5 Things to Know Before You Replace Your Roof

Your roof protects your home from sun, wind, snow, and everything in between. Because a replacement is a significant investment that only happens every couple of decades, it's worth understanding a few things before the work begins.

Roofing materials

Roofing materials vary widely in cost, durability, and appearance. It's worth researching current options rather than defaulting to what was on the roof before — some materials now outperform traditional asphalt shingles in both durability and looks.

Paperwork

Before any roofing work starts, make sure the proper documentation is in place: a building permit where required, so the work meets local building code, and a written contract that spells out the product specifications, warranty coverage, and total project cost.

Choosing a contractor

Price alone isn't a good way to choose a roofing contractor — the lowest bid isn't always the best value. Ask questions, check references, and do your research, since a new roof is a long-term investment in your home.

Magnetic sweep

A magnetic sweep is a simple but important step where the contractor collects loose nails and metal debris from the old roof off your property. It's a good practice to confirm this has been done before considering the job complete.

Stripping the old roof

In some cases a new layer of asphalt shingles can be installed over an existing single layer to save on cost, but this is typically only done once. If a roof already has two layers, the old layers need to be stripped first — the added weight of a third layer isn't something most roofs can safely support, and stripping also allows the contractor to inspect and repair the flashing and decking underneath.

Summary

Choosing quality materials and a contractor you trust are the two decisions that matter most before a roof replacement. Getting both right gives you a roof that performs well and lasts for years.