Most homeowners will only replace the roof on their home once. A quality roof can last for decades but if you own your home for 30 years or buy a used home, there is a good chance you will need to replace the roof at some point. It is a large investment but if you choose the right option, it should be a once in a lifetime purchase. Here are some considerations on whether the time has come to replace your roof.
How Old is Your Roof?
When was your current roof installed? This is a major factor but not the only consideration. If your roof is still in great shape even after 20-30 years, there is no reason to replace it. It also matters what type of roof you have – some quality roofs can last for well over 30 years.
How Often Do You Need Repairs?
If you have had leaks or other problems with your roof that needed repair over the last few years, replacement should be considered. Constantly investing money in repairs can be pointless, especially when a roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.
Will Your Roof Make it Another Winter?
You do not want to have your roof fail you during the coldest or wettest months of the year. Summer is the time to replace your roof if you have any concerns that it will not last through another blast of storms and winter weather.
If you still are not sure if it is time to replace your roof, schedule an inspection with a reputable local roofing company. They can give you an honest opinion on whether it is time to replace your roof.
Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262
Most people are more conscious of how the items they use impact the environment. This includes using products that are either recyclable or made from recycled materials. When it comes to home improvements, one of the largest material items you may need to buy is a new roof. If you want to be environmentally-conscious, you will want to choose a roofing material that is either recyclable or made from recycled materials. Here are four of the best environmentally-friendly roofing options.
Wood Shingles
While chopping down trees is not necessarily environmentally-friendly, wood shingles can still be a good choice. They are recyclable and last for close to twenty years. Choose a brand that uses recycled wood for the greenest choice.
Slate
Not only are slate tile roofs beautiful, they can last up to a hundred years. Stone is always recyclable and some slate tiles used for roofing have been salvaged from other buildings, reducing impact on the environment caused by mining.
Metal
Many metal roofs can last for fifty or more years and they are recyclable. Metal roofs are a durable and cost-effective choice when looking at eco-friendly roofing options.
Clay
Insulating, beautiful and recyclable, clay tiles are a great choice for a green roof. These are most popular in the hotter climates as they reflect heat and add an air cushion to insulate the home.
If you want to be eco-conscious when buying your next roof, talk to your roofing contractor about the green options available. Even asphalt shingles come in eco-friendly varieties made from recycled materials. By making an informed decision, you can find the best roof for your needs that will have the least negative impact on the planet.
Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262
Many homeowners are good with a hammer or power tools, fixing many issues on their home with DIY methods. While this can save money on minor repairs, it is important to consider the pros and cons when attempting major installation projects. The roof of a building is one of the most crucial elements for protecting the structure from moisture and weather damage. Before you consider trying to replace your roof yourself versus hiring a professional roofing contractor to save some money, consider what it may cost you in the long run.
Experience and Expertise
Unless you work for a roofing contractor or did this work in the past, it is likely that you do not have the experience and expertise that is vital to ensuring a roofing system will be properly installed to last. A small mistake can be costly and when it is your home that will be impacted, you want a professional that has the knowledge, tools and training to install your new roof right.
Warranty
Many roofing materials come with a solid warranty, but only if they are installed by a professional. Many roofs can come with 20 or 30-year warranties, even lifetime warranties on materials. Doing it yourself may save you money on your new roof now, but if you have problems down the road, you will be the one paying for repairs or replacements without a warranty.
If you want to fix a loose fence board or replace a door in your home to save money, that is great if you have the skills. But when it comes to your roof, it is worth the investment in a professional contractor for installation to ensure it is done right and guaranteed for years to come.
Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262
There are a few home improvements that are considered major expenses, one of them being replacing your roofing. While it may be more fun to spend the money on a new pool for your home, roofing is not a luxury; it is a necessity. If you have been putting off replacing your old roof just because it is not leaking yet or creating any problems, maybe now is the time to finally purchase that new roof. Here are four big benefits to replacing your old roof.
A new roof adds value, protection and beauty to your home. If you have been procrastinating on buying a new roof, now is the time to stop. Get a new roof installed before the winter storms hit to protect your home for many years to come.
Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262
Are you considering replacing your roof? Most people only buy a new roof once or twice in their lifetime, so it is not something they do often. It is common to have questions on what to expect. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about getting a new roof.
How much will a new roof cost?
Unfortunately, the most commonly asked question is not easily answered. The amount depends on the size, type of roofing, number of peaks and many other variables. You need a quote based on your home and roof type.
Is asphalt the best type of roofing?
Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing used in the U.S. They are cost effective and depending on the type you get, they can last 20, 30 or more years. There are other options like wood, metal and tile, which are all high-quality; they tend to be more expensive, but some can last longer than asphalt.
How long will it take to replace my roof?
Having the roof replaced on your home can seem invasive, but most roofs can be replaced in less than a week, weather permitting. Some smaller homes with simple roofs can be completed in a day or two, with larger, more complex roofing systems requiring a several days.
How do I choose a contractor?
It is a good idea to vet your contractor – do not base your decision on price alone. Do your research to find a local contractor with an excellent reputation. You want a good warranty and guarantee from a reputable contractor with experience – be wary of low bids from contractors without a reliable track record.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the questions you may have about getting a new roof. Talk to a trusted local roof contractor to get answers to all your questions before you sign a contract to get a new roof.
Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-126
Your roof is one of the most essential components of your home; one small leak and it can cost you thousands in repairs, water damage and mold infestation. While roofs can last for decades, it only takes one bad storm to cause damage that can lead to a major repair issue. If your roof has seen better days, don’t wait for a roof emergency to strike. Now is the time to replace your roof with a new roof before the colder, wetter winter weather hits.
Choosing a New Roof
Once you decide it is time for a roof replacement, the next step is choosing the type of roofing material. While asphalt shingles are still the most common material used, they are far from the only choice. Metal roofs are very popular, with many offering a lifetime warranty. However, even metal roofing varies in quality and aesthetic appeal. Before you decide on a material type, talk to your roofer about these qualities:
Choosing the right contractor is almost as important as the roof itself. Find a local contractor that has many years of experience in your area with an excellent reputation. You want a company that will be there to stand behind their work for many years to come.
Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262
When it comes to improving your home, not all projects add value to your property. While you may want to add a new hot tub, if you sell your home in a year or two, that expense will not necessarily add value to your home’s value. For anyone planning on selling their home in the near future, return on investment in terms of home value should be considered on any home improvement project. Here are a few improvements that can add value to your home, making them worth the investment.
New Windows
If you have older windows that are poorly insulated, new windows can make a big difference in your home’s energy efficiency. Double-paned windows reduce heating and cooling costs, saving you and future owners of your home money every month. New windows can also improve the beauty of your home.
Vinyl Siding
If you have old siding or shingles, vinyl siding is a valuable addition to your home. Homebuyers are interested in homes with vinyl siding due to the low maintenance and durability of this material over other options, plus it improves your home’s curb appeal.
New Roof
If your roof needs to be replaced, it should be on the top of your home improvement list, especially if you plan to sell your home. A new roof can make your home more desirable since it is a large expense and inconvenience that new homebuyers will not want to add to the cost of the home.
When it comes to investing money into a home you will be selling in the near future, be smart with the projects you choose to get the biggest return on your money. Focus on improvements that offer energy or structural benefits versus luxury for your best return.
Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262
The roof of your home is one of the most important investments you can make when considering home improvements. Your roof protects the rest of your home, providing coverage from harsh elements and extreme weather conditions. When it comes time to replace your roof, you want to choose the type of roof that will best suit your needs for decades to come as well as fit into your budget.
Choosing A Roof Type
There are several varieties of roofing materials, all which come with their own benefits. Since a new roof is a large investment, regardless of what type you choose, you will want to consider several factors before hiring a roofing contractor. Some of the factors to consider are:
When choosing your new roof, while design and curb appeal are important, the main consideration should always be functionality. Your roof is a big investment, but it is protecting an even bigger asset; your home and your family.
Posted on behalf of Atwood Home Builders
The May 25 hailstorms have brought waves of fly by night roofers to the Dayton, Ohio area, especially hard hit Centerville and Xenia. These storm chasers have a reputation for shoddy work, high pressure sales tactics, and unscrupulous practices.
Conventional wisdom is to avoid using any roofing contractor that shows up uninvited at your door. Most of the time this is good advice. Storm chasers don’t have a local reputation, they don’t get any referrals from satisfied customers, and they are not in an area long enough for advertising to be effective. The primary way storm chasers get business is by sending high pressure salesmen to knock on doors and use scare tactics to sign up new roofing contracts.
On the other hand, the reputable local roofing contractors are so busy they don’t need to use door to door salesmen to get new work. Good local roofing contractors with a solid reputation for high quality work get most of their business from referrals from satisfied customers.
With that said, there may be some instances when a reputable local roofer is working in a neighborhood and takes a few minutes to knock on the doors of neighboring houses if it looks like they may have had hail damage but have not had their roof replaced.
The bottom line is to use your common sense in these situations. Don’t sign a contract with the first roofer that knocks on your door. Get their business information and check them out like you would any other business. Look at their vehicle to see if the name of the business name and license number is painted (not just a magnetic stick on sign) on the side. If everything checks out, then you can hire them with confidence.
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