When it's time to have your home's roof replaced, there are several steps you can take to make sure you're fully prepared. These steps will help you be aware of any repairs or maintenance you need, make sure your property is ready for your contractors to get to work, and make any budgeting and financing decisions before it's time to begin.
1. Have Your Roof Inspected
If your roof needs repairs or maintenance, the best time to find out is when you're planning to have your roof replaced. Issues with your roof's structure could get worse over time and become safety risks, and repairs may require the removal of parts of your roof, so it's a good idea to take care of this while your roof is already being worked on.
If you haven't decided on a contractor yet, you can still request a thorough inspection of your roof. A professional will take a look at your roof, both inside and out, and look for any signs of sagging, water damage, wood rot, or other issues that need attention. This can add to the cost of your roof work but will help you be fully prepared for what you need when your contractor starts their work.
2. Take Care of Pest Problems
Beyond being a nuisance, some pests can cause damage to your home that will need to be addressed before your new roof can be installed. For example, if you have termites, carpenter ants, or carpenter bees in your attic, you may need to have some repairs done before work can continue.
If you've had intermittent pest problems or just want an inspection to make sure you're in the clear, speak with an exterminator and make sure any infestations are completely taken care of before your roof work begins.
3. Trim Your Trees
Trees, bushes, and other plants growing near your home could be an obstacle for your contractors, especially if any branches or leaves are touching your roof or the side of your house. This can affect the accessibility of your roof, and if any branches are found to be too close to the roof, your contractors may need to delay their work until this is taken care of.
To avoid this problem, make sure your trees and plants surrounding your home are properly trimmed before your roofing contractors start their work. If your plants need substantial work, consider hiring a tree trimmer to make sure this is done professionally and carefully so as to avoid harming your plants or causing any damage to your roof.
4. Explore Payment Options
A new roof is a heavy expense, but if you don't have everything you need upfront, there are several options you can explore to pay over time, find quality loans, or seek grants to help cover the costs.
If you're looking to finance, talk to your contractor to see if they offer anything directly. You can also use personal loans from a bank or credit union, but if you want something more specific to your project, you can apply for an FHA Title I property loan. This will give you a fixed interest rate, which could be significantly lower than that of a personal loan if it's secured by your mortgage or deed of trust. A home equity loan may also offer better interest rates and payment options.
Grants are a little more difficult to qualify for but are worth looking into because of what you can receive if you qualify. One example is the Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance to low-income households. If your current roof is damaged and poses a safety risk, you may also qualify for the Section 504 Home Repair program, which can offer thousands of dollars of assistance or very low-interest rates on loans. Search for grants you may qualify for, and talk to your contractor for suggestions as to what might be available in your area.
For more information on roof replacements, contact companies like Cloise & Mike Construction Inc.
The strong roof is one that has been carefully selected for your home, according to the local climate and your home's structure. The strong roof is one that you've taken the time to maintain, season after season. It's a roof that is protected by good insulation and a good warranty. Do you have a strong roof? As you check out the articles on this website, you'll come to a better understanding of what it means to have a strong roof and what you can do to keep your roof strong. We hope you enjoy reading these articles we've collected for readers like you.