7 QUESTIONS YOU MUST ASK BEFORE YOU INSTALL A NEW ROOF

What’s the key to getting a roof you’ll love? It starts with asking the right questions.

Key Points:

• When re-roofing, asking some essential questions can help you choose the roofing option that is best for your home.

• Not all roofing material is created equal, so it’s important to consider your goals and priorities.

• There are many variables when it comes to re-roofing a home so work with an installer who can help you navigate your options.

When it comes time to replace your roof, experts say that asking your installer the right questions is one of the most important things you can do to maximize your investment and get a long-lasting roof that you will love.

“Replacing a roof is a major expense and it has a big impact on how a home looks and performs,” said Renee Ramey, MRA executive director. “Because there are so many variables, it can be stressful and anxiety-producing, causing homeowners to feel uneasy about whether they are making the right choices. But it doesn’t have to be that way: asking good questions goes a long way towards making a wise decision.”

According to Ramey, the first step is finding a reputable, qualified pro who will conduct a thorough and honest evaluation of your roof’s current condition and determine whether replacement is necessary. Don’t just go with an installer who wants to push the cheapest replacement option that they also happen to specialize in – try to find an experienced installer who has the proven ability to install a variety of roofing system solutions that match the different needs and priorities you may have for your home.

From there, here are 7 essential questions to ask before making a re-roofing decision:

1) Based on my region, what are the best options for protecting my home?

To get the best roof, plan for the worst. Hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, snow, hail, wind: consider the challenges in your region and make sure your roof is designed to withstand them. The ultimate security comes from knowing your roof offers maximum protection for whatever Mother Nature throws at it, not just hoping it will. Be sure to consider needed accessories such as snow guards, heavy duty gutters and waterproof underlayment that can help you avoid hassles and expenses later on.

2) What are the ongoing maintenance needs and requirements?

No matter what the material, all roofs typically look great when they are brand new. But certain materials such as asphalt, wood shake and clay can be particularly prone to maintenance issues such as moss, algae and fungus especially in wet and humid climates. Left unchecked, these issues are at best unsightly and at worst, shorten the lifespan and cause serious damage to a roof. Regular, professional treatments can be expensive and environmentally harmful. Ask about low maintenance options such as metal roofing that often require just plain water and gentle soap to keep looking great.

3) Beyond warranties, what credible, third party ratings can verify performance?           

Warranties are very important, including both material and labor. Beyond that, make sure a roof is rated by independent, credible sources for its ability to withstand fire, high winds and hail, while helping save energy. Be sure to ask your installer about proper insulation and underlayments designed to meet or exceed regional building codes and help provide protection against regional climate threats in your area.

4) What are my choices for a strong, yet structurally sound, roof?

There are lots of strong roofing options out there, including slate and clay, but these heavyweights may require additional reinforcement (and expense) of a roof’s underlying structure. Snow and ice loads can add significantly to that weight, so homeowner who want a similar look may want to opt for metal roofing that can mimic those materials. Metal offers superior strength under the most severe conditions, yet is much lighter per square foot, so additional structural reinforcements typically aren’t necessary. 

5) Who is the manufacturer and what is their reputation?

For roofs designed to last and deliver carefree performance and protection, quality matters. The cheapest bid is often not the best deal. Learn more about the material being proposed, where it is sourced and whether the manufacturer has a solid reputation and will stand behind their products. Be sure they use high quality techniques and materials. For example, high tech paint and coatings can make a huge difference in the durability, performance and ongoing maintenance of a roof. Ask for details and verification from your installer regarding the material specs being proposed.

6) How do I choose the right style for my home?

Ideally, a new roof will last a very long time, so choosing the right look matters. Again, it is important to consider regional conditions and never prioritize design over performance. For example, even if you love the look of wood shake, do not use it in a wildfire prone area. Instead, choose a material like metal that can mimic the look but won’t compromise on protection.

7) What are the most sustainable roofing choices?

Consider the lifecycle of a roof, from tear off to manufacturing to longevity. Some materials, like metal roofing, can be installed right over an older asphalt roof to avoid tear off and landfill waste. They also can be 100% recycled at the end of their long life and last up to three times longer than other roofing types. In addition, quality metal roofs with high performance coatings offer among the best energy efficiency of any roofing material.