Things you need to know before you renovate your roof
It may not be as apparent as a backyard or kitchen remodeling, but roof renovation creates a massive difference between a safe, beautiful home and a shabby, damp one. Without a sturdy shade above your heads, your entire household is at risk.
However, the average homeowners give little or no thought to their roof until a problem emerges up there. Most are unaware that consistently maintaining a healthy roof can save those thousands over urgent fixtures. Waiting until there is damage can be hefty on your pocket and harmful for the home’s interior.
For home residents, roof renovation is no less than a nightmare. It is the noisiest, messiest, most expensive, and least gratifying project. Yet, it plays a crucial role in telling the condition of your space.
It might come as a surprise to you that the National Association of Realtors’ 2019 Remodeling Impact Report states new roofing is the number one exterior home improvement appealing to the buyers.
What is the importance of a good roof?
Below, we have aligned all the reasons why a good roof is essential:
- Protection – It serves as a barrier against snow, hail, branches, ice, rain, and debris. If it is in poor shape, your home gets leaks, develops mold and mildew due to dampness.
- Home Value – It enhances your home’s curb appeal. If it is full of algae, moss, or sags, it’s a clear sign that the owners weren’t concerned about it – decreasing the overall value of a home.
- Energy Efficiency – A structurally sound roof ensures proper ventilation and attic insulation. This causes fewer air leaks, and you will notice a reduction in the heating/cooling bills.
Given all the reasons, it would be apt to state that you are doing yourself a disservice in the long run if you are not maintaining your roof.
How to Tackle Your Roof Renovation Project
The roof renovation project typically completes in two to five days, but there is a lot of planning that goes into it. Here are some critical decisions to make while doing so:
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Renovation or Repair?
Was your roof beaten up in the last hailstorm? If yes, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to replace the entire roofing system. Before you begin looking for relevant roof companies in the town, ask a credible contractor to inspect your roof's condition.
They look for signs of curling, missing shingles, cracks, and areas which lack granular covering. They also observe the roof from the inside to detect any spots that need fixtures. After a thorough analysis, the experts tell you if you need to replace the entire system or parts of it.
The pros are fully aware of how to follow the safety tips during the home renovation project.
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Find the Right Materials
The overall style and appearance of your roof depend on the material you choose. There are many options to pick from:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt Shingles are a marvelous way to create an impermeable and dense membrane between the house and the sky. They are thick, heavy, sturdy, and versatile. A property that stands out is that the heat of the sun melts them slightly. This allows the little edges to slough together and form a solid mass. Water slips off it swiftly.
Slate
Slate is one of the long-lasting roof material that can live up to 200 years. It is waterproof, and fungi have a tough time staying on it. Different types include:
- Patterned Slate
- Random Width Slate
- Multi-colored Slate
- Graduated Length Slate
- Textural Slate
- Hang down Slate
You should evaluate the pros and cons of each kind. When doing so, remember that slate is expensive but offers quite an aesthetic.
Metal
Metal stumps conventional roofing material in several ways:
- Expected Life – It is resistant to mildew, fire, and insects. If installed properly, it lasts as long as the house. Nonetheless, warranties vary widely where some companies back their products for 30 to 50 years.
- Weight – The weight of a metal roof is significantly lighter than other materials. Most varieties run between 50 to 150 pounds per square meter.
- Speed and Ease – It comes in multiple shingle sections, which are 12 to 36 inches wide. An accomplished contractor can execute the installation quickly.
- Maximum shedding of snow and rain – The surface is hard and slippery. Plus, the dark tone of metal roofing warms the snow, encouraging it to melt fast.
Cedar
The beauty of the cedar roof is unparalleled. Along with this, some other perks tag along, such as:
- Extended Lifespan – 30 to 50 years
- Installation Choices – Shingle and Shake varieties
- Versatile Application – Fits the styles of many houses and workplaces
- Eco-friendly – Wood is bio-degradable
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Compliance and Permits
Before jumping onto the project, check with your local municipality. This is to make sure there aren’t any laws that limit what you do with your roof. Generally, there are some regulations on the kind of material you can use. Also, some communities restrain the number of times you can repair the roof.
Once known, permits will be required when you replace your roof. It varies from place to place. In Chicago, for instance, a building permit is not necessary on shingle roofing with a slope of 5 in 12 or steeper than that.
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Choose Wisely
The choice of roofing relies on multiple factors. You should also consider your climate, location, sun exposure, surroundings, and budget. For example, Modified Bitumen Roofing in Dallas is a good option, considering Texas weather conditions.
It is imperative to pick a credible contractor for the task. Keep in mind that taking the lowest bid may not always work in your favor. Study the experience and past projects of the contractor you are aiming for.
Parting Thoughts
There is an old but quite relevant saying common in the roofing business. It says that a roof accounts for 10 percent of the total construction cost. But, 90 percent of the problems down the road.
Don’t leave anything on chance. We recommend you to examine all aspects of the roof remodeling project to make the new roof last longer.
