You Need a New Roof But Where Do You Start?
Does replacing your roof feel like a daunting and tedious task? Where should you begin? What types of questions should you ask the roofing companies you’re considering? How can you make sure that you’re getting the best value, the best deal, the best roof?
Well, have no fear because Executive Roof Services is here to provide answers about how to get the best quality roofing contractor in town. We want to share five great questions you should ask before you replace your roof, and why you should be asking them.
Before we get into it, we do want to stress one thing–be sure to ask a lot of questions about the contractor you hire. Of course, we would love it if you hired us, but no matter who you choose, know that the contractor you hire is critical to a successful roof replacement. Check out references, look at how long they have been in this line of work, ensure proof of insurance, and even shop around a bit before signing a contract—you want to make sure you’re getting the best, right?
If you live near Vancouver, we can guarantee that we will give you the best quality roofing in the area, and we can provide you with all of the above as well! Now, what are five important questions that you should ask before replacing your roof?
1. Does the entire roof need to be replaced?
Is there a leak in your roof, and you’re afraid that the entire roof is going to give way? First of all, do not automatically assume this. Get a professional’s opinion!
Secondly, depending on the size and the location of where the leak is, you may not need an entirely new roof. Be sure to call a contractor to give you a full inspection, and, as we alluded to above, be sure that you have done your research, and your contractor is someone you can trust.
We do urge you, though, that if it is the case where you do not need an entirely new roof, not to do it yourself. It may seem tempting, especially to save money. Still, you want a professional to be the one replacing your roof—whether it’s the entire roof or just one problematic area.
2. What materials are going to be used to replace the roof?
The type of materials can truly make or break a roof—they can make or break a budget as well. Assuming that you are on a budget that you need to stick to, you need to ensure that the materials the contractor is planning on using fit your aesthetic, resolves your problem, and meets your financial requirements.
However, it is essential to note that you do get what you pay for. For this reason, we do recommend that you invest in top-shelf items as you want your roof to be in the best and most reliable condition that it can be.
When it comes to replacing a roof, you do not want to cut any corners. Plus, investing a bit more now in the best roofing materials will help you in the long run. Many times, when a not-so-old roof fails, it’s due to the use of substandard shingles. Don’t let this happen to you.
We also urge that you get everything in writing as you want the material specifications written down to be able to double-check that everything matches.
3. What kind of asphalt shingles are available?
Shingles are vital in terms of replacing a new roof. But, we want to point out that not all asphalt shingles are the same. You will need to decide whether you want the three-tab shingle, which is the most basic of shingles (installed in flat rows), or if you would prefer architectural shingles, which are the most sophisticated of the two options. These shingles are a bit thicker, and instead of installing them in a straight line, roofers install them in layers. These layers give a sense of depth and create texture. Some recognizable names in asphalt shingles are CertainTeed, PABCO Roofing Products, and Owens Corning.
4. What is the installation process?
You do not want to cut corners here. If asked whether you want to save money and have your contractor apply new shingles directly over an existing layer, say no. Invest the money as it will benefit you in the long run.
Shingles are the most durable when they are secured directly to the deck of the roof, meaning that if instead, you are adding them on top of an already existing layer, your roof will not be as sturdy as you would like it to be (that is why you’re replacing your roof, right?).
Additionally, by removing this already existing layer, the contractor can see the roof deck and identify any unseen problems. Wouldn’t you much rather find out about this now when a contractor is already up there working than after your new roof is complete?
5. What happens if something goes wrong?
This question can apply both to when the roofers are working on your roof and afterward. You want to prepared if something goes wrong during the process of replacing your roof by ensuring that your contractor has all the correct insurance, certifications, and licenses. Be sure that you are not liable for any accidents that may arise.
You will also want to know what your warranty includes and have an understanding of how long your new roof should last. For instance, asphalt shingle roofs tend to last for decades. However, some can last for a lifetime, while others will need to be replaced every twenty years or so.
Knowing the lifespan of your new roof is vital in case something happens much sooner. Not all contractors provide a warranty, so ensure this is something they offer before you decide who to hire.
Of course, we understand that you will have a lot more questions than these five. We hope that these were helpful and if you have any more questions, please feel free to reach out. If you’re in the area and planning on replacing your roof, we hope you choose us. Contact Executive Roof Services for the best quality roofing in Vancouver, WA – Guaranteed!