Rarely does any homeowner wake up early on a beautiful Saturday morning, and their first thought is “I need a new roof.” At least, I do not imagine it to be anyone’s first thought. Unfortunately for me, that exact thought appeared in my mind during Arizona’s monsoon season when I spotted rain streaming down my windows…on the inside.

As I have never had the pleasure of christening a roofing project prior to that moment, the most prominent feeling in that moment was overwhelm. Armed with limited knowledge about roofing, I knew I had a lot to learn. However, bolstered by determination and the desire to make informed decisions, I delved into the process headfirst. In this guide, I’ll share the valuable insights I gained along the way, hoping to ease the path for fellow homeowners who find themselves in a similar position.

 

Understanding the Significance of a Sturdy Roof

The realization dawned on me that a roof is not merely a structural element; it’s a guardian shielding my home from nature’s elements. Recognizing its importance in maintaining the safety and integrity of my house motivated me to prioritize this project. However, even though I knew I needed it, a roofing project still scared me. Where should I start? Perhaps a cursory look to see if I’m able to identify any damage or wear.

 

Recognizing Signs of Roof Wear and Tear

Before diving into the purchasing process, I quickly educated myself on the telltale signs indicating a need for a new roof (thanks, internet). From missing shingles to water stains on the ceiling, each signal served as a prompt to take action and safeguard my home’s well-being. Now I was on the hunt. My poor asphalt shingle roof had held up well but there were definite signs of damage including some cracks, missing shingles, and a build up of debris which had accumulated on my roof over the years. I always wondered where my dog’s favorite tennis ball went!

A word of caution. If your roof is too steep, too high for a ladder to easily reach, the weather is poor, or you do not feel comfortable going up there, then don’t risk a trip to the ER. There is no reason for you to put yourself in danger when professionals can perform an inspection.

 

Navigating the Selection of Roofing Companies

Initially when I sat down at my computer, my first search was “diy roof replacement.” Within the first few minutes of watching a video on the subject, my idea quickly was dropped into my mental wastebasket, and my search was instead replaced by “roofing companies near me.” Reading through reviews and seeking recommendations from trusted sources helped me narrow down my options and identify reputable contractors.

Requesting an Estimate

The best conversations occurred with representatives from companies who were interested in providing information as well as education on their services, product offerings, and processes. The company with which I decided to schedule an initial inspection did a great job communicating with me, and the inspector was timely, knowledgeable, professional, and spent time walking me through his process and findings.

The company was properly licensed and insured, provided warranties on their work, and had a positive long term outlook (doesn’t do me any good if I need warranty work and the company goes out of business!). All of these collectively are the hallmarks of a good company. Green flag city! Ultimately it was determined my entire roof would need to be replaced.

 

Exploring Roofing Materials & Choosing the Perfect Fit for My Home

The array of roofing materials available was more extensive than I anticipated. Taking cues from my home’s architectural style and the local climate, I deliberated over the ideal roofing material. Should I stay with asphalt shingles? Should I go simple and inexpensive to save some money, or should I upgrade to stronger, longer lasting shingles? What about highly durable metal roofing or even wood shingles? There were so many beautiful colors to choose from.

Balancing practicality and roof cost with personal preference, I worked with roofing company rep to select asphalt shingles of an appropriate rating for my climate (think: desert heat in Phoenix) in a color that complemented my home’s aesthetic.

 

Navigating Permits and Regulations

Navigating the bureaucratic maze of permits and regulations was a daunting task, but necessary to maintain legal compliance and safety as set forth by the city code. Any costs associated with submitting plans, securing approvals and permits is thankfully completed by the roofing company and included in the contract for the roof replacement costs.

 

Embracing the Installation Process

As installation kick-off day approached, I braced myself for the transformation that awaited my home. Witnessing the meticulous removal of the old roof and the precise installation of the new one reassured me of the expertise and professionalism of the roofing team. Part of me wanted to be on the roof helping, so I did the best thing I could do to provide assistance…I stayed out of the way but available to answer questions.

Understanding Warranty Coverage

The topic of warranties was one I approached with caution, eager to protect my investment but wary of hidden loopholes. Through candid discussions with my roofing contractor, I gained clarity on the extent of my roof warranty coverage and felt reassured about the longevity of my new investment, craftsmanship of the materials, and quality of work. It is important to note that the materials are warrantied by the manufacturer, and the work is warrantied separately by the roofing company.

Embracing Maintenance Practices

Like most things in life, if you take better care of your roof it will last longer. So I committed to caring for my new roof diligently with regular maintenance. This included routine inspections and seasonal upkeep tasks like sweeping off leaves and debris. I came to embrace my role as a steward of my home’s first line of defense against the elements.

 

Reflecting on the Journey

As I stand beneath the shelter of my new roof, I can’t help but marvel at the journey that led me here. The rollercoaster of emotions from no longer being able to deny the issues with my existing roof, to researching, finding, hiring, and completing the replacement roof. What began as a daunting endeavor transformed into a rewarding experience, thanks to the knowledge gained and the support of trusted professionals. I also picked up a little terminology along the way. Click here to learn some basic roofing terms and feel more confident when speaking with roofing contractors yourself.

 

How Reimagine Roofing Empowers You as the Homeowner

Reimagine Roofing stands out from the competition by empowering homeowners through education, communication, and providing the highest quality services. With a commitment to transparency, integrity, and customer satisfaction, Reimagine Roofing provides homeowners with the knowledge and resources they need to make confident decisions about their roof’s care and maintenance.

Whether you’re in need of roof repairs, replacement, or routine maintenance, we are here to support you through every step of your roofing journey. Call today to speak with one of our experts about your roofing needs and scheduling your roofing estimate!