An aging, worn-down roof is an eyesore and doesn’t take long to become an expensive problem. Cracks and holes in your roof can cause water damage in your attic and skyrocket your cooling bills. Roof mold can trigger asthma and respiratory problems. If your roof is over 20 years old and has taken a beating from West Coast’s winter storms, you should consider a roof replacement.

We’ve created this post to help you understand how to plan your new roof replacement in an informed way. After reading it, you’ll know the right questions to ask your roofing contractor and avoid getting scammed.

6 Things To Keep In Mind When You’re Getting A New Roof

Note these points when you’re looking for a roofing service and the best value for your money.

1. Warranty

There are two types of warranties to assess during a new roof replacement: the manufacturer’s warranty and the contractor’s warranty. The manufacturer’s warranty covers shingles and roofing materials. It won’t cover workmanship.

The contractor’s warranty will cover workmanship. It may or may not cover materials. So, make sure to check what’s covered and what isn’t. If the contractor doesn’t provide a written copy of everything the warranty covers, continue your search.

You also want to investigate the contractor’s track record of covering the warranty. Google or Yelp reviews should give you enough fodder to identify a reliable roofing contractor in the Washington area.

More tips:

Read the fine print and clarify any information that isn’t clear
Get a roof inspection every 1-2 years to have your contractor address minor issues
As a Platinum Roofing Contractor for Owens Corning, S&S Roofing provides up to a lifetime of material and workmanship coverage.

2. Roofing Materials

Many homes in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area have asphalt shingles, also known as a composition roof. Cedar shakes, flat roofs, and metal roofs make up the rest. Metal roofs are increasingly coming to homeowners’ attention for their trendy look. If your home is close to the mountains or woods where heavy rain and snow translate to more maintenance for your composite roof, you should take a closer look at metal roofs.

3. Longevity

Slate, copper, and tile roofs fall in the higher price bracket, and last over 50 years. Where before composite roofs lasted about 20-30 years, similar to cedar shakes, their longevity has increased to 50 years thanks to advancements in roofing materials. Improvements to composite roofs mean that they now have heavier shingles to protect against the winds and larger sealing strips for enhanced waterproofing.

4. Workmanship

Workmanship quality will determine whether your roof looks good and endures years of storms and inclement weather. A visual inspection should accompany every new roof replacement. You can make out a good roofing job by checking if:

your roof is uniform throughout, that is, all of the asphalt shingles are of uniform color and appearance, and the roofline isn’t sagging
your roofing contractor has placed an underlayment between the sheathing and shingles, which will protect against water leaks and extend the roof’s lifespan
your roof has proper flashing that prevents water from entering any cracks in the roof, and not roof cement or caulks which do a poor job of tackling leaks in the long term

The workmanship warranty from your roofing contractor will protect you financially in the event of an unsatisfactory roofing job. Check the notification period of the warranty, which is the time limit within which you must notify the contractor about your new roof replacement issue.

5. Company History

A roofing contractor with a history of providing reliable service is a good bet. You want to make sure that experienced roofing technicians install a new roof in a reasonable time and in compliance with safety best practices. It’s never a good idea to turn new roof replacement into a DIY job. Trained professionals use safety equipment to protect themselves against the hazards involved in installing a roof while ensuring top-quality work.

6. Knowledge

A roofing company that has been in business for several years must be doing something right! You can count on them for accurate advice and recommendations. If you were to engage S&S Roofing, you’d benefit from our experience-backed insights and helpful tips as a fourth-generation, locally owned and operated roofing company.

Contact Us for a New Roof Replacement

Whether you’re building a new home in the Greater Seattle – Tacoma – Bellevue area, or need to tear off your existing roof and top off with a brand new one, we’ve got you. Drop us a line and get a free estimate right away.