Some people work as roofers for a summer or two. Others become lifelong devotees to the profession. Those who commit to roofing as a long-time profession really take the time to learn the details. Not only do they learn how to put roofs in place, but they also learn quite a lot about various roofing materials. This equips them to make good recommendations to homeowners who are looking for the right roof. We will also make some recommendations and tell you a bit more about roofers on this blog. While we are not roofers ourselves, we know a lot about the profession and are always happy to share.
If your roof is getting near the end of its life, it is time to think about replacing it. When it comes to roof replacement, there are multiple things you need to know to ensure that this process goes as smoothly as possible.
1. Remove Your Old Roof
When installing a new roof, you can keep your old roof in place and just put the materials on top of the old roof. This process generally will save you some money on labor and installation. However, it is not the best way to do things. When you don't remove the old roofing material, your contractor will not be able to look at the decking under the roof and see if there is any structural damage or wear that needs to be fixed. Additionally, when you lay old roofing material on top of new roofing material, the new material will not last as long as it would if it was installed on top of the decking.
Spend a little extra on labor, and remove the old roofing material, fix the decking, and then put down the new material.
2. Think About the Weather
Roofing jobs usually take a few days to completely remove the old material and install the new material. How long it takes depends on the size of the roof, the material being installed, and the size of the crew doing the job.
When you plan your roofing job, be sure to consider the weather. You want it to be dry when the roofing job is completed. Spring and summer are the busiest times in the roofing industry; however, you can get a new roof installed year-round. Many contractors will offer discounts for off-season roof installation.
3. Get the Right Permits
Finally, you need to ensure that you have the proper permits before the contractor starts working. Most local governments in the United States require that you get a permit if you are installing a new roof. Look for a contractor who is willing to do the work to obtain a permit to install your new roof. Be sure to budget for the permit.
With a permit, the city will inspect the roof to ensure that it meets building standards. This is a great way to protect the work that is being done on your house. It makes the contractor more legally responsible for the finished results.
When it comes to replacing your old roof, plan on removing the old roofing material. Consider the weather, as you need dry conditions for installing a new roof. Get the proper permits, and ensure your project is legal. The right contractor will help you with all of these details.