Planning on Repairing Or Renovating Your Roof?
Repairing and replacing a roof is a huge investment for many families and property owners. There are lots of moving parts to the whole roofing process, so to make sure you’re taking the right steps, call trusted Lakewood roofers for a consultation. This guide to planning roofing renovations will also help point you in the right direction:
It may not be as glamorous as a new kitchen or sun room, but a roof renovation can mean the difference between a beautiful, safe home, and a shabby, leaky one. After all, the roof over your head protects you from the elements. Without a secure, strong roof, your other renovation projects (and the rest of the house) could be at risk.
Where do you start?
To get the roof you want, and not waste time or money, it’s important to know:
1. Do you need a roof renovation?
Unless your living room is perpetually peppered with buckets catching leaks, or you hear your neighbors gossiping about your outdated roof, chances are you’ve probably never considered replacing it. Waiting until those leaks get worse though, or for other serious problems to arise can be a costly mistake. On the other hand, being proactive and replacing or repairing your roof can save you time, money, and frustration in the future.
In addition to protecting your home and its contents, a new roof can give your house a more contemporary look, improve energy efficiency, increase your resale value, and possibly earn you a home insurance discount!
Most people can’t do it alone, though. If you’re thinking of replacing or renovating your roof, or thinking about it now that you’re reading this, it’s time to find a trusted roofer or contractor to partner with through the process.
2. How to Find your Roofer/Contractor?
Hiring a contractor or roofer is a pivotal decision. Some homeowners may want to do it themselves, but typically, a roof replacement is too complicated and too important to DIY.
To make life easier, and make sure the job is done right, take the time up front to find a trusted contractor or roofer in your area. That way, you can work together from day one. A few good methods for locating a roofer or contractor are to:
- Talk to friends, family, and neighbors who may have had a roof renovation in the past.
- Take a trip to the local lumberyard or hardware store and ask for names of experienced roofers or contractors.
- Look in the Yellow Pages™ and make a few phone calls.
- Search the internet. Sites like Angie’s List™ and the Better Business Bureau® are helpful resources.
- Ask for a list of licensed roofers or contractors in your area from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
3. Would minor repairs be enough?
Do you need to completely replace your roof or would some repairs and refurbishment be sufficient?
Honestly, you might not know off the top of your head. That’s where your roofer or contractor comes in. They can get up there and help evaluate your roof.
Before you send anyone up a ladder though, ask yourself a few important questions:
- Does your roof look old? Older, dirty, or discolored roofs may only need to be cleaned. However, discoloration can also be a sign of water damage, which could require a renovation.
- Does your roof chronically leak? If you find yourself dealing with a leaky ceiling every season, it might be time to replace your roof.
- Do you have heating and insulation issues? If your house has a hard time heating up, or you find air leaks, it may be time to renovate your roof and improve your insulation.
If you and your roofer or contractor have decided you need a roof replacement, it’s time to think about what kind of new roof you’d like.
Read the full article at farmers.com
