Roof Replacement Considerations

There are some things in life that just needs careful planning and consideration. One of these is a roof. But why? A roof plays many essential roles:

• Completes the look of your home.
• Shields you and your investments from the sun, rain, snow, and winds.
• Maintains energy-efficiency in your home.
• Keeps you cool in the summer and warm during winter.
• Provides rooftop space for various purposes.

Maybe you’re here because you need help with your roof replacement project. You want to know some things to consider when replacing a roof. You’ve come to the right place – because that’s what we’ll be sharing with you today.

We hope that at the end of this post, you’ll be able to get a roof that meets your goals. Whether you need a residential or commercial roof, here are 6 considerations.

1. The Need for a Roof Replacement

First of all… Do you really need a roof replacement? There are many reasons why people look for this service.

A property owner may want a new roof because he’ll be selling his home or building for a higher price. Another reason is that the roof itself has reached the end of its service life. For example, if you have asphalt roofing shingles, they usually last 20-30 years.

Determine the need for a roofing replacement by hiring a contractor to do an inspection. A team of contractors will check the year your roof was installed. At the same time, they’ll be looking for signs of roofing damage.

Common indicators of roof damage include the following:

• Sagging roof lines
• Missing roof shingles
• Buckling and curling shingles
• Pooling water
• Cracks, indentations, low spots (flat roofs)
• Increased energy bills

2. Your New Roofing Material of Choice

Perhaps one of the most essential things to consider when replacing a roof is the roofing material itself. What look do you want to achieve? How long do you expect your roof to last?

Here are some great materials to choose from:

• Residential/Commercial Asphalt Shingles – Yes, asphalt shingles can be used on homes and apartments. They’re very appealing, affordable, and again last 20-30 years. Here at Top Team Roofing & Construction, we install quality asphalt shingles from GAF, Owens Corning, and Atlas.
• Metal Roofing – If you’re after longevity, you won’t go wrong with metal roofing. Metal roofs last up to 70 years. You may have heard that this material produces noise when it rains. But when you install insulation and drywall, noise should not penetrate your home.
• Wood Shake Roofing – Cedar wood roofing looks timeless and classy. It’s the perfect choice for people who are environmentally-conscious. Wood shake roofs also save on heating and cooling costs.
• Solar Roof Shingles – Also called photovoltaic shingles, solar shingles let you enjoy the benefits of solar power. The cost usually varies depending on the technology that’s used and the manufacturer itself.
• Single-Ply Roofing – Commercial buildings with flat roofing systems benefit from single-ply options. Common choices include EPDM, TPO, and PVC. These non-asphalt based systems are popular since they’re flexible and easy to work with.

3. Stripping of the Previous Roof

Will you be stripping off your old roofing material or just do re-roofing? A re-roofing project is usually a faster and more affordable process than a replacement.

However, note that overlaying is not possible if you already did it in the past. This means that re-roofing can only be done once. Also, re-roofing can’t be done if your roof has many structural problems. In that case, a roof replacement is the best remedy.

4. The Climate in Your Location

While there are many roofing materials available in the market, think about the climate of your area. It’s not enough to replace an old roof with a new one based on price alone.

Metal roofing systems are great for areas that often receive sunlight and experience hot summers. But if there are frequent hail storms in your location, using metal roofing makes a metal roofing prone to dents.

With asphalt roofing shingles, top manufacturers have designed shingles that reflect solar energy. There are also shingles that can withstand high winds and the impact of hail. Owens Corning and Atlas Roofing offer such shingle roofs.

5. Disruption to Your Daily Activities

Things to consider when replacing a roof are not just limited to material and price. Since roof replacements are enormous projects, think about the disruptions involved. Surely, there’ll be noise, dust, and debris all over the place. You need to be prepared for these things.

Sometimes, store owners decide to halt their business operations for a few days to accommodate the activity. It’s no fun losing sales for days or not being able to work properly (if you work from home). Preparation is essential.

No one can tell exactly how long the roof replacement will take. Contractors can give you an estimate of the project timeline. But also consider uncontrollable factors such as the weather and possible challenges that contractors will encounter in the process. Basically, the longer the roof replacement takes, the more disruptions take place.

6. Finding a Qualified Contractor

The last but most crucial aspect of a roof replacement is the contractor. Here are a few reasons why the right contractor matters:

• Good contractors like Top Team Roofing & Construction collaborate with manufacturers to give you the best roofing material.
• A contractor should be licensed and insured. Licensure and insurance protect you from workmanship errors and on-site accidents. To confirm that your contractor has met the requirements, ask for copies.
• Amateur contractors may not back their work with warranties. You need guarantees in case of material defects and workmanship errors. Make sure that you get workmanship and labor warranties.

So there you have it… 6 things to consider when replacing a roof. Whatever your reason for getting a roof replacement, be sure to hire the right company to do the job. The best materials will be of no use if they’re installed wrongly or don’t come with guarantees.

Top Team Roofing & Construction specializes in residential and commercial roof replacements. We serve areas in Louisiana such as Albany, Baton, Denham Springs, and more. Let’s discuss your roofing project. Call us at 225.571.1740 to get your free estimate.