Roofing and Construction Blogs

Roofing 101

6 Things to Think About When Fixing Your Roof

We don’t think about the roofs over our heads much, but really, every roof is doing an essential function in keeping us safe and secure. We take roofs for granted yet they’re everywhere we go. The roofs we have at home should always be sturdy and secure and keep you and your family safe. When looking into installing a new roof, there are things you must learn in order to provide you and your family the best roof possible.

Whether you think much about the roof over your head or not, a roof is a key element of your home. The national average spent on roofs is just under $8,000 but can get anywhere from $1,200 to $30,000. Many factors go into a roof that causes the price to fluctuate. We are here to help you determine what best suits you and your home and give you the best options for your new roofing job.

1. New Roofing or Repairs

First and foremost, you need to think about whether or not your roof needs a new installation or just some repairs. A new roof can cost 10x or more than just a single repair. Therefore, analyze your roof and determine what needs to be done. Leaks and draining spots can easily be fixed by low-cost repairs. However, some roofs are due for a complete do-over.

You’re due for a new roof if there is uncontrollable leaking. This is the most important sign of needing a new total makeover of your roof. Though it can be costly to completely redo your roof, the damage that can come from a damaged roof from leaks, debris and more can cost a lot more, plus is a hazard and could lead to a harming situation. If your roof has had a few decades under its belt and had a good run, call a roofing contractor and inspect it. Most roofs can last up to two decades or possibly even three. However, after 20+ years, it may be coming close to the end of its life and needs replacing. Another reason to replace an old roof is to stay up-to-date with upgrades and systems. The roofing systems installed these days are far better than those installed 20 to 25 years ago. Lastly, think about a completely new roof if you’re wanting to give your home a makeover. If your house is outdated and you’re doing renovations, you may want to consider an entirely new roof to go along with your new style.

A new roof should be heavily considered if you can just add minor repairs and replacements. In order to limit your costs and stay within a budget, determine how far and in depth, you need to go with your roof. Call us to come to look at your roof if you need a second opinion or a professional opinion. We have a great staff on hand ready to analyze and inspect your roof to give you the best advice on what to do.

Our best advice for when not to get a new roof falls under these guidelines. If just a few shingles are loose, there is no need to replace the entire roof. There are certain measures and precautions to take when fixing the few shingles, but we will get into that later. If your ceiling has the occasional leak or drip, there are plenty of applications you can use to seal that up and keep the cost to a very minimum.

We use our talented and knowledgeable staff to look over issues and repairs both big and small. Never hesitate to call our team to get the best hindsight on which direction you should take in fixing or replacing your roof.

2. Roofing Cost

The cost of your roof varies on multiple factors. However, because so many things go into a roof, you can stay within your budget. You first need to determine the roof’s size, the material used, how steep the roof is, number of layers, and how you’re going to install it.

The price of roofing can increase dramatically depending on the above variables, but it’s important to note that a roof is not something you want to do on the bare minimum. You need to make sure you’re getting the best and getting the roof done right. If you choose to go with a contractor, you should trust and rely on him or her. Our team of contractors uses our knowledge to get the job done right, but will not steer you in a direction just to drive up the costs. If you want to make sure you’re getting the best deal on the cost of roofing, ask the opinion of multiple roofers and get price quotes to compare.

When looking into a contractor, ask what the “per square” basis is first. This involves pricing of the material, resources, removing old roof and the services. Although this quote will cover a lot of the expenses, sometimes roofers find issues as they get started and this increases the end price. However, it’s best they find the issue sooner rather than later.

Although roofing contractors get the job done right the first time, they do come at a cost. Unfortunately that cost sometimes doesn’t cover everything you need it to, either. These costs don’t always include gutters, chimneys, vents and more. Make sure when they give you a quote, they include these in their final estimate. Otherwise, you could find yourself paying much more than you anticipated.

3. Types of Roofing

When you’ve assessed your roof and decided what kind of job it is and who will be doing it, then decide the kind of type you want. Roofs come in all different shapes and sizes. Most people don’t realize shingles can be made of all sorts of different materials and textures. Some shingles provide extreme protection and resistance to help keep your home safer.

Shingles come in asphalt, slate, wood, metal and tile materials. Each one has both pluses and minuses but it all depends on which will best fit your home. The most common types of shingles are the asphalt type. Typically, asphalt shingles cost less than other materials.

If you want to give your home a more “forest look/cabin feel” you may want to opt for the wooden shingles. Wooden shingles allow for your home to look beautiful and unique compared to most homes. Though wood shingles can often times get costly, if you value the look of your home, this is the option for you. Be aware that these shingles do require more maintenance and up keeping.
Slate shingles can give you that log cabin feel, while lasting much longer. It’s becoming increasingly popular because of its modern look and long-lasting efficiency.

If you want a long-lasting roof, go for a metal shingle. In this day and age, metal roofs are becoming a modern look and updated aesthetics to your home. However, these shingles can also get expensive unless you look at metal shingles as an investment in your home and plan to reap the benefits for many, many years.

One other material that can be accounted for is tile. Tile shingles are very popular in the south. They are known for the bright red tile, or orange tile, that brings a Mediterranean feel to your home. They are easy to replicate but also protect against leaks and weather.

The shingles with higher resistance and protection, have multiple benefits. Your roof will have a greater defense to leaks, better aesthetics and looks, ability to shield your home against weather and a better system to protect against leaks.

4. Roofing Equipment and Supplies

As you look to replace or repair your roof, or hire a contractor, you will need to know a lot about your roof. First and foremost, make sure you know your measurements. Your roof can get complicated so it’s best you find the exact measurements to ensure a smooth roof replacement.

Make sure you know what kind of roof you have before you measure. There are domed roofs, gabled roofs and hipped roofs. If your roof is not a flat roof and has the dome shape, make sure you’re calculating the spherical dome entirely. If your roof slants to make a peak, measure your roof as a gabled roof. This is just measuring each rectangle’s width and length. If your roof has a trapezoid shape to one of the sides of the roof, then you have a hipped roof. Trapezoids can be measured along the short and long bases and the height of the side. The triangles are measured with base and height.
Along with measurements, you need to know where you’re going to approach redoing your roof. Do you need to remove shingles? Are you wanting to change the material of your roof for a new look? Be sure to check out all the possibilities for your roof. Removing your roof for a new one or replacing old tiles, is a task that requires effort and supplies. Make sure you have the proper equipment and idea, because your safety is most important. When working on the roof, go in sections. Because you will be lifting and uprooting shingles, you need to do it in layers instead of jumping around spot to spot. Check out where the nails, soft spots, and loose shingles are. When you dispose of shingles, work furthest away from the debris location. Sometimes it best practice to use a tarp to allow for loose shingles and debris. Always start with the ridge cap shingles and work your way to about a couple feet from the edge.

If you do decide to replace, your material matters. The weight of the shingles matters. When you take off shingles and have pieces sitting there, debris can be more or less likely to fall based on the weight of the material for your roof. In addition to weight precautions, make sure your roofing frame can handle the material you are changing to.

If you ever find yourself not sure of where to go in your roofing project or in too deep to repairs, hire a contractor. It will save you time, effort and even money in the long run. It will be done right the first time and will be done precisely. This will alleviate any issues in the future and any harm or danger that could come from an unsteady roof.

5. Roofing Features and Add Ons

Roofs can come in different layouts and materials, but there are multiple features and add-ons that can make a roof even better and more secure for your home. The flashing and gutters are important aspects of your roof that need to be inspected along with a new or repaired roof. Sometimes, a gutter and flashing can be causing more issues to your roof from water and other issues like mold and gunk.
Your roof fascia and soffits are also important features. The fascia is what conceals while your soffits are the areas in your roof under the overhang that give your attic room to breath and release hot air. Those these are minor aspects of a roof, they are important to keep on in maintenance because they can progress your roof into needing another replacement, faster.

6. Importance of Contractors

We want you to know we are here for you. Our customers receive the best in roof care and maintenance. However, before we come, we want you to know the basics of roofing. If you need any questions answered or feel stuck on your project, give us a call. Our team of knowledgeable and skilled contractors are always ready to take on any questions. Our experience in the roofing industry comes second to none. We know all kinds of roofs and have completed countless successful roofing projects. We can do anything from repairs, a complete makeover, and more. We inspect, analyze, measure and take the proper time and effort to complete your roof perfect. We got you covered (pun intended). You and your family will be safe under your roof. Give us a call to see what we can do for you, your family and your home.

Did you ask, “where is a roofers near me?” Above and Beyond Roofing and Construction is located at 401 E. Grand #401 Haysville, KS 67060 and we service the 50 mile radius around the greater Wichita area. Want quicker service? Call 316-719-2819