How we came to a decision on a new roof
Our home isn’t even twenty years old yet, so needing a new roof wasn’t at the forefront of our minds. That said, it is not a new home either, and we see the effects of age over the years. We have been keeping up with it as we can, but I love our little house, which I am happy to be in for many years.
After some storms in past years (we are in the Midwest, by the way), we have noticed some neighbors having to deal with roof issues. That was a little concerning to me, but not too much. Starting a couple of years ago, we noticed homeowners getting a new roof here and there. However, we saw a few more this year, and our curiosity grew. Just how long does a roof last anyway, I wondered.
It turns out that the hail damage from some major storms this year damaged people’s vehicles, decks, roofs, windows, and screens. This started a chain of events, it seems, in the neighborhood. This year in the United States was a real whopper regarding rough weather and storms, and I know we weren’t the only ones hit with harsh hail, etc.
We got some mail…..
During this time, we got some mail informing us of a company being recommended for roof repair. It spoke of being able to answer questions about possible roof repair and let us know that many in the neighborhood were using this company to get their roof fixed.
Like many other families, we are busy too; this was the last thing on our minds. However, if many people had roof damage from extreme hail in our neighborhood, we likely did as well. This was confirmed after a rain, where we wanted to ensure that one part of our gutters was cleared out so the water could flow. We had a lot of “sand” in our gutter, which is normal to some degree, but it was a lot. The storm had pulled off some of the outer layers on our shingles.
What was so nice was both the insurance company, our homeowners, and the roofing company were very helpful. Our insurance concluded we needed a new roof. We needed to pay our deductible true, but a new roof was much more.
This got the ball rolling, and we met with the roofing people. They talked to us at length about everything and answered our questions. They were also giving us a discount for putting up one of their signs in our yard for a couple of weeks, which we were happy to do.
Before long, the things were delivered. I went to work one morning, and they came right after I left. When I came home, there was a huge mess and several men on our roof! It had been a long day, but we were so happy with the results.
I guess it is worth it to insurance to help get a new roof, if needed, before the effects of NOT getting a new one come into play. Who knows what troubles we are averted when future storms and winds hit again?
I am very thankful to the company and homeowners’ insurance for helping us so much. We pay into that insurance for a reason, so it was nice it was there for us when we needed it. If you are even considering such a thing, start asking some questions and ask around. I am confident this will also help any future home resale value.
To complete this article and make it more useful to the readers, below are several common mistakes to avoid if you plan to get a new roof on your house.
- Hiring the wrong contractor: Do research and hire a reputable, licensed, and insured contractor. Check their reviews, ask for references, and ensure they have roofing experience.
- Choosing the wrong material: Different roofing materials have different lifespans, costs, and requirements. Choose a material that fits your budget, climate, and aesthetic preferences. Consult with your contractor to determine the best option for your needs.
- Not considering ventilation: Proper ventilation is essential to prevent moisture buildup and prolong the life of your roof. Make sure your contractor includes ventilation in the design of your new roof.
- Ignoring the importance of underlayment: The underlayment is a waterproof barrier that goes beneath the roofing material. It protects your roof deck from water damage and helps prevent leaks. Make sure your contractor uses high-quality underlayment.
- Not checking for permits: Depending on where you live, you may need a permit to replace your roof. Check with your local building department to ensure you comply with all regulations.
- Skipping inspections: It’s important to have your roof inspected regularly to catch any issues early on. Schedule regular inspections with your contractor to prevent small problems from becoming bigger ones.
- Not asking about warranties: Ask your contractor about warranties for both materials and labor. Ensure you understand the terms and conditions of the warranties and what they cover.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your new roof is installed properly and will last for years.