Being a homeowner has its advantages, but it also means you need to take care of repairs on your own. It can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. There are things you can do to lower your expenses over time. One of the best ways is to take the proper care of your home by doing regular preventative maintenance—especially on your roof. Roofing maintenance will help to elongate the life of your roof. It will also save you money. Unfortunately, roofs don’t last forever; replacing a roof will eventually become necessary. In this article, we’ll go over how often roof replacement is necessary and what you need to know about how to replace a roof on a budget.
First, it’s important to understand the difference between simple roofing repairs and replacing a roof. Knowing how to spot the difference will save you in the long run. It will ensure you’re not wasting time or money. Some of the most common roofing repairs include repairing damaged flashing, resealing joints around skylights, patching any punctures from harsh weather, and replacing damaged or missing shingles. If the damage is minor, repairs can be done and your roof likely won’t need to be replaced. Always get a professional inspection before making repairs; it’s critical to understand the extent of the damage and the variables involved.
How often roof replacement is necessary depends on many factors, but every 15 to 30 years is a good rule of thumb. However, this can vary widely based on roofing materials, climate, level of upkeep, pests and other factors. While time can be a determining factor, you shouldn’t necessarily base a decision of when to replace your roof on a timeline alone, but instead base it on the condition of the roof.
The process of replacing a roof starts with removing the old shingles and disposing them. If the foundation is in good condition, you won’t need any structural repairs. If there are damages, now is the time to take care of them—before installing a new roof. Next, your roofing contractor will start laying down the roofing paper and sheathing. Depending on the type of roof you’re getting and the state of your previous roof, your contractor might apply new flashing. After this, the shingle work starts, the finishing flashing is installed, and the cleanup begins. While it seems pretty straightforward, there are a number of elements that make up a roof replacement. They should always be done by a professional. It’s not worth it to do it yourself if you’re not experienced; it will likely end up costing you much more down the line.
Whether you are replacing a roof before you sell your house or it’s just time for a new roof, a roof replacement is going to cost you a bit of money. While replacing your roof might not have been in your budget for this year, it doesn’t have to completely break the bank. Just remember that taking care of any signs of damage and replacing your roof when necessary will help you save money in the long run. It’s worth the investment. Your roof replacement costs are based on a number of factors, including where you live. For more information on how much a roof replacement costs based on your area, type of home, and other factors, click here. Once you get a better idea on costs, check out these seven ways to help you replace a roof on a budget.
First and foremost, you’ll need to get organized and create an outline of your roofing needs. There are a lot of variables that go into roof replacement that can impact costs. The size of your roof will be one of the largest variables. Other variables include the roofing materials you use, how much debris is built up on your current roof, your home’s overall structure, and any contractor and permits that will be needed.
Next, start researching the different types of roofing materials available to you. Some materials are more affordable than others. Even if it’s not your ideal look, it could help you save hundreds, maybe thousands, of dollars. Look at the pros and cons of each type of roofing material available. Additionally, pay attention to the cost so you make a decision based on all of the factors involved. Once you’ve done a bit of research, use an online estimator to determine how much it will cost to replace your roof.
Depending on your homeowner’s insurance, you may be eligible to have some of your roof replacement costs covered. For example, if you need to get a roof replacement due to bad weather, your insurer might be responsible for the full replacement cost. If your roof replacement is due to neglect, you will be responsible for the costs. Talk to your provider to learn more about what your homeowner’s insurance means for roof replacements.
Always expect the unexpected. Even if you plan things to the key and find yourself right inside your budget, things can go wrong—or unplanned. The problem with roofing replacements is that your roofing contractor might not know the extent of the damage until the old roof is torn up. There could be rotted foundation, structural support that needs repairing, or water damage. Always plan for the unexpected so you don’t wind up in over your head.
While we don’t recommend replacing your roof on your own, some homeowners opt to remove old roofing on their own to save costs. This will cut down the cost of a roof repair pretty substantially, as the roofing contractors will be able to get started immediately. If you do plan to do this yourself, make sure that you take all of the proper precautions and use the right equipment. Most importantly, talk to your roofing contractor about this before moving forward. Your roofing contractor might prefer to do the removal on their own and, at the very least, you’ll want to learn how much you’re saving for the amount of work you’re going to be doing. If you get the green light, figure out where you’re going to dispose of the old materials and factor in the cost of disposal.
If you have any questions for your roofing contractor, make sure to ask them upfront. Keep an open line of communication throughout the entire process. Your roofing contractor knows what they’re doing, so take their recommendations into consideration, even if it means straying from your budget a bit. For example, while one type of roofing material may be the lowest in cost, it might only last for 5-10 years. Alternatively, another material is a little more expensive but will last for 25 years. Think long-term and talk to your contractor about your options.
Finally, the best way to replace a roof on a budget is to find a reputable roofing contractor that knows what they’re doing. If you hire a budget contractor, you’re probably going to find yourself with more repairs and a more stressful upkeep following the roof replacement. Again, the longevity of your roof replacement costs needs to be considered; while you might save some money upfront with a cheap company, you’ll end up paying more later.
If you notice any signs of damage or think it’s time for a roof replacement, contact the professionals at Advocate Construction. Our team of roofing contractors will provide a professional inspection to determine the best course of action for replacing a roof. We’re trained to spot even the smallest signs of damage so we can fix problems before they get out of hand. We’ll provide an affordable estimate on the spot so that you don’t suffer through the annoyances, and costs, of prolonged damage. We also offer flexible financing, with rates as low as 0%.
Advocate’s experienced roofing contractors are here to make sure your roofing jobs are done efficiently with no hidden costs. We pride ourselves on working with integrity and longevity in mind. To contact an experienced roofing contractor from Advocate Construction, give us a call today to learn about how you can get a free inspection at 833-409-ROOF (7663).