After several decades of use, it can be correctly assumed the roof of a building will most likely need to be replaced. Regardless of how durable or how well-built a roof may be, it will eventually begin to deteriorate, causing leaks that no amount of repair can completely stop. Therefore, it is important to plan ahead and prepare for re-roofing.
It is necessary to realize that this project will involve stripping the structure right down to its supports. Such a job will not only take a significant amount of work hours to complete; it will also require a large amount of roofing material. Due to this factor, it is imperative to be prepared financially for such a large expense. In most cases, this type of job requires the knowledge and expertise of professional and expert contractors for a successful outcome.
Necessary Steps
Several important steps should be taken before starting work on the replacement of a roof.
- Inspection – Before making a final decision, consideration should be given as to whether there is an actual need for a total replacement of the roof. There is always the possibility that the system has only incurred some damage that can be repaired, making total replacement unnecessary. A thorough inspection should be done on every part of the system, including the top layer and the underlying material.
- Repair versus Replacement – When a roof is initially installed, the material that is used in the building process is given an amount of time that the product is expected to last or service life by the manufacturer. When near or past the material’s service life, it is usually best to consider replacement as weakening of the material often occurs at this time. The attic space should be checked for any signs of leaks, such as water marks. Thirty percent or more damage is a good margin to use when considering replacement.
- Cost – Before stripping the structure down to its bare bones, the budget for this project should be completed. Guesswork should be involved for fear of not having sufficient money readily available to complete the project. A safer way of establish a budget is to determine what materials will be used and then actually measure the roof size.
- Measurement – A professional contractor is well-equipped to perform this task; however, it is still important to learn how these measurements are determined to avoid unknowingly accepting an over-priced quote based on too much material for the size of the roof. Measuring for this project is as simple as multiplying the length and the width. To measure the length, run a measuring device through the length of the eaves. For the width; run it from the front eave, across the ridge and to the back eave line. Divide the square footage by one-hundred to get an estimate of the amount of materials needed. For homes with several sections, measure and compute each section separately and then add it all together for the accurate size.
- Construction Date – Consider potential weather conditions when scheduling a roof replacement as an average time is at least three days. This time estimate includes the removal of the old roofing, repair of any damaged underlying supports and the installation of new material. During this time, large sections of the house will be exposed to the elements; therefore, it is important that clear weather is indicated to avoid rain that could greatly damage a home’s interior.
The items listed above are just a few of the basic steps that should be taken with a total roof replacement. If they are followed, unnecessary expense and delay can be prevented during the replacement process!
Call Schulte Roofing for your Montgomery Roof Repair Needs!
Do you need a Montgomery roof repair company to replace or repair your roof with excellent results? Call Schulte Roofing at 800-367-7663 who provide excellent service to meet the roofing needs of Montgomery area customers!