The average lifespan of a roof is around 20 years, but this number is affected by a couple of factors like the materials used or the climate of the region the property is located. For instance, if your region is prone to heavy wind storms or hail, your roof might have a shorter life span than one located elsewhere. Regardless, at some point in the wonderful journey of home ownership, there will likely come a time when you need to replace or repair your roof. This might seem like a large feat, but we are here to help with some of the steps on how to prepare for your roof installation!
Choose the Right Material
While the simplest choice might be to choose the same material that was used on your roof before, there are a few factors in considering what is right for you now. There are several different options in terms of roofing material, and they all have a wide range of pros and cons to consider. For instance, while the most commonly used and most economical choice is asphalt shingles, you could increase your curb appeal and raise the value of your house by investing in another option like metal roofs or slate tiles. There are so many options available when it comes to choosing your roofing material, and you will want to familiarize yourself with them to make sure you get exactly what you want. Your local roofing company can always help you determine which are the best options for your specific home.
Your Roofing Contractor Matters
When it comes to the roofing contractor, whomever you choose absolutely matters. When you are investing your hard earned dollars into something so important to your home like a roof, you will want to know that you are getting the highest possible quality workmanship. It doesn’t matter how great the materials are, the installation quality matters! Not to mention, the roofing contractor you hire will be at and around your home with their own roofing team for several days, so don’t be shy about wanting to meet with them before work begins.
Get referrals and look up online reviews of that company or individual. If they don’t seem to have any kind of an online presence and they can’t offer you legitimate referrals, you might want to continue your search. Unfortunately, there are a lot of scammers out there that can try and take advantage of hard working people, and they typically strike after large storms or natural disasters. Don’t let a social predator take advantage of you during a vulnerable time, and instead, hire a company with community ties and a long standing history of good work. Also, be sure to get a contract that includes everything you have talked about with your potential roofing contractor in writing. Mutually agreed upon contracts help simplify the entire process for everyone involved!
Prepare Your Property and Your Neighbors
If you have nearby neighbors, you might want to give them a heads up to the work you will be having done and what days the work will be. A roof replacement is a noisy process, and you would be surprised at how appreciative your neighbors will be at the courtesy of a heads up. You will also want to have a designated space reserved for the delivery truck to drop off the shingles. This can help you avoid being blocked in by the truck as well as your neighbors. Additionally, you should be aware that, as work is being done, materials like nails and shingles will be falling from the roof. Be sure that any vehicles, lawn decor, or plants are in a safe place away from falling debris, and be advised that parking in the garage might not be ideal either as this will likely be an issue there as well. When in doubt, talk to your roofer about the safest place for your vehicle while work is being done.
Have a Follow Up Plan
Maintaining your roof is one of the best ways of prolonging its life and keeping it looking nice. Ask your roofing contractor for advice on how to identify damage from hail or rust, and regularly inspect your roof for these types of issues. Also, cleaning your roof and your gutters is an important household chore that is often overlooked, but doing this regularly can ensure that your roof looks great and stays working properly.
Find a San Marcos Roofing Contractor
Looking for a roofing contractor for your Central Texas roof replacement? Contact Divided Sky Roofing & Exteriors, a San Marcos roofing company, to learn how we can help.
