Deciding Whether to Hire a Contractor or Do It Yourself
One of the first things you will need to consider is who will do the roof replacement. Hiring a contractor can be costly. Replacing the roof yourself can save you a significant amount of money, but it is physically dangerous and can be financially risky if you do not know what you are doing. This means that you must assess whether you have the time and confidence in your own ability to complete the job. If you do not, you will need to obtain estimates from at least three reputable roofing contractors.
Deciding On Material
You must determine which type of material to use. Consider the intended use of the building and the length of time you need the roof to last. If this is your personal residence and you have no intention of moving anytime soon, you will want to choose a material that is at least mid-grade or above. However, many people that flip houses or use them as rentals choose the cheapest shingle available.
Understand that asphalt shingles are the most common type of sloped roof covering; however there are also metal, slate and rolled roofing available. If you decide to do the roof replacement yourself, asphalt shingles are the simplest to install. They also have a fairly long life expectancy and require very little maintenance, and any necessary repairs are fairly easy. Asphalt shingles also tend to hold up well in extreme hot, cold and wind.
Metal roofing is considered durable. However there are different types of metal, some that hold up better in different climates. Most do-it-yourselfers will not attempt to install metal roofing alone. However, an accomplished contractor can usually install metal roofing quite fast. Slate also is very nice in appearance, but definitely requires a knowledgeable installer. Rolled roofing is very cheap and easy to install, however it does not have the life expectancy or as pleasing an appearance as other types of roofing.
Tips
Replace your roof during spring, summer or fall. It is imperative to do the replacement during warm dry weather to ensure that the roofing properly seals to the decking. This will prevent any type of leaking during the wet months. In addition, make certain that the roof is properly tarped if left exposed for any period of time, to avoid unexpected damage from precipitation.
Only choose to replace the roof yourself if you are fully confident in your ability to properly install the type of material that you have chosen to use. You must tear off the old roofing material if there is more than one layer of roofing already installed in most locations. Otherwise you may choose to recover the existing material. You should always find out what the building codes in your area allow.
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