Having a home is a big investment. As a homeowner, you must treat all components of your home with care. This includes the roof over your house. Of all home components, it is the roof that is mostly exposed to elements that can cause its deterioration. When you notice signs of damage, you should remodel your roof. However, you need to consider some important factors before doing so.
Factors To Consider Before Remodeling Your Roof
On average, the lifespan of a roof is about 25 years. However, the roof is one home component that is prone to wear and tear resulting from weather conditions and aging. This may lead to leaks and breaks that can result in severe damage. You should consider roof replacement if the issue cannot be repaired.
Here are some factors you should consider before replacing your roof:
1. Type of roofing material
If you want to remodel your roof, it should be with high-quality material. You should look at materials with top-notch durability, a long lifespan and total functionality. After you have gone through all the available material options, choose the best roofing material for your home.
There are different types of roofing materials available on the market today. You should assess the energy and safety of each material available to you. These roofing materials have different characteristics, and their functionality will not always be the same. A metal roof, for example, is a material that you may want to consider because of its many benefits.
2. The cost of each material
The functionality of different roofing materials differs. So does the cost. You should remember that you get what you pay for in terms of quality, and this applies to roofing materials as well. One of the cheapest roofing materials on the market is asphalt shingles, which have an estimated lifespan of 12 to 20 years. In contrast, wood shakes and clay tiles are roofing materials that last longer than asphalt shingles. However, the major disadvantage to these materials is that wood shakes can be split and they tend to curl around fasteners when exposed to harsh weather. And clay tiles are extremely fragile, requiring expensive maintenance. Another alternative to consider is stone-coated roofing material.
3. Cost of remodeling your roof
The work to be done may take an extended period of time, and the contractor may require some kind of payment plan. This is a factor you should not neglect before remodeling your roof. You should agree on the cost of the project as well as the payment plan before the contractor starts the project.
Generally, it is recommended that you have a budget and stick with it. Know what you want and follow a plan. This way, the project will be done effectively and can be completed within a certain time period. Get involved in the process, letting the contractor know what you want to achieve from the remodel and helping to make informed decisions.
4. Consider the climate
Before you remodel your roof, you should consider the climatic condition of the area in which you live. Think about weather elements like snow, rain, hail, fire and wind and the effects these all can have on your roof. Elements like these can damage your roof’s surface, regardless of the type of roofing material you use.
If you live in an area which gets extreme storms, consider a stone-coated steel roof. It is highly effective against wind, hail and storm debris.
5. Compliance with building codes
Weather elements in some areas cause some roofing materials to be subject to strict building codes. Some of the codes in some locations cover a wide range of building systems that may include electrical usage, natural gas, hot water heating, HVAC and even lightning. As a result, homeowners should comply with the local building codes and local laws.
Furthermore, homeowners also need to be safe against hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and other natural disasters. One material that is known to be resistant to these problems and passes national building code compliance tests is the stone-coated metal roofing system.
6. Understand your warranty
Most manufacturers of roofing products offer warranties on their products to give assurance to roofing contractors. Some manufacturers will even provide a lifetime limited warranty on some of their products. Additionally, homeowners can transfer this coverage to the subsequent owner within 20 years of installation.
Furthermore, some of the conditions that should be covered under warranty may include tolerance to blow-offs in high winds, resistance to hail damage and manufacturer’s defects. In addition to the manufacturer’s warranty, check to see if the roofing contractor provides any warranty or guarantee of their work.
7. Paperwork is key
Before you start with the remodeling of your roof, ensure that you capture important points of the project in a written document. This is because there could be liabilities associated with huge projects like this. Moreover, a written document could be a reference point in the event that the project is not done as initially planned.
Additionally, you should make sure that you possess the right paperwork and permits before you start the project. A building permit will ensure that all building codes are adhered to by the roofing contractors, and a written contract will specify the details you and the contractor both agree on.
Conclusion
Roof remodeling can be challenging. However, it will be less overwhelming when you consider these aforementioned factors before you start the construction. In Minnesota, SMC Construction can provide you with all the necessary technical expertise and skilled work needed for roof remodeling. Contact SMC Construction at 763-300-5519.
