A new roof is an important investment and should therefore be carefully planned before you engage a contractor for their roof installation services. Creative Construction Group shares a list of things you should consider when planning for a new roof.
Roof Slope – Most roof replacement projects involve stripping the roof down to the roof deck and keeping the roofing structure intact. Unless you are planning on having your roof structure rebuilt, the existing slope already has most of the work cut out for you. Certain materials work best in certain slopes. For instance, if your existing roof features a steep slope – usually between 4/12 to 9/12 – then asphalt shingles or metal would be the ideal choice. Conversely, a flat roof will narrow your selection to membrane, modified bitumen, or traditional built-up roofing.
Roofing Contractor License – Choosing the right contractor is important. In addition to doing the actual installation work, a roofer will ensure that the all aspects of your roof replacement project – planning, design, permits – are all taken care of. There are several criteria that should be taken into consideration when choosing your contractor, but the most important is the license. A licensed roofing contractor should have no problem providing valid license information, verifiable with the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Weight vs Roofing Structure – The existing roof structure must be able to support the new roofing material. If you are considering switching to heavier material like slate or tile, then your roofing contractor should check if your roof can support the additional weight. Modifying the roof structure will likely increase the cost of your roof replacement project.
Life Cycle Cost – The life cycle cost is basically the combined cost of installation, repairs and maintenance over its lifespan. This means that the longer a roof’s lifespan is, the lower the life cycle cost can be. Many homeowners balk at the upfront cost of roofing systems like tile, but if you consider that tile roofs usually last about a hundred years, is durable and has less maintenance requirements, it actually has a lower life cycle cost compared to asphalt shingles. This can be an important factor if you intend to keep your home for the long term.
To learn more about our roofing services, including assistance with insurance roof claims, call Creative Construction Group today at (815) 339-0550. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule a free quote. We serve many areas in and near Crystal Lake, IL.