As homeowners, everyone understands the importance of the roof and how it protects families from extreme weather and external elements. Therefore, almost every homeowner invests in quality and standard roofing for their homes.
However, regardless of the quality, all types of roofs have an expiry date and sometimes can even be damaged before their lifespan. It’s when you need to consider roof replacement in Melbourne, where your existing roof will be removed and a new one will be installed.
Roof replacement is often an arguable thing for homeowners as compared to roof repairs, as it’s a relatively huge investment.
If it’s not undertaken at the right time and in the right way, it can significantly impact your house’s structural integrity. There are many details and decisions you need to make before starting with a roof replacement.
In this article, we have enlisted a few essential things you should know before replacing the roof.
The Alarm for Roof Replacement
Many people don’t know when they need a roof replacement. Understandably, it can be hard to know, especially for a non-roofing professional.
Always remember that you don’t have to go for immediate roof replacement just because your roof starts to leak. There are many other signs you need to look for to determine whether you need a roof replacement or just simple repairs.
Here listed are some alarming signs for roof replacement:
- When your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan.
- When your roof has missing tiles in higher numbers because of falling heavy loads.
- When your roof has more than one leak.
- You see a heavy formation of moss or algae on the roof.
- Torn or broken roofing sheets
- When your roof is rotted or sagged
Hence, you should consider these signs mentioned above and immediately take the appropriate action. It’s also advisable to hire a professional roofer for inspection when you are unsure about any reasons.
Roofing is More than Tiles
Roofing is an interconnected system involving sheathing, underlayment, flashing, and ice and water shields.
And the components of roofing that you don’t see are as vital as what you do. So, here are a few main components of a roofing system you should know about for efficient roof replacement in Melbourne:
- Roof sheathing: It’s the strong layer of wooden boards usually made of plywood or OSB and is fixed to the roof’s joists and trusses. Sheathing or decking provides additional support and strength to your roof, serves as a surface for other roofing materials, and prevents leaks. So, when replacing the roof, roofing professionals might charge you more to replace the rotted sheathing.
- Underlayment: It’s an extra layer added underneath the roofing tiles that attaches to sheathing for protection against water penetration. For enhanced water resistance and protection from external elements, it’s recommended to use a synthetic roofing underlayment.
- Ice and water shield: It’s a waterproof roof underlayment membrane that safeguards the roof’s vulnerable areas from ice and water damage. You should get an ice and water shield installed if living in colder climates.
- Flashing: It’s a thin piece of waterproof material that directs water away from your roof’s critical areas like valleys, edges, joints, roof penetrations, and any other gaps. Roofers install flashing where the roof plane meets a vertical surface and around other roof features like skylights, vents, and chimneys.
Quality Roof Installers are as Important as Quality Products
Specialty roofs like tiles call for specialized roofing or reroofing contractors to perform the removal and installation properly.
Before hiring any roofing contractor, you should check whether they are trained, insured, drug-free, and safe to work with.
Moreover, the shortlisted roofing professional should obtain a permit and have their work inspected and approved by the town or city you live in. Don’t forget to ask the roofers if they provide a warranty on their workmanship.
Here are a few questions you can ask the roofing contractors when interviewing them:
- Are you licensed, insured, and bonded?
- What insurance coverage policy do you have?
- What warranties do you offer your clients for materials, labor, and workmanship?
- Do you offer any extended warranty? If yes, what does it include, and how long can it last? What is the additional cost?
- Do you follow the local building codes and regulations?
- What work have you done in the local area?
Select the Products Designed for Your Area, Climate, and Application
Roofing products specialised for the area you reside in and local climate and application can usually resist high winds, mold and moss, hail impact, and extreme heat.
When looking for suitable roofing products, always research multiple websites or ask various roofing contractors to compare the performance and price of different roofing materials.
After selecting a specific roofing material, compare the brands and get quotes from a few reliable installers to ensure paving a fair price.
Focus on Value, Not Solely on Price
Understandably, you want to save money when replacing your roof. While price is a vital consideration, the most essential part of your decision should be value and return on investment.
When getting estimates from multiple contractors, you should look for a fair price that can cover the cost of quality roofing products and installation.
As you get estimates, ask the roofers what is included in the price. Does it cover all the roofing materials for roof replacement in Melbourne right down the nail? Does it include all the labor costs, including the expenses of getting the permit and arranging for needed inspections?
Know whether the estimate includes the cost of removing and disposing of the old roof and delivering new roofing materials. Does the roof replacement project include a project manager?
In addition, find out what will happen if there are any unforeseen costs, like replacing the wood sheathing or underlayment under the roofing tiles.
Final Words
It’s rare for homeowners to have their roofs on the top of their minds. With minimal regard to roofs, it’s easy to underlook them, and thus, they can suffer from extensive damages over time, requiring roof replacement.
However, undertaking a roof replacement project is not easy as there are many details and decisions to be made, from choosing suitable materials to reroofing contractors.
Knowing the above-discussed things before replacing your roof can help streamline the roof replacement project.
