Decisions When Replacing a Roof
The National Roofing Contractors Association says if you’ve already fixed a few leaks and replaced missing shingles in recent years, it’s probably time to put on a new roof. If the shingles are bare, curling, cracking or mossy, start now.Get estimates, check references
Since you’ll be spending $5,000 to $10,000 or more, be sure to hire the right person or company. Get three estimates and check references.
Have the roofer agree to remove only as much roofing at one time as he can replace during that day.
What about tear-off?
If you already have two or three layers of old roofing, building codes require you to strip them off, adding $1,000 or more to the job. If a single layer has been on the roof for many years, it can be worth what it costs to remove it so the roofer can repair decking and worn flashing.
A rubber membrane called ice and water shield can be installed to prevent leaks when gutters freeze up.
Rent a dumpster
Unless you want the labor and expense of covering the entire area around your home with tarps and plywood, you’ll need a roll-off dumpster. As a rule of thumb, 8-10 squares of shingles weigh about 1 ton. Shingles from a single residential roof will fit in a 10 cubic yard roll-off dumpster.
As the roofer tears off shingles, the old decking and nails, they all go to a dumpster beside the house.
Selecting shingles
You’ll pay more for 50-year shingles than for 25-year, but they last longer. Architectural shingles cost a little more, but they add beauty to any building, say advisors at Money magazine.
Great guide, Alan! Aside from the information that you have provided, it’s important to remember that safety is a priority when it comes to these projects. You will spend long hours on top of the roof. A slight slip, improper body posture, and improper handling of equipment can put your life in danger. Before replacing your roof – or doing repairs for that matter, make sure that you have the necessary tools and have the right knowledge. If that’s not the case, then hiring a professional contractor can be your solution.
ReplyDeleteHerb Koguchi
I think it’s also important to consider the type of roof you want to use. For example, if your area is exposed to a lot of rain and wind, switching to metal roofs would be great. You can also switch roofing materials if changing the roof type doesn’t sit well for you. Cedar shingles, for example, has a well-known reputation for being extremely durable and visually pleasing at the same time.
ReplyDeleteJoann Winton
Joan brilliant comments you obviously have great experience on the subject thank you so much for your comnments
Delete“Get estimates, check references.” Good point. It is indeed best to have several options to choose from, so that you’d be able to get a better deal. Also, in getting a variety of estimates, you have to make sure that the contractors would explain and let you see what is included in their quoted price, so you can be ready for other necessary expenses.
ReplyDeleteRoslyn Petermann