The roofing industry has changed quite a lot over the years. These days, homeowners are rarely opting for the standard, 3-tab shingles that were so popular a few decades ago. Instead, they are going with architectural shingles, and in some cases, with even more eco-friendly options like green roofing or slate. Whether you're shopping around for a new roof or are thinking of having repairs made to your current roof, it pays to be educated. Learn the basics on this blog, where we discuss roofing in the modern world. We explore various roofing materials, roofing techniques, and how to find the right roofer.
Having a roof replaced can be overwhelming and stressful. Here's a foolproof game plan you can follow to make the experience a more enjoyable and efficient one overall:
Finding the Right Service Provider
The first thing you need to do before having your home's roof replaced is to find a reliable service provider to work with. If you end up hiring someone without a lot of experience or with a poor track record, you could end up with a roof that needs repairs or adjustments before long — or worse, a roof that fails completely.
Make sure the roofing contractor you hire holds a valid license to work in your state and is fully insured, so if something goes wrong during the roof installation process, you won't end up being financially responsible for any damage that is done to your home. Your roofing contractor should also have a vast portfolio that includes plenty of references from past customers so you know they have the experience it takes to provide expert service.
Choosing a New Roofing Type
It's also important to determine whether you should replace your old roofing with the same type of stuff or make a change and choose a different type of roofing this time around. Depending on how old your current roofing is, there may have been many new options introduced to the market since then. Ask your service provider to recommend a few options that might be more energy-efficient, eye-appealing, or easy to maintain than your current roof depending on what your preferences are.
Your roofing company can order samples of all the roof types you're interested in so you can see them up close and personal or even have them installed along the edge of your roofline to get an idea of what it would look like on your home. Taking these steps will help ensure that you get the most bang for your buck and enjoy all the benefits that roofing has to offer when it comes time to actually purchase your roofing.
Maintaining Your Investment
Once your new roofing is installed, you will need to take steps to make sure it maintains its performance and condition as time goes on. Start by making sure you understand the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines so you know how to care for it throughout the year. And consider purchasing a maintenance plan from your service provider if they offer one. This will help ensure that your roof gets the professional attention it needs over the years without having to remember to schedule appointments with your contractor.