Your roof takes a beating. It’s subjected to high winds, rain, hail, bitter cold, and bright sunlight.
When your roof starts showing signs of wear, you should consider a replacement. Hiring a credible roofing company can help you make the best decision for your home or business. The pros at Roofing Baton Rouge can handle everything from materials to reroofing.
When replacing your roof, it’s important to choose a material that will not only protect your home from the elements but also raise its overall value.
There are many different types of roofing materials available for your roof replacement project, from traditional shingles to high-end slate roofs. Each offers a unique look and feel that can add or detract from the overall value of your home.
The most common type of roofing is an asphalt shingle, which comes in a variety of styles and colors. These shingles are relatively inexpensive and provide good weather resistance, making them the most popular choice for homeowners. Asphalt shingles can last up to 15 years, depending on the climate where you live.
Another option for your roofing system is a metal roof. These roofs are highly durable and offer great energy efficiency. They’re also fire resistant and can withstand a wide range of temperatures. A metal roof will typically cost more than other roofing materials, but it’s an investment that will last for decades.
A wood shake or shingle roof is a natural roofing material that can enhance the aesthetics of any home. They’re often used for classic and historic homes, such as cottages and craftsman-style houses. Wood shingles can be hand split or sawn to create a tapered thickness, which can give the roof a more rugged appearance.
Cedar is another popular type of roofing. These shingles have a beautiful color and texture that is very attractive to many homeowners. They’re not ideal for humid climates, however, and require frequent maintenance and treatment with fire retardants and chemical preservatives.
Other types of roofing materials include concrete and clay tile, metal panels, and synthetic rubber membranes like EPDM and TPO. These membranes are low-cost, easy to install, and water-resistant. They’re not a good fit for every homeowner, but they can be an excellent alternative to other roofing materials.
Finally, there are also roof flashing and fascia boards. These components are located at the eaves, valleys and other vulnerable areas of your roof and help prevent leaks by preventing moisture build-up. They can be made from wood, aluminum or galvanized steel.
Roofing Contractors
A roofing contractor is a person who has the experience, skills, and licenses to perform roof work. They also have the equipment and supplies needed to do the job safely. In addition, they understand the importance of adhering to local building codes and regulations. They may be a general contractor, or they may specialize in the specific types of roofing materials that you are interested in. They can also recommend other contractors who can help with the project, such as electricians or plumbers.
Roofing experts can design various roofing arrangements according to the needs of their clients. They can also inspect and evaluate the existing roof and check its condition. Some of the services that are offered by these professionals include shingle repairs, roof replacements, and even roof snow evacuation and maintenance. They are also able to handle the installation of gutters, vents, and flashings.
These specialists can also repair tiny, isolated faults that are not a threat to the structural integrity of the roof. In some cases, they may have to remove a portion of the existing roof and replace it with a new one. They can also advise homeowners on the type of shingles and tiles that would best suit their home’s style and weather conditions.
Most roofing contractors will have a team of people to carry out the various aspects of a roof installation project. This may include laborers who will haul away the old roofing material and dispose of it, and roofers who will place the new roof surface. These professionals will not be able to start working until the necessary supplies have been ordered and delivered to the work site. The roofing contractor acts as the project manager and coordinates all these details, from assessing the project’s requirements to ordering the required materials and scheduling their delivery.
Roofing experts have access to the best roofing materials at competitive prices. They have strong connections with suppliers and manufacturers, which allow them to offer the best options for their clients. These companies often have multiple crews, which means they can complete projects faster than general contractors. In addition, they have the proper safety equipment for working on roofs, including specialized footwear, sponge pads, and ropes.
Roofing Costs
Roof replacement is one of the top renovation projects homeowners dread because of its cost, but it is an essential investment that adds value and protection to your home. Some costs are outside of a homeowner’s control, such as the geographic location and weather conditions, but many others can be carefully considered to make an educated decision that will fit your budget and lifestyle.
The most significant factor affecting the cost of a new roof is the choice of roofing materials. There are a variety of options, from basic three-tab shingles to luxury copper. Choosing the right materials will ensure that your roof is durable and long-lasting.
Another factor that affects the cost of a new roof is its size. A larger roof requires more materials and labor, which increases the total cost. Adding architectural features like chimneys or skylights will also increase the price.
In addition, the roof’s pitch, or slope, will also affect the cost of a new roof. The steeper the roof, the more labor and materials are needed to safely complete the installation process. Some very steep roofs may even require scaffolding to work safely and efficiently.
If your roof is old and damaged, a full roof replacement may be in order. However, if the front of your house’s roof is still in good shape, it may be more cost-effective to consider partial reroofing. This will save on removal and permit fees, but you should be prepared to pay more per square foot for your new shingles.
Roofing supplies account for 40% to 50% of the overall roof replacement cost, and include everything from shingles to underlayment and new flashing. You will also need to account for the cost of removing and disposing of the existing roof and the cost of any additional insulation, ventilation or other roofing components that may be included in your project.
It’s important to understand that your roofing contractor will need to remove the existing shingles and sheathing in order to inspect the condition of the roof deck. It’s against the law to install a new roof over existing shingles in most areas, so this step will be an added expense. If your roof is not in good repair, it will likely be necessary to replace the sheathing and underlying materials as well.
Roofing Insurance
Many homeowners insurance policies cover damage to the roof if the damage was caused by a covered peril, such as windstorms and hail. These policies typically cover the cost of repairing or replacing the roof up to the policy limits, minus any applicable deductible. Roofing insurance may also include actual cash value (ACV) roof coverage, which is more common for homes with older roofs that are beyond repair.
If the roof is damaged, the insurance company will assign an adjuster to evaluate and inspect it. The insurance company will then make a settlement offer that includes the cost of repairs or replacement, less any applicable deductible. It can be helpful to have your own contractor provide an independent estimate to supplement the insurance adjuster’s evaluation and recommendation.
The deductible is the amount that must be paid out of pocket before the insurance company begins to pay on a claim. It is generally the same as the overall deductible that you chose when you purchased the policy. In some cases, your insurance company may refuse to pay for a new roof or will deny the claim. If this occurs, you will need to file an appeal and provide evidence to support your claim.
Roofing contractors should consider purchasing general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance and commercial auto insurance for their business. In addition, contractors that regularly consult with customers and give recommendations should purchase professional liability insurance. Surety bonds, which provide work guarantees, are another essential component of a comprehensive roofing insurance program.
Regardless of the type of roofing or construction insurance you need for your business, it’s crucial to understand how the process works and what steps you should take when filing an insurance claim. Dealing with insurance companies can be frustrating and shockingly pleasant at the same time, so it’s important to understand how your policy works. A licensed insurance professional can help you level the playing field and get the money you deserve for your roof replacement.