5 Things That Can Impact Your Roof Replacement
A roof replacement is not always as simple as tearing off old shingles and nailing on new. There are several things that can impact the process of putting in a new roof.
1. Interior Leak Damage
Before replacement begins, your roofer should inspect the interior of the attic for signs of leak damage. If roof leaks have caused damage to insulation or mold on the wood framing in the attic, then you will need to replace the insulation and repair any damaged rafters or trusses at the same time as the new roof installation. The old insulation will be removed before the roof is put on so repairs can be made to the framing, and then it can be replaced once the roof is finished.
2. Decking Wear
The plywood decking that sheathes the roof beneath the shingles should last through several shingle replacements, but damages can decrease its lifespan. If rot or punctures damage the decking, then it must be replaced. After the old shingles are torn off, the decking will be inspected so any damaged sheets can be replaced. If wear is severe, all of the roof decking may need to be replaced.
3. Ventilation Upgrades
It's a common issue for moisture to collect inside an attic without there being any roof leaks. Homes with this issue may also have roofs more prone to winter ice dams. This is usually due to poor ventilation, which means that there are not enough vents to pull sufficient air in through the eaves and push the hot, moist air out through the ridge vent. Additional ventilation can be added at the time of a new roof installation to solve this problem.
4. Code Updates
Building codes can change over time as safety knowledge and equipment availability increase. You may not be required to update a roof on an existing home to new codes, but it can be a wise idea to do so for safety reasons. For example, hurricane strapping or increase snow load capacity may become required in your area. It's a good idea to consider installing these upgrades the next time you need a new roof.
5. Material Changes
There may be some upgrades necessary if you decide to change up the shingle material of your roof. For example, switching from lightweight asphalt shingles to heavier tiles may require that the roof trusses are shored up so they can handle the additional weight. You may also need to upgrade the material if you are installing something on the roof, such as switching to metal roofing in order to put in solar panels.
Contact a residential roof replacement contractor to learn more.