7 Interesting Things to Know Before You Replace Your Roof

Roof replacement is a relatively short work, but it is quite expensive and extremely important. Protection of your home from the elements largely depends on the condition of the roof, so it’s not an unnecessary task. If the roof is bad, all sorts of problems can occur, from leakage to invasion of all sorts of pests.

However, before you start planning, here is what you need to know about roof replacement.

If you have asphalt shingles on your roof at the moment, you can go with one of the two available options – you can layer or you can strip. It is exactly as it sounds – you can put another layer of asphalt shingles on top of the first one. It'll be less costly that way, and it may save you a bit of time.

Unfortunately, you can have no more than two layers, because any more is too much weight for any house. Also, if you live in an area with a lot of high winds, you may want to avoid layering, as it is a bit less secure than stripping. Stripping is generally a more favorable option because the result is stronger and lasts longer.

Obviously, the right materials are one of the most important factors you should consider when planning roof replacement. Keep in mind that this is not something you want to be doing again in at least the next 20 or so years, and don’t try to save money on this.

Go for the top quality products to ensure the longevity of your new roof. Of course, the best option for the roofing is slate, and you shouldn’t have any problems finding excellent slate tiles in Sydney.

Slate lasts for 100+ years, and it’s undoubtedly the best available option. In addition, if you take good care of it, and change the tiles immediately when they break, you can prolong its lifespan even more.

Because roof replacements are not a thing an average person will do more than once in their lifetime, contractors don’t need to be too careful about customer satisfaction. That means that you’ll need to be extra careful about who you hire.

Make sure you go through all necessary steps in order to hire a reliable company. Ask for recommendations, do the research, and check the references. It's better safe than sorry, and you'll have an easier time paying a bit more for a reliable company, than for fixing a botched-up work.

When you find the contractors you trust, make a detailed contract. It's not a matter of mistrust, it's simply a question of protecting the interests of everyone involved. The contract is not the only paper you need, though.

Make sure you have all the permits necessary in your jurisdiction before any works commence. Finally, make sure you have a warranty issued by your contractors’ insurance company. Do not start any kind of work until you have all three.

All kinds of works done on people’s houses are always noisy, and roof replacement is the mother of them all. If you or your family (including your pets) are particularly sensitive to the noise, you may consider finding a place to stay while the construction works are going on. Also, it would be kind to alert the neighbors in advance (at least those you like), because the noise will definitely reach them as well.

Once the works are done, there will be a lot of used material and other waste lying around. Some of that waste will be used nails. Obviously, if you have pets or small children, you don't want nails lurking about your lawn. Well, the good news is that most of the contractors have a really big magnet tool they use for exactly that purpose.

However, sometimes they don't bring it with them. So, before you pay for the works, demand that they bring it and pick up all of the spare nails that might have escaped their notice if they cleaned up the normal way. It'll be much safer and you'll feel better about letting your kids back outside.

Throughout all the steps that roof replacement entails, try to be as informed as possible. Make sure you have all important updates on the materials and the providers. Keep in mind the contractors and their reputation.

Make a point of staying informed about every single step of the works. Most importantly, make sure you understand what is included in the warranty for the works.

Because roof replacement is such a major investment, you need to make sure that the roof is protected from the elements, for example – or soon you may be going through more trouble than you’ve expected.

Replacing the roof of your house is a big piece of work, and it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Follow these tips in order to make everything go as smoothly as possible.