Roof replacement is something most homeowners know all too well. Whether they have to replace a roof after a storm, such as a hurricane, or even if there was a fire, they know that time is wasted without having a new roof installed. The thought of getting a brand new roof can also be nerve-wracking. It’s not like you can take down your old roof and start over. Before taking on the task of a new roof, you should first consider a few things.
One of the most important factors in choosing a roof replacement or roofing service is the number of layers in the roof. If you only have one layer, it will be more difficult to install because you won’t have the option of going back and doing a second installation when the weather turns cold. The most common layers in most homes are asphalt shingles, and tar/felt roofing, metal roofing, and wood shakes. Laying one layer is enough to protect your home against storms, but you don’t want to be limited to just that one layer. A re-roofing service can figure out the layers that need to be covered, and if you have to add more layers, you can bet that you will have professionals with the proper experience to make sure everything looks right.
Another factor in choosing roof replacement or re-roofing services is what type of shingle is being replaced. Shingles can come in either asphalt or tar/felt. Both are great options, and they both do a great job of protecting the home. The difference comes from how long they last and what condition they are in. Tar/felt shingles would be more expensive because they are a little weaker and tend to wear out faster than asphalt shingles, which can be very helpful if you have young children or live in an area with a lot of snow during the winter.
There are also many layers in any roof replacement or re-roofing services project. If you are replacing the roof alone, you will only see one underlying layer. This layer can either be felt paper or tar, or felt paper board. When the two layers are combined, they cover each other, making the roof last longer. Many people opt for felt paper, as it is cheap, lightweight, and easy to clean up, although tar/felt can be sturdier and is often preferred for more durable roofing materials. Some tar/felt sheets can have as many as ten layers.
Once you have taken care of the one underlying layer, the rest of the project can follow in chronological order. There are two basic methods of replacing the decking. You can either replace all the shingled together, or you can replace only the shingled decking. This decision is based largely on cost and how much effort you want to put into the upkeep of the shingled decking.
For asphalt shingled roofs, you can choose to replace the entire roof or just the shingled portions. It is cheaper to replace the entire roof. It also costs less time to replace the entire roof. If you decide to replace the shingled portions, it is best to check the manufacturer’s warranty for a longer lifespan. However, most people do not bother with this option as the life of asphalt shingled roofs is usually two to three years.
When it comes to other types of roof repair, such as slate repairs, ceramic tile roof repair, metal roof repair, and so on, it all depends on your needs and budget. Roof replacement is one option, and roof repairs another. For instance, if the damage caused by the storm was because of hail, you can replace the damaged part rather than repairing the entire roof. However, if you had a lot of wind damage, it may be better to repair the roof to last for a longer duration of time.
Other roof replacement cost considerations include the amount of time needed to install the new roofing materials. Sometimes, the installation takes longer than originally planned since the weather conditions have forced the installation to move around. Other times, the flashing has to be installed in place before the tar paper can be applied. The flashing will ensure the tar paper does not leak, preventing further water damage to the area around the house.