Covering Deductibles Is Illegal
It is illegal for a contractor to offer to refund the cost of your insurance deductible to receive the job. Reject any contractor who attempts to violate that rule. But how will they know right? Your insurance company can ask for proof that you paid your deductible before it pays the full amount of your claim. You might have to show a canceled check, money order receipt, credit card statement, or a copy of the payment plan with your contractor. And just in case getting mixed up in fraud allegations is not a large enough warning, please understand that a contractor who covers your deductible is likely making up for it somehow on the installation. So in other words, just say no to waiving deductibles.
Provisions For The Unknown
What happens if your roofer discovers wood rot after removing your shingles? Such problems can increase the cost of the work to be performed. The contract should include provisions for the unexpected, including the process for making a change order.
A change order is an amendment to your contract that describes an update to the scope of work and also an updated total. Make sure your contractor requires change orders to be signed – this should also be detailed in the contract.
While Youre At Itcupola
Tearing off an old roof offers the opportunity to have your roofing contractor add one of these upgrades.
Before ridge vents became standard, cupolas were used to cool houses and barns. Fitted with louvers, or electronically controlled windows, they help draw cool air in through soffits or open windows, then vent warm air from the top of the building.
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What Are The Main Roofing Options
Asphalt shingles continue to dominate the roofing market. In recent years, metal has made the largest gains. Here are your options, their estimated market share, and a brief overview of each.
- Asphalt shingles , about 75%: Fiberglass reinforced asphalt shingles are offered in several styles to fit your budget and homes appearance. Specialty options combat climate dangers your home might face.
- Metal roofing , about 15%: Metal has durability advantages and new product styles that make it quite appealing.
- Wood shingles and shakes , about 5%: This classic roofing material continues to have advocates that appreciate its natural beauty.
- Clay, cement and fiber cement tile , about 5%: Tile remains a popular option, especially in warm climates such as Florida and California, and fiber cements lightweight durability is making it the most popular type.
- Single-ply/built-up roofing , about 3%: This is the best roofing option for low-slope and flat roofs.
- Plastic or composite shingles , about 1%: These products mimic wood shakes and slate but cost more and last longer. Theyre also less of a fire hazard than natural wood shakes.
- Natural slate , about 1%: Lasting 100+ years, natural slate is the epitome of luxury.
See Roof Costs in Your Area
The Ultimate Guide To Getting A New Roof In 2022 Homeowners Guide
A new roof is a costly investment with practical and aesthetic implications the roof is your homes most important protection against rain, snow, and natures elements. The roof can also significantly impact the appeal of your home in the eyes of potential buyers.
This guide will help you make an informed decision when it comes to re-roofing, whether its adding a new layer of roofing to the existing roof or tearing off and replacing the old roof.
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Replacement Cost Or Actual Cash Value
Some policies pay up to the full cost to repair your roof at current prices. This is called replacement cost coverage. Some policies pay less if the roof is older or showing wear. This is called actual cash value coverage.
When you renew your policy, check to see if there are changes to your roof coverage. As roofs age, some companies will switch to actual cash value. And if your roof is in poor condition, your company might not cover your roof at all. Your company should tell you when they change your coverage. Learn about replacement cost and actual cash value.
Topic #6 Choosing A Roofing Contractor You Can Trust
Now that you know what happens when you hire cheap labor, order inexpensive materials, or work with an experienced roofing team, lets talk about what you should take into consideration when selecting a trusted roofing partner to complete your replacement. Every good roofing company or contractor should possess these traits:
- FREE estimates Most all roofing companies offer a free estimate and charge a minor fee for a more detailed inspection and diagnostic report of your roof. Always compare multiple roofing estimates to find a reasonable quote from the best contractor.
- Positive reviews & referrals Of course, youll want to do some initial research online to learn more about each contractor or companys expertise. Read through reviews from real customers or check out their ratings on Google and the Better Business Bureau to get a better idea of how reliable these roofing companies actually are. You can also ask around with friends, neighbors, and coworkers to get referred to someone whos guaranteed to do good work.
- Licenses & certifications You also want to look for a company or contractor that is completely licensed, certified, and insured to do work in your area. Not every state has the same licensing requirements, or any at all, so look for your location on this list to see whats needed where you live.
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Prepare For Hidden Costs
There are provisions in estimates that allow the contractor to add in extra costs as they come up. Typically before they proceed, they will notify you of the additional cost. You should plan on approximately 10% of the contract price just to be safe. At RoofSmart, our average is less than 4%. We usually have it pretty well scoped out ahead of time.
Can I Put Another Layer Of Shingles On My Roof
Universal building codes allow for up to two layers of shingles on a roof, but there are times it would be better to tear off the single layer and start fresh:
- There is evidence of a roof deck damage such as soft spots, sagging or significant leaking that must be repaired
- The flashing around chimneys, dormers or an upper story is loose and/or allowing leaks, so it must be replaced
- The first layer is comprised of dimensional shingles with a high profile, so a second layer might appear lumpy
- The combined layers would be too heavy for the roof structure, a problem in areas with heavy annual snowfall and when very heavy shingles are used
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Cheap Labor Causes Costly Repairs
One of the most prevalent ways people try to cut costs on roofing repair projects is through labor. Opting for the lower estimate with inexpensive labor is often a sign of inexperienced workers. They may get the job done, but that doesnt mean its done well. An improper roofing installation will most commonly cause you to need further repairs when the poor craftsmanship inevitably fails.
Instead of falling for an almost unbelievable estimate , you want to compare multiple quotes from reputable contractors and find one you can trust to get the job done right the first time. This is especially important because your homeowners insurance company may deny a claim if your roof was installed incorrectly.
The Roof Is Not Uniform In Appearance
If your roof looks great on one side but completely different on the other, the job wasnt done correctly. This could include mismatched shingles, which means the contractor could have cut corners to save on time and/or money, resulting in a subpar job.
Here are a few things to look for in a uniform appearance:
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Select A Grade: Better/best
BETTER/BEST: Laminated shingles
Instead of one layer, laminated, or architectural, shingles have two or more layers with three-dimensional tabs of varying sizes. The shingles are usually the same size as the basic three tab, but a laminated shingle can weigh up to 50 percent more, which may increase durability and come with a longer warranty.
PROS: The thicker tabs vary in size and shape for more dimension and crisper shadow lines, suggestive of wood or slate. Laminated shingles offer the greatest range of colored granules.
CONS: More expensive than three-tab shingles.
PRICE: $60 to over $280 per roofing square for special shapes.*
* Shingles are priced per roofing square, which is equal to 100 square feet.
Watch Out For Red Flags During Estimates
As we already mentioned, but cant continue to emphasize enough, make sure youre working with a trusted roofing company or contractor to complete the re-roof correctly. Look out for long turnaround times or teams that agree to work on your home without ever inspecting it in person. That probably means theyre just looking for fast payment, and wont finish the work. After all, how can they give you an accurate estimate without seeing the damage themselves?
Another red flag to remember revolves around permitting and building codes. If your contractor ever asks you to obtain the necessary permits for a roof installation run. Thats a good indicator that theyre not properly licensed and likely dont have the knowledge, skills, or experience to provide you with quality workmanship.
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Receive Your Roof Replacement Estimate Today
If youre seeking a roof replacement professional in Northern Virginia, Beyond Exteriors has the team you need to get the job done right. Our roofers have years of experience working on all types of roofs, including flat roofs and low-sloped roofs. Well provide you with a completely personalized roof replacement estimate based on your specifications.
Allow our team to get started on your roof replacement project by requesting an estimate today!
Topic #4 Average Roof Replacement Cost By Roofing Material
Once youve recognized some roof damage on your home, youll probably start to get a bit concerned about the cost of a roof replacement. Re-roofing a home is an expensive undertaking no matter how you look at it, but the total cost will ultimately hinge on a few factors, including:
- Roof size and pitch How big is your homes roof? Is it easy to access, or are there many ridges and steep pitches that will slow down installation?
- Roofing materials Roofing material costs can vary dramatically, so the final total is almost entirely affected by the type of roof you choose.
- Extent of existing roof damage If a huge tree has fallen onto your roof, requiring professional removal and an extensive replacement, youll definitely be paying more than if you only needed minor repairs.
- Where you live Like any other product or service, prices can also be connected to where your home is located. Places like New York and California might have higher average costs for a roof replacement than a rural area in the Midwest.
- Labor costs The labor costs related to replacing a roof will also vary, as some materials like heavy slate and traditional cedar shakes are more challenging or complicated to install than common materials like asphalt shingles.
- Insurance coverage Homeowners dealing with storm damage might not have to pay much out-of-pocket for a roof replacement, but this all depends on the coverage and deductible associated with your personal policy.
- Solar: $16,000 to $24,000
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How Do I Get The Best Deal On A New Roof
The way to get the best deal on your roof is to talk to your local roof repair contractors. You can tell them your budget beforehand, and they can work with you to get the most affordable roof replacement for you.
You can look for the “average cost of a new roof,” or “how much does a new roof cost for a 1500 square foot house?“, but until a roofing contractor does an inspection, it will only give you a ballpark estimate of the cost of the roof replacement.
The pitch and low slope of your roof can cause prices to be wildly different. Add on the cost of different roofing materials, and the cost can fluctuate up or down from your ballpark estimate.
Materials Included With Your Roof Replacement
May 26th, 2020 | 6 min. read
Your roof is more than just the shingles you see from the street. It’s a combination of different roofing materials and components that come together to form a complete roof system.
But what are these materials and why are they important to your roof? To help you understand what makes up a roof, we’re going to break it down for you.
Bill Ragan Roofing has helped educate homeowners in the Nashville area about every aspect of the roofing industry since 1990. Now, we’re going to do the same for you.
Every part of your roof has a crucial job to keep you and your family protected from the elements. There are things that wont necessarily need to be replaced like your decking and flashing.
But when you get a new roof, pretty much all your roofing components and accessories are replaced.
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Damages By Foot Traffic
One of the leading causes of damages to newly installed roofs is foot traffic. Walking over tile, metal, asphalt, or fiberglass shingle roof pose threats on its structural integrity. Most roofing materials dont have the strength to resist the impact of heavyweight. So, when installers step on these roofing materials, they are likely to get damaged.
An ordinary homeowner cannot quickly tell of damaged roofs. A professional and certified roof inspector will know to go about the inspection work, checking every section of your roof to identify any issues that could require immediate attention.
Topic #2 Identifying Roof Damage
Now that youre aware of the different ways a roof can get damaged, youll be better able to assess your roof and identify any issues that might require repairs or a replacement. Inspect your home from the following areas to find out if there is any roof damage:
- The ground Can you see signs of visible damage like a fallen tree from here?
- Inside your attic Is water leaking into the attic during rain storms or is sunlight shining through during the day?
- Your homes interior Are there any soft water spots, stains, or other signs of water damage inside your home?
- In the gutters Are your gutters broken and hanging down or filled with excessive granule buildup from asphalt shingles?
- On a ladder Look for loose, cracked, or missing shingles from here.
- At your roofs surface Up here, you can spot missing flashing or damage to roof features like vents, chimneys, and skylights.
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Signs You Need A Roof Replacement
Before you start thinking about replacing your roof, you first ought to make sure thats really what you need. Listed below are some common signs that you might need a new roof:
- Its been 20-25 years since the roof was replaced
- Water is leaking into your home or business
- Shingles are visibly cracked or damaged
- Theres mold in your home or business
- Moss is growing on the roofing material
You might also need a new roof if youve seen a recent spike in your energy bills. This could be a sign that your home is not using energy efficiently and is leaking hot or cool air out through the roof.
Check For Proper Sheathing
One of the most important components of a roof inspection after a roof replacement is to check for proper sheathing.
The sheathing of the roof should be corrected by roofers before they start replacing the roof.
If the entire section of the roofs sheathing is not properly nailed or inadequate nails are used, it may become loose in a short period of time, resulting in popping out of nails, creating holes that either crack the shingles or blow them off.
The easiest sign of incorrect nailing of sheathing to spot is the formation of unattractive buckles in the roof. Another consequence of popped-out nails is potential roof leaks.
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How To Verify If Your Roofers Did A Good Job
It goes without saying that one of the most expensive aspects of your home maintenance is to repair the roof. Unfortunately, this is also one area of the home where it isnt uncommon to find shoddy workmanship. After spending thousands of dollars, you expect your roof to look beautiful and perform as it should. A poorly repaired or built roof wont just look bad, it will lead to costly and numerous problems down the line, including structural damage due to leaks and humidity. In the warm subtropical Northeast Florida weather, you cant afford poor workmanship on your roof. How can you actually verify if your roofers did a good job?
Heres the good news: you dont have to be an expert or contractor yourself to spot a less than ideal roofing job. All you have to do is look out for several key signs. Each will be a dead giveaway as to if your roofing contractor did a good job or failed to live up to the cost.
How To Perform A Roof Inspection
A routine roof check is an essential homeowner box to check. A damaged or leaking roofcan cause a lot of problems and even make your A/C work overtime. Use these tips to inspect your roof safely.
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. A well-maintained roof in good repair protects your home from water intrusion, which is why its so important to inspect your roof regularly. Use these five tips for how to perform a roof inspection on your own time.
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