For quite a few Walworth County homeowners, Mother Nature offers notice that a new roof is needed.
A lively storm blows through … and the signs show up. A couple shingles in the yard. A water leak on a ceiling. Shingle granules piled up in gutters, or at the end of downspouts.
The roof has broken down. The deterioration will likely only accelerate, leaving everything it protects open to wind, rain and snow.
Maybe you could replace the roof yourself - if you’re unafraid of heights, able to keep your balance at different angles, and have the right tools and know-how. Most homeowners, though, leave the job to a professional roofing company.
Finding a roofer in Walworth 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 look into a provider’s longevity and track record.
RNB Design Group has offered top-quality roof replacement services in Walworth County and southeastern Wisconsin for more than 25 years. Its skilled local roofers have dealt with every situation (and repair) conceivable. 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 dangle a “too good to be true” package. They might skip town as soon as as your payment clears. Got an issue later with your roof? You’re on your own.
The first question you might have pertaining to 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 recommended. Adding another layer can cancel the warranty on many shingle brands. Skipping a tear-off also misses the opportunity to spot 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 Walworth County homeowners.
Most opt for asphalt shingles, the most typical roof covering. Its color and style options have grown exponentially, providing new aesthetic and longevity choices. Consumers have three general categories to choose from:
Some shingles offer extra benefits: resistance to algae growth. Enhanced protection against hail. Color technologies that reflect sunlight and reduce energy costs.
Choices, choices. Which is right 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 converse with roofing professionals when making a decision.
Look over 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 many: 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 addresses material defects? A contractor’s warranty, which covers installation-related issues? Or is the problem covered only if you bought an extended warranty?
Top roofing manufacturers usually warranty their products for 20 to 50 years. The variance depends on products bought. The fine print might exclude coverage for natural disasters, unauthorized repairs, or normal wear and tear.
Here again, buyer beware about hiring a Walworth County roofing provider. Red flags on a company’s warranty could be a short warranty period, limited coverage, unclear terms … or maybe no written warranty at all. Always inquire about warranty when reviewing potential vendors.
What’s a homeowner to do? First, thoroughly review all warranties before signing anything. Register warranties promptly and maintain records. Finally, examine your roof frequently. Don’t make Mother Nature deliver a surprising, highly unwelcome message!
After potentially weeks, if not months, of research and vetting, a roof installation usually takes only one or two days. Workers take off old shingles. If dubious roof decking is located, 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 suspect. Roof flashing is often replaced, to better direct water away from critical areas such as chimneys. Roof vents are added or replaced to improve attic ventilation. Pipe boots prevent leaks around protruding pipes. Drip edges aid water flow off a roof.
A Walworth County roof replacement typically costs $20,000 to $40,000. The cost depends on the materials chosen, and size and characteristics of the roof. Either way, it’s a sizable investment … making pre-project 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 Walworth County 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 going off about your making the right choice!