If you’re like most homeowners, you’re always looking for ways to save money. You also want to protect your home with a quality product. So when it’s time to replace your roof, it’s important to compare roofing estimates from different contractors to find the best deal. But how do you know if you’re getting a good deal? Here are a few tips on comparing roof replacement estimates to make sure you’re getting the best price and product possible.
Types of Shingles Used
The first thing that is important to understand is the exact type and brand of roofing shingles used. There are two primary different types of shingles used, three-tab and architectural. Three-tab shingles are the most common type of shingles used because they are less expensive than dimensional or architectural shingles. Dimensional or architectural shingles are also called laminated, composite, or hybrid shingles. These roofs typically cost more because they last much longer and have better warranties than three-tab roofs. Unless specifically requested by the customer, American Home Tech uses dimensional shingles in all of our Cincinnati area roof replacement services to provide our customers with a superior product that will last a long time.
The brand of shingles used is also another important factor to consider. GAF Timberline shingles are one of the most popular shingles on the market today. They are known for their reliability and their Wind proven guarantee. GAF is also known for its rigorous training and certification programs. Choosing a Certified GAF Roofing contractor can go a long way to ensuring your roof lasts years and years down the line.
Comparing Tear-off vs Layover in Estimate
As you compare roofing estimates from different companies, It is important to compare what will be done with the current roof, either tearing off the entire roof or just a simple layover of the existing shingles. This is very important to consider especially if the price difference between tear-off and layover seems minimal. While one contractor may claim that just a simple layover of the existing shingles is acceptable, it may be possible that your roof will need to be completely replaced in just a few short years due to poor decking or worn out underlayment. Coupling that with the lower expected life expectancy, warranty issues that frequently appear, the issues that show up with the weight of two layers of shingles, and the more expensive tear-off down the line, American Home Tech strongly recommends full tear-offs in their roof replacement projects and .
If the current roof is to be torn-off, make sure you ask what will happen to the decking. Is it in good condition? Will new boards need to be installed or can old ones be reused? If on the day of the build it is determined that decking does need to be replaced, what is the cost that you can expect to pay? Is any decking included with the estimate?
Underlayment and Accesories
There is a lot more that goes on to your roof during a roof replacement than just the shingles. The underlayment, ice and water shield, flashings, and plumbing boots are also essential parts of your roof replacement. It is important to compare if any of these items are included in your roof replacement estimate. Is there a certain brand name that will be used? What is the typical life expectancy of these items?
Don’t forget about accessories. Did you know there are many different types of vents that can be installed during your roof replacement? Do you want cap, ridge, or turbine vents? How about wall connectors? What about ice and water shield? Ice and water shield is building code in only certain parts of the Cincinnati tri-state area. You need a roofing contractor that understands the area to make sure that you don’t fall out of code compliance. However, due to the importance of Ice and water shield, American Home Tech includes it as a standard for all of their roof replacement projects. These are all things that should be included in your Cincinnati area roof replacement estimate.
Lastly, are the flashings and pipe boots being replaced? According to home services provider HomeAdvisor, the typical price of a roof replacement can cost between $5,588 and $11,690. However, if these accessories are not replaced, you may still end up with a leaky roof that will need to be repaired down the line and shorten the life of your new roofing system.
Warranties on Your System
Having a warranty on your new roofing system is an essential part of the process and can vary from contractor to contractor. Make sure you understand what the warranty covers and how long it will last. There are commonly two different components to a new roofing warranty, a parts or materials warranty and then a labor warranty. American Home Tech offers a full warranty on all of their roof replacement projects which includes both labor and material warranties. We are proud to offer the GAF Systems Plus warranty which is a wind-proven 50-year parts warranty. American Home Tech roof replacements come standard with a 5-year labor warranty to make sure that your roofing system is set up to last you a lifetime.
Roof replacements should always be handled by an experienced contractor with a proven track record. Make sure that you compare roofing estimates from different companies to ensure the best price and product for your home. The Cincinnati roofing contractors at American Home Tech have the experience needed and offer both residential and commercial roof replacement services that include ice and water shield, underlayment, shingle installation, tear-off, all accessories, and more! We also provide warranties on all of our work to ensure peace of mind for our customers. Are you wondering if you may need a new roof? Check out our blog post here for more info! To learn more about how we can help you with your next project call us today at (859) 869-4101 or contact us online here.
[…] is probably your largest investment, and making sure that you have ice & water shield on your next roof replacement estimate will go further than you know in making sure it’s at its best for a long time! Worried about your […]