Replacing a roof is always a costly as well as a time-taking project which should be undertaken only as the last solution. But if it ever becomes quite dire to do so, you must always go with the professionals in this field like Roofers Macomb County Michigan or many others of this caliber. Here, it is also very much necessary for you to consider the following points before you make it final in your mind to get your house top replaced, after all.
Know your contractor fully well
Replacing the roof of your house is not such a light task that you may undertake every other day. So, make sure that you are into the safe hands while hiring a contractor for this very task. Do verify the followings about your proposed contractor.
- His license and the bond signed by him.
- His adequate insurance.
- Proper work-permit as per local rules and regulations.
- His reliability and credibility.
- Practical evidences his work done in Practical evidences his work done in your area.
Correct measuring of the roof size
Get your roof size correctly measured by the professional contractors who will also facilitate you with the almost perfect estimate about the overall cost involved. This appraisal will be based upon the number of squares of the roofing material required. One square of the material covers 100 square feet of the area. It means that a roof with 30 squares has an area of 3000 square feet to be covered.
Proper ventilation
This is must for the long life of your roof top. Do ask your contractor what kind of venting he will include with his roofing job to make the roof last lifetime. Proper ventilation not only modulates the attic temperature during summer but also reduces moisture build up in winter.
Treatment of the wood under the shingles
Placing the new shingles on the same old underlying wood is just the wastage of time, material and money. Making any necessary repair to the underlying wood is also a key part of the overall task of replacing the whole roof. So, make sure that your contractor includes it in the final agreement. Otherwise, placing the new shingles on the faulty wood will surely reduce the life of the roofing material.
Ensuring protective coverings
The areas with heavy rains, icy winds and freezing temperature do require additional ice and water shields placed as protective coverings between the shingles and the raw wood. Ensure it that your contractor does include placing such coverings in the agreement. Also keep it mind that all the additional installation materials like fasteners, flashing and drip edges ensuring long life of your roof are a part of the same price.
Warranties and after-sale services
A sure-shot warranty of the material used and the work done must be there on the part of the contractor so that you may feel relaxed for a few years to come. Likewise, the service you receive after the installation is complete is also a very important element of any home improvement project, which must be ensured by the contractor in his agreement. What must be included in this regard is: A standard warranty of the product, labor and parts for at least ten years, something like an extended warranty at a much low cost and how to make a service call request, etc.
Value and return for the price paid
No doubt, finding the lowest price is a natural inclination, but price is not the core issue all the times. You also have to keep under consideration the value and return you will get against the price to be paid. You will get the maximum value and return if the price covers all the factors involved in a roof replacement including ventilation, protective coverings, fasteners, permits and inspections, flashing as well as the removal and disposal of the old roofing material and the delivery of the new one. It should also cover all labor, project management and coordination. Then you can say that you have scored a good deal in all respects.
The above mentioned factors must be considered well before you go for the replacement of your old roof.