If you are considering a new roof for your home there are many options. The first is to decide what type of roof you want for your home and if your particular structure is right for the finished roof you prefer. Among the finished options are asphalt and composite shingles, wood, tile, and metal materials. These are important and diverse materials with each having its support and installation specifications as well as total cost for materials and labor.
Budget: Many roofing choices or decisions will self-eliminate or select due to budget considerations. Some options won’t be available for a certain budget, while others will be within your price range. Starting with a working budget as you work with a professional roofing contractor is one of the best places to begin. Talking with them will give you an idea of the price ranges for your particular scope of work. Professional roofing contractors also know what will and what won’t work on specific roofs in terms of structural support.
Aesthetics/Curb Appeal: Another factor is sheer aesthetics and curb appeal. Your roof, front entrance, and garage door are the biggest spaces on your property especially in terms of curb appeal and drive-by appearance. In other words, they are the primary points of real estate someone sees at your residence. You can have an interior finish and layout to die for, but if your roof doesn’t compliment your residence and stands out it can affect value, and appeal for future buyers should you ever decide or need to sell the home.
HOA Communities: If you live in a community with an HOA there may be limitations on your roof finish choices. For example, if every residence in your neighborhood has a tile roof (e.g., common in Arizona, Texas, and California) your HOA may require that kind of roof for consistency and aesthetics. Many homeowners discover these agreed-upon covenants after purchasing a home because they did not read the fine print. It’s a good idea to run any structural or finished changes by your HOA’s architectural committee if you live within a neighborhood with covenants.
Weather: Geographic location can dictate what kind of roof you can have as well. If you live in areas where it is extremely hot and humid in the summer you may want to consider a different roofing material than if you live in the mountains. Humidity and insulation is an important factor when choosing a roof finish. A professional roofing contractor can help guide you through this maze for homes in your specific weather zone.
Selection: Don’t assume that all shingles are alike. Shingles are similar to tires. Some last longer than others and perform differently. Your roof professional can guide you through the process and explain the materials within different shingles, how long they last and how they perform in addition to the material warranty of any given shingle. It doesn’t hurt to Google top-rated shingles or their manufacturers and gets an idea of their performance ratings. However, your local professional roofing company can provide you with samples, colors, and textures as well as manufacturer warranties.
Roof Removal: As you research and consider a new roof remember there is a labor cost in removing your old roof. Remember to allow budget room for it. Some roofing contractors include the cost in the overall quote. Just make sure you know what you are paying to remove the old roof in addition to the new roof materials and installation.
Choices: There are composite shingles, asphalt shingles, shake roofing, wood shingles, tile, slate, metal, and a ton of roofing material options. A professional roofing contractor can also help you understand roofing conversion costs. For example, if you are switching from an asphalt shingle roof to a slate roof there is going to be a cost associated with reinforcing the roof to ensure it can handle the additional weight of a slate versus a shingle roof.
Under the Hood Considerations: If your home is 25-40 years old with the original roof there may be additional costs associated with a new installation. Things like wood rot, water damage/ingression, valley construction, support, and gutter drainage all figure into the installation of a new roof. Only a professional roofing contractor can determine the condition underneath your old roof by carefully inspecting the roofline and attic of your home.
You Need a Pro: Assessing a new roof is something you need to consult with a professional. You may know that your home is due for a new roof, but the only way to make that determination is to have a professional roofing company inspect your current roof and evaluate its condition. Review roofing contractor online reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings, or complaints and make sure you are dealing with an ethical roofing contractor who can provide you with evidence of their contractor license, proof of liability, and workman’s compensation insurance. A reputable company will not hesitate to provide all of these and much more including any material and labor warranties.
At Gilstrap Roofing we have been advising roof installation and installing new roofs in the Upstate of South Carolina since 1935. We are a local and family-owned business that takes great pride in our record with the BB and other local ratings. We treat your roof like it was our own. Call, or contact us today for all of your roofing needs.
Brian Gilstrap, President
Greenville, SC 29611
864.269.1232
