Do you have questions about your current roof, a new roof, or the choice of roofing companies you will work with? You’re not alone!
Q: Is it possible to repair my roof?
A: To be on the safe side, you’ll want a roofer from one of the roofing companies to do a thorough inspection. This inspection should include both the interior and exterior of your home.
You can get some clues before inspection. Start with the age of your roof. If you are near the end of the life of your roof, repair may not be possible. However, if you have just installed your roof in the last five years, there is a much higher chance that it will get repaired.
How serious is the problem? If you have a small leak, repair is likely an option. If you can see signs of multiple areas of concern within your home, that may spell a bigger problem. Signs to look for include water stains on ceilings and blistered or peeling paint inside your home. Outside of your home, if you can see damaged areas spread across the entire surface of your roof, you are more likely to need a replacement.
Q: How much will it cost to replace a roof?
A: The answer to this question will vary widely. Contact roofing companies, they should be willing to give you a free, no-obligation estimate for your new roof. This estimate will be based on several different things.
How big is your ceiling (square footage), how steep your roof is (how steep it is), how difficult your project is (they will take care of a lot of accessibility issues), and of course what materials you choose. Asphalt, wood shingles, slate, or any number of different materials are available to you and vary widely in price. Other things to consider are labor and permit costs. Your roofing contractor can explain it to you in more detail, and it should. A roofing project could easily range from 2,000 to 20,000 depending on these factors.
Q: When should I replace my roof?
A: It is ideal to replace your roof during a time of year when it does not freeze regularly. If you can avoid strong winds and frequent rain or snow, that’s ideal too. These things can slow down the roof installation and lead to potential leaks during the installation process.
However, life is often far from ideal, especially when it comes to home repairs! If you find yourself in the position of needing a new roof during a rainy or cold time of year, take extra care when choosing between roofing companies. You’ll want to work with a company that will take all the extra precautions necessary to ensure a great installation in less than excellent condition.
Q: How long will my new roof last?
A: The answer to this will depend on the material you choose. Some materials last much longer than others. Asphalt, a common option, usually lasts between 20 and 30 years. Other fabricated materials can last up to 50! Your manufacturer’s warranty will give you clear guidance on how long the material of your choice is expected to last.
Maintenance is very important to get the most out of the life of your roof. Roofing companies can tell you what recurring maintenance is important to your roof and what you absolutely should avoid doing on your roof.
It is important to have your roof and home inspected, as things like ventilation can have a major impact on the strength of the roof. Poor ventilation can be VERY damaging and significantly reduce the life of your roof.
Q: How do I make the right choice between roofing companies?
A: Contact roofing companies that provide free, no-obligation estimates. When comparing these estimates, be sure to carefully compare the types of materials and services that are provided.
Use the Better Business Bureau to check if the roofers you want to use have positive reports or complaints. Check references! The Minneapolis roofing companies you are considering should be able and willing to provide them.