A new roof is a major purchase. According to HomeAdvisor, the average American will spend between $5,610 and $11,820, and those prices will only rise in the years to come as roofing materials and supply chain issue increase. That means it’s worth doing research before deciding on a company, material, and more.
First ask yourself, “Does the whole roof need to be replaced?” Obviously, if your roof is damaged or destroyed by fire, wind, or hail, it will need to be fixed. But if you’ve started to consider replacing your roof because of a leak or water stain, make sure that there isn’t a smaller, less expensive fix.
Next, decide what material you want to use. Determine your budget and priorities by answering questions like, “How much money can I spend right now?” and “How important are eco-friendly materials to me?” Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material because they are inexpensive and don’t require a specialized skillset to install. But because they are made out of petroleum products many homeowners choose greener alternatives. Figure out your budget and priorities and narrow down your choices from there.
Finally, as you’re deciding on an installation company, keep an eye out for additional materials and costs. Your roof will probably need flashing, a metal or plastic film used where dissimilar materials adjoin. Beware of contractors that use tar for joints, which is not optimal. Use local reviews and word-of-mouth to find a company you can trust.
