There are few home repairs more important than a new roof. A strong, long-lasting roof promises safety and security for your family.
A whole new roof can also increase your home’s market value when it comes time to sell. There are several methods for roof replacement, each with pros and cons. Contact Roof Replacement NJ for professional help.
The roof is one part of the home that receives the most abuse. It is subjected to high winds, intense sun, bitter cold, rain and hail. While proper maintenance can extend the life of your roof, eventually a repair or replacement will be required. This is a major expense and one that homeowners don’t look forward to.
Fortunately, there are ways to keep your new roof costs down. For starters, it’s a good idea to shop around and get estimates from several different contractors. You may find that the price of shingles is fairly similar from contractor to contractor, but labor and other costs will vary.
Another factor that can affect your cost is the type of roof replacement required. If your old roof is shingle, you can expect to spend less on the replacement than if you had to remove a tile or metal roof. The size of the roof will also impact your costs as larger roofs require more materials and permits.
The location of the house will have a slight impact on your roofing costs as well. For example, if you live in Florida or the Pacific Northwest, it will cost more to replace your roof because the climate requires roofing materials that can withstand heat and humidity.
Homeowners should check with their insurance companies to see if they can claim any money towards the cost of their roof. Many policies cover roof damage caused by storms or other natural events, and this can help offset the cost of a new roof.
If your homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover the cost of a new roof, some states have programs that offer grants or loans to help low or moderate-income homeowners with the cost of critical home repairs. These programs often have income restrictions, and you’ll need to do some research to determine if you qualify.
If you don’t have enough equity in your home to qualify for a loan, or if you aren’t comfortable with putting your home on the line, you can consider a personal loan to cover the cost of your new roof. However, keep in mind that these types of loans typically come with higher interest rates than a mortgage or home equity loan.
Warranty
One of the most important aspects of any roof replacement is the length of the warranty. Some roofing contractors offer a lifetime warranty while others are less generous with their promises. The length of a roof warranty can make or break the value of the entire investment. However, there are many different types of warranties, so homeowners should be aware of the details to avoid being misled by misleading marketing terms.
Generally, roof warranties cover two categories of damage: manufacturer defects and workmanship errors. The type of defect or error covered by the warranty will depend on the manufacturer and the type of roofing material used. Some manufacturers have different policies for transferring their warranty to new owners, while others may require certain installation enhancements, such as increased fastener amounts or additional moisture barriers.
Most warranties offer protection for the first few years or so after the roofing materials are installed. During this period, the roofing contractor will inspect the roof and repair any issues that come up. After this period, the warranty will expire and you will need to pay for any repairs out of your own pocket.
Many shingle manufacturers offer warranties ranging from 20 years to life. The longer warranties typically cover the shingles themselves, while the shorter ones only cover the roof membrane. A manufacturer warranty does not include labor or coverage for installation errors. A labor-only warranty covers only the labor required to address a roofing issue.
A roof warranty is a valuable asset for any homeowner. However, it is crucial to understand the terms and conditions of the warranty before purchasing a roof replacement system. It is also important to choose a reliable roofing contractor and regularly maintain the system. If you violate a warranty term, you could face significant financial consequences.
The most common causes of roof warranty violations are failing to schedule regular maintenance and neglecting to register the warranty. Other reasons for a warranty to be null and void are bringing in a different contractor, changing the roofing materials or failing to notify the manufacturer of changes to the property.
Energy Efficiency
While many homeowners think about energy efficient windows and door weather strips when they consider their home’s energy efficiency, the roof is also a significant factor. An energy-efficient roofing system can help reduce heating and cooling costs, thereby offering a good return on investment.
Air conditioning and heating make up the majority of utility costs in a typical American house, so it’s no surprise that a poorly insulated or old roof can lead to huge air conditioner bills in the summer and astronomical heater bills in the winter. But a well-constructed roof can significantly lower energy costs, and it’s not difficult to do.
The key is to choose a lightweight roofing material, light in color, and add plenty of insulation. It’s also important to properly ventilate the attic, so hot air can rise out of the house and prevent moisture buildup that can bake the roof materials, leading to rot and mold.
Adding a solar reflective coating can also improve your roof’s energy efficiency, as it helps to reflect the sun’s heat instead of absorbing it. This can greatly reduce your energy bills, especially in warm climates.
Another way to improve your roof’s energy efficiency is to replace the attic vents with new ones that open and close automatically. Having these vents in the attic will allow for better flow of air, which will help your home stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
The final thing to do is to change the filters in your HVAC system regularly, which will help keep the air inside of your home cleaner and more comfortable. You may also want to install programmable thermostats, which will let you set the temperature while you’re away or asleep, and it’ll turn down when you’re home.
