New Roof Installation Kinda Sucks?
Why?
Statistics prove that most homeowners are much more excited about a new kitchen installation or a new bathroom. A new roof installation is usually deemed as a necessity and not normally an enjoyable option. An most of us never invite our family and friends to climb a ladder to have drinks and appetizers on the roof.
The REAL question is, do you really need a new roof installation? Do other options exist such as roof repairs, installation of SOME of the roof with new shingles instead of installation of ALL the shingles, or covering the old shingles with new shingles?
Just so you know, some roofing installation companies would suggest getting a whole new roof installation simply because the shingles look a bit rough. But this isn’t always the case. Your shingles may have another 5 years of life left. You may only need to fix a few leaks and replace a few shingles. BOOM! Good for another 5 years. The whole installation was NOT needed.
But what questions do you need to ask yourself before deciding on a new roof installation?
Unfortunately there are many shoddy Toronto roofing companies that want your money, or perhaps desparatley NEED your money. They will have you believe that your home needs a new installation immediately. And god forbid if they try to save you a few bucks by offering to install a new roof OVER the existing old roof. In all my 25 years of experience, covering an old roof with a new roof is absolutely insane. It’s like covering old, smelly carpet in your house with new carpets.
Here’s some very frank information to help you better understand: You only need a new roof installation when the existing one is causing more damage than it is worth. In other words, if the cost for new installation will save you money compared to the damage happening NOW then it’s time for a new roof installation.
Here’s a little more advice: There is a HUGE difference between a workmanship warranty and a manufacturer warranty.
A workmanship warranty is written by the roofing contractor; the manufacturer warranty is written by the company that makes the shingles and all other products installed (IKO, CertainTeed, the list goes on). It is important that you, as a consumer, understand the differences between these two promises. For a more detailed description, see our warranties website page. And never let a roofing contractor confuse you by trying to blend their workmanship warranty with a manufacturer warranty.
Another excellent way to tell if you need a new roof is by checking the underside of your roof boards (aslo called roof deck). Why check UNDER your roof instead of OVER your roof? Because the wood that your roof shingles are nailed to basically determine the level of damage – and dictate if new installation is required. Years of signs show in the wood. You only need to know where to look. An expert roofer knows. A shoddy roofer has no idea.
Important Tip: If a roof contractor doesn’t look in your attic to inspect the condition of the wood that the shingles are nailed to, say “thank you” and tell him to leave. Checking the underside of the roof also provides crucial information about attic ventilation health AND insulation health.
Do you need a new roof installation? Maybe. Maybe not. I hope I have given you some valuable information to help you navigate safely through the deep, often shoddy waters of the residential new roof installation industry.
Why not find out for REAL if you need a new installation of shingles? Contact Brookside Roofing for real, unbiased advise.
Thank you.
William Woolsey