Is your roof looking a little worse for wear?
While it might not be the most glamorous renovation, the roof is the most crucial feature of your home. A damaged roof can leak water that will wreak havoc on the structural integrity of the house. It can also ruin attic insulation and lead to mold, which leads to a completely different set of issues.
Replacing a roof is not something you should put off. The moment you notice it’s not quite right is when you need to come up with a plan to repair it. Whether it’s your first time on top of the house or a chore you’ve done before, these are the steps you need to take when it comes to replacing your roof correctly.
How to Tell if Your Roof Needs to be Replaced
It might not seem obvious at first, but once you take a closer look at your roof, you’ll be able to tell if it needs to be replaced. Some of the things to look out for can include:
- The shingle edges curled or the tabs looking cupped
- Bald spots scattered throughout the roof indicating granules are missing
- Cracks on the shingles beginning to form
- Dark streaks across the roof as a result of algae or moss
- The materials beginning to degrade due to the age of the roof
Don’t worry if you notice one or several of these signs because it’s not too late. It just means it’s time to replace your roof, and you should get started as soon as possible.
What Products Should You Use to Replace a Roof?
The key to a successful roof replacement is the materials. Two of the top brands with reputations for being the best are GAF and CertainTeed. You can’t go wrong with either choice.
GAF is the largest manufacturer of residential roofing materials and is known for its high-quality products. The shingles are fiberglass reinforced and built in fused layers, which helps provide better coverage when it’s adequately overlapped. Their more expensive products come with 110 MPH wind ratings and warranties. However, this can be increased to 130 MPH when using extra nails and matching stater caps.
Many builders consider CertainTeed’s shingles as the best on the market. It’s known for having top-quality products that come with a premium price tag. All of the products are fiberglass reinforced asphalt constructed in fused and laminated layers. You’ll be able to tell when you have one in your hands as they are more than 250lbs per square. Much like GAF, it comes with 100 MPH wind ratings and warranties, which can also be improved to 130 MPH with the proper installation.
Which Warranty is Better?
While it might be tempting to skip over the warranties, it’s not recommended. Reading through the terms and conditions can give you peace of mind and a better understanding of the company’s faith in its products.
The GAF Golden Pledge is one of the best around. Not only will it protect you against any manufacturing defects, but it also provides you coverage against the workmanship of the constructor installing the shingles. This can be helpful if the contractor you choose ends up going out of business.
CertainTeed’s 5 Star warranty is also impressive. It provides a 50-year warranty, removal of old shingles before replacement, the disposal of old materials, and workmanship costs. Once again, this is handy if you hire a contractor or roofing company that is relatively new to the market.
How to Choose the Right Contractor to Replace Your Roof
Replacing a roof is a big job. It’s also a task that has dire consequences if you don’t get it right. If you don’t feel like it’s a chore you want to undertake, then you should explore hiring a contractor. Not every roofing company is the same though. Make sure you look out for these features during your search.
How Much do They Charge?
When comparing quotes to replace your roof, the amounts should be very similar, give or take. If there are any that are an outlier and significantly cheaper, then you shouldn’t consider it. It could end up costing you more in the long run.
What Materials Do They Use?
You should be inquisitive about the type of materials being used to put a roof over your house. Do your research on the brands being installed and find out their average lifespan. If you want something for the long term, then you’ll need quality materials installed.
Is the Estimate Free?
If a roofing company is charging you for an estimate, then this is a red flag. You might see a fee for a detailed inspection and diagnostic, which is understandable. However, if there is a cost to discuss repairing or replacing the roof, then you should avoid the business.
What Do Their Customers Think of Them?
Before you send in an inquiry, have a browse through the company’s reviews and testimonials on social media and Google. It will indicate how satisfied the customers are with the work and the professionalism of the contractors.
Are They Licensed and Certified?
The best roofing contractors are the ones who have obtained their qualifications. They might be licensed to use a specific brand or have completed educational courses or training to be deemed qualified to replace a roof. Seeing these certifications will let you know that you can trust the business to deliver quality work.
Who Can Help Replace Your Roof?
Replacing your roof is something you should look at getting done sooner rather than later. Leaving it unattended can lead to more significant problems in the home, including structural damage and mold.
If you’re not comfortable taking on the job yourself, we would be happy to help. The Elite Exteriors are experts when it comes to repairs and replacements outside of your home. We service the Myrtle Beach region, including surrounding cities like Conway, Little River, and Murrells Inlet. Get in touch with us today to get a free estimate.
