A new roof is a big investment, and many homeowners are hesitant to commit to the cost and inconvenience associated with roof replacement. However, paying for costly roof repairs over the years will end up costing more than a roof replacement. A damaged roof can also affect the structural stability of your home and increase your risk of leaks, mold and mildew, water damage, high energy bills, and pest or animal infestations. A roof replacement offers peace of mind and long-term protection for the safety, comfort, and value of your home. Preparing for a roof replacement and understanding what to expect from the process will make it go more smoothly for you and your family. Here is what you can expect when you invest in roof replacement in Baltimore County, MD.
How Do You Know if You Need a New Roof?
Most roofing systems last 20-50 years, depending on the materials they are made out of, the regional climate, and whether they have gotten regular care and maintenance. Avoiding roof repairs will increase your risk of needing a new roof sooner rather than later. You should schedule a roofing inspection every three to four years if your roof is in the latter half of its expected lifespan, and a roofing contractor can determine the condition, structural stability, and safety of your roof. Here are some of the signs you may need a roof replacement:
- Your roof is over 25 years old.
- Your roof needs regular repairs that are getting more and more expensive.
- You have multiple damaged shingles or roofing tiles.
- The roof has bald spots.
- The roof is sagging or buckling.
- There is more than one leak or a major leak.
- There is a major pest or animal infestation.
- There is significant mold or mildew.
- The roof has major storm damage or fallen branches have punctured the roof membrane.
- The roof is structurally unsound and could cause issues with your home’s safety.
How to Find a Qualified Roofing Contractor
If you need a roof inspection, repairs, or a new roof installation, it’s important to hire an experienced, qualified roofing contractor. Your contractor should be fully licensed and insured, and should have years of experience. You can start by asking friends and family for recommendations. If you are working with other home improvement professionals like an architect or plumber, you can also ask them to recommend a reputable local roofing contractor. Evaluate the contractor’s biography and website to determine how much experience they have and what services they offer. Read through customer reviews and testimonials to make sure they have a good reputation. You can also check their license on the Maryland Home Improvement Commission website and make sure it is valid with no violations or complaints filed. Next, schedule an initial consultation and evaluate the contractor’s communication style and ask any questions you have. You should also get estimates from more than one contractor. When you choose a contractor, be sure to get a contract or scope of work in writing that includes a timeline and cost estimate.
Preparing for Roof Replacement
A roof replacement is a complex, noisy, and lengthy process, and you and your family should be prepared. Before work begins, you should move your vehicles out of the garage or driveway and relocate any valuables or fragile items. You should move all toys, bicycles, patio furniture, potted plants, or anything else that could be in the way or get damaged. Remove landscape lighting, security cameras, statues, water features, wind chimes, and anything else that is near or hanging from your roof. You should also cover up plants, your pool or hot tub, and anything else that could be damaged by dust or debris. Mark ponds and sprinklers so the roofing team can avoid them. You should also let your neighbors know that you are having a roof replacement so they can prepare for the dust, noise, and disruption. Other steps you can take to prepare include:
- Clearing out your attic
- Protecting the attic floor
- Securing windows
- Taking photos, mirrors, and artwork off the walls
- Securing fragile or valuable items on shelves and tables
- Plan to have your pets elsewhere or keep them secured whenever workers are on your property
Budgeting for the Cost of Roof Replacement
The cost of your roof replacement will depend on a number of factors: the type of roofing system, the materials used, the architecture of your home, the condition of your existing roof, and the prices in your region. Getting quotes from multiple roofing contractors will help you get a sense of the cost of a roof replacement so that you can budget. If you don’t have the money up front, you can apply for a home improvement loan or construction loan to finance your roof replacement. You can often get roof replacement financing through your bank, credit card company, your local credit union, or a private lender. The average cost of a roof replacement in Maryland is between $15,000-45,000.
The Roof Replacement Process
On the day of your roof replacement, the roofing contractors will need access to the roof and the attic. If you have any special instructions about where they should park or whether they can use your bathroom, make sure they know ahead of time. They should arrange a dumpster rental to collect old roofing materials and debris, and should put down tarps to reduce the mess. They will begin by removing your old roofing materials and they will then inspect your roof deck and flashing. They may need to do minor repairs or replace the roof deck. They will then install the underlayment, which is the protective barrier that prevents moisture and debris from damaging the roof deck. Then they will install shingles, roofing tiles, or the roofing materials. They may need to install or replace vents, fascia, or soffits. They may also need to replace or install a gutter system.
What to Expect After Roof Replacement
When the roofing contractors are done with your roof replacement, they should do a walk-through with you so you can inspect their work. They should also go over roofing care and maintenance. They will remove all debris, roofing materials, hardware, tools, equipment, and the dumpster rental. They should also completely clean up after themselves and do a final check for loose nails and other debris. They will also go over your roofing warranty and any labor warranty they offer.
Call for a Free Estimate for Roof Replacement in Baltimore County
If you need to schedule a roof inspection or roof replacement in Baltimore County, Howard County, Harford County, Anne Arundel County, or anywhere else in the Baltimore metropolitan area, our team at Badger Contracting can help. Call us today or contact us online to get a fast, free estimate. We have years of experience and are an employee-owned and operated local business. We offer honest and fair pricing with detailed estimates. We even offer free gutters with every roof replacement or roofing installation. We specialize in windows, roofing, and siding and offer unparalleled craftsmanship and quality products. Call us today to find out how we can improve the comfort and safety of your home.