Revamp Your Roof: A Guide to Roof Replacement Services

As time passes, your roof slowly degrades. Materials become less efficient and less durable. Eventually, there will come a point where you’ll need to consider a whole new roof. At that point, you’ll start to compare roof replacement services.

This is a big undertaking. Replacing a whole roof is a job that requires professional assistance. Sometimes, your hand is played for you, and you have no other option apart from a replacement. Other times, there comes a point where patch repairs are no longer an economical solution to the larger problem.

In this article, we’ll help you to understand what to look for in roof replacement services. We’ll explain how roof replacement differs from roof repairs. Plus, you’ll learn what to look for when choosing a contractor and how to consider the materials that you might use.

What is Roof Replacement?

A roof replacement is exactly as it sounds. It’s when you completely remove the old structure of your roof and replace it with a new one. Sometimes, that involves just replacing the external materials. Other times, you need to replace the underlying structure as well. That might include the rafters or trusses and the decking.

Normally, homeowners resort to entire roof replacements when their roof is beyond repair, or it is reaching the end of its lifespan. As mentioned above, typically, it comes down to a balance of finances. There’s a point where repairs become uneconomical.

Usually, the lifespan of a roof means a replacement every 20 to 30 years. That figure depends on the material that you use. Metal roofs, for instance, last considerably longer than ones that use asphalt shingles. Another factor is the quality of the installation. If you’ve been the unfortunate recipient of a bad roofing job, you might find that you need a replacement sooner than expected.

Signs You Need Roof Replacement Services

There are a few telltale signs that it’s time to replace your roof:

• Roof Age: If the roof has outlived its typical lifespan, you should expect to have to replace it soon.
  Visible Damage: Defects to the roof that you can see from ground level are a solid indicator. Missing tiles or shingles, cracks in the structure, lifting sections.
• Leaks and Water Damage: If you begin to experience leaks or see signs of water damage on the ceilings, that’s a sign of wider issues.
• Sagging: If the roof appears to be sagging, seek immediate assistance. This is a sign of major structural issues.
• Energy Bills: Everyone’s energy bills are rising. If you notice a large rise unexpectedly, that might mean there’s an issue with the roof’s insulation capability.

Picking The Right Roof Replacement Services

The whole process begins with the selection of the right provider of roof replacement services. The contractor that you select is going to be undertaking a substantial project on your property. That means you need to pick right. There are certain factors that you need to consider when making your decision.

• Licensing and Insurance: One of the first things that you should check is whether the contractor is licensed or not and if they carry insurance. Always work with a licensed and insured contractor. Doing so ensures that any work will meet the appropriate industry standards, and should anything go wrong, the insurance will cover it.
• Experience and Reputation: Most companies share their experience on their websites. However, their reputation comes from external sources. Look to reviews on platforms such as Google or Trustpilot to see what their customers thing. If you get the opportunity, reach out to their previous client and see what they thought of the process.
• Detailed Quotes: When you receive a quote or estimate, look to see what sort of detail is included. Does the quote break down the wider picture to include items such as timelines, scope, materials, and costs? If it doesn’t, you should question why. Quotes that lack detail often lead to additional costs down the line.
• Finance: Roof replacements are expensive. You might want to consider looking at companies that offer methods of financing a roof replacement.

It’s also important that you seek multiple quotes. It involves additional work but it’s such a significant investment you should always compare options. Remember that the cheapest isn’t always the best. Make sure you consider the value of the materials used and their long-term efficiency. Also, consider the quality of the work and the level of expertise that you’re hiring.

You should also aim to work with a local contractor or a contractor that has extensive experience in your area. Local climates vary considerably. A contractor with experience in them will understand what roof will best suit your property.

Roof Replacement Process

The typical roof replacement process looks something like this:

1. Inspection: You’ll hire a contractor to come and carry out a roof inspection. They’ll determine the current status of the roof and advise accordingly.
2. Choose Materials: If a full replacement is recommended, you’ll be asked to consider materials. You may get to select a few options, depending on your roof type. At this stage, ask for recommendations based on your budget.
3. Estimates: With the above information in hand, contractors can provide quotes for their roof replacement services.
4. Preparation: Now that you’ve selected a contractor, they’ll come to your home and prepare the roof. This makes the site safe and aims to minimize disruption to you and your family.
5. Removal of Old Roof: The previous roof is removed, and the materials are disposed of. If any repairs are required to the roof decking, trusses, or rafters, these are completed.
6. Installation: The new roof is installed.
7. Cleanup and Inspection: The whole site is cleaned, any excess materials are removed, and an inspection is carried out. If appropriate, you may receive a certification of the installation.

Roof Replacement Made Easy

At this point, you should feel confident and ready to arrange your own roof replacement services. You know what damage to look for, what the process will be like, and how to pick the right contractor. This isn’t a job to take on lightly. Your roof is your best defense against the elements. Consider your options and make the best decision you can.

• A new roof replacement is a big investment. It’s tempting to delay, but that could cause even further damage.
• There’s a balance to be had between affordability and long-term durability of materials.
• Always get multiple quotes when choosing roof replacement services.

Here at Trenton Roofing, we’re always happy to offer our advice. That could be through one of our detailed roof inspections (you can even follow our roof inspection checklist) or through a no-obligation, free quote. All you need to do is give us a call today.