof is no small project, so it’s important to have all the information you need ahead of time so that you can make informed decisions and get the job done right the first time around. This roof replacement checklist will help make sure you don’t forget any critical steps in the process of replacing your roof.
Determine If Foundation Is Affected
A sloping, sagging, or cracked roof is one tell-tale sign of foundation damage. A contractor should inspect your home’s foundation and chimney to determine if they require repair; any structural deficiencies discovered during a foundation inspection will need to be addressed before installing a new roof.
Remove the Old Roof
Roofing is no easy task, especially if you’re attempting to do it yourself. If you’re planning on replacing your roof, if you don’t have experience installing roofs, leave it up to a professional! You don’t want to run into any issues that could be easily avoided. Roofers can help make sure there aren’t any problems with your home’s structure before beginning work.
Replace Parts of the Siding That Were Damaged
If your roof is about 15 years old, it’s time to start taking a good look at it. When you inspect it, focus on areas of concern like corner boards and window casings. These are areas where water can work its way into your home and cause damage if they aren’t properly sealed. Look for rot or other signs of deterioration, but don’t be surprised if there aren’t any, even well-constructed wood siding can last decades without problems.
Replace Water Damaged Structural Components
In extreme weather conditions, hail storms can have an impact on your roof. Hail can damage some items including shingles, shakes, and fascia boards. To make sure your roof is structurally sound and won’t let you down in bad weather situations, it is recommended that you consult a professional to inspect these items if they have been damaged. If they are damaged or need replacing, then don’t delay, have them replaced as soon as possible to make sure everything is safe.
Know How Much Money to Set Aside
Roof replacement is an expensive endeavor, so you must have an accurate estimation of how much money you’ll need to complete your project. At Rochester roofing company, we take great pride in our workmanship and strive for 100% customer satisfaction; however, there’s no guarantee that your roof will be replaced flawlessly on your first try. We highly recommend setting aside at least 20-25% extra for unexpected costs such as additional materials or minor repairs.
Review Work Estimates
When you’re getting estimates to replace your roof or add a room to your home, be sure to compare apples to apples. Be sure each estimate includes the same materials and amount of labor. The roofing company down the street might charge you $2,500 less than another firm that puts in a little extra work, but that doesn’t mean they saved you money. It just means their quote wasn’t as accurate. If something is too good to be true, it probably is. Check out reviews on Angie’s List and Yelp to find out if other customers were happy with what they got for their money. And make sure you know exactly what you are paying for before agreeing to anything. Your best bet is to get at least three quotes from different companies so that you can compare prices and services easily.
Create a Budget and Stick To It
It’s easy to get excited about a new roof and start whipping out your checkbook. The problem? You may end up overspending on upgrades or extras that you don’t need. To avoid any unnecessary financial stress, develop a budget and stick to it. Make sure to include material costs, labor, permits, and other miscellaneous expenses in your budget so that you aren’t caught off guard by extra fees once the project is underway.
Understand Roof Replacement Insurance Coverage
As with most things, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you sign up for roofing insurance. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but paying for roof replacement insurance could save your home and finances in some cases. Understanding what is and isn’t covered by your policy will help you make an informed decision when shopping around for policies. Even if you have a strong relationship with your current provider, always do your homework!
Avoid Misleading Marketing Tactics
Roofing companies often rely on misleading marketing tactics to convince homeowners that they need a roof replacement. Use these strategies and checklists to make sure you’re not being taken advantage of by an unreliable company. A professional contractor should be willing to provide references, show evidence of licenses and insurance, and provide proof that they are licensed, bonded, and insured. They should also be able to walk you through what materials will be used in your new roofing system.
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