Depending on the type of roof, the materials used, and the wear and tear your roof faces, your existing roof can last up to 30 years. Chances are, that when it comes time to replace your roofing system, this is a project you really do not have that much experience with if any. 

Your roof plays an extremely important role for your home, it keeps rain, snow, and other elements from working their way in. For this reason, you want to make sure your roof replacement project is done right.

Here are 5 important factors you should consider when replacing the roofing at your home.

1. Roofing material

There are various roofing materials available on the market today. Asphalt shingles are still the most popular option, but metal roofing materials have grown in popularity in the past few years. Asphalt roofing is fairly easy to install for an experienced professional and provides you with the best bang for your buck. Metal roofing materials will last long, are more energy-efficient, but will cost more upfront. Generally, budget, geographical location, style, longevity, and foliage are some of the most essential factors to consider before selecting a roofing material. Overall, you must ensure the chosen roofing material is of great quality, and not a low-end product. The issues associated with cheaper materials will lead you to pay for this decision sooner than later.

2. Price

When it comes to a large project like a roof replacement, it can end up being quite costly. Looking to save some money and get a great deal is only natural.  However, you shouldn’t make your decision on price alone, the quality of the services and materials is equally as important. So, you should look for a contractor that can use high-quality materials at a relatively affordable price. To achieve this, try to shop around and focus on both the price and roofing quality. Don’t just look for the bargain pricing option, you will not be guaranteed peace of mind once the project is completed in this scenario.

3. Warranty 

Understand the type of warranty associated with your roofing replacement, does your roofing contractor provide a warranty on both the roofing materials and the workmanship? What are the warranty terms? These are crucial questions you must answer as you research the warranty that is part of your replacement roof. The right warranty terms will ensure that the hired contractor can replace any damaged materials and provide free services during an agreed period of the term. So, make sure to take a close look at the warranty terms, before you sign an agreement.

4. Paperwork

Before replacing a roof, you must consider the paperwork of the roofing contractor you are working with. The paperwork will include important elements such as the building permit, a written contract, contractor’s insurance, and liability plan, and a written quote for the project. Pay attention to the fine print of the paperwork before signing anything. If any of the above documents are missing, ask to see them before the work begins. 

5. Cleanup

Removing your old roof will result in hundreds if not thousands of nails and staples to fall on your driveway, grass, flower beds, and across your property in general. Before paying the final invoice, ask to inspect your yard and to ensure they used high power magnets to clean up the potentially dangerous old nails. All reputable roofing contractors have a giant magnet on wheels, that they use to pick up all the old nails lying around your yard. Ask to see this magnet after they have combed your property with it. Oftentimes workers skip this step of the cleanup process and it could lead to a punctured tire or worse an injury.