Reroofing Your House
Are you ready for that remodel you’ve been thinking about for years? Maybe you’ve chosen colors for your home, are implementing new home technology, have plans for expansion projects, or are designing your dream outdoor living space and more. But chances are that you’ve not spent your days daydreaming about reroofing your house.
But your roof is a critical part of the environmental control system that keeps your home feeling comfortable year-round. It might not be sexy… but its top priority when remodeling your home. Here are a few things to consider before taking on a reroofing project.
Install all the same quality products
If you’re going to make an investment in a high-quality roof that will last up to 50 years, then stay away from flashing that is known to last only 10-15 years. Common sense right? Not as common as you think… Pipe flashing is a component that often fails and leaks long before the roof is ready to be replaced. Install UV resistant pipe flashing instead of rubber flashing that has a shorter life. This will cost you more now but save your pocketbook later.
Your roof is a system
There are multiple components to your roof system. Shingles are an important part of the roofing system, but only one of the pieces. Consider components such as the roof deck, underlayment type, starter type, ice and water shield, flashing, and other parts that make up the complete system. There are a lot of components to check and plan for.
The valley construction
This doesn’t mean you’re moving to San Fernando. The valley is where two roof planes meet at a low section. This a place where a lot of water will be funneled. If you’re a homeowner with a leaky roof then you know the valley well. The way the valley is constructed can have a big impact on the effectiveness of the roof. Valleys with fewer joints are better, and they should be constructed using metal, not shingles.
Ventilation is key
Attic ventilation is what prolongs the life of the roofing system. Without proper, balanced attic ventilation, moisture and excess heat can build up in the attic and damage the roof decking and/or damage the shingles. If the shingles get too hot, the granules that protect the shingle will come off and leave the shingle vulnerable to early deterioration.
You will want to make sure your roofing contractor has a ventilation plan that is properly calculated and balanced for your roof.
Shingle weight
Is a heavier shingle better? Yes and no. In theory, the heavier the shingle, the more durable the shingle. If a manufacturer makes the shingle heavier by adding too many fillers it can leave the shingle brittle and more susceptible to cracking. The key here will be to reasech shingle manufacturers and know your stuff.
Layers of shingles
Woodland remodeling does NOT recommend installing another layer over existing shingles. In some cases, manufacturer warranties will be voided if you do this. If you don’t remove all shingle layers prior to reroofing, there is no way to determine if the roof deck is structurally sound. If the roof deck has structural issues and you add a layer of shingles over the top of the existing roof, the issues will compound and become harder to pinpoint or more expensive to repair.
Think ahead.
Warranties
Cover yourself and make sure you have two warranties. When installing a roof, you should get one warranty from the manufacturer covering manufacturer defects, and one warranty from the installer covering workmanship issues. You’ll want to hire a reputable contractor to install your new roof who give some guarantee of their workmanship, but you’ll also want the company supplying the shingles or roofing material to stand behind their product for as long as possible.
Brace for noise
Removing your roof is a big project. You should expect noise, yelling and long days. Demolition tools, nail guns, air compressors, and material dropping off your roof and into a dumpster are all noises you will hear. It’s possible there are certain times of the year you may not want to experience this or it’s possible an association that you live has guidelines as to when this “noise” can happen.
When you see magnets, your roof is done
When removing an existing roof, your roofing crew is going to be removing tens of thousands of nails. They will come off the roof, go into your landscaping, onto your driveway, etc. To make sure that all of the nails are retrieved, your roofing crew should be using a large magnet to pick them up.
No matter what project you have going on in or on the outside of your home, hiring a crew that cares about your living space, cleanliness and efficiency are very important. It can make or break the project for many people.
So when is it time to replace my roof?
Missing, curled or fragile shingles, loss of granules on shingles, leaks, stains on ceilings, excessive heat in the attic, blistering exterior paint — all are telltale signs that your roof needs to be replaced. Make sure to read our article on “When Is It Time To Replace My Roof?”