If you don’t know much about the ins and outs of roofing, it’s okay.
You can always take the time to learn a few tips to make smart decisions about your roof, including how to vet and hire the right contractor.
To help you get started, here are our top seven roofing tips for homeowners.
1. Double-Layer Shingles Aren’t Ideal
Some roofers will offer you a way to save on your roof installation costs: simply putting a new roof on top of your current roof. Double-layering shingles can save money, but they can also cause roof problems. While some manufacturers will still give you a warranty on the upper roof, some do not. Further, you can only do this trick once. Next time, your roofers will need to take off both old roof layers.
2. Financing is Available
Plus, financing through your roofing company isn’t your only option. We get it, roofs are expensive and necessary. You don’t want to put them off, so you can pursue financing through different means and look for the best option among the possibilities:
- Personal lines of credit
- Credit cards
- Government loans
- Third-party financing
3. Most Insurance Coverage Isn’t Replacement Value
Very few people have insurance coverage for the entire cost of replacing their roof. Instead, most people have insurance coverage that will cover the current value of the roof. So, a very old roof may not be worth much at all. Even if it is damaged by a covered peril, you may not get much money.
On the other hand, if you have a new roof, this type of insurance should cover closer to the full replacement value because the roof is still very valuable, and you would still expect to get a great deal of life out of it.
4. Consider Your Insulation
When you’re getting a roof replacement, this could be an ideal time to also change up the insulation in your attic. You may be able to get exterior access to it before the new roof is put on. Attic insulation is ruined by moisture, so at least some limited replacement may be necessary. But total replacement can improve your home’s energy efficiency.
5. There are Historic Home Options
Concerned about the authenticity of your historic home’s roof? You don’t need to choose an antiquated material and installation method to keep most historic homes looking accurate. There are modern shingles that replicate older styles and materials.
6. High-End Shingles are Sometimes Expected
If you’re planning on selling soon, it doesn’t always make sense to invest in the best shingles. That is, unless the best shingles are an expectation in your neighborhood. Take a look at local roofs and see what people are using in your neighborhood, or get advice from a real estate agent.
7. Prevent Tree Damage
Trees can do a great deal of damage to your home if they fall on your roof. It is wise to regularly look at the health of nearby trees and take down any in danger of falling over.
As always, we strongly recommend working with a reliable roofing company to get the job done right.
The Len Roofing & Remodeling Difference
When we say that we’re a top-quality home remodeling and roofing company that serves the North Shore and surrounding Chicagoland area, we back it up. We do more than simply cover the basics: we show up on time and nail it. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 847-768-6000 or visit our contact page.
