5 Questions to Ask Before Replacing Your Roof

 
A solid highly functioning roof system is vital to the health of your home. If it is time to replace your roof, there are five questions you should ask before you make your decision about which roof is right for your home. Information is power when it comes to making an informed decision about your roof. Learn what questions to ask your roofer.

What Are My Options?

The health of your home depends heavily on the health of your roof. If your roof is not performing as it should, it is time to replace it. Most homeowners have never replaced their roof which means you likely are not fully aware of all the options there are. Ask your roofer about what roofing options they have to offer. There are new roof technologies available that can help improve energy efficiency while they protect the health of your home and all the systems in it. A cool roof system can provide a great deal of insulation from the heat and can reduce cooling needs by 10% to 15%. Ask your roofer about your options for energy-efficient roofing.

Does the Value Outweigh the Cost?

Of course, one of the very first questions anyone asks a roofer is how much will this new roof cost. It is normal to want to protect your budget health. It is important to ask your roofer about costs, but it is also very important that you weigh costs with the value that you will get from your roof.

According to the NAHB a roof can last from 20 to 50 years, depending on the material that is used. When you are evaluating your roofing costs, keep that in mind. You will pay more for a metal roof than for an asphalt shingle roof because metal is more durable and will last much longer. Depending on when or if you plan on selling your home, the less expensive roof may be the better option, but if this is your home forever, a more expensive roof may be the best option. In other words, don't just automatically go with the lower cost. Ask questions about the warranty period and the level of energy efficiency. Gather all the information you need before you make a decision.

What Financing Is Available?

Many roofing companies offer easy financing terms for qualified homeowners. You can keep your budget in good health by learning more about your financing options. It is easier in many cases to make a monthly payment than it is to wipe out savings to pay for a new roof. Ask your roofer about how they can make your roof more affordable.

Are There Any Discounts Available?

Still worried about your financial health and how a new roof is going to affect that? Ask your roofer about any special programs they have or discounts they offer. Many big roofing concerns will offer discounts to military members, veterans, the disabled, the elderly, and even first responders and teachers, but you have to ask.

You have nothing to lose by asking. Either you hear no or you hear about a great program that could potentially save you thousands of dollars. It is always worth asking.

How Long Will the Project Take?

It is important that you know what you are getting into time-wise. While roofing is not quite as invasive as having your kitchen or bath redone, it still requires that people are on the job site and it is always a good idea to find out how long they will be there.

After you get all your answers make sure you get everything in writing. A verbal agreement rarely stands up in court if things should go south. Write it all down and make sure it is incorporated into your contract. Don't sign your contract until everything you talked about is included.