Since it has been well over a decade since the last roof was installed, you are wondering if it’s time for a new one. After consulting with a roofing contractor, you decide that it is time to take action. As you prepare for the new roofing installation, it is important to keep a few basic facts in mind. Doing so will make it much easier to prepare for what is to come.
You Want a Contract
Before you hire a contractor to oversee the installation of the new roof, always have a written agreement in place. That agreement will include particulars about the scope of the services that will be provided, and the associated costs. The contract will also address issues such as the need to pay a portion of those costs up front. In the event that you are financing the installation through the contractor, chances are the amount you must pay up front will be relatively low.
The Old Roof May Have to Go
There are instances in which a roofing installation can be managed without the need to remove the old roof. If you are sure that there is only one roof on your home, it is certainly possible to avoid the time and expense of having the old roof stripped away. When there is already two layers of roofing in place, the contractor will have no choice but to remove everything and start fresh.
This is due to the residential building and safety codes that are in effect in most jurisdictions. While the frame of the home and the roof will likely support two sets of shingles, the chances of providing adequate support for three layers is almost non-existent. Rather than creating a safety hazard for you and your family, the contractor will have all the older roofing materials removed before the work on the new installation actually commences.
Roofing is Noisy Work
There is no getting around the fact that the installation of a new roof will require a great deal of noise. Along with the hammering, there is the need to trim sections of shingles to the proper dimensions, make sure that any flashing is mounted and sealed properly, and in general do everything necessary to ensure the roof is sturdy and secure.
If you are home most of the day, you will certainly be aware of the roofing team as they walk across the expanse of the roofline. You will hear them calling for more shingles to be lifted up to the roof, and even be aware of their movements as they move from ground level to the roof, and then back again. Since the work may begin early in the morning, you may need to adjust your daily routine slightly and save any tasks that require peace and quiet for later in the day.
Above all, communicate with the roofing contractor. Any questions or concerns should be addressed quickly. This will help to ensure that you remain confident in the way the roof is progressing, and the contractor can make sure the roofing crew is getting the job done in a timely manner.