If your roof is old or damaged, you have several options. But which one is right for you? Re-roofing or replacing it?
A re-roofing job requires a close examination of the construction. A roofing professional must walk on the roof to feel the surface and examine the underlayment. Unless the underlayment and flashing are in good condition, a re-roof may not be a good idea. Contact Red Stick Roofing Of Louisiana for professional help.
If you need to re-roof your home, it is important to choose the right materials. There are many options available, including shingles, tiles and metal roofing. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Your roofing contractor can help you decide which type is best for your roof. The choice of material depends on the style and architecture of your house, as well as the weather in your area.
Re-roofing is a good option when you want to upgrade your home’s appearance or protect it from weather damage. It is also a good idea if your old roof has significant damage or deterioration. It is important to address these issues rather than covering them up with an additional layer of shingles or other materials. Otherwise, you will face major problems in the future.
During a re-roofing project, the roofers will remove the existing layer of roofing material and inspect the underlayment. The underlayment prevents moisture and precipitation from seeping through the roof decking and into your home. Ideally, it is made of felt paper or synthetic materials. It will keep the roof safe and dry during re-roofing, and it can also reduce your homeowner’s insurance premiums.
To prepare the roof for re-roofing, you should trim any tree branches that are encroaching on the surface. You should also move objects like ceramic landscaping features, potted plants and outdoor furniture. Similarly, you should remove any wall hangings or cover them with tarps to prevent them from breaking during the construction process.
Once the roofers have removed the existing roofing material, they will install a layer of weatherproofing and reinforcement. They will also use a layer of surfacing to protect the underlayment from the sun and rain. Depending on your climate, you may also need an ice-protective barrier and a fire-retardant surfacing. The surfacing can be smooth or textured and can include energy-efficient solar reflective coatings.
Installation
The first step in re-roofing is to determine your preferred roofing material. You may opt for shingles to add curb appeal, metal sheeting for durability and energy efficiency or wood shakes for a natural look. A contractor will guide you through the strengths and limitations of each type.
Then comes the fun part – choosing a color or pattern. Depending on the roof, you may also want to add vent holes and new gable end vents for increased attic ventilation that improves energy efficiency. You might also need to install metal flashing around chimneys and projections, along valleys, on eaves or in certain other leak-prone areas. Roofing cement will also need to be applied.
While your roof is being worked on, it’s important to remove any items in the attic that could fall through gapping decking. You may also want to move wall hangings or covers that can get damaged by hammers and nails. Also, be sure to keep pets indoors as hammers and strangers can disturb them.
Finally, if you have any trees that hang over your roof, it’s smart to prune them back so they are not in the way during re-roofing. Similarly, you might need to move ceramic landscaping features and any other outdoor objects that would be broken by falling debris during a roof replacement.
Warranty
If you are considering replacing your roof, it’s important to understand what the typical warranty covers. Most roofing warranties provide homeowners with valuable protection against defects or other issues that can arise with their new roofs. These warranties typically cover both the materials and the workmanship associated with the installation of the roof. Some roofing warranties may last for decades while others may only provide a few years of coverage.
The duration of a manufacturer’s warranty can vary depending on the type of roofing materials and the manufacturer itself. Standard manufacturer warranties for asphalt shingles, for example, typically last 25-30 years and are prorated after a certain amount of time has passed. Metal roofs, on the other hand, can have manufacturer warranties that last several decades or longer.
Regardless of the length of the manufacturer’s warranty, it is important to register it with the manufacturer as soon as possible. Many manufacturers only provide a specific window of time for homeowners to register their warranties, and failing to do so can result in lost coverage. It’s also important to work with a certified roofing contractor when getting your roof replaced, as some manufacturers will only honor their warranties if the installation was performed by a certified roofing professional.
A good roofing contractor will also offer a workmanship warranty on top of the manufacturer’s material warranty. This can provide additional peace of mind to homeowners, and it can also be a selling point for homes on the market. Workmanship warranties can vary in terms of scope and duration, but it is a worthwhile investment for homeowners who want to protect their investments against any installation errors by their contractors.
Even the best roofing warranties do not cover 100 percent of all damages. For example, most manufacturers do not include snowfall or hail damage in their warranties, which is why it’s important to maintain a regular maintenance schedule for your roof to prevent any problems from developing. Keeping your roof clean by removing debris and repairing any damage can help extend its lifespan and keep it looking great.