If you?re considering repairing or replacing your roof, the first thing you?ll want to do is find a reputable company that offers home maintenance, roofing repairs, and/or roof installation. The most important part of a business is the customer service that they offer. Since roof installation is a long process, you?ll want to ensure that said process goes smoothly. In other words, it?s important that you find a roofing company that prides itself on customer service first and foremost. Next, you?ll want to get educated on the in?s and out?s of when to repair your roof, when to replace your roof, and what happens next.
Repairs versus replacements
No matter how much home maintenance you do, a roof is one thing that can begin to have problems without much warning. The most common reason for needing roof repair or replacement is a leak in the roof. While 95% of leaks happen where the roof?s membrane is interrupted, it can be hard to identify this area on your own. You?ll likely want to get a professional opinion on whether the roof can be repaired or whether it needs to be replaced. Sometimes a repair will do the trick. Other times, it?s best to spend your money on a total roof replacement so the problem doesn?t return.
Types of roofing materials
If you and your home maintenance and roof specialist decide it?s time to replace your roof, the next step is determining what material you?d like your roof to be. There are many different types of roofs to choose from, however, most materials will last for about 25 years, with some lasting nearly 50 years. Depending upon home maintenance and weather conditions, asphalt roofing lasts anywhere from 15 to 30 years. Metal roofing, on the other hand, can last 50 years or more with very little maintenance.
Roof removal
If you?ve decided to replace your roof, you?ll want to ensure that your old roof is removed prior to laying your new roof down. If you were to skip this step, and lay your new roof over your existing roof, it could shorten your new roof?s life by about 20%.
How long does a roof replacement take?
Including the removal of an existing roof, replacing a roof in its entirety can take a few days or it can take over two weeks. It depends largely on the condition of your existing roof, the size of your home, the weather conditions, and the type of material that you choose for your roof.
Benefits of replacing your roof
Other than the fact that your roof will be brand new (and have no leaks), there are many benefits to replacing your roof. A new roof can significantly raise your home value if you?re looking to sell. If you?re looking to buy, you may be offered up to a 30% reduction in your premiums for metal roofs that are weather-resistant!
There are a lot of things to think about before replacing your roof. Unfortunately, time may not be on your side, and your leaky roof may cause you to act faster than you typically would. Just be sure to find a roofing company that focuses on their customer service who will help you make the right decisions!