Top Ten Questions To Ask When Buying A New Roof
What To Ask Your Local Roofer About A New Roof?
The roof is your first line of defense against bad weather. That’s why there are some questions and facts to consider. The roofing experts at Osslund Roofing Inc. are always happy to give the best roofing services for your home. Call (630) 663-9400 to get a quote today and learn more about what we can offer.
We can help you get through the process and ensure your roof lasts as long as possible. Our contractors will work with you to find the best solution for your house. Check out our FAQ and reviews page to know more about our projects.
10 Questions To Ask When Buying A New Roof
When you get a new roof, asking your contractor the right questions is essential. You want to ensure they will do the job right and not take advantage of you.
It can be hard to know what questions to ask when hiring the best roofing company near you, but you need to ask the right ones to get what you want. Any homeowner should ask the ten most important questions that any homeowner should ask before getting a new roof.
1. What Is The Expected Lifespan Of The Roof?
Roofs can last anywhere from 15 to 50 years, depending on what they are made of. If you put it right, it should last at least 20 years before it needs to be replaced. Some shingles last longer than others. Think about a tile or metal roof if you want a lasting one.
Listed are various types of roofs and their lifespan:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are expected to last 20 years, but they can last as long as 30 years or as little as 15 years. How long the shingles last depends on how well they were put on and how good the asphalt shingles were.
Wood/Shake Roofs
Shingles and shakes made of wood are expected to last 30 years, but they can last much longer. Compared to asphalt shingles, these roofs are more likely to get damaged. Because of this, roofs need regular maintenance to stay in good shape.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs can last up to 50 years or more if installed and taken care of correctly. They do, however, need to be cleaned and maintained regularly. Because metal changes over time when exposed to air or water vapor.
Slate/Clay Tiles
Slate and clay tiles should last for more than a hundred years. Some roofing materials are cheaper than these. It might also need to be fixed every 20 or so years. But they are worth it if you want a roof that lasts a long time and looks good.
The lifespan depends on the type of roof you have. Asphalt shingles have an average lifespan of 20-30 years, while metal roofs can last up to 50 years. Consult a professional to find out what is best for your home.
2. What Type Of Warranty Does The Roof Come With?
You need to know the answer to this question because it will tell you how long your new roof will last. Some come with a warranty that lasts for life, while others only last for five years or less. You want one that lasts as long as possible so you can get a new one soon.
Let’s look at the different types of warranties and see what they can do for you.
Manufacturer’s Warranty
The warranty from the company that put your roof on is a complete warranty you can get. This will cover any problems with the materials used to build your roof or how they are put together. It will also cover normal wear and tear.
Workmanship Warranty
A workmanship warranty is a warranty that covers defects in the work that was done. The warranty is usually offered by the contractor who did the work. The warranty is usually for a long time, like one year or more.
Materials Warranty
A materials warranty is the most basic type of warranty. It covers defects in materials, but it doesn’t cover problems resulting from normal wear and tear. This kind of warranty is usually sold by the company that sold you your roof. It lasts for a certain number of years.
If you have a roofing project, it is good to know what warranties are offered. Sometimes the manufacturer’s warranty is available, but it may not be. Sometimes services and materials warranties are available, but they can be less broad. You can call a company with many different guarantees to pick the best one for your project.
3. What Is The Cost Of Installation And Repairs?
When installing or repairing your roof, it can take a lot of work to know how much it will cost. There are many things to consider when estimating, and this post talks about some of them.
The cost of installing and fixing things can vary depending on the job. If you want to know how much you can expect to pay, think about how long it will take and what your roof is made of.
4. How Often Will The Roof Need To Be Replaced?
The next step is to figure out how long it will last before it needs to be replaced. It can be hard to tell without knowing your roof’s history and the manufacturer’s warranty length. Talk to a roofing contractor to get a good idea of how long it will last based on its current condition and how long it has been around.
5. What Is The Fire Rating Of The Roof?
The fire rating of a roofing material is how long it will take for a fire to burn through it. The longer it takes for a fire to burn through a material, the higher the number.
Class “A” asphalt shingles can burn through it in about three and a half minutes. Metal roofs are classified as “A” or “B” fire-resistant, depending on their thickness. Slate and clay tiles are also included in Class “A.”
The fire rating of a roof is vital because it affects how well your home is protected from fire. If you live in an area where wildfires or other weather can damage or start fires on roofs, choose a top with a high fire rating.
Lastly, consider your roof’s fire rating when buying a new one. Talk to a professional about which type of roof will best meet your needs and give you the most peace of mind.
6. What Is The Wind Rating Of The Roof?
The government requires that all roofs can withstand winds of up to 60 miles per hour. If you live in an area where the wind blows hard, ensure your roof can hold up well.
7. What Type Of Insulation Does The Roof Have?
Find out if there is insulation under your shingles. It depends on who made it and what kind of shingles were used. Depending on the situation, foam or other insulation can stop heat from escaping or getting in. Your utility company may give you money back if you use insulation.
8. How Energy Efficient Is The Roof?
You can save money on your utility bills if your roof is energy-efficient. Because a top with a high SRI rating keeps your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, this is the case. Look for the SRI rating to find out how energy-efficient it is. The more energy efficient a building is the higher its SRI score.
9. Does The Roof Meet Local Building Codes?
Depending on where you live, building codes are different. Some cities require shingles that can’t catch fire, but others don’t. If you live in an area that floods often or if your roof is very steep, you may need to change the pitch and materials.
Contact your local building department or an architect to find out what kind of roof you can put on. You can also contact the manufacturer to find out if its products meet local standards for fire resistance and slope percentage.
10. Is The Roofing Contractor Licensed And Insured?
Make sure your roofing contractor is licensed and insured. A license means they have the knowledge and experience to do the job right. Insurance protects you if something happens while they are working on your roof.
When you decide to repair or replace your roof, ask these ten questions to determine which will work best. Only decide by asking for referrals from friends and family. A new roof is a major investment but will pay off for years. If you’re looking for reputable roofing contractors near you, look no further than us!
Osslund Roofing Inc. gives the best roofing service and stands by what we do. We are reliable and good at what we do. Contact us at (630) 663-9400 if you have any questions or concerns or want a free estimate.
