Licensed Contractor

Roof Replacement – What to know

Feb 19, 2021

What to know when choosing a roof replacement for your house?

There are a few factors to consider about roof replacement. These are especially important because it is a large homeowner purchase and provides a shell for the structure.

How long will a roof replacement last?

On average, a roof can remain effective for 25 to 50 years. This lifespan, however, depends on the type of roof, materials, workmanship and environment. Most contractors recommend roof replacement if your roof is 20 years old or shows signs of wear.

Should I replace my roof if it’s not leaking?

If you wait until your roof is leaking, it’s well beyond time to replace. It is a large investment, but putting off the investment can create costly additions to the scope of work. Leaky roofs damage the roof deck and possibly interior materials such as insulation. The cost of replacing the roof deck as part of a new roof is substantial and avoidable by being proactive.

Can you put new shingle roofing over old shingle roofing?

Although you can install new shingles over old shingles, it highly recommended that you do not. It might save money at that point but could lead to expensive issues and repairs in the future.

What should I be aware of when choosing roofing materials?

Be sure to choose your roofing materials wisely. If you live in an area of natural disasters, it is difficult to predict longevity. However, roofing materials such as tile or metal are better choices in fire prone areas. Whereas, a sharply sloped roof helps with snow load. In the desert, however, most shy away from materials such as metal choosing shingles or tile for the most part.

What shingles last the longest?

There are three types of asphalt shingles. The luxury asphalt shingles are larger and thicker than 3-tab or architectural shingles, which makes them more durable.

Is the new roof too heavy for the existing roof framing?

The weight of the material is important to consider when reroofing. The house plans must be consulted because the load bearing walls and footers need to be engineered to carry the weight of the roof. Thus, if the old roof has shingles and you want to apply a more permanent solution such as tile, the weight of the materials is absolutely a factor.

Will the look complement the style of the house?

The chosen roofing materials need to complement the style of the house, and maybe, the neighborhood. The architecture of the house can be altered with the wrong materials. This in turn, can negatively affect the value of your home. Always think about resale even when it is not your intension to sell.

What time of year is best to replace a roof?

If you have the luxury of scheduling the roof replacement, the fall is generally the best time. In the desert, avoiding the summer months is best. Weather conditions can affect how quickly your job can be completed. Aside from weather, the contractor’s schedule availability can greatly vary.

How long does it take for a roof replacement?

Asphalt singles are the most common and can, generally, be replaced in one to three days. Slate tiles, on the other hand, take about six to seven days. However, as mentioned previously, if you are in the desert and cannot avoid a summer roof replacement, it might take longer because the crews need to work shorter days.

What are important things to know for a roof replacement?

Replacing your roof is a noisy and messy venture. You will want to know when the crew will be working and how the old roof system will be removed from your property. It is also a good idea to opt for a new roof rather than apply new materials over old.

How do I choose a roofing company?

If price is your driving factor, you probably are not going to get the best quality. Repeat that to yourself. Getting a new roof is expensive, but choosing the lowest price might cost you more in the end. It is also essential that you choose a licensed contractor because they are held to a standard and can be made accountable. Beware of the handyman that knows roofing. Good questions to ask: Does this person have workman’s compensation insurance or general liability insurance? Probably not and that’s usually why non-licensed contractors have a lower price. Also, the contractor should be familiar with your area. This is affects everything from material supply chain to crew to geographical concerns.

Making an informed decision about your new roof and the contractor you will hire will result in the best outcome for your home, your investment.

Kitchen and Bathroom Remodels Bring the Most Value

Jan 19, 2021

Small periodical home improvements such as kitchen and bathroom remodels bring the most value keeping your property trendy and up to date. Renovating the kitchen and bathrooms offers the greatest return on investment. Although these can be expensive ventures, there are low cost and lower cost options that bring value without a complete tear-out.

Cabinet Doors

Rather than replacing the cabinets, for the lowest cost option try resurfacing or repainting the wood. With more investment, however, updating the doors without replacing the entire cabinet with worth the additional money.

Low Cost Ideas with Big Impact

Additionally, redoing cabinet hardware or faucets creates a new look. Also, changing the backsplash, brings a new focus without the full counter renovation. For a low cost, high impact project, switch the light fixtures throughout the house. The best home improvement plan, however, is maintenance. Keeping the air conditioner serviced and addressing small issues immediately, can eradicate future problems.

Hire a Licensed Contractor

Regardless of the home improvement project, it is important to select a licensed and bonded professional contractor who is held accountable by the State Registrar of Contractors. Each must have specific skill sets to qualify for the designation and pass an examination covering important construction concepts such as plumbing, electrical and building structure. Although it is tempting to use a low cost alternative, the homeowner can pay more with the shortages in quality and cost estimation.

When the unlicensed contractor submits a bid, the property owner cannot verify the abilities and reputation of the individual, thus, risking faulty work. The enticing low bid may be problematic when it produces shortcuts in the work. Unless the homeowner is extremely knowledgeable in the area of construction, it is important to hire a professional contractor for home renovations for the best possible result.