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Your house roof is a crucial aspect of your home. Not only does it keep your home safe from the elements, but it also keeps your family dry in harsh weather. That is, of course, if your roof is in good working order.
While roof replacements may not be as common as the gutter replacement Melbourne roofers do daily, they are equally important. It’s also not uncommon for homeowners to replace large sections of their roofs when they’re doing routine gutter repairs.
What to Know Before You Decide on a Roof Replacement
If your roof is due for gutter replacement, you may be wondering if you shouldn’t just redo the whole roof while you’re at it. While this may be an expensive project, some homeowners who are getting ready to sell their homes are prepared to take on this task as they know it will push up the property value.
Alternatively, you may just have bought a fixer-upper and replacing the roof will ensure that you’re roof is taken care of for at least the next 20 years. No matter what the reason, there are a few factors to consider before you embark on a roof replacement.
- Understand the Difference Between Restoration and Replacement
It’s essential to understand the difference between roof restoration and roof replacement. This is essentially because a replacement can be shockingly expensive and may not always be necessary. Certified contractors will be able to assess what your roof actually needs.
As the name suggests, a roof replacement refers to a complete overhaul. The old roof is removed, and a whole new roof is put on. This may only be necessary when your roof is severely damaged.
In most cases, roofers will do a restoration which refers to general cleaning, repairing loose or broken tiles, repainting or recoating. In this instance, the existing roof remains and only the damaged areas are repaired. The whole roof and gutter system can then be painted to look as good as new. Roof replacements are usually recommended for a roof that’s older than 50 years and has never had any maintenance work.
- Assess What You Want For a New Roof
If you’re going ahead with a roof replacement rather than restoration, then it’s the perfect time for you to not only add a new roof but also upgrade the materials you’re using. Keep in mind that the weather has changed in the last 50 years, so the roof you have now may not be ideal for current conditions.
Speak to your contractor about the most weather-resistant materials to use and compare these to the budget-friendly options. It’s also the perfect time to upgrade your gutters. In areas where rainfall has increased, it may be a good idea to invest in a larger gutter system. This will reduce the likelihood of water build-up in your gutters.
- Discuss the Time Factor
Before you agree to a roof replacement, you will need to assess how long this will take and how it will be done. Your roofing contractor will more than likely consider factors such as weather predictions and overall noise levels in the area. Proper scheduling is crucial to ensure that you aren’t left with a gaping hole in the roof during a rainstorm.
- Double Check Required Permits
If you’ve never had any extensive work done to your roof, it may come as a surprise that you need a permit for certain roof work. This mostly has to do with height restrictions and materials being used. Your contractor will advise you of the permits needed and also whether they will apply on your behalf or if you need to make the arrangements. Having this in order will ensure that you avoid any potential fines.
- Consider Energy-Efficient Solutions
You should also speak to your contractors about ways to make your roof more energy-efficient. This can be done by using modern techniques and materials. Proper insulation is the number one way to make your roof, and ultimately your home, more energy efficient.
Here you want to speak to your contractor about using materials with higher R-values. These will provide better thermal resistance. Incorporating reflective insulation will go a long way towards minimizing heat transfer in the warmer months.
If you want to include more sustainable materials in your new roof design, it’s a good idea to enquire about options such as metal roofs or solar shingles. Typically, these will minimize overall energy consumption and provide you with long-term savings. Understanding how these materials will need to be maintained in the future should help you choose the best options for your home.
Final Thoughts
What starts as a simple gutter replacement may end up in a whole roof replacement once your roofer gives you a breakdown of everything that needs repairing. The good news is that replacing a faulty or leaking roof will protect the rest of your home from water damage. Be sure to speak to your local roofer to get the correct assessment for the work that your roof needs. Ultimately, you’ll be glad you made the investment.
Sharon Howe is a creative person with diverse talents. She writes engaging articles for WonderWorldSpace.com, where she works as a content writer. Writing allows Sharon to inform and captivate readers. Additionally, Sharon pursues music as a hobby, which allows her to showcase her artistic abilities in another creative area.