Roof Buying Guide
Bob Harvey Roofing • October 16, 2020
Repair or Replace your Utah Roof
Once you start experiencing roof issues, repairs can only go so far before it becomes necessary to do a full replacement. While you can replace shingles and fix leaks, eventually, you must do a comprehensive overhaul. It is not advisable to put off replacing your roof—as water damage can result in costly damage to your property and belongings.
Replacing your roof is a significant task, so it is worth doing your research to ensure you maximize your investment. Aside from pricing and roofing material factors, how to choose the best contractor is another crucial consideration to help you make the right decisions.
This roof guide seeks to discuss various roof considerations to make you a smart and well-informed roof buyer.
Spotting Potential Roof Problems
Start by examining your roof and look for indications of wear and tear. These signs include cracked, curled, broken, and missing shingles; moss growth; rusty spots on roof flashing; and any peeling paint or discoloration under eaves. Also, ensure that there are not any branches near your roof as they could rub against, lift or even puncture your roof shingles.
Inside your home, check for dark patches on walls and ceilings. These are notable signs that you are experiencing water damage due to a leak from your roof.
Key Considerations
Here are some of the notable considerations once you have decided to replace your roof:
- Roof cost
If you have a tight budget and you are looking for a reliable roof that won’t break your bank account, you should choose asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are not only the cheapest roofing option in terms of buying and installing, but they can also easily last you a few decades with minimal repair issues. Also, the shingles can be added on top of an existing roof provided there was only a single layer, thus making the replacement work more efficiently.
- How are roofs priced?
Understanding how roofs are priced can help you when formulating a budget for either a repair or replacement. Roofing is priced by the square, representing a 10×10 foot area of the roof, or 100 sq/ft. Roofers usually will measure your home from the ground, and then give a price based on the roof size.
- Insurance Coverage
Call your local homeowners’ insurance firm to determine your coverage and deductibles for roof replacement or repair. In most cases, these policies will contribute towards general repair jobs, but will not cover a full replacement. However, if your insurer gives you a payout, you can add that money to the total costs of doing a roof replacement.
Determine the Type of Roof You Want
Are you looking for the classic roofing material like asphalt shingles, or do you want to try other choices like slate or steel roofs? Asphalt shingles offer some of the best roof qualities since they blend exceptional longevity, attractive appearance, and an affordable price. They are also easier to install than specialty roofing choices that tend to be more costly.
How to Select a Roofer?
All roofers are not the same, and you must hire a professional contractor. The following are helpful guidelines to ensure you choose the best roofer:
- Experience : Look for a roofer with extensive experience and a proven record of delivering high-quality results. Ask them for references or completed projects, and check online for client reviews.
- Insurance – Make sure the contractor has proper insurance that covers both general liability and worker’s compensation.
- Location – It is always best to go with a local contractor right here in Utah for better compliance with local building codes and the ability to quickly respond to any emergency roofing needs.
Bob Harvey has been providing exceptional roofing services in Northern Utah and surrounding areas for over three decades. If you’d like more information on how to choose the right roof for your property, call Bob Harvey Roofing today at 801-544-5125 or send us an email at bob@bobharveyroofing.com. Call today to schedule your roof inspection from one of the best roofing companies in utah.
