When it comes to determining if you need a new roof, there is a lot to think about and consider. Often homeowners are unsure if a new roof is necessary or if the existing roof just needs some minor repairs.
The best way to know is to have a local roofing contractor come to the house for a free consultation. They will evaluate the home’s roofing materials as well as the structural soundness.
Replacing a roof with a new roof can be an expensive investment. A roofing contractor will advise you about the roof's condition and the best steps to take going forward.
When determining if you need a new roof, the most obvious factor is that a new roof will be expensive. When a new roof is needed it’s important to make sure everyone in the household knows what is going on. It will alter your life while the work is being done, which is typically about a week.
A new roof is best installed when life is not chaotic and nothing pertinent for the family is happening. The stress that comes along with paying for a new roof and living in the home while the roof is installed is exhausting.
Having a baby, starting a new job, kids studying are all good reasons to delay a new roof install. Installing a new roof will be loud, and you should be prepared for early mornings.
The best time for roofers to remove shingling and old roofing is in the morning when temperatures have not peeked.
Another thing to think about when beginning a new roof installation is the material that you will use for your roof. Shingles and tiles are the most common choice for homes here in the Southwest however; depending on your home’s style, flat or foam roofing can be considered.
When considering materials to use it is best to do a benefits analysis to decide if the extra money for a tile roof is worth it in the long run over shingling. If you plan on staying in your home for a long time a tile roof will stand the test of time, and you will not need to worry about the hassle of a new roof in twenty years.
When choosing a contractor for your new roof, the best way to find reliable roofers is to check their reviews online as well as ask neighbors, friends, and family for referrals.
If you find a roofer online it is important that you are able to contact their referrals to ensure they are satisfied with the job that was done on their home. It is the appropriate time to ask about the time frame of the job as well as the cost in comparison to the original quote.
Homeowners should also consider asking about the mess, the cleanup, and the professional nature of the crew. These are important things to inquire about before you hire a roofing contractor to install your new roof.
A roofing contractor can seem incredibly professional when selling you on a new roof but finding out what they are like in the heat of a roof replacement is what you need to know.
Asking their referrals and checking their reviews and testimonials is a sure-fire way to know ahead of time what you are getting into.
The last thing to do before any work is done replacing or repairing a roof is to have a signed contract. A contract between the roofer and the homeowner should include labor and material costs, an estimate on competition time, and a copy of the roofer's insurance.
It is important that the roofer covers insurance coverage for the employees. This responsibility is not that of the homeowners and is not theirs to be liable for should an accident occur.
All reputable roofing companies will have no problem supplying you with proof that they are fully insured.
When determining if you need a new roof, trusting the people working on your home is a number one priority. Hiring a company for a big job such as a new roof is not something to consider lightly.
The home’s roof is structurally important to the house and therefore care should be taken when work is done on it.
When it comes to first impressions you only get one chance; that is why it’s called the first. Your homes first impression comes from its curb appeal and your roof installation can greatly affect it. This isn’t something most homeowners think about when it comes to home improvements and renovations.
The reality is that curb appeal can truly end up being the deal maker or breaker when it comes to selling your house. Without a doubt, one of your top priorities when it comes to improving your home should be the homes exterior, and your roof installation is an important part of that.
Besides your home’s landscaping, windows, siding, your roof installation is beyond important when it comes to curb appeal. Your home’s roof installation is one of the main aspects of your home seeing that is covers about fifty percent of the home visible surface. The roof installation often goes unnoticed by homeowners as it is not something that requires constant attention. With your home’s roof, often yearly maintenance is enough to keep the roof functioning structurally as well as looking good. Therefore it is often something that is overlooked with the overall curb appeal of your home. The time will come when your home needs a new roof installation to maintain curb appeal and maintain its structure.
An experienced roofing installation contractor is the best source of information when it comes to your new roof installation. Many homeowners are inclined to select a roofing material based on their limited knowledge in roofing, the color of the shingles or even the price. An experienced roofer takes all of this into consideration as well as more important criteria such as durability, climate, weather conditions, and exposure. With this information they find a roofing material that will not only withstand the test of time, add curb appeal but also give you the best value for your new roof. Roofing contractors also have the added advantage of experience with different roofing materials and styles. Roofers have the ability to look at the exterior of the home and recommend products that will enhance the existing exterior.
This is also true of homeowners that are looking into changing the exterior all together as well. There is more to roof installation than choosing between shingles, tile and foam roofing. Asphalt shingles come in a variety of styles just like tile roofing. Roofing professionals will perform a roof installation that enhances your homes curb appeal using appropriate materials that will stand the test of time taking into consideration natural elements that affect your roofs durability. More Information: Mikku and Sons Roofing offer a variety of roofing services throughout the greater Phoenix area, including roof installation of shingle roofs, tile roofing, flat and foam roofing and roof repairs.
When you’re trying to decide which material is best for your new roof, there are several factors to consider. Here in Arizona we have extreme heat in the summer months and beautiful, cool days in the winter. If you can take the summer heat, Arizona is a great place to live the rest of the year. However, with the extreme temperature changes form season to season, you need to make some intelligent choices about the materials you use to build a home.
Choosing the right material, whether you’re building a new house or replacing the roof on your existing home, will be a major factor in how your home looks and how long your roof lasts over time. If you live in a homeowners association, you may not have a choice. The two choices used the most here in Arizona are asphalt shingles and tile.
To hold up against the elements, asphalt shingles are made of one of two materials. They have either an organic or a fiberglass base and are coated with minerals and an asphalt saturation.
They come in a wide variety of colors and styles giving you options for the look you want. They’re very durable and make it easier for someone to be up on your roof without causing damage. They’re also considerably less expensive than tile.
There are a couple of drawbacks, however. First, they can discolor over time so that fresh, new look you have when they’re first installed may fade. Secondly, they make it a little more difficult to heat and cool your property, as the materials used on the top of your roof don’t breathe very well. If they’re properly maintained and inspected over time, they should last between 20 and 40 years, depending on the type of shingle used.
The most widely used option for roofing in our state, due to the extremely dry climate, is concrete or clay tile. They’re more expensive than asphalt shingles, but they have a longer lifespan – as much as 50 years – they’re easier on your utility bills as they’re more energy efficient, they give a much more “southwest” regional look to your property and they’re more heat resistant and fireproof.
They do have a couple of downsides, however. Concrete and clay tiles are much heavier than asphalt shingles, requiring an entirely different type of support system for your roof, adding to the cost. Also, they can become somewhat fragile, which can make them more likely to break or crack, especially if someone has to go up on the roof for some reason. They also have more costly periodic maintenance requirements than shingles.
As you can see, there are pros and cons to each type. Tile roof homes are usually appraised at higher values than shingles, and they both have their maintenance costs. But, in the end they’re both quality products that will last a long time with proper maintenance and protect your home well from the extreme elements we have here in Arizona. What it really comes down to is your personal preference of how you want your home to look and your budget, but either way is a great choice.
Arizona’s extreme weather conditions can be harsh on your roof. It is important to know what to expect regarding the lifespan of a new roof given these conditions. Many Arizona residents are hear for the warm winter weather, heading back to their summer homes once the temperatures rise. Their roofs are left behind amidst the big swings in temperatures, sometimes high winds, and rain from monsoon storms.
There isn’t a lot of rainfall, compared to other parts of the country, so you may think your roof here isn’t stressed as much as it might be somewhere else. Expanding and contracting materials tend to wear out quickly in fluctuating hot and cool temperatures. Monsoons then bring rain, high winds and blowing sand, which can damage a new roof in a hurry.
The type of material you use for your new roof depends on several factors including how you want your home to look and the budget you have to work with. A professional consultation with one of the professionals at Mikku and Sons Roofing and Repair can help in determining the right Phoenix roof installation for you. Here’s a list of the most common materials and how long they should last if you properly maintain them:
Something to keep in mind: it isn’t always the material on top that can cause problems. As mentioned above, with a tile roof, the underlayment that’s placed beneath the tiles for an extra layer of protection can dry out and will probably have to be replaced every 12 to 15 years. So, its important that you do inspections at certain intervals in the life of your roof and perform common maintenance tasks to insure you get the most possible years from your roof’s
materials.
The best way to make sure your roof lasts is to get it inspected on a regular basis. If you have gutters, make sure you’re cleaning and clearing them out monthly to get rid of any debris and ensure proper water flow from them. Keep an eye out for loose shingles or tiles, especially after monsoon storms, that could cause water to get under the top material. If you have tall trees, make sure you keep the branches trimmed and away from the roof so that they don’t drop leaves and other organic material on it. Tree branches can also scrape the top of your roof during strong winds and knock off shingles or tiles.
If you have a flat roof, check it after storms to make sure debris isn’t impeding the flow of water off of it and leaving standing pools that can erode the materials on top. Finally, inspect your roof yourself every 3 months and then have a professional roofing company inspect it annually to catch any problems you may have missed early. Your roof is one of the most vital and expensive components of your home. Follow these suggestions and it should last a good, long time.
Do-it-yourself projects are currently very popular, but you should know when you need a phoenix roofer. Learn when it’s time to bring in the experts for the benefit of your home and your finances. A professional roofing company will help your roof look and perform at its very best, but they can’t make that happen unless you let them know when you need help.
Routine maintenance is an extremely important part of properly maintaining your roof. It will prevent avoidable problems down the road. No matter how simple the maintenance task might seem, you should leave the job to a professional who has the training, knowledge and experience necessary to do the job adequately. Your roof is your home’s strongest and most important line of protection. It only makes sense to do everything possible to protect it.
Getting Ready for a Move? If you’re planning on putting your home on the market in the near future, you can definitely increase its market value and curb appeal by tearing off your current worn out roof and replacing it with a new one. By investing in the repairs upfront, you can sell your property for more than you probably thought. Even if you’re planning on staying for some time, a new roof is a great way to improve your home’s exterior look for the better.
Visually inspect your roof several times a year, but a professional can do a much more thorough job. If you see any streaking, stains, buckling, curling or missing tiles or shingles, make sure to let your roofing contractor know as early as possible. Even if you don’t go up on your roof, you probably have problems with the materials if you ever see water stains in your attic, ceilings or walls on the interior of your home.