A Homeowner’s Guide to Reroofing Pt. 2

In last week’s blog, we covered the first portion of information every homeowner needs to know when embarking on a reroofing project. If you haven’t taken the chance to read it yet, we highly recommend you do so. Today, we will finish the series by highlighting even more valuable insight you can use to protect yourself and ensure that any of the many Jacksonville roofers you may select perform a quality job. So let’s take a look!

Selecting the Right Product

The selection of the best roofing shingle is a very important part of every reroofing project. As with any major purchase, a consumer must weight the benefits against the negatives. What works best for your particular needs? You should compare prices in terms of functions, features and benefits. A home built on the beach may have different needs than one many miles inland. You should strike a balance between the function needed and the look of the shingle. A homeowner that requires only the most basic functionality may be satisfied with a standard three-tab shingle, but if aesthetics are of equal importance, then shopping around for the right shingle at the right price is worth the time.

Here are some important questions you can ask when choosing a shingle:

  • What’s the difference between an architectural shingle and a standard shingle?

For many years, the biggest difference seen in shingles was color, as most homes used standard three-tab versions. These types of shingles generally come backed with 20 to 30 year warranties. Fast-forward to today and architectural shingles are beginning to dominate the industry, with warranties up to 40 years, even up to a lifetime in some cases. Architectural shingles come in many forms, textures and designs and can have a dramatic effect on the look of your home.

  • What is the best type of warranty?

With warranties starting from 20 years and finishing at up to a lifetime, a shingle’s guarantee is a strong indication of how it will perform. It is also a great indicator of its value. However, the most important part of the warranty is how and what it covers immediately after installation. It’s best to go with a warranty that covers material and labor on any repair in the first few years after your project is complete, as that is when most defects, if any, are likely to occur.

The Reroof Process

While it is very important to choose one of the many qualified Jacksonville roofing companies and rely on their experience, having an idea of what to expect is very advisable. Both blogs in this series are an attempt to do just that, equip you with the information needed to make sure your job is not just done, but done right. Let’s take a look at two more frequently asked questions that may help you as you start your reroof project:

  • Do I need a permit to replace my home’s roof?

Depending on the requirements of the city where your home is located, permits may be required before the start of new roofing or some reroofing jobs. It’s important to have this clearly covered in any contract. A reputable roofing contractor should know the requirement, but for extra peace of mind, you should check with your local building code officer.

  • Should existing shingles always be torn off before reroofing and who should dispose the old shingles?

When installing a new roof you have two options: a tear off or a lay over. A tear off quite literally means that the old roof is torn off before it is replaced. A lay over means new shingles are laid on top of an existing roofing system. While a lay over is cheaper, it’s not always the most cost effective choice. If the roof deck is defective, then a tear off will reveal these problems and allow for proper repair. A tear off also allows a waterproof shingle underlayment to be installed that will help protect against leaks.
So now you’re ready for a new roof, right?

You may still have a few more questions before you dive in and that is ok. Even limited knowledge will help you as your project begins to take shape. Never hesitate to ask questions and always go with the company who offers the most support.