A roof replacement is one of the costliest maintenance and repair tasks you can perform on your home. It typically costs around $20,000, and it can take a week or more before the work is complete, leading to other costs such as temporary living situations and not having easy access to the commodities you rely on daily. 

So, it’s a process you want to get right the first time, and you definitely don’t want to make any bad decisions when you finally attempt to have a roof replacement performed.  

Here are 8 things to know before installing a new roof.

1: Roof Frame Quality

First and foremost, you need to evaluate the quality of your framing. If it has degenerated over years of use, you might be in for a much larger investment than you expect. Look for things such as severe warping in the boards, rotting wood, signs of pest infestations that have weakened the wood, etc. In fact, if you inspect the plywood and framing first, that might be your problem, and you might avoid needing an entirely new roof. 

2: Get an Inspection

These inspections cost a little more, but if you get your roof inspected by a professional first, they can make suggestions that make the following recommendations easier to figure out. They can determine whether a whole replacement is needed, what material will work best, etc. 

3: Material Options

You have a lot of options for the type of material you want your roof to be made with. There are countless shingle types, alternative high-tech options, and even snap-together options you can take advantage of. They all have their own pros and cons. So, make sure you do your research and speak to your roofer before committing to anything. 

4: Contractor Quality

You don’t want a cheap, unprofessional, contractor working on your roof. Again, you’re talking about an investment that will almost always be close to $20,000, even if you pick a cheap option. You want a professional roofing service that is sure to get the job done. 

5: Exposed Belongings

You don’t usually have to move out when you get a new roof installed, although many people choose to stay in a hotel or with family just to avoid the constant run-ins with workers. Make sure if you leave you cover your belongings. Items in your attic can get soaked if it rains while your roof is being worked on, and items indoors might get slightly wet if something happens to the plywood in your framing temporarily. You don’t want to return home to find precious belongings ruined. 

6: Ventilation

Ensure that your roof design will provide ample ventilation. This will help increase the performance of your roof, and it will increase its lifespan. 

7: Wind Resistance

If you live near hurricanes or even an area where it gets windy during certain seasons, take that into account when discussing the design of your new roof. 

8: Research Roofing Lingo

Your roofer is a seasoned expert. As such, they use roofer lingo. You’ll want to research the terms used in roofing, before installing a new roof, to ensure you communicate your ideas effectively. 

If you want your new roof installation to be done the right way, you know who to contact –  A&M Premier Roofing, the most trusted roofing company in the Raleigh & Charlotte metro areas!