Tips When Planning a Home Roof Replacement

If you delay a roof replacement, you can spend money on endless repairs. In addition, a faulty roof can cause further damage if rain enters the crawl space to provoke mould and mildew. For tips on planning your roof replacement, read the following pointers.

Roof Shape, Size, and Material

Your roof shape and size will influence the replacement cost. Of course, a bigger roof requires more cladding, which will take longer to lay. The roof shape and contour comes into play as well. A sloping skillion roof consists of a straightforward plane that is relatively easy to access compared to more complex designs. A steeply pitched roof, in contrast, provides safety and access challenges. If the top of your home features numerous ridges and valleys, or dormer windows that require roofing, then the job is more fiddly, which will increase installation costs. The roof cladding material you select also impacts the quote. Standard options include metal sheet roofing, concrete tiles, terracotta, and slate, which are listed here from generally cheapest to most expensive.

Structural Work

When you replace the roof, you may need to undertake structural work to the underlying timber framework that carries the cladding. Sometimes, rotted timber beams and other damage only reveal themselves once the old roof is removed. So, necessary repair work won't be included in the initial quote. However, contractors may be able to assess the roof from the ceiling cavity and discover issues beforehand. Another reason you may need structural work on the timber frame is if you're switching from lighter metal roofing to heavier tiles, for example, in which case, the beams and rafters may require reinforcement.

Check What's Covered

When you receive a roof replacement quote, check what it covers. Does it include removing and disposing of the old roof, for example?  Also, determine whether it factors in new guttering and roof insulation. If the old cladding contains asbestos, its removal will involve unique processes to ensure safety, which will add to the overall replacement cost.

Thus, note your roof size and configuration when planning a replacement, as these factors will affect the costs in terms of the required material amount and construction work. In addition, if you need structural work to the underlying timber framework, the price will increase. So that you don't get any surprises, be clear about what's covered by the quote and what costs you will be covering.

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