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Homeownership can get quite expensive. That’s why it’s critical to weigh the pros, cons, and alternative options before making significant changes to your home. The typical roof installed on a residence will last around 20-30 years, excluding severe weather, fire, and natural disaster. 

If you perform regular maintenance on your roof, you’ll get a lot more out of it and spend less on it over the years. We want to discuss what n most states you need to know before you decide to replace or repair your home’s roof. 

Considerations for Repair

You can have two layers of roofing material on your roof. If your home’s contractor did this when they last installed the roof, you might be able to remove a layer and get another decade from your home without replacement. If they haven’t, you’ll need to consider the severity of the damage. 

You should also look at environmental factors in your roof damage. If you’ve got water damage, check to ensure your flashing at all the chimney and vent spaces is secure, ensure the underlayment isn’t broken or cracked, reseal the water barrier layer, and check your preventative measures like gutters and cutting back tree branches that may contribute to the issue. 

Considerations for Replacement

When you replace your roofing materials, the contractor will likely perform a full inspection of all roof layers down to your open attic space. They’re looking for pest damage, dry rot, water damage, cracking, and leaking before deciding how to best fix the problem areas. 

If the costs of materials to repair your roof is more than ⅕ of the cost of replacing the roof, or if the damage caused to other parts of the house is more than ⅕ of the repair cost, you’ll want to consider a full replacement, that is adequately maintained properly, ay improve your home value for future sales, refinancing, or equity loans.

As sturdy as your roof may be, it does sustain a lot of damage from severe weather, falling tree branches, and regular wear-and-tear. This damage will need to be repaired, but there may come a time when it is easier to simply replace your roof. Here are a few things to consider when you have to decide to make repairs or simply replace your roof altogether.

Easy Repairs

Repairing a roof is usually the best course of action if the necessary repairs are minor. This is usually the case if you only need to replace shingles that have been damaged by severe weather or a falling tree limb. Damaged shingles are easy enough to remove and replace, so there’s no need to install a whole new roof if this is your only real problem. On the other hand, if you have frequent leaks or you see any sagging in your roof, any repairs might be more costly in the long run. In these cases, it’s best just to have your roof replaced instead.

The Age of the Roof

A roof should last anywhere from 30 to 50 years before it needs to be replaced, but some roofs have had to be replaced after only 20 years. If you have an older roof that is at least 20 years old, you might want to consider a replacement, especially if you’ve had to make frequent repairs in recent years.

Raising the Value of Your Home

Replacing your roof might also be a good idea if you’re planning to sell your home. While you can get away with simply making minor repairs to a roof before putting your house on the market, a whole new roof that won’t need any significant work for a few decades will be a lot more attractive to potential buyers. Keep in mind that a new roof usually costs between $5,000 and $10,000. That’s certainly not a bad thing if you’re trying to raise the value of your home, but you want to be careful about making your house harder to sell when it goes on the market.

It is ultimately up to you to determine whether you should repair or replace your home’s roof, but the biggest consideration will most likely be the final price tag. It will likely cost you a couple thousand dollars to repair a roof versus $10,000 for a replacement, but that replacement could be worth it if it cuts down on the number of future repairs.

Important Considerations

We want our clients to understand that roofing materials aren’t all the same. Though most are durable and provide adequate protection, these products have several differences such as:

Cost

Certain materials cost more money than others. However, notable factors play into a specific material’s expenses including its availability and the labor roofing companies will need to expend installing said product.

Style

Some products can be made out of different shapes, styles, colors, and contours.

Durability

As previously mentioned, most roofing materials are designed to withstand a significant degree of harsh weather, extreme temperatures, and contact with environmental debris, some products are indeed better adept than others.

Material Choices

We offer our customers several different products to choose from including:

Metal

Metal roofing shingles are typically comprised of aluminum of steel. These products are known for their durability, appearance, and moderate cost.

Clay

If you are looking to build an aesthetically-admirable roof garnering favorable reviews from neighbors and visitors, clay is an optimal choice.

Known for its fiery red-orange color and sleek appeal, clay is often favored by homeowners residing in warmer climates or regions with salty air like those adjacent to ocean water.

We wish to stress that clay is amongst the more expensive choices out there. However, experts estimate the material can last up to 100 years.

Slate

If your primary focus is on style, slate is another wise choice. Slate is a heavy but picturesque stone that can be quarried into thin pieces that fit nicely onto many roofing structures. Additionally, the material is exceptionally durable often lasting anywhere from 75 to an astounding 200 years.

That said, this is one of the more costly roofing options. Proper installation requires experience and precision. Therefore, labor costs are usually high.

Asphalt

Asphalt is one of the most commonly used roofing products. Should you desire a material that is considered solid and checks the box in categories such as appearance, cost, and durability, we say asphalt is the way to go.

Wood

If you are aiming for pure style and aesthetics, few materials are more optimal than wood. That said, we don’t advise constructing a wood roof in areas prone to moisture as wetness could precipitate rotting. Moreover, wood roofs require significant maintenance and typically aren’t as lasting as other materials are.

Concrete

Concrete is durable and capable of molding into numerous styles, colors, and contours. However, the product is heavy and isn’t suited for structures incapable of carrying larger weight.

One of the biggest issues that homeowners face when fixing or replacing their roofs is finding a good contractor. After attaining some damage to your roof, you need a contractor who will quickly conduct the repairs. However, don’t choose the first contractor that you come across. Here are some tips that all contractors have to share.

1. Manufacturer Designations

Roofing companies designate different contractors for installation services and repairs. You should consider finding such contractors within Bucks County since they must undergo some rigorous tests to attain the factory certification.

Even with a few roofers within your location, the certification can provide you with some peace of mind. Such a contractor will easily satisfy the insurance and licensing requirements of your state.

2. Warranty and Contract

To find the best roofer in bucks county, you ought to read their contracts carefully. A contract entails all the services that the roofer will offer and their prices. Most professionals will not be angry with you taking your time to read over the contract.

Asking the contractors to expound on their terms of agreement can aid in understanding the entire contract. Furthermore, there has to be a warranty with repairs or a new roof installation. Ensure that the contractor can provide follow up support as well.

3. Availability

Schedule the roofing job during the summer. During a sunny season, it’s easier for the contractor to complete the roofing job quickly. Besides, they will not have to undergo the trouble of clearing snow or waiting for the rain to stop.

Avoiding wet and snowy seasons will eradicate most of the safety hazards. Ask the different contractors about their availability. Some can advise you on the ideal times to commence the roofing job.

4. Experience

Don’t be afraid to ask the contractor about their experience. Asking for proof guarantees that you will not have any doubts about their experience. Since you’re paying for the service, you have to satisfy yourself by asking all the questions you’d like.

A good contractor will not be angry at your questions, and they will take their time to explain everything you would like. They can also provide you with some local referrals to ease your mind.

5. Material Choices

While looking for a great roofer in bucks county, you should not forget checking the best roofing materials for your home. If you don’t know the best solution, you should consider asking the roofer for some ideas. The color and style of the roof that they help you pick should boost your house’s resale value.

A roofer will conduct professional repairs and installations of your roof. These tips can assist you in picking a professional who can understand your needs. The roofer can also assist in ensuring that your home is safe during all the seasons.

So You’re Worried About Your Roof?

When last in your attic, did you see streams of sunlight pouring through the roof? Maybe it’s the bits and pieces of shingle material you’ve been finding in your gutters and downspouts that give you pause? Then again, maybe it’s that ugly row of drip-catching buckets you’ve been tripping over the last six months that’s gotten you here. Whatever the reason, if you’re considering replacing your roof in Buck’s County, you’ve come to the right place.

Are You Kidding?

We get it. We’re fans of instant gratification, too. But you’re not going to find out how much your specific roof replacement will cost from any website, and that includes ours. There are simply too many factors. However, any roofing company worth its salt will provide you with a free estimate.

Now that doesn’t mean you can’t get a fair handle on the costs. And you’ll want to know that so you can budget properly. The first place to start – well, actually, the second, since finding us was the first! – is to assess the condition of your roof and take some measurements. What is the pitch of your roof? Is it steep? Do you have a fairly uncomplicated roof, or is it more complex? These days, satellite technology does an excellent job of ascertaining the situation.

The costs of labor and materials will certainly be the most significant expense. Depending on the age of your existing roof and the severity of the problem, your original roof may or may not need to be completely removed. Which roofing materials you select will have a big impact on the price. A standard, low-maintenance, 3-tab, asphalt-shingled roof is typically the least expensive (about $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot) and can be expected to last 20 to 25 years. If you want a little more pizzazz, you can spend a little more and get asphalt, architectural shingles. If you prefer the natural look of cedar wood shakes or attractive slate tiles, the price will increase.

You didn’t really expect not to pay taxes on the project, right? Uncle Sam will want his cut. You’ll also want to factor in local permitting fees. No way around that.

Here’s a Helpful Gizmo

No, this isn’t one of those pesky Body Mass Index calculators. You look just fine as your are! It is, however, a very helpful calculation tool and one that should give you a fair estimation of your costs, particularly if your roof isn’t all that complex. Go ahead. We’ll wait while you give it a try!

So What Are You Waiting For?

You love your home, but you don’t want it coming down around you. When you’re ready to repair or replace your roof in Buck’s County, give us a call for a free quote. We’re here to help.

If you’re looking into installing a roof, there are several options you need to consider:

• How much weight will be bearing down on your home? Will the roof require reinforcement with a special frame?
• Can you get it in colors or an aesthetic that works with your home?
• Does the material conflict with local fire codes?
• Is there any extra work to installing or maintaining the roof?
• How well does it handle the weather common to your area?
• What’s its cost, durability and warranty?

#1: Asphalt Shingling

Asphalt is cheap ($70-120/square), easy to install and can be improved with fiberglass or cellulose without affecting their look. While you can get them in many colors, asphalt shingles are poor insulators, known to last less than 25 years and of variable quality.
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Gutter systems are an essential part of a house, and your home needs one. They may look insignificant, but they are crucial as a roof over your head. Leaks and basement issues can be resolved by having gutters installed by professionals, or you can do it yourself and have them at no extra cost.

Do-it-yourself gutters are mainly aluminum or steel systems, but professionally installed gutters are seamless aluminum. They are all available at the retail stores near you.

Installing gutters requires a few things to be done before you go ahead an purchase your material. Professional gutter system installers do the following to make sure that your gutters are going to last 20-30 years, with repairs done on time and inspections done regularly.

Be prepared! Like we all know, wear protective gear when doing ant work that will involve machinery or flying objects. Leather gloves, goggles, long sleeved shirt and jeans. Be practical for crying out loud, don’t dress inappropriately and when you get hurt, who are you going to blame? No one, that’s for sure.

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For some the winter is an excellent time to play in the snow, others prefer being inside with a cup of hot chocolate and your bed, but in the end, your roof will need to be clear of the excess weight on it, that is the snow and ice that has formed.

No one wants to be up in the morning getting ready for some strength training in the form of getting rid of snow on their roof, it’s not something you want to do, but alas, you have to do what you have to do. Dangling icicles, are hazardous to you and your family as well as your house.

Its taxing and a bore of a job, thus we have a few hacks for you that will make it easy for you to get rid of the snow and ice dams.

Before we are knee deep in snow, here are a few got-to-know tips of when you are required to get rid of that beautiful layer of snow on your roof.

After 6 inches of snow, clean your roof. Its a rule that is commonly known, but not familiar to most people. This prevents ice dams from forming, and cave-ins are not going to happen.

If you want to avoid creating a cave in your house, you should wait for a foot of snow to accumulate before you can get it off.

All in all, it depends on what Mother Nature has decided to shower on your roof, if its heavy snow, get it off immediately, if its lightweight, meh, clean it depending on what you deem heavy. Also, if you get 6 inches of snow and the temperatures are freezing, get rid of the snow ASAP. In case you want to call professionals, preferably call them after the second storm is to arrive. You will pay once for the price of two snow removals, cheap thrills this is.

The tips and tricks for getting snow off your roof.

Shovel and ladder.
A classic tip that is cheap, makes you break a sweat, work on your arms, back, chest and abs also you get to be outside up in the air, maybe a story or two. Though not safe, this is great as you get to dump all the snow at one spot! Involve your kids, make them do it and supervise, means of building character and they can learn about team building at the same time, and communication too!

Attic and Roof Repairs.
During the summer, when the sun is high, and all you can think about is lemonades, fix your attic and roof in preparation for the onslaught that winter will bring. Add insulators on your attic floor, weatherstripping to the attic windows and doors if any, and more ventilation to remove excess heat to maintain the consistent temperature of your roof.

In the process check your shingles, asphalt and flashing for damage. Install a guard to allow ice and snow to slide off the roof while collecting water. It is an expensive project and time consuming, but this will get rid of most of the snow on your roof.

Rake.
Specifically the snow rake. This equipment will do most of the work for you if heights give you chills and make you break out, try this out. The telescoping handle allows you to get the snow off your roof like magic. It will take a lot of time, therefore don’t be in a rush when doing this.

It is convenient, and secure to use. The dump site will be your driveway or sidewalk. A slow process yet satisfying once it’s done. You’ll need a ladder though to clean the gutters and unclog them.

Heating Cables.
Some people often think of this as an alternative to snow removal, but it is a process. For the elderly or those who aren’t able to get to your roof, this is the most convenient means for you to get rid of the snow. All you’ve got to do is switch on the heaters, and the snow melts into your rain gutters. Easy peasy!

The downside, easy to be contaminated as they are tiny and can be a fire hazard. They generate heat about four inches in every direction, meaning it has to be laid out correctly or it won’t work. Also, your gutters need to be unclogged, or else you’ll have a swimming pool in your basement.

Get professionals to do this for you if you are going to be Garfield and flip a switch, watch telly and let the snow fall right off your roof. Other people will be in the cold; you’ll be neck deep in your blanket nursing a drink and watching telly.

The 2017 hurricane season was the most expensive in history. It’s been estimated to have caused more than 200 billion dollars in damage from hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and fourteen other major storms in the last half of the year. Lots of that damage, apart from flooding, was due to high winds, hard rain, and in some cases, hail. Those three elements take a terrible toll on roofs.

If you’re in the danger zone for strong hurricanes, nor’easters, or tornados, you should take a good long look at your roof. Will it withstand winds exceeding 130 mph (like Harvey and Irma) or 155 mph (Maria)? Has it lost shingles in less serious storms? Is it time to upgrade materials?

Most importantly, can you save a little off the cost of replacement by lowering your homeowner’s insurance premium?

Homeowner’s Insurance Discounts
Many homeowners don’t realize that there are many ways to receive discounts on your homeowner’s insurance policy, simply by making improvements. These improvements can be as small as installing a new alarm system, or as big as upgrading your heating and cooling system, behind-the-walls-plumbing, or your electrical box.
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You know that there’s something a bit wrong with your roof, mostly because you have to put a bowl under that spot in your ceiling that leaks when it rains. But when you go outside you don’t see anything wrong. The shingles look fine to you, and they’re all there. So why is the roof leaking? You figure you could find out if you go up on the roof and take a good look, but there’s no way you’re going up there. How can you tell just where the roof damage is? (Remember you can always call a local roofer to help you out with figuring this all out!)

Look in Your Gutters
If you have a sturdy ladder, climb it and take a look at your gutters and downspouts. If there are dark granules in the gutters, that means that your asphalt shingles are starting to degrade. You can’t tell by looking at a distance, but this is a telltale sign. If you don’t have gutters, see if there are granules around your foundation plantings. Even if the shingles look healthy, the fact that they’re shedding granules means that their watertightness has been compromised.

After a while, so many granules will have fallen off the shingles that you will be able to see bald spots even from the ground. After that, you’ll see the edges of the shingles curl and dry up.Read More