With so many new homes and commercial properties being built every day, there’s been a major increase in the need for roofing contractors in the U.S. Many people are also relying on roofing contractors to help them repair damage to their roofs brought on by extreme weather and everyday wear and tear. If you’re thinking about a roof replacement, you’ll probably be calling a contractor soon, too. Before you do that, though, you should also know exactly what a roof replacement entails.

Read on to learn about some of the most important things to consider when replacing a roof.

8 Potential Signs That Your Roof May Need To Be Replaced:

  1. Shingle edges are curled or shingle tabs are cupped.
  2. Bald spots where granules are missing.
  3. Cracked shingles.
  4. Your roof is at least 20 years old; while many shingles today are produced for durability, many factors can accelerate the aging of shingles. For example, if your roof is not properly ventilated, it can negatively impact your shingles.
  5. The roof just looks old and worn.
  6. Neighbors are getting new roofs. Homes built around the same time period can be experiencing the same types of weather conditions that can mean that your roof is nearing its useful life.
  7. Dark streaks. Airborne algae cause dark streaks on roof decks. While this may not necessarily harm the roof shingles, it may not look good.
  8. Moss can grow on roof surfaces that don’t get much sunlight, especially in cool, moist climates. Moss growth can be more than a cosmetic issue. Moss holds moisture against the roof surface and overtime in freezing climates can cause damage to the granules on the top of the shingles. Moss can be brushed off but it won’t prevent it from growing again; take care not to damage the shingle surface. You may need to contact a professional roofing contractor, like Degraff Construction! 

Things to Consider When Replacing a Roof

Do any of those signs sound familiar to you? If so, then there’s a good chance you’re in need of a roof replacement.

Most people have no idea where to begin when it comes to replacing a commercial or residential roof. If you’re in this same boat, start by taking the following factors into consideration:

1. Roofing Material Options

There are several different types of roofing materials that can be used when replacing your roof. Roofing technology has come a long way over the last several years, and you have choices that probably didn’t even exist when your house was first built.

Traditional shingles made of asphalt and slate are popular options, but many people are also turning to metal roofs. There are lots of new metal roofing materials that resemble other materials but are longer lasting and more energy efficient.

Be sure to consider all your options before you make a decision for your home.

2. Things Will be Loud

You need to accept right up front that things will be loud when you’re having your roof replaced. There’s no way around it. You should warn your employees about the noise before the project begins so they can plan accordingly and work from home if necessary.

If you’re having your home’s roof repaired, you might want to try and stay out of the house during work hours.

You don’t want to have to put your baby down for a nap while a worker’s pounding away on the roof (nor do you want to ask them to try and keep it down while your baby sleeps), right?

3. Focus on Quality

It may be tempting to find and work with a contractor who offers the lowest prices and work with them.

Remember, though, that a roof is definitely not something you want to skimp on. As with most things, you get what you pay for when hiring a roofing contractor. It’s worth it to invest in quality — that goes for the people replacing the roof as well as the materials themselves — when you’re working on a big project like a roof replacement.

This will help you ensure you get great, long-lasting results.

4. Ask About Roof Removal

When you’re looking for a roofing contractor, be sure to ask them about roof removal. Specifically, ask if they will get rid of your old roof for you.

It’s generally best to have the old roof removed instead of having new shingles placed over it.

If this happens and there are soft spots or rotting wood, you’re not really getting the problem fixed. It’s just a band-aid that will lead to larger and more expensive problems later on.

Do You Need a New Roof?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you learn that you need a new roof, whether it’s for your business or for your home.

From the cost to the process of finding the right roofers, there are a lot of things to consider when replacing a roof. If you keep this list in mind, though, you’ll have a much easier time figuring out what you need and finding the right people for the job.

If you’re based in or around the Joplin area and are in need of a roof replacement, we can help at Degraff Construction.

Contact us today to learn more about our services!