For quite a few Waukesha County homeowners, Mother Nature delivers notice that a new roof is needed.
A powerful storm blows through … and the signs pop up. A couple shingles in the yard. A water mark on a ceiling. Shingle granules accumulated in gutters, or at the end of downspouts.
The roof has deteriorated. The breakdown will likely only accelerate, leaving everything it protects susceptible to wind, rain and snow.
Perhaps you could restore the roof yourself - if you’re fearless of heights, able to maintain balance at varied angles, and have the pertinent tools and know-how. Most homeowners, though, hire a professional roofing company.
Finding a roofer in Waukesha County takes work. It’s a crowded marketplace. Personal referrals – good and bad – are a great place to start. So is taking the time to delve into a provider’s longevity and track record.
RNB Design Group has offered high-quality roof replacement services in Waukesha County and southeastern Wisconsin for more than 25 years. Its veteran local roofers have encountered every situation (and repair) conceivable. Trust your roof installation 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 dangle a “too good to be true” deal. They might skip town the moment as your payment clears. Got an issue later with your roof? You’re on your own.
The first question you might have about roof replacement is: Do I require 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 a second layer can cancel the warranty on many shingle brands. Skipping a tear-off also passes on the opportunity to detect underlying issues with roof boards, flashing and other structural elements.
You’ll need to decide on roofing material. Metal roofs have grown in popularity in recent years. While acknowledged for lifespan and durability, the expense frightens off many Waukesha County homeowners.
Most opt for asphalt shingles, the most common roof covering. Its color and style choices have expanded exponentially, providing new aesthetic and longevity choices. Consumers have three general categories to choose from:
Some shingles provide 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 preferred aesthetics and, of course, budget. Like so many other home products, you usually 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.
Peruse the warranty provided 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 covers installation-related issues? Or is the problem addressed only if you bought an extended warranty?
Top roofing manufacturers usually warranty their products for 20 to 50 years. The variance depends on products purchased. The fine print might disregard coverage for natural disasters, unauthorized repairs, or normal wear and tear.
Here again, buyer beware about hiring a Waukesha County roofing contractor. 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 inquire about warranty when vetting potential vendors.
What’s a homeowner to do? First, thoroughly scrutinize all warranties before signing anything. Register warranties correctly and hold onto records. Finally, examine your roof frequently. Don’t make Mother Nature deliver a surprising, highly unwelcome message!
After likely weeks, if not months, of research and vetting, a roof replacement usually takes only one or two days. Workers take off old shingles. If problematic 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 Waukesha County roof replacement typically costs $20,000 to $40,000. The cost depends on the materials used, and size and characteristics of the roof. Either way, it’s a significant investment … making advance due diligence time well spent.
If a vendor 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 installation in Waukesha County by a trusted 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 going off about your making the right choice!