Roof Replacement: Questions You Should Ask Your Roofer Before Replacing

Roof replacements are laborious projects that need proper planning. As a homeowner, you should know what questions to ask your roofing contractor in order to adequately plan for your upcoming project as roof replacements can be costly and disruptive to your household.

In this post, Deschutes Roofing shares the questions you should keep in mind before starting your roof replacement project.

Can I Stay in My Home During the Roof Replacement?

Staying in your home may seem more practical, but keep in mind that roof replacements are usually noisy and messy and can disturb your family. Noise, debris, vibrations from the roof installation, and foot traffic are things you should consider when making your decision to stay in your home or find a temporary place during your roof replacement.

Expect your routine to be disrupted by the installation of your new roof. Furthermore, if you have babies or young children, or pets that are sensitive to noise, they will likely be stressed by the sounds from the roof work. If you have family members who work from home, the noise can cause problems during their meetings or affect their concentration. The falling debris and the accumulation of dust in the air can cause health issues as well.

With these in mind, it might be best to leave your home during roof replacement to avoid the hassle. Renting a hotel room or staying with relatives may be worth considering. Don’t forget to bring your pets or set them up in a pet boarding facility.

How Much Do Roofing Replacements Cost?

It depends on many factors, such as the materials, the size of your roof, the cost of your contractor’s services, and more.

Roofing materials such as slate and clay tiles are costly, while asphalt shingles are generally more affordable. Each of these roofing materials has its advantages and disadvantages, and the cost of a material is usually an indication of its quality and performance. Slate, while expensive, is extremely durable and fire-resistant. It can last between 50 and 100 years. Asphalt shingles, which can last for 20 to 25 years, are cheaper and adequately effective in protecting your home against the elements. To learn more about these roofing materials, consult your roof repair specialist.

In specific cases, your insurance can cover the expenses of a partial or full roof replacement. For instance, if your roof was damaged during a storm, your home insurance could pay for your new roof.

Timing also plays a role in the overall costs of your roofing project. Roofers commonly offer discounts during winter and spring but also try to consider other times of the year when demand for roofing service is low in your area.

With regards to service costs, it’s good practice to compare estimates from multiple roof repair and replacement companies to get an idea of what a reasonable price is. Also, make sure to check a company’s history in the Better Business Bureau® to see if there are any service complaints or issues with your prospective roofers.

What Types of Roofs Are on the Market?

The right roof should be suitable to your local climate, the design of your home, and style preference. If you’re looking for a material that works in most types of climates, an asphalt shingle roof is a good choice. Clay tiles are best for areas that are hot and humid, and they are also preferred by homeowners due to their long life span, which can last for a century or more.

However, always keep in mind that not all homes are suited for certain roofing materials. Slate and clay tiles are heavier and require a stronger support structure under them. Homes in colder climates are best fitted with synthetic tiles as cold temperatures can cause issues with organic shingles, which tend to crack more in frigid climates. Metal roofing is flexible as it can perform well in both hot and cold climates, but the fasteners in them can wear out quickly and the material can rust if not properly maintained.

How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?

The duration varies and relies on many factors, like:

• The extent of the roof replacement
• Size of your roof
• Local weather
• The condition of other essential components like fascia, soffits, and gutters

Typically, roof replacement can be finished in one to three days, depending on the factors listed above and the speed and skill of the contractor you hired.

Other Things You Should Keep In Mind

• Roof replacement produces a lot of debris, so make sure to cover your belongings with a tarp. This doesn’t only protect them from falling debris, but it also makes it easier to clean dust and refuse materials after the installation.
• As debris will be accumulating in many parts of your home, it is also recommended to put a trash bag or something similar under your vents to catch dust and debris coming from your attic.
• Fragile belongings — like ceramics, pottery, and picture frames — should be safely stored while the project is ongoing. Hanging frames, for instance, may fall from the walls when the roof installation causes vibrations.
• Clear your driveway. Have your vehicles parked at a safe distance as falling debris can damage them. Moreover, clearing your driveway space is needed since this is usually where contractors place a dumpster for waste disposal.
• Remove or cover your patio furniture as well as your plants and yard. If you have a swimming pool, drain or cover it to prevent debris from falling into the water.

If you have shrubs or delicate plants in your yard, you can cover them with wire netting or any other protective material to avoid damage. If there are potted plants around your home that are at risk of being damaged, move them to a different area — for example, near your tool shed or any place that’s not in the immediate work zone.

Get a reputable roofing contractor for your roof replacement today! Veteran-owned company Deschutes Roofing provides commercial and residential roofing services with high-quality workmanship and great value.

Keep your roof well-maintained and properly inspected with the help of our skilled roofers.

For any inquiries, fill out our contact form or contact us at the following numbers: (541) 241-5720 (Bend), (503) 967-9590 (Portland), (541) 246-6860 (Eugene), (503) 468-7663 (Lake Oswego) or (503) 928-8750 (Beaverton).