Roof Replacement – Get the Look You Want For Your North Carolina Home
The greatest cost in a North Carolina roof replacement can be labor. That said, the most variable cost in any roof replacement project lies in selecting the roofing material that suits your home, your climate, and your pocketbook. Remember, most roofing contractors offer materials that come with warranties.The labor involves removing existing shingles and repairing or restoring damaged wood on the subroof and around the eaves.
In cold climates, you may need to:
- Install an ice dam barrier, preventing melting ice from damaging shingles closest to the gutters.
- Lay down felt or asphalt paper
- Nail in tiles or shingles
- Install flashing wherever leaks occur along chimneys and vents
- Install the ridge vent
Do Your Roof Replacement Research
If this is your first roof replacement, you’ll need to learn how to buy roofing. The first step is to measure the total square footage of roofing to replace. If you know the square footage of your home, you already know you’ll need to buy materials that cover more than that. Consider the roof slope, and you should cost out additional materials to cover gables or ornamental roofing features.
Start pricing any roof replacement job by visiting a roofing showroom. Suppliers who sell roofing materials measure them by the “square,” with each unit calculated to cover 100 square feet of roofing. Asphalt shingles cost the least, wood costs more, and slate is even more costly. Metal roofs may cost the most, depending on materials and installation costs. You’ll want to research what material is best for you based on your climate, your budget and the overall look you are going for on your North Carolina home.
Now you know the scale of work and the materials cost. Get written bids from at least three roofers before signing up for the work.
The Benefits of Metal Roofing on Your North Carolina Home
Are you on the fence about installing North Carolina metal residential roofing? Knowing the benefits will help you decide if a metal roof is a should-do, or a shouldn’t-do, for your North Carolina home.
It’s very easy to get confused when you’re researching roofing options. After all, this is a one-time, big project, and not one that you should take lightly. Your roof is your home’s protection, and as such it is well worth weighing the positives and negatives of each option.
Metal residential roofing has been growing in popularity in the last twenty years or so, with many homeowners choosing it over slate, tiles, asphalt and other traditional roofing materials. Let’s look at the reasons why.
Long-Lasting
Metal roofs are generally warrantied for 50 years, and there are metal roofs that have been around for over a century! Ever seen an old building with a greenish roof? That’s probably copper.
Strong
North Carolina metal roofs are extremely strong, and stand up to inclement weather like no other. They will not leak in heavy rain, blow off in heavy winds, or collapse surpassed. Under heavy snowfall. As far as protecting your house goes, metal roofing is unsurpassed. Also, since they do not catch fire, they are a form of fire-proofing for your house. Most insurance companies actually offer you lower premiums when you have a metal roof.
Eco-Friendly
If you ever do need to replace your roof (and you probably won’t during the time you’re in the house), your old metal roof can be recycled. Steel is considered to be the best material for roofing, as it helps reduce the use of chemicals. So if you want to go green in your home, a metal roof can help you do that.
Lower Utility Bills
Metal roofs reflect heat, rather than absorb it like traditional North Carolina roofing materials. That means you home will be up to 40% cooler in the summer months, and you will spend far less money and energy keeping your home comfortable. Some metal roofs have a finish that actually sends heat back into the air, which reduces your costs even more.
Lower Life Cycle Costs
Upkeep and maintenance are minimal with metal roofing, as it doesn’t split, crack, rot or curl as they age. Some metal roofs may need a new coat of finish every few years, but basically you can install it once and forget about it.
So should you or shouldn’t you install metal residential roofing? If you truly want to invest in and protect your North Carolina home, metal roofing is by far the best choice.