Important Things You Need to Know Before Replacing Your Roof

Replacing your roof may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right information beforehand, you can have an idea of what to expect in the process, which allows you to make practical decisions.

Roof replacement is no doubt an expensive practice. Plus, you need to put in your time and energy and make some important decisions along the way. In addition, you need effective protection against the elements, especially if you are living in a rainy area like Victoria. Getting effective protection against mildew, mold, and moss buildup is essential for your long-term peace of mind.

So, it’s important that you have the necessary information before taking a step. Let’s take a look at the important things you need to know before replacing your roof.

Roof life-expectancy mainly depends on a couple of factors.

Depending on the material used, the life of your roof may vary between 20 and 50 years. Asphalt shingle roofs last as long as 20 years without showing signs of deterioration, and metal or tile material can last about 50 years.

The lifetime of your roof also depends on the climate of your region. Harsh climates and extreme weather conditions are not very welcoming for any material, so they can have an adverse effect on the overall life expectancy of your roof.

• Ensuring proper ventilation in the area under the roof (the attic), which reduces the chances of rotting.

• Preventing any exhaust gases from entering into the area as those can make the area damp, creating a rot-friendly environment.

While an experienced roof inspector will tell you whether you need a roof replacement or not, you can look for some signs yourself.

• The vulnerability of your home to damage in the future

• Your roof material has passed its lifespan

• Non-professional installation

• High wear

• Algae growth

• Missing shingles

• Nail pops

• Holes and punctures

• Weather damage

• Ventilation issues

Roof installation or replacement is a long-term thing. You don’t want a non-professional crew messing up the installation.

So, do thorough research to land on the contractor or company that has good reviews and can offer professional installation for long lasting peace of mind.

The next step would be to select the best roofing material keeping in view your area’s weather, the lifespan of the material, its cost, and aesthetics.

For Victoria, where heavy rains are commonplace, asphalt shingle roofs are most commonly used, as they come with a good warranty, are inexpensive, and offer a good life expectancy.

Plus, architectural shingles, a type of asphalt shingle, come in different styles to give your home a fancy look, with some even offering lifetime warranty.

Cedar roofing is another good option that can give your home a visually appealing look. Although cedar roofing is inexpensive, it demands maintenance. And, if left unattended, it can fall prey to the harsh weather of Victoria.

And, if you want a long-lasting, durable, and clean-looking option, metal roofing is the answer for you. Metal roofing systems are available in different styles and can really add to the value of your property. However, a metal roofing system is costly.

Make sure your contractor removes the old roof when you have the new material ready to be installed. Taking the old roof off and leaving the structure of your house without any roofing can damage the structure.

Normally, the old material is removed before installation of the new roof, however, there are cases where the new material is set up on the old one. Removal of the old material is also necessary for inspection of the wood decking under the roof.

Wood decking provides support to the roof. And, if you are replacing your roof, it’s also possible that the wood decking has taken some beating too. So, it’s important to have it checked to ensure it’s in good condition and can provide strong support.

Then, the surface of the roof is prepared for the new material. This involves drip edge installation, in which a metal at the edges of the roof prevents water from damaging your deck.

The next step is to install the underlayment, which is also meant to prevent the water from seeping into the decking. It’s meant to be placed between the roofing material and the wood decking.

Finally, the new roofing material is installed. The installation time largely depends on the material. For instance, if you are going for slate, it would take more time, as it demands careful handling.

After the installation, the contractor inspects the roofing for any possible mistakes and makes sure your home surroundings are cleaned from any debris an

The installation time depends on the size of the roof, the type of your new roofing material, and experience and skills of the crew. On average, roof replacement takes around 3 - 4 days.

Note that you can use your home during the installation. Plus, the roofing crew doesn’t need to be inside your home during the process. However, you would have to live with some noise.

Roof replacement cost depends on the roofing material, roofing area, and the condition of the underlying wood. While estimating your overall cost, it’s important that you get an estimate from 2 - 3 companies. According to Homestarts,the average cost for roof replacement in Canada is around $4750.

Roof replacement seems like an expensive and complex task; however, if you have the right information before getting into the action, you will get it done at the right cost. Plus, you will know the process, which will empower you to make the right decisions for the long-term peace of mind.