The roof’s foremost duty is security. It protects your family and belongings inside the home. When it comes to roof remodeling, you might find it less exciting than to landscape the lawn, update the en suite bathroom or building a sunroom. But still, you cannot ignore the roof when it calls for repairs since it’s a long-term investment and a necessity.
If this is your first time to remodel a roof, you might feel overwhelmed by the entire process. There are so many factors that you need to consider to make every effort and expense worth it. To help you get started and finish this project with the desired results, here’s a homeowner’s guide that can help you get started.
Inspect the Roofing First
First, you need to know where repairs and remodeling should take place, and to what extent of work has to be done. To do this, make the time to inspect the roof from an excellent vantage point.
You must check out for these things:
- cracks
- chipping
- missing and damaged shingles
It’s also essential to check out the roof from the inside, too. From your attic, look for signs in areas where leaking takes place.
After your inspection, contact a professional roof remodeling service contractor to assess the condition of the roof, and ask for a quote. If you live in Illinois, click here to find a reputable roofing contractor. At this point, you should already have a rough idea on how much work is needed to be done and an estimate of the remodeling expenses.
Decide on a Material
As the homeowner, you should have the free rein to decide on the material that you want to place on your roof. However, it pays to find a material that matches the look of your home, but still offers reliable protection and security against the elements, such as strong wind, rain, snow, sunlight and hail.
Some of the common options include:
- Asphalt shingles – these are the most common roofing material in the US. Asphalt shingles are low-cost but durable. With proper maintenance, you only need to replace it once in 20 years.
- Slate – this is more expensive but is extremely durable and can last for a century. Slate also repels water and inhibits the growth of fungus and molds. However, it can be vulnerable to hail.
- Clay and concrete tiles – these materials are perfect for dry and tropical climate. Clay and concrete slabs are durable against strong winds and hurricanes, and may even withstand an earthquake. It’s just important to provide them with extra support, since it may break when walked on.
- Metal – this is a very flexible material that can be designed to mimic the look of asphalt shingles, slate or tiles. These can last for around 60 years and are durable against fire, wind, and snow. Metal roofing is slightly more expensive than asphalt shingles, but not as costly as concrete tiles.
Know Your Code
Depending on where you live, you may or may not re-cover the existing roofing material more than twice. If you exceed the allowable number of re-covers, you are required to strip off the current material before installing new roof. Do check in with your municipality and know the roofing codes in your area to avoid making a costly mistake.
Decide on the Aesthetical Elements of the Roof
40% of your home’s visible exterior is comprised of the roof, so if you proceed with the remodeling project, you must pick a roofing color, style, and texture that would enhance and complement the beauty of your home.
Choosing a different but complementary roof color could enhance the curb appeal of your home, while adding extra shingles could add more dimension. If you are unsure about what you want, look for inspirations online or at home improvement magazines.
Pick a Trusted Roofing Contractor
You may be brave enough to step on the roof and do the project yourself, but without the right knowledge, tools, and equipment, doing it yourself could be costly, time-consuming, and risky. Instead, delegate this task to a trusted roofing contractor who has years of experience dealing with these kind of issues and remodeling projects.
Final Thoughts
Remodeling your roof can bring aesthetic and functional improvements into your home, whether you want to install new roofing or just repair the old and damaged areas. It’s also one of the best long-term investment you can make for your property. But before you embark on this project, perform your due diligence to study all your options, and spend your money on a roof that you will love for the years to come.