A homeowner should consider Roof Replacement Johns Creek if their home’s shingles are worn or have suffered structural damage. A visual inspection on the ground and inside the attic is a good place to start. A homeowner should clear their attic and keep pets indoors during the roof repair or replacement. Hammering and stray nails can disturb dogs, cats, or even hamsters.
Cost
When a roof is damaged, leaking or otherwise beyond repair, the best course of action for homeowners is to replace it rather than simply patch and paint. While this type of project isn’t something that any homeowner looks forward to, it’s essential to protect the integrity of a home and to prevent further damage and safety hazards.
The cost of a roof replacement depends on several factors, including material, size and geographic location. It’s important for homeowners to understand the cost of roofing materials and labor before reaching out to local roofers for estimates.
Almost half of the total roof replacement costs are associated with the actual roofing materials. Typically, rolled asphalt shingles are the most affordable option while slate and metal roofs are the most expensive. Additionally, a roof’s slope and pitch also plays a role in its cost. Steep roofs require additional safety precautions and more time to install, which can increase the overall price.
Other factors that can impact the cost of a roof include the presence of skylights, dormer windows and chimneys. These features are potential weak points for leaks, which can require more time and materials to seal properly. Additionally, if a roof is covered in moss, it may require special cleaning materials to remove the growth and prevent future problems.
Many roofers include roof disposal fees as part of the overall estimate. This is because the old roof will have to be disposed of in accordance with local laws and regulations. Additionally, removing and disposing of a roof can be an extremely labor-intensive process.
If a roof is in need of replacing, it’s best to consult with a professional roofing contractor. They can offer a range of options that will meet the needs of each home and budget. In addition, they can provide guidance on the best types of roofing materials for each area of a house. They can also help determine whether a full roof replacement is needed or if it’s possible to replace the existing shingles with a more durable product. Lastly, they can help homeowners obtain financing for the project.
Materials
Choosing the right roofing materials is an important factor in determining how long your new roof will last. There are many different options to choose from, including asphalt shingles, slate, clay tile, wood shakes and synthetic slate shingles. Some are more durable than others, depending on the climate and how often your home is exposed to extreme weather conditions.
It is also important to consider the type of underlayment used in your roof. Underlayment is the layer of material that helps protect the underlying structure and prevent leaks. Some types of underlayment include felt paper, ice and water shields, and membranes.
If your home has an older roof, examining the condition of the underlayment will help determine if it is time to replace it. For example, if you notice any rot or soft spots, then it’s probably time to replace the underlayment.
You should also examine the flashing (material that seals seams where your roof meets skylights, vents or chimneys) to see if it needs replacing. Older flashing is usually made of tar or cement and should be replaced with metal to avoid leaks.
A sagging roof is another sign that it’s time to replace your roof. This is because sagging areas are a common source of leaks, as they can trap moisture and cause damage to your walls, ceilings and floors. In addition, you should check for moss and displaced or warped shingles.
Some roofing materials are more resistant to damage than others, but even the most durable roofs have a limited lifespan. The best way to prolong the life of your roof is by ensuring that tree limbs are not hanging over it and by performing regular inspections. Additionally, making sure your gutters are free of debris will help keep water from pooling on your roof and damaging it. Lastly, it is a good idea to talk to your roofing contractor about the warranty they offer on both the materials and workmanship. This will help you make an informed decision about what type of roof to purchase and what the terms and conditions are for the warranty.
Installation
Once the old roofing materials are removed, the roofing team can begin installing the new roof. Depending on the type of material, this process may take one or more days. Asphalt shingle roofs can be quickly replaced, but other types of roofing require different methods. For example, metal roofs are removed with drills or pry bars. Before the installation starts, the roofing contractor should walk the roof a final time and perform a quality check. They will also look for any points that are vulnerable to leaks, such as chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes.
Before the roofing crew begins to install new shingles or tiles, they will apply underlayment and a layer of felt or tar paper to provide extra protection against moisture intrusion. The underlayment stops moisture from seeping between the shingles and damaging the wooden roof structure. The roofing contractor will also apply drip edge, a strip of rust-resistant metal installed along the edges of the roof to keep water from seeping into the house.
Then, the roofers will attach a metal flashing around all the areas where a leak could occur. This includes the eaves, drip edges, and the edges of skylights and stack vents. The flashing helps to defend the roof from water penetration and keeps ice dams from forming in winter.
As the roofing team applies the shingles or tiles, they will begin at the eaves and drip edges and work upward toward the roof peak. The roofing contractor will also replace any vents in the roof, such as ridge vents to allow air to circulate and prevent condensation in the attic. They will also install gable vents to help with the ventilation of attic spaces and bathrooms.
Homeowners who are handy can try to complete their own roof replacement, but the process can be difficult and time-consuming. It is important to hire a professional contractor that has experience and a good reputation in the industry. They will have the knowledge, tools, and insurance to ensure the job is done correctly and follows all applicable codes. If you do decide to work on the project yourself, make sure that you have the proper equipment and follow all safety precautions.
Warranty
Roofing warranties protect homeowners from unexpected costs after the installation of a new roof. Some warranties cover the materials and some also cover the installation, guaranteeing a roofer’s work for a certain time. However, it’s important to understand that most warranty plans have conditions homeowners should meet in order to maintain their coverage.
Generally, there are two types of roof warranties: the manufacturer’s product warranty and the workmanship warranty. The manufacturer’s product warranty covers the actual roofing material itself, while the workmanship warranty protects against faulty installation of the roof. Typically, these warranties last for up to 30 years or more and are upgradable. An enhanced manufacturer’s warranty also offers a longer warranty period and may include shingle replacement should a single component fail (excluding easy-to-replace auxiliary materials such as flashing and venting).
Workmanship warranties typically only cover problems that can be directly traced back to the roofer’s installation of the roof. Typical work warranty claims can include issues like roof penetrations not sealed properly, step flashing improperly installed, or ice and water shield that was forgotten to be placed. Most roofing contractors offer their own workmanship warranty but some manufacturers, such as Owens Corning, also offer preferred contractor warranties that enhance the standard product warranty. For example, Artisan Quality Roofing is certified through GAF and can offer its System Plus Ltd. Warranty which extends the Smart Choice Protection Period of Owens Corning’s standard product warranty by 10 years.
In order to keep your warranty in good standing, you must conduct regular inspections of your roof. This will allow your roofer to spot small problems before they become major issues that could affect the validity of your warranty. Some roofing warranty plans also require that you use a certain contractor for maintenance and repairs in order to avoid having your roof warranty voided.
While it is tempting to simply purchase a roof warranty and forget about it, you will often find that you end up needing to file a claim with your manufacturer or roofing contractor. It’s always better to do your homework and find a contractor with a solid reputation, excellent workmanship, and comprehensive warranties than one that doesn’t.