The Few and the Fearless: A Blog About Roofers

A roof replacement is something you will likely experience at least once during the time you own a property. Depending on the type of roofing material you have on your home and the weather patterns in your area, there is going to be wear and weather exposure to the shingles and other layers making up your roof's protection. When it is time to handle your roof's shingle replacement, here are some considerations to think about andto help you through this process.

Cut Down On Replacement Costs

A roof replacement can be a good investment in your home's condition, but if your budget is tight, there are measures you can take to minimize your upfront costs. Look at the type of roofing materials available to see if there is a less-expensive option. For example, instead of replacing your shingles with new 30-year shingles, look at less-expensive three-tab asphalt shingles instead. This will save you money now on replacement costs and protect your roof from wear. But, keep in mind you will need to plan for a replacement sooner than you would if you had installed 30-year shingles.

You can also opt to do some of the preparation labor yourself for your re-roofing job. Instead of hiring a professional crew to remove your old roof, you can take on the task with some rented shingle removal tools and safety equipment. 

Keep in mind you need to be aware of the weather while you complete this work yourself. If wet weather arrives and your roof is partially stripped of its shingles without new shingles installed, you run the risk of your roofing deck and attic interior getting water damage. A roofing company (such as Lagunas Interstate Construction, LLC.) has the crew and manpower to remove the old roof quickly so they can begin its replacement as soon as possible.

Give Attention to Underlayers

It is also important to consider the details of your roof's underlayers, as they need to be maintained and replaced as they age and become damaged. First, you should decide if you want your new roof installed directly over the old roof. This can save you money on labor, but it will put extra weight on your roof that can damage your home structure. Some regions of the country prohibit this replacement practice and now require your old roof to be stripped first.

When your roofing team removes your old layer of shingles, they get the opportunity to inspect your roofing deck and replace it as needed. A small moisture leak down through your shingles can saturate a large area of roofing deck plywood, resulting in dry rot and mold growth in your attic and insulation.