Part 1: Elements Of A Good Roof Installation
When you are replacing your roof, do you know makes a good roofing company and installation? Would you know where to start to evaluate different companies and the quality of their services? If you just need new shingles, shouldn’t any company be able to handle that roof replacement, allowing you to choose the best price?
It would be good to know what questions to ask and what information you need to make the best decision for your roofing project. After all, having a good roof protects you and adds value to your home.
What should you look for when planning your roofing project?
Is The Project Being Completed by a Licensed Contractor with Insurance?
While you can have a friend or unlicensed contractor install your roof, you would be exposed to risk. Additionally, you would be limited or have no guarantees for the quality of the work. As such, it is highly recommended you look for a licensed contractor that has insurance. This will protect you and your property should anything go wrong (ie. Injury, property damage, theft, etc.)
A good roofing company, like Davis Roofing & Construction in Chicagoland, can provide you with documentation of business incorporation, liability insurance, and help you with your local permits. You can also confirm with a reputable roofing contractor if they are a certified installer for any particular product.
You Need To Consider More Than Just Shingles
Building codes allow for up to 2 layers of shingles, the base layer and a second layer. Even if there is only a base layer of shingles, you should consider stripping the current roofing and having the shingles fully replaced. A good roofing company will fully assess your roof and proactively repair any potential problem areas below the surface. If you are replacing the original roofing, a full installation can also help ensure that the underlayment and flashing are set up for optimal protection.
Protecting Your Home
Your roof plays a critical role in protecting your home from the sun and elements. Because if this, having your roofing replaced before problems arise is very important. The process of replacing your roof can cause damage to your landscaping, yard, or patio and walkways. A roofing job can also create an unsightly mess. Finding a company that will protect areas and take the time to keep the area clear of debris will help reduce stress from the job. It is important to make sure that areas, such as the attic, have anything stored in it cleaned up after the project is completed.
You want to make sure that the contractor is aware of and pays close attention to any venting or piping on or near the roof. They will need to make sure no errant nails or accidental damage happen to these areas.
Repairing or Replacing the Roof Decking
Having a solid surface for nailing your shingles is crucial. When you look at your roof right now, you cannot always tell what is happening under the surface. By finding a reputable roofing contractor, like Davis Roofing Companies, you can rest assured that they will do a complete assessment before completing the job. Bad decking can also be a precursor to leaks and poor ventilation. While it is crucial to replace bad decking, the removal process of shingles can cause good decking to become loose. You will want to make sure your contractor is repairing any of these decking situations.
Quality of the Materials
Pricing of a job can play a significant role in determine who you hire. There are a few categories that go into determining the pricing of your job: Materials, Labor, Disposal Fees, Administrative Costs, etc. it is not a good idea to choose cheap or low-quality building materials for your roof. Your roof is your primary defense against the elements, and low-quality materials will need to be replaced more frequently. This may mean cost savings today, but over the life of your homeownership, you may see significant cost increases by needing repairs or replacements more frequently.
You need to pay attention to the material used for the Shingles, Leak Barrier, Underlayment, Ventilation, and more.
Where Should You Start?
You can start by contacting a good roofing company, like Davis Roofing Companies, for an evaluation and estimate. We have been a trusted roofing contractor in the Chicagoland area for years and are here to help you. Our staff is ready to ensure the longevity to your roof, providing you with the best aesthetics and protection possible. Contact us today for a quote for your roofing project.