Roof Replacement

Introduction:

If your roof has not been maintained and it is a traditional wood roof covered with shingles and maybe a little rain guard, eventually it will have to be replaced. If the roof is too damaged to be repaired then a roof replacement is your only option. You cannot ignore a deteriorating roof.  Roof leaks can ruin the entire structure in a very short time including the contents of the house.

Roof replacement is not the traditional DIY task. It usually takes a team of professional carpenters and roofers to get the job done. Before hiring a contractor there are numerous factors that need to be considered. For example; how much damage has the roof suffered, can it be repaired or does it need to be totally replaced and what type of material is best to replace the existing roof.

Roof replacement suggestions:

The first thing to do is have your roof inspected to determine the degree of damage. What we mean by a roof replacement is to remove the entire roofing material all the way down to the roof rafters and replacing it. This is a big job that will take several days by a professional crew. The roof may not need to be totally replaced if a repair, although a major repair, will correct the problem. An experienced professional can make this determination. If you are not satisfied with the results of the first inspection get a second opinion.

If the entire roof is so deteriorated that it does in fact need replacing discuss the options of what type of roofing materials you want to use to replace it. If your home is located in a northern region I highly recommend a metal roof. Metal roofs may cost slightly more to install but in most cases they will last for decades, more than a century, without having to be very concerned about replacing it again.

There are several ways metal roofing can be installed. The most common method is to attach the metal to strapping that is attached to the roof rafters. Another method is that roof sheathing is installed in the same way as if the roof is shingled and the metal roofing material is installed over the sheathing. In short, the metal roofing takes the place of the shingles. This approach is the most expensive but provides for a much solid roof.

After the roof is replaced it should be inspected by the homeowner at least once a year for any needed repairs. The best time of the year for inspecting the roof for deterioration is in the spring and make repairs before the winter weather returns in the late fall. Making minor repairs as they occur may save you the cost of a major repair or roof replacement in the future.

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