What To Tell Roofing Contractors Before a Roof Replacement Begins

Posted on Wednesday, March 20th, 2024 | 117 views

A roof replacement is a significant investment for your home. So to ensure a seamless and efficient process, clear communication between you and the roofing contractors is important.

With that said, we’ve put together the key aspects homeowners should disclose to the roofing contractors before the work starts so as to guarantee a smooth operation of the job and the longevity of your new roof.

Your Roof’s History

Any history related to your roof like previous repairs, the age and current warranty information will be helpful to your contractors. The roofers will try to obtain the following information before work begins. 

The age of your roof

One of the first pieces of information your roofers will need is the age of your roof. Depending on if you’ve had a roof replacement in the past, the age of your roof is usually the same age as your house.

If it’s not, this particular detail will help the contractors gauge the extent of wear and tear of the roof and any potential or underlying issues.

Previous repairs and materials used

Usually roofers can determine if previous repairs were done and what materials were used, but discussing this information with them can give them insight into what has or hasn’t worked in the past and aid in the selection of suitable materials and methods used when building the new roof.

Warranty information

If your existing roof or any of its components are still under warranty, your roofers should know this. Warrant information is valuable to the contractors and is probably going to influence the materials they choose and maintain the warranty coverage.

The Roof’s Physical Conditions

Each roof and the state of each roof is different. Some roofs have existing or past problems and depending on your home builder, are built different than your neighbour’s roof. Generally, the roofing company will be able to determine leaks and any complex areas to access through their first inspection, but if you’re aware of any of these complexities, it’s important to convey this information to them.

Existing damage or leaks

This is a good time to highlight any known damage or leaking areas to allow contractors to prioritize these issues during the replacement process, and to ensure they are specifically addressed to prevent future problems.

Roof complexity and access issues

If you’re aware of any of your roof’s complexity in the design, or any access difficulties that can arise, you should communicate this to your roofers. This includes information about slopes, angles, hard-to-reach areas, or areas that affect the common area of your home depending on the layout. Being aware of any of these can positively affect the project’s scope and safety measures.

The Importance of Wildlife Considerations

Wildlife in the attic

If you suspect or actually know that wildlife are in your attic, it’s vital to inform the roofer. Before the work begins, you should find out which animal it is, and seek humane removal of them beforehand so the roofers work without causing them any harm and comply with local wildlife protection laws.

Personal Preferences

Preferences

If you have any aesthetic preferences – such as colour and material types – make sure to bring this up and discuss them with your roofers. This way you can ensure that the final outcome meets all your expectations and your not left with results that you’re not satisfied with.

Energy efficiency

For many homeowners, improving energy efficiency is a top priority, so if it is for you, make sure to discuss your options for enhanced insulation and energy-efficient materials with your contractor. 

Drip edge

Drip edge helps manage water flow away from your roof line and protects the underlying structure for longer periods of time. If you don’t fully understand the purpose and benefits of installing drip edge, ask your roofers for more information and they’ll help you make a decision as to whether to include it in your roof replacement.

Ventilation

Depending on your preferences and budget, discuss all your ventilation options with your roofers so the final product can be exactly what you’re looking for or you require for your home in the long run.  

Contributing to the success of the installation

By providing your roofing contractors with enough information about your preferences, and specific challenges, you’ll contribute to a smoother roof replacement process. Remember that clear communication ensures that your new roof looks great in the end and is also functional, durable, and tailored to your home’s specific needs – without question.

Have Questions? Contact Us Today!

If you’re ready to replace your roof or have any questions, you can reach out to us for a free consultation to get all the information you need to replace your roof with one that will stand the test of time.