
Installation of a new roofing system can be a huge investment that needs to be thought through. Installing a roof can take up to a week for installation and will usually cost in the 4 to 5 figure range. With that said, it’s recommended that the home owner get a qualified and licensed professional roofing contractor to do the installation.
Roofing is one of the longest living industries in the world. After all, essentially all buildings have a roofing system. Because it’s one of the oldest industries in the United States, there are a lot of dedicated and committed professionals. Some contractors may not be properly licensed, its important to do research when hiring a roofing contractor.
What Should I Expect When Starting Installation?
Here’s a checklist of things that you’ll need to take into account before making any final decisions on installing a roofing system.
Time And Budget
First and foremost, it’s important to ask “Do I have the means of installing a roofing system?”. It’s surprising how much a homeowner will spend on a this. The cheapest set of shingles that you can get from the market will usually cost about $2,000 for each square. That means that the whole house will be covered with the same set of materials, that’s about $10,000 in terms of materials. Keep in mind that gutters and other accessory pieces are not included in that cost. In most cases, contractors will also charge more for the labor fee.
Another factor to consider is the amount of time it takes to install a system. On average, installing a roof will take about a week. Replacing a system will have more steps which might add a few more days to the process. It’s best to schedule this during a vacation or anytime when the house would be empty. It’s not recommended to stay in the house as the work is being done.
Planning
Just like every construction project, planning is a phase that shouldn’t be skipped when installing a new system. Accurate measurements are needed to make sure that every single estimate for your roof is in order. One measurement that is miscalculated can result in future problems for you. Your roof should be prepared for the different elements of the weather, including high winds, extreme heat and cold.
Installation should also be done in warmer weather conditions since materials and sealants tend to fair better in warmer temperatures. However, in colder states, it’s unavoidable that contractors will have to make due with freezing weather.
Roofing Materials
Most homeowners will choose the first material that looks good in their eyes in the local builder’s depot. In reality, there are more factors to materials that you need to know. Most materials will last around 15 – 20 years, but the higher the quality of the materials, the higher the lifespan. Slate tile and metal are some of the most durable materials in the market but are still susceptible to impacts from hailstorms.
If you’re in the path of hailstorms and strong winds, it’s recommended that you look for impact-resistant materials. Look for materials that are UL 2218 standard approved.
Environmental Factors
We shouldn’t forget that our roofs are more than just something that will make our house stand out aesthetically; it also protects our home from the different elements of the weather. Since these systems are designed to withstand harsh weather, it’s paramount that we choose the right materials that’s designed for the environment. Slate tile roofs are usually used by homes in coastal towns since it can hold down your system from winds of up to 130 miles an hour. The drawback for slate tile, however, is that they can weigh over a ton so you’ll need to have strong supporting structures.
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Matt Kowalis
Marketing Manager for Central Roofing LLC
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About Central Roofing
Central Roofing is a top quality roofing company in Sullivan, IL that likewise operates in Mattoon and Champaign, and the rest of Illinois. We offer a wide array of roofing services to property owners like you. We have been the leading go-to roofing company of homeowners, business owners, and property managers for almost a decade now here in Illinois.