
Replacing a roof, whether on your home, garage, or business, can be an expensive and difficult job, and it can get even more expensive if done incorrectly or inadequately. Here are some things you need to know when replacing a roof.
Exactly what needs to be replaced
When people talk about replacing a roof, they may simply mean that they need to replace the shingles or tiles that cover the roof, or it could mean that they need to replace the entire roof including some rafters and everything in between. The very first thing you need to know about replacing a roof is exactly what needs to be replaced. This means you need to do a thorough inspection and check everything including: Read more here about this or similar articles.
In some cases where people buy old repair houses, the entire roof needs to be replaced, including the gutters, siding, and soffit. You may also need to install additional vents.
Whether you need a permit or not
Once you know which parts of the roof need to be replaced, the next thing you need to know is whether the laws and regulations for your area require planning permission to replace your roof. This is important because if you need planning permission to replace a roof and don't have one, you could face some pretty hefty fines on top of the already expensive project of replacing your roof.
What tools you need to get the job done right
One thing many people overlook when replacing a roof is the necessary tools needed to do the job properly. Depending on how much of the roof needs to be replaced, you may need to buy or rent tools to successfully complete the job. Many of these tools are inexpensive, but some can be very expensive. Fortunately, there are many places that offer special tools for short-term rentals.
Where to dispose of the old roofing materials
Another thing you need to know before you start replacing a roof is where you will be disposing of those old roofing materials. You might want to check if any of these materials can be recycled or if you need to rent a dumpster to get rid of unwanted and unusable roofing materials. If the roof contains shingles containing asbestos, safety regulations regarding their removal may apply, which must be carefully followed to prevent the asbestos fibers from causing significant health risks.
Time restrictions
You will also want to know what time constraints may be holding you back when replacing a roof. If you plan on replacing the roof yourself, you need to make sure you have the time to start and complete the job quickly, as an exposed roof can do significant damage to your home if there is heavy rain or other weather problems. Replacing a roof is not something you can do alone by working a few hours on the weekend. In addition, you also need to consider the time of year when you are replacing the roof. If you're trying to replace the roof in spring or late fall, you need to make sure the job can be completed before either the heavy spring rains hit or before a snowfall.
When you add up the added cost of tools, your time, and the safety issues involved, in many cases it's safer and cheaper to hire a professional to do the job for you. Many roofers handle all the legal aspects of the job like building permits and have their own insurance in case of an accident. Additionally, they may be able to source the materials cheaper than you could on your own, and they have all the necessary tools ready. So you can actually save money by replacing the roof.