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What To Look For When Getting A New Roof

Choosing The Right Roofing Company Is Important

Get Your Roof Looking Brand New!

The first thing youre going to need to do when you decide to go through with a new roof installation is to choose a roofing company to handle the job.

The good news is you shouldnt have any trouble finding one. There are more than 100,000 roofing companies scattered throughout the country.

But the bad news is there are a whole bunch of unreliable roofers out there. So you want to be sure to steer clear of them and to find the right roofing company for the job.

A reputable roofing company should have:

  • Plenty of experience in the roofing industry
  • A specific set of roofing services that they can provide, including new roof installation
  • A large selection of roofs
  • Fair and affordable prices
  • Free consultations for those who want to learn more about them

Before you agree to work with a roofing company, you should interview them and find out whatever you can about the company. You should also read through online reviews from other homeowners who have worked with them in the past.

This will let you know if a roofing company is right for you or not.

How To Get A Free Roof For Your House

Tips

  • Some roofing companies work exclusively with insurance claims. You may want to try to find this type of company to do your initial inspection so that they can help you deal with your insurance company.

Most of us have no idea what is going on up on our roofs. Who actually climbs up there to check on the condition of the roof? If you think your roof may have been damaged by hail, wind, or storms, and you have homeowners insurance, you may qualify for a free roof.

Look online for roofing companies or a roofing contractor that does free roof inspections. You should not have to pay for a roof inspection.

Make an appointment with the roofing contractor for your free roof inspection. When the roof company arrives, make sure they take a camera up on the roof to take pictures of what they find. Don’t just take their word for it.

The roofing contractor may find hail damage, which is small little pings in the roof shingles. Hail can also chip away the surface of the shingles and wear them down.

The roofers may also find wind damage which can be anything from missing shingles, gaps in shingles, or shingles with upturned edges that have come detached from the roof.

The roofing company will be able to tell you if your roof is damaged and should be replaced. If they find damage, call your homeowners insurance company and file a claim for your roof.

References

Is Is Time To Replace Or Repair Your Roof

One of the major investments in home improvement projects is buying a new roof. Therefore, it is good to know what to look for when getting a new roof.

First things first, put it high on your priority list to get as many estimates from roofing contractors in your Delaware community as possible. Whatever you decide, dont settle on the cheapest offer, because it might actually cost you more money in the long run. Most importantly, look at a quality of material rather than a price tag.

Dont hesitate to check out some consumer reviews and the reputation of the roofing contractors you are considering online. Look for a trustworthy contractor that is well respected in the community. It never hurts to get some quality work done and add an extra boost of curb appeal and energy-efficiency to your home.

Without no further ado, here are some suggestions to consider when replacing or repairing your homes roof.

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Picking Out The Right Roofing Materials Is Important Too

Once you track down the right roofing company to install your new roof, the next step will be to pick out the roofing materials you want to use.

One of the things youre going to find is there are a lot of different options for you to choose from. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out which roofing materials are your best choice.

  • Rubber
  • And more!

If youre having a hard time picking which one you want to use, talk to your roofing company about what they would recommend. Based on your budget and the existing style of your home, they should be able to help you narrow down your search.

Dark Streaks On The Shingles

Roof Replacement

If you notice dark streaks on your roofs shingles, that may not indicate its time for a roof replacement, but you may need to replace individual shingles due to algae growth. Either way, you should call a roofer to inspect your roofing system. If enough shingles are affected, you may need to replace the roofing material entirely.

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Is A New Roof Worth It As A Selling Tool

Perhaps a new roof wont boost your home value too much, but could it still help you sell your home? Theres no doubt that many real estate agents value a new roof as an effective selling tool. In fact, according to the NARI report, 32 percent of realtors recently used a new roof to finalize a sale. Buyers are attracted to homes with new roofs, as they know it will save them from having to do a replacement or major repairs. Thats great peace of mind.

While buyers may not be willing to pay more for a home with a new roof, they might choose it over a comparable home with a poor roof. Therefore, if your home is still on the market while other homes in your neighborhood are selling, an old roof could be the reason buyers just arent interested.

Your roof is also a key factor in the curb appeal of your home, or how the exterior looks. Curb appeal is critical to get buyers interested in your home. Plus, it is your first chance to impress them.

Research from NARI has demonstrated that home renovations that improve curb appeal are among the best investments to increase home value. Buyers develop faster emotional connections with homes that wow them right from the driveway. Some buyers may not even walk into a home that has an unappealing exterior.

Old roof on home

The Top Ten Questions To Ask When Considering A Roof Replacement

Replacing your roof is not a decision you want to be taking lightly, as it can be a very expensive, although necessary job. Unfortunately, roofing is not made to last forever, and general wear and tear can quickly spiral into something far worse if you are not careful. While it can be tempting to pay for cheaper repair jobs or even ignore the problem altogether, this can be extremely costly in the long-term. Paying for a roof replacement when the time is right can seem like a lot of money, but those costs will only be exasperated if you wait for roof wear and tear to damage other parts of your property. For example, a leak in your roof can easily then cause damp and water damage in your ceilings and walls. We understand that you want to be as informed as possible before making a decision like this, so here are ten of the questions you simply must ask when thinking about a roof replacement.

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The Homeowners Guide To Checking For Roof Damage

Age

Whats the age of your roof? Roofs last, on average, between 20 25 years. Different materials can range with their lifespans, but a couple of decades is the general rule of thumb. Consult your records to determine the age of your roof, and if youre past 20 years, consult with a local professional roofing company about your plan for the next few years. If your roof was installed before you bought the home and it looks like it may be a DIY job, call a professional roofer in Montgomery County around 10 or 15 years to be safe.

Curled Shingles

Inspect the shingles on your roof are they curled? Curling shingles indicate problems under the shingles, which can put you at risk of leaks or other damage. Curled shingles are also more likely to get ripped away by high Maryland winds. Although you may feel an impulse to replace curled shingles yourself, a professional roofing company will be able to give you a better idea of the underlying condition during a free roof estimate. Sometimes, curling shingles are an indicator that the roof was installed improperly, and you will need an entire roof replacement vs a roof repair.

Missing Shingles

Leaks or Sunlight in the Attic

Flashing Status

Sags

Moss on the Roof

Check Your Gutters

Roof Valley Integrity

Increase in Energy Bills

How To Pick Roofing Shingles Online

4 inspection tips for a new roof

When it comes time to select new shingles for your roof,you can do so from the comfort of your home.

On the Owens Corning Roofing website, for example, you can easily:

  • Research various roofing products, such as architectural shingles and synthetic underlayment
  • Browse different roofing shingle styles and colors
  • Discover exterior design inspiration

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Why Is Rotted Plywood Decking An Issue

Rotted plywood can cause a number of issues. Rotted plywood cannot support the weight of a roof the way healthy wood can, nor can it safely grip the nails put into the roof and keep them held firm.

  • Moisture causes wood to rot, and rotten wood absorbs water even more readily than fresh wood. If there is rotten decking, the shingles are most likely letting moisture in. If it isnt already, its only a matter of time until that rotten wood lets water into your attic and ceilings.
  • Trying to apply shingles on rotten wood can cause the roof to shift, which can in turn lead to more leaks.

Signs You Need A New Roof Asap

Several situations call for an immediate roof replacement, and some of the signs are more obvious than others:

  • Your Roof Is Old: The lifespan of a roof is believed to be 20 to 25 years, so you should replace it once it reaches this age.

  • Your Shingles Are Buckling and Curling: Inspect the slopes of your roof that receive direct sunlight. If you see that shingles are losing granules and curling, they may need to be replaced.

  • Your Roof Valleys Are Showing Neglect: If shingles in your roof valleys are missing or breaking apart, it’s time to get a new roof. These valleys are one of the most critical parts of a roof, as rainwater flows through them on its way to the gutters. If this area is damaged, it becomes vulnerable to leaks.

  • Your Chimney Flashing Needs to Be Replaced: If your flashing is made of tar or cement, it may be a good idea to replace it with a metal flashing system, which is water-tight and lasts longer.

  • Your Gutters Are Full of Shingle Granules: As roofs near the end of their lives, they start to lose more granules, which often end up in the gutters. Check your gutters to see if they are full of these granules. Another sign of granules wearing away is a darker or inconsistent color on certain areas of the roof.

  • You See Daylight Through the Boards of the Roof: Go up to your attic to check whether daylight is coming through the roof.

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Roof Replacements: Types Of Roofing Materials

There are a wide variety of roofing options, some of which may be more suited for your climate, the type of home or other property that you have, your aesthetic preferences, and plenty of other factors, including any requirements from your homeowners association, if you have a historic home or a particular type of property with a look that you want to maintain, and of course your budget.

The Shingles On Your Roof Are Curling

When and Why to Get a New Roof  6 Things to Look For ...

Many reasons can cause your roof shingles to curl. Shingles can curl from the middle, sides, or bottom, and upwards or downwards. One of the reasons shingles can curl, besides a defective shingle, is high moisture conditions inside the house and poor roof venting. Your roof is the center of your homes performance, and this could be a clear cut sign that it isnt performing as efficiently as it should. Replacing your roof could be the cure for that. The professionals can inspect your roof and attic to find out for sure.

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Cost To Install An Entirely New Roof

Adding a new roof typically involves replacing the top layer of shingles, as well as the underlying structure. Expect to pay a total between $10,000 and $20,000.

You may get an initial quote of only $10,000 when you speak to the contractor on the phone. Then after closer inspection, the quote could go up to between $15,000 and $20,000. What your initial quote might not include are the hassles the contractor might run into during the project. These could be problems with your ventilation, gutters, chimneys, etc. Each could drive up the total for the project. When the professional does a walkabout, they will be able to point out problems and reassess the quote based on what they will have to do.

This could be due to a number of reasons, like:

  • Leaking chimney or skylight flashing

  • Removing excess layers

  • Metal

Make Sure Your Roof Is Protected With A Roofing Warranty

Once the work is completed you can heave a sigh of relief and enjoy your new roof installation for your Frederick, MD home or business. It is also a good idea to follow up with your Maryland roofers on any warranties they offer. While this is something you will probably have chosen when the contract was drawn up, it is still something you want to revisit before you and the roofers part ways.

An extended warranty on your roof can include coverage and protection for the roofing materials, and some may include a lifetime warranty to cover any labor. This can be especially important to help reduce future costs, be protected against accidents, and have peace of mind in case something goes awry.

Always talk about this option before something happens. While an additional cost may seem overwhelming, it will save you money in the long run and you know you will have a reliable roofing crew in Maryland to help you out if something were to occur that jeopardized your roof.

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Will My Insurance Cover A Full Replacement For Missing Shingles

Should insurance cover a full roof replacement if matching shingles arent available? That question has been the subject of debate in the roofing and insurance communities and fodder for more than a few legal disputes.

In most cases, insurers are required to replace missing shingles with same quality materials, but that doesnt necessarily mean they have to be the same color. Experts also note that if your shingles are discontinued, you may have a better case for a full replacement. Here are a few steps you can take to be proactive:

  • Reread your insurance policy before damage occurs to get a handle on what your options are if shingles are lost.
  • Some policies are now covering full roof replacement in the case of partial damage, so it pays to shop around when looking for homeowners insurance.
  • Finally, grab a photo of your roof now for a before-and-after comparison following a weather event.

Metal Roofing Types And Features

New Roof Install – GAF Standards – Things That Increase Warranty & Protection

Metal roofing has come a long way in the last few decades and now is a viable option for any house including upscale luxury homes. Heres an overview of your options.

  • Standing Seam:

    Standing Seam

    This is the most popular and most pricey type of metal roofing. It can be roll-formed on the jobsite to reduce transportation costs and create a custom fit for every house. The purpose of the standing seam on these vertical roofing panels is to keep rainwater from penetrating them as it cascades off the roof.

    Two popular types of steel standing seam are galvanized steel dipped in zinc and Galvalume steel dipped in a blend of aluminum, zinc, and silicon.

    After steel, aluminum is the next most frequently used metal in roofing. Aluminum and zinc make for a great choice in coastal areas and heavy salt spray environments.

  • Metal shingles, shakes and tiles:

    Tamko MetalWorks Steel Shingle Profiles

    Metal can also be stamped in interlocking shingles, shakes, or tiles that are about the size of asphalt shingles and can resemble other materials including slate tiles, cedar shakes, asphalt shingles, and clay or concrete tiles. Stone granules can also be added to these materials to reflect sunlight to help lower surface temperature.

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Protect Your Garden And Your Landscaping

If you have landscaping close to the house or carefully cultivated gardens, youll want to take steps to protect those plants from falling shingles and roofing materials.

The best way to do this is to create temporary walls around those plants with planks of wood or sturdy supports. Then, cover those supports with a durable tarp.

The tarp will keep those stray roofing materials from crushing your plants.

Dont worry. You dont have to cover everything. Established trees and shrubs can stand up to loose roofing materials without suffering damage.

Decide On The Right Materials

Dont assume you need to replace an old roof with a roof that uses the same materials. Instead, figure out which types of roofing materials work best where you live.

Various federal, state and local government incentives are available for those who buy more energy-efficient roofing. Look at the Energy.gov website for more details on options available in your area. You might also qualify for additional incentive grants and tax breaks if you install solar panels when you get your new roof.

Did you learn something from a recent roof replacement experience? Let us know in the comments below or .

Disclosure: The information you read here is always objective. However, we sometimes receive compensation when you click links within our stories.

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