When New Roof Is Needed, Better Leave It to the Pros

Most of the time we don’t do anything about the roof on the house until it does something to us.

When there is a leak or storm damage, we move into action, hiring a professional or attempting a do-it-yourself repair. But when a roof needs replacement, the pro gets the call.

Putting down a new roof not only requires knowledge and skill, it needs the attention of someone who knows how to move about safely on high ladders and sloped surfaces.

One way a homeowner can aid his cause is to keep minor damage from becoming major. Check the roof periodically, a couple of times a year or more often when there is a reason for such an examination.

15-Year Period

The check is especially important if the roof is more than 15 years old. That’s the time when a house is a prime candidate for reroofing, although the life expectancy of a roof can be longer than that if top materials are used.

Checking the roof does not involve getting on it. You can do it from the ground with the aid of binoculars.

Look for signs of wind damage. Cracked, curled, loose or missing shingles spell trouble. An excessive loss of granules from the shingles is a sign of wear. Even if you know very little about roofs, common sense will tell you when something doesn’t look right.

Resist the temptation to get on the roof to check at close range. Leave that kind of inspection to a roofer.

Get More Opinions

Since you are at the mercy of a roofing contractor to find out what is wrong and whether it can be fixed or replaced, find one who comes well recommended. If you are told your roof needs replacing, get more than one opinion on the problem and what it will cost to solve it.

Be sure all contractors are bidding on the same plans and materials.

Before signing a contract, be certain it specifies the work to be done and materials to be used, completion dates, warranties and guarantees of both the contractor and manufacturer, removal of waste materials, final price and method of payment.

Among available roof coverings, asphalt shingles are the most widely used roof material. They are attractive, economical by comparison, and durable.

Different Varieties

There are endless varieties, among them the glass-based, three-dimensional, multilayered, textured and other types. There is roll roofing for roofs with little pitch, built-up roofing, aluminum shingles, wood shingles and concrete and ceramic tiles, as well as slate.

Your roofer must decide whether your new roof can be applied directly over the old one. In most cases, asphalt shingles can be laid over asphalt and wood shingles.

Some ordinances forbid reroofing over two or more layers of shingles. No matter what the regulations, your roofer has to determine whether your roof deck can support another set of shingles.

A new roof should require only minimal maintenance. But keep gutters, downspouts and roof surfaces clear of leaves, twigs and other litter so that water will drain freely and not back up.

Never allow water from one roof portion to pour directly onto another.

Keep trees trimmed to prevent branches from scuffing or otherwise damaging the roof.

And, for your sake, as well as that of the roof, stay off it.