Homeowner Homework: What to Do Before a Roof Project

You probably already know just how big and complex most roofing projects can be. They take significant time and money–and one misstep can set you back days or That’s why, before you start one, you should make sure you’ve planned accordingly and have all your bases covered. Read on as the trusted roofing and siding replacement company, Shine Construction Inc. shares some handy tips here.

1. Determine whether you need roof repair or replacement. Your existing roof system can be damaged in a number of different ways, hampering its performance and shortening its service life. You’ll need to decide whether it makes better sense to get repairs, or to go for roof replacement, which is the permanent solution. Usually, your decision will be influenced by the severity of damage. A simple roof leak, for instance, will only require a quick and efficient patching job to ensure your system continues to deliver the excellent weather protection you expect. The same goes for a few missing shingles, minor hail damage, broken flashing or poor attic ventilation.

While roof repair is usually enough to deal with most roofing problems–and offers a simple and cost-effective way to get the most of your roof’s life–there will be instances when you’ll need a longer lasting solution. This is where roof replacement comes in. It becomes the ideal fix when:

• The roof has curled, buckling or cracked shingles.
• Your roof is already past its prime.
• There is already significant granule loss in your shingles.
• Your roof has massive leaks.
• The roof is already old and sagging.
• You can already see daylight coming in from holes in your roof.
• The existing roof structure is weakened by mold and rot.
• You find yourself needing to have your roof repaired or maintained more frequently.

2. Pick a roofing material that works best for your home. Once you’ve decided to invest in a system replacement instead of roof repair, you’ll need to decide on another important factor. What roofing material, for instance, should you go for? Generally, sticking to the same roofing material offers a safe choice because you already know how it looks with your home, and you already have an idea about its maintenance requirements. But if you want to give your home a brand-new look, or upgrade your roofing system, there’s no stopping you from choosing something else. Your options include:

• Metal, which offers great durability, inherent reflective properties and a sleek and neat design that works best with modern and contemporary homes.
• Cedar Shakes, which are a classic and premium material that adds warmth and timeless beauty to the look of your home. Just be prepared for their rather demanding upkeep.
• Slate, which is known to withstand any weather condition, and can last a hundred years. However, it will need specialized installation and its cost turns off most homeowners.
• Tile, which offers natural insulation, is easy to repair, and is exceptional in hot, arid regions.
• Asphalt shingles, which are the most popular roofing material today, gracing millions of homes across the country–and the hype is not unearned. Asphalt shingles are cost-effective, lightweight, and easy to install. Plus, their versatility allows them to match beautifully with most home styles.

Shine Construction Inc. is not only your siding replacement expert–we can also handle your roof installation needs. We are certified by two of the leading roofing manufacturers in North America: GAF® and CertainTeed®. This means access to some of the highest quality asphalt shingle roofing systems available today. Designed for reliable and lasting weather performance, these shingles ensure your home remains safe and damage-free all year round. 

3. Never base your roofing choice on price alone. Is a contractor offering you prices that seem too good to be true? They most likely are, leaving you with subpar materials and sloppy workmanship that will cost you further down the line. Instead, always put quality first. This way, you’ll have greater peace of mind knowing your roof will effectively do its job of protecting your home from inclement weather for years to come.

4. Set aside a budget for emergencies. Unwelcome surprises are not uncommon in roofing projects. As your choice of roofing contractor evaluates your existing system, they might uncover damage that needs to be fixed before the actual roof installation can proceed. To avoid overspending, and keep your project on track, make sure you have a contingency budget set aside to expressly deal with these unwelcome surprises.

5. Take roof warranty coverage into account. The warranty included with your new roofing adds an extra layer of protection to your investment. Should the materials fail long before they should because of defects, or if the system hasn’t been installed properly in the first place, the warranty ensures you’re covered. But here’s a crucial tip: always read the fine print to understand what things can void your roofing warranty. These things may vary per manufacturer, but the most common ones include:

• Working with a different roofer for any repair or maintenance work.
• Installing antennas or satellite dishes on top of the roof.
• Investing in a roof-over instead of a complete roof tear-off.
• Overlooking proper attic ventilation.
• Not registering your new roof in the first place.

6. Hire a reliable roofing company. With dozens of possible roofers in your area, you’ll want to hire the one that best suits your specific needs. This isn’t as daunting as you might think, especially when you know what qualities to look for. Make sure to work with a roofing contractor who is:

• Credentialed. They should have the necessary license, bond and insurance, including workers’ compensation and liability coverage, to ensure your greater protection.
• Manufacturer Certified. Earning manufacturer certifications reflects the roofer’s dedication to ongoing training and education, allowing to provide more advanced and higher quality roofing solutions. Shine Construction Inc., for instance, is certified by both GAF and CertainTeed.
• Established. You’ll want to hire a roofing company with a proven reputation, so make sure to check out the reviews and ratings they’re received from previous clients and industry organizations. Because Shine Construction Inc. aims for complete satisfaction, we do our utmost to deliver exceptional, customer-centric workmanship. We have earned Angie’s List Super Service Award and received the prominent A%20 rating from the Better Business Bureau®. Plus, we remain 5-star rated by Google.
• Experienced. Don’t leave your roofing project to amateurs. Just turn to Shine Construction Inc., who have provided top-tier roofing solutions in the Uxbridge, MA area for 20 years.

Keep your roofing project smooth and worry-free by working with Shine Construction Inc. We serve Uxbridge, MA and the surrounding areas. Call us today at (508) 278-3300 or fill out this contact form to schedule your roof evaluation.