Need a new roof? Get prepared

We have a list of things that have to be done on and in our house. One of the things on the list is to replace our roof. That means we have started doing the research on replacement costs.

Calculate the square footage
If you can do some basic math, you can figure out how much you are going to need to cover your roof. A quick search found several websites that help you calculate the square footage of your roof. If you don’t know how much space you are going to have to cover, you won’t be able to plan your budget.

Ask for References
Start asking friends and family to find out who they have used in the past. You want to use a company you can trust. References from people you know will go along way. Tip: Never hire someone who just stops in your neighborhood and offers a great deal – especially for a big job like your roof. You don’t want to ‘save money’ up front and then get ripped off, risk having inferior work or have someone get hurt on your property while doing ajob like this.

Pick your materials
I don’t know this professionaly, but I have heard that lighter color roofing tiles are more energy efficient. There are many choices for shingles, tiles or metal. So whether you are looking for metal roofing in Cedar Park or laminate shingles in Kentucky, you need to do your research to find out what is the best option for your house.

Different materials will come with different warranty guarantees. Just because you find an amazing deal on materials, it’s not a deal if they don’t hold up to the wear and tear of your climate demands. Check not only the initial price but also do research to find out how long the roofing is supposed to last.

Recycling possibilities
Some companies are able to recycle roofing shingles. The EPA has details about recycling options.

Have you replaced your roof recently? Got any tips, thoughts or ways to keep the cost down and the work done right? I’d love to hear!