For quite a few Hales Corners homeowners, Mother Nature provides notice that a new roof is required.
A lively storm blows through … and the signs emerge. A couple shingles in the yard. A water mark on a ceiling. Shingle granules piled up in gutters, or at the end of downspouts.
The roof has deteriorated. The breakdown will likely only accelerate, leaving everything it protects open to wind, rain and snow.
Perhaps you could replace the roof yourself - if you’re unafraid of heights, able to maintain balance at different angles, and have the correct tools and know-how. Most homeowners, though, call a professional roofing company.
Deciding on a roofer in Hales Corners takes time. It’s a crowded marketplace. Personal referrals – good and bad – are invaluable. So is taking the time to research a contractor’s longevity and track record.
RNB Design Group has offered high-quality roof replacement services in Hales Corners and southeastern Wisconsin for more than 25 years. Its experienced local roofers have encountered every situation (and repair) imaginable. Trust your roof replacement to RNB Design Group, knowing it’s backed by the best roofers and nearly three decades of satisfied customers.
Keep an eye out for roofing companies who offer a “too good to be true” price. They might skip town as soon as as your payment clears. Got a problem later with your roof? You’re on your own.
The first question you might have regarding roof installation is: Do I need a tear-off? If a roof has two layers of roof shingles, the answer is “Yes.”
Even if just one layer is present, a tear-off is advisable. Adding another layer can cancel the warranty on many shingle brands. Passing on a tear-off also misses the opportunity to spot underlying issues with roof boards, flashing and other structural elements.
You’ll have to decide on roofing material. Metal roofs have grown in popularity in recent years. While known for lifespan and durability, the cost frightens off many Hales Corners homeowners.
Most choose asphalt shingles, the most typical roof covering. Its color and style choices have grown exponentially, offering new aesthetic and longevity choices. Consumers have three general categories to choose from:
Some shingles carry extra benefits: resistance to algae growth. Enhanced protection against hail. Color technologies that reflect sunlight and reduce energy costs.
Choices, choices. Which is the best for you?
The answer depends on your desired aesthetics and, of course, budget. Like so many other home products, you typically get what you pay for. It’s smart to visit manufacturers’ websites, check online reviews and ratings, and check with roofing professionals when making a decision.
Review the warranty offered on roofing products, too. They are loaded with conditions and exclusions.
If you run into a warranty issue at some point, the reasons could be numerous: material defects, such as shingles cracking or splitting. Installation errors. Weather-related damage. Improper repairs. Lack of maintenance.
Which warranty applies? Is it the manufacturer’s warranty, which covers material defects? A contractor’s warranty, which addresses installation-related issues? Or is the problem covered only if you bought an extended warranty?
Top roofing manufacturers typically warranty their products for 20 to 50 years. The variance depends on products involved. The fine print might exclude coverage for natural disasters, unauthorized repairs, or normal wear and tear.
Here again, buyer beware about hiring a Hales Corners roofing installer. Red flags on a provider’s warranty might be a short warranty period, limited coverage, unclear terms … or perhaps no written warranty at all. Always ask about warranty when checking potential vendors.
What’s a homeowner to do? First, carefully scrutinize all warranties before signing anything. Register warranties properly and hold onto records. Finally, inspect your roof regularly. Don’t make Mother Nature deliver a surprising, highly unwelcome message!
After potentially weeks, if not months, of research and vetting, a roof replacement usually takes only one or two days. Workers remove old shingles. If questionable roof decking is identified, the material is repaired or replaced. Usually an underlayment material, or ice and water shield, is applied over roof boards.
More metalwork is involved than one might expect. Roof flashing is often replaced, to better direct water away from critical areas such as chimneys. Roof vents are added or replaced to better ventilate attics. Pipe boots prevent leaks around protruding pipes. Drip edges aid water flow off a roof.
A Hales Corners roof installation typically costs $20,000 to $40,000. The price depends on the materials involved, and size and characteristics of the roof. Either way, it’s a sizable investment … making pre-project due diligence time well spent.
If a contractor offers a bargain-basement price … take a good, hard look at the company’s background, and the fine print in its documents. If they hesitate to provide documentation, consider it a huge red sign screaming “STOP!”
Interested in roof replacement in Hales Corners by a longstanding roofing contractor with hundreds of satisfied customers? Contact RNB Design Group for information on roofing that will be done right, and backed by a company that isn’t going anywhere. If you hear alarm bells, they’ll be ringing about your making the right choice!