Roof Replacement After A Storm
May 26, 2011 | Filed under: Articles, Roof Repair
While I have had a long and fun career in the roofing industry, nothing breaks my heart more than when the roofing market is stimulated by the results of devastating and destructive weather patterns. Between snow, ice, wind, and hail storms, we have seen far too much bad weather in recent weeks and months. The disruption caused by these storms to families and finances is almost incomprehensible. It is my hope that I can provide helpful information to folks who are unexpectedly having to re-roof their homes.
Unfortunately, if your roof has been damaged and is leaking due to storm damage, all you really want to do is have it be fixed. While that is the end goal, my only caution is to slow down a bit and make sure it is fixed properly so that future problems do not occur. Here are a few things to think about:
1) Are there any areas on your roof which have always been problems that it would make sense to modify structurally for better future results? Perhaps dead or blind valleys that could be built up or cricketed? Perhaps low pitch areas that could be changed?
2) Should you remove your old shingles? Check with local building codes as well as the manufacturer of your new roof. Also, if insurance is covering part of the cost of your new roof, see what they require as far as old roof removal.
3) Does your home have adequate ventilation? For most homes, good ventilation is key to energy efficiency and a healthy home. Re-roofing is the ideal time to address ventilation because vents can be added or changed and soffits can be opened up and cleaned if needed.
4) Is there anything else on the roof that should be addressed before your beautiful new roof is installed? Does the chimney need sealed, tuckpointed, or re-capped? Do any dormer windows need to be painted or addressed in other ways? Should your skylights be replaced or would you like to add skylights?
5) Is your contractor local? Do they have ties and history with your community? Nothing can be worse than a contractor who does work with no intention of still being around a year later.
6) Make sure that your contractor is properly licensed and insured. Check on the credentialing their crews have for installing the product you have selected.
7) Consider this as an opportunity to upgrade to a roof that is more beautiful, durable, and energy efficient than your previous roof. This will allow you to restore lasting value to your home investment.
Finally, if you have any questions at all or if you would like to consider metal for your new roof, contact me at todd@asktoddmiller.com
Todd Miller has spent his entire career in the metal building products manufacturing industry. He is president of Isaiah Industries, an organization recognized as one of the world’s leading metal roofing manufacturers. Todd is currently Vice President of the MRA (Metal Roofing Association) and a Past Chair of MCA (Metal Construction Association). Through his website, he strives to raise the bar on standards and practices to provide property owners with the best possible products for successful roofing projects.
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