Is your existing roof old, leaky, and worn out? Now might be a good time for a roof replacement. Apart from hiring the right roofing contractors for the project, choosing the right roof for your property is among the most important decisions you’ll ever make for your home. The type of roof you will choose for your structure will affect the functionality and value of your property for many years to come. As such, it is critical to make yourself an informed buyer before making this investment. With that in mind, here are 7 excellent questions to ask your roofing contractor when buying a new roof for your Denver, Colorado property.
What is the function of the building?
Before choosing a new roof for your property, you need to determine the long-term purpose and use of the house. This enables you to make an informed purchase based on the structure’s objective and mission statement in the long term. As an example, a basic roof may be sufficient for a residential building. However, if you plan to use the building as a lab with chemicals, computers, and other equipment, you will need a different type of roof. Other questions you need to ask yourself when determining the type of roof to buy for your structure include:
- Will the building’s use change over time?
- Are there plans to renovate or expand the building?
What is the real cost of your preferred roof?
As with any home improvement project, your budget will undoubtedly come into play when buying roofing shingles for your Denver Colorado property. It’s one thing to invest thousands in a new roof; It’s another to shell out much more than you were prepared to spend. So do yourself the favor of reviewing, for instance, the concrete tile roof cost in full, rather than focusing only on the store price. Then, add to the estimates the labor cost and the materials your roofer will use in the process.
When determining the cost of your new roof, also look beyond its initial cost. Find out whether you will need snow and ice guards for metal roofs, the cost of metal roof ice breakers, how to remove ice dams from roofs, or even the cost of ice melt systems. Additionally, you need to ensure the roof you choose will be a worthy investment in the long run concerning:
Durability
The material you choose will impact the cost. Flawless roof installations and proper maintenance play a major role in the durability of a roof. But you should know the expected longevity of the product to understand whether it meets your preference.
Energy savings
The ability of your roof to reflect heat can make or break your energy costs. Although energy-efficient roofing shingles may cost a bit more, they deliver substantial long-term savings in your energy bills. Explore the thermal properties of every option with a professional roofer, then choose one that could meet your energy needs.
Roof repair and maintenance
While all types of roofs need upkeep to last, some roofing systems require more attention and maintenance over the years than others. For instance, you may need to spend more on metal roof snow stoppers and snow bars for metal roofs. Also, gutters may need replacing after a storm strikes. So you need to be aware of this before choosing a roofing material.
While there is no wrong or right answer here, each homeowner must find the balance that works best for them. Be sure to choose a reputable, local roofing contractor with a solid reputation for quality roof installation at a reasonable rate. Only sign a contract once you’re sure they can do a good job.
Which roofing material should I choose?
You may have to do some research and even consult with a roofer to find the right roofing material for your budget and building needs. Some roofing materials last longer than others, whereas some provide more insulation and are generally more expensive. For instance, although asphalt roof shingles are an affordable roofing option, their lifespan is among the shortest of all roofing materials. Alternatively, a metal or concrete tile roof tends to last longer, making them a better choice if you are looking to make a long-term investment.
Depending on your business or home’s current roofing frame, some roofing material may also be too heavy. If you consider cement or clay tile roofing, then your roof structure must be sturdy enough to support the added weight. If it is not strong enough, you can upgrade your beams and rafters to increase the load limit. Regardless of whether you prefer asphalt, metal, tile, or cedar, make sure to seek the advice of a top roofing contractor and get an estimate.
Apart from traditional shingles like slate, asphalt, and wood shake roof, you can install sturdy metal roofs that mimic the look of other roofing materials that are superior to conventional asphalt shingles in both looks and performance. Consider each option carefully and think about the advantages and disadvantages of each. If you are unsure which roofing material will best suit your property, consult with a reputable roofing contractor in Colorado.
How long do you expect the roof to last?
This is another important question to ask yourself when buying roofing shingles. Of course, you want to ensure your roof is made of quality material that will last you for as long as possible. Still, different roofing materials have different lifespans. So, be sure to choose the one that best meets your roofing goals.
For instance, clay or concrete tiling may last anywhere between 50 to 100 years. Wood shake roofs can last over 30 years, whereas a standard asphalt shingles roof typically gets you 20 to 25 years. Confirm with the manufacturer’s warranty the expected lifespan of the material.
What type of warranty does the manufacturer offer for the roof?
While it is common for homeowners to overlook the warranty when buying a new roof, this is a huge mistake. A roof warranty protects you in the event the roof fails to perform as expected. It stipulates what the manufacturer of your roofing shingles should do. So make sure you thoroughly read through the contract to see and understand what it entails.
Some warranties only cover the cost of defective roofing materials in a certain time frame, whereas others cover full-system costs, including all roofing accessories. Overall, a roof warranty protects your investment and saves you a lot of money in case of material, workmanship, and installation errors.
Will the roof affect the load of the building’s roofing structure?
Although the integrity of each element of a building is critical to its stability, nothing carries more potential for property damage or personal injury than the roof. Thus, a roof collapse can have devastating and long-term consequences. Given the wide-ranging implications of roof collapses, roof replacements must be designed, constructed, repaired, and, where necessary, reinforced following the current industry standards and building codes.
Ask your roofing contractors to inspect the existing roofing structure’s integrity before installing a new one. Also, the kind of material you choose to use for the new roof should depend on the existing structure and whether or not it will support the new materials. If you opt for a heavier roofing material than the previous one, you may have to modify your roofing structure.
Will the roof meet the performance standards of my insurance company?
One of the most important questions to keep in mind when buying roof shingles for your Denver home is whether the outcome of the job meets the quality threshold of your insurer. Before buying a roof, ensure you comprehend your insurer’s requirements concerning the fire and wind features of the roof. Some insurance companies have building codes or other restrictions that may prevent you from installing certain types of roof shingles.
Generally, most roofs lose their integrity over time, meaning they can experience water damage. Roofs with higher fire resistance levels or hail resistance may merit a discount on your premiums. Make sure you meet your insurance company’s standards to avoid issues in the future when filing a claim. You don’t want to pay for repairs or replace a substandard material. Also, consider working with a roofing company that has general liability insurance.
The bottom line
Roof installation is a big deal, but the more knowledgeable you are the higher your chances of making an informed decision. While there is no set formula for choosing the right roofers, you can certainly come close by keeping the mentioned factors in mind. What are some other questions you should ask yourself when choosing a roof for your property? Please feel free to share with us below.
Are you looking for products to protect your roof? Contact Hot Edge Today
Choosing a product to protect the roof of your Denver Colorado home from ice dams and icicle formations. We have a range of products for your shingle, metal, wood shake, concrete tile, and flat roof. Call our phone number 877 220-506 with any questions you may have or send us a message online.
