When purchasing a new roof, there are some important questions that homeowners should ask their roof contractors before the new roof installation begins.

To make the most informed roof replacement decisions, homeowners should discuss a few details with their roofer so that contractor understands what their needs are and how to get the most from their roofing purchase.

These are some important questions that homeowners should ask their roof company to help them decide on the best roof for their home.

1. Which Roofing Materials Are The Most Recommended Ones?

With so many roofing materials available today, homeowners should seek recommendations for the best ones for their specific home.

Roof contractors consider various factors such as home architecture, local climate, and extreme conditions like high winds and excessive heat to recommend suitable roofing products to their customers.

The best choice is one that can easily withstand local conditions with good maintenance to provide a full lifespan of protection to that home.

2. Is There Adequate Attic Ventilation?

When investing in a roof replacement, always assess attic ventilation to ensure there is enough, as poor ventilation can quickly kill a new roof.

There are various tests that contractors can perform to check ventilation amount.

When ventilation is deficient, they will recommend installing additional attic vents to alleviate that problem and protect the new roof.

3. Is The Roof Structurally Sound?

Before doing a new installation, roof companies should do a thorough inspection of the entire support structure to determine its soundness and whether structural repairs should be made before the new materials go on.

In particular, they should inspect roof-to-wall connections and gable end bracing on homes with pitched architecture in areas where high winds are prevalent, reinforcing these areas as necessary.

4. Should The Decking Be Replaced?

An experienced roof contractor will carefully inspect the decking once old roofing materials have been removed to assess whether it can remain there or if it should be replaced.

Decking that has been wet, damaged, or loosened in any way should be replaced to ensure a secure application and a strong base on which to install the new materials.

5. What Kind of Underlayment Is Recommended?

New underlayment should always be included in a new roof replacement, as it must be removed to fully inspect the decking.

In locations that experience heavy rains and high winds, thicker 30# underlayment is recommended.

Some contractors may also recommend adding a secondary water barrier underlayment based on the roof pitch and other factors to protect joints, angles, and other more vulnerable points.

6. Will New Flashings Be Included In The Installation?

Experienced roof companies will always include new flashings and seals with their installations, as they provide essential protection for leak-prone areas of the roof.

Re-using flashing invites the possibility that the flashing will deteriorate before the new roof does, making replacement at the time of the installation the best recommendation.

7. What Are The Warranties That Cover The Roof?

Ask about warranties while choosing a roofing system, as they may differ by product.

Generally, homeowners should look for materials with a long manufacturer’s warranty that covers defects in the materials, plus a workmanship warranty from the roof contractor, that guarantees their work.

Also, take note of maintenance requirements to keep all warranties valid.

Discuss These Vital Points When Planning A Roof Replacement

A roof replacement is a major purchase for any homeowner and an essential investment in required home maintenance.

Working together with their chosen roof company, homeowners can know they are selecting the right roof for their home, and understand the service they will receive to ensure a quality roof installation!