Thinking About Replacing Your Roof? Here's What You Need to Know!

Chris Tighe, President | Elevation Construction | RHA Member

When I talk to investors about renovating their property, I always suggest working from the outside to the inside. The outside is the protective shell that will keep the elements out of the house and will protect your investment. Doing a renovation in reverse order could cost a lot more money in the end. In this article, we’ll discuss the different considerations and steps you need to take when replacing your roof.

Benefits of Replacing a Roof

Replacing a roof has many benefits. The most obvious one is that it will improve the appearance of your home. A new roof will give your rental property a fresh new look and will give your tenants the assurance that the landlord cares about the property. Additionally, replacing a roof will extend its lifespan. A new roof can last up to 20 years, so you won’t have to worry about replacing your roof for a long time.

Considerations When Replacing a Roof

Before replacing your roof, there are a few things you should consider. First, you should determine if your roof needs to be replaced. Some signs of a failing roof include:

• Curling or missing shingles

• If you’re looking from the outside and see bowing in the roof, that could be an indication that the roof decking is bad and will need to be replaced.

• If you have access to the attic space, look for water stains in the wood.

• If you see mold growing on the roof decking from the inside of the attic, it’s time to replace the roof decking and shingles, and update the ventilation.

Another consideration is the type of material you want to use. For shingle roofs, asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes, so you have plenty of options. For flat roofs, you can go with either a torch-down roof, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), or a TPO roof (Thermoplastic Polyolefin - primarily recycled rubber). In my experience, TPO roofs are of better quality and last longer (up to 30 years).

Additionally for flat roofs, if there are areas where the water pools during heavy rain storms, be sure to create a drainage system that will drain the water off of the roof. The weight of the water will create a problem over time.

Hiring a Professional Roofing Contractor

Replacing a roof is an important job, so it’s important to hire a professional roofing contractor. A professional roofer will be able to inspect your roof and make sure that it’s in good condition before the replacement. They will lso be able to give you advice on the type of shingles that are best for your roof and climate. And, most importantly, they will be able to safely and efficiently install the new roof.

Cost of Replacing a Roof

The cost of replacing a roof will vary depending on the size of your roof, the type of material you choose, and other factors. The cost will also depend on whether you hire a professional roofer or do the job yourself (not recommended). When hiring a professional, make sure to get multiple quotes and compare them before making a decision. Keep in mind that the cheapest quote can sometimes cost you more money in the end. Beware of contractors who underbid to later nickel and dime you with change orders.

Sometimes there could be just a simple fix for your roof. But if your roof shows obvious signs that it needs to be replaced, don’t keep spending money to patch up an old roof. Old problems will keep causing issues and they usually appear during rain storms. We recently did a job where two units got flooded out due to a bad roof. Not only did it cause damage, but the tenants had to move into a hotel while the units were being repaired. All of this could have been avoided with a new roof. All of the money spent on the damaged units could have been allocated toward a new roof.

Maintenance Tips for a Roof

Once you’ve replaced your roof, it’s important to take care of it properly. Regular maintenance will help keep your roof in good condition and extend its lifespan. Here are some maintenance tips for a roof:

• Inspect your roof regularly for any signs of damage.

• Clean your gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent water buildup.

• Trim any trees or branches that are close to your roof.

• Make sure your roof is adequately ventilated.

• For shingle roofs, check your shingles for any signs of curling or cracking.

Conclusion

Replacing a roof can be a pricey job, but it’s worth it in the long run. Replacing a roof can improve the appearance of your home, increase its energy efficiency, and extend its lifespan. When replacing a roof, make sure to consider the type of material you want, the cost, and the installation process. Lastly, make sure to hire a professional roofer for the job and properly maintain your roof. If you need help, check out our website for more information on roof replacements! We’d be happy to help!

If you are interested in learning more about Elevation Construction (and maintenance), check out our website at www.elevationconstructionteam.com or call us at 425-633-2416. Elevation construction can help you with any renovations on your rental property and we can help you with your maintenance work orders!