Roofing Columbus GA can help you protect your home from rain, snow, sunlight, and temperature extremes. They can also advise you on the best materials for your climate and home.
Roofers must be comfortable working at heights and have carpentry skills. They must also be able to navigate ladders and scaffolding safely.
The roof is a structure that protects the building’s occupants and contents from rain, snow, wind, extreme heat, cold, sunlight, and other weather elements. It is built in many forms, including flat, pitched, vaulted, domed, and in combinations, as dictated by technical, economic, or aesthetic considerations.
The cost of installation for roofing services will vary, depending on the type of material chosen and other factors. Choosing a premium material like copper will increase costs, but can add value to the home. On the other hand, a basic asphalt shingle roof can be less expensive.
Besides the shingles, there are several other components to consider, such as flashing (material placed around chimneys and where roofing planes meet), underlayment, and insulation. The choice of shingle color and style will also affect the final cost. During the consultation, be sure to ask the roofing professional about his experience and whether he offers warranties on his work.
A reputable contractor will be licensed, bonded, and insured to protect both you and his employees in case of an accident on the job. In addition, he should be familiar with local and state building codes and homeowners insurance requirements.
If you can, try to schedule the work during the off-season when labor rates are lower. Also, see if you can remove the old shingles yourself to reduce labor costs. If you do this, make sure to follow all safety precautions and be aware that you may void any remaining warranty on the shingles. Also, check with the manufacturer of the shingles you’re considering to find out if they have a list of credentialed contractors. They should be able to provide you with references from previous customers and proof of licensing and insurance.
Repair
Like any part of your home, your roof takes a beating from wind, rain, snow, sleet, ice, hot and cold weather, and sun. Minor surface repair, such as replacing shingles or patching small cracks, typically costs less than fixing widespread rot, sagging, or other structural problems that require a major redo. Pros recommend hiring a licensed roofer for large repairs to prevent voiding your warranty and potentially worsening the problem by doing it yourself. Complete roof redos — called reroofing by pros — usually involve replacing the underlayment as well as the shingles. They can run up to $46,000, though most homeowners insurance covers the cost.
Maintenance
The roof of a home is the part that takes the most abuse from the elements. It is assaulted by wind, rain, hail, snow, bitter cold, intense heat, and sunlight. The resulting damage can require a complete roof redo or, if problems are caught early, a minor repair. Regular inspections can catch problems before they become major, preventing the need for expensive replacement.
Roofers use a checklist to assess the condition of a roof. This can help homeowners spot potential problems, like leaks and damaged shingles or tiles. This inspection can be done annually or biannually. It is important to have these inspections done regularly because it allows the contractor to find and fix problems before they become too costly or cause other damage to the home.
Besides inspection, roofers can repair and clean the components of the roofing system, including gutters and downspouts, which steer water runoff from the roof; the drip edge, to keep rainwater away from the foundation; and flashing, the material that seals the joints between roofing planes. Roof cleaning removes dirt, mildew, moss, and other debris, extending the life of a roof; and replacing or repairing vents can improve attic airflow to prevent excessive moisture that damages shingles.
In addition, a roofer can also improve energy efficiency by identifying areas where heat is escaping or entering the building, sealing those areas to reduce heating and cooling costs. Routine maintenance can also prevent ice damming in cold climates, which is expensive to repair.
Hiring a professional roofer to perform routine maintenance is an investment, but it can protect the value of a home and minimize expensive repairs in the future. In addition, homeowners who maintain their roofs often have the added benefit of being able to provide documentation to potential buyers that shows the roof has been cared for, which can be an advantage in a real estate market. Some home improvement stores and general contractors offer maintenance services, but a qualified roofer has the specialized knowledge and tools to do the job quickly and efficiently. In addition, a licensed roofer can ensure that any repairs are covered by the roof warranty or homeowner’s insurance coverage.
Insulation
Insulation is an essential part of a well-maintained roof, keeping the house cooler in summer and warmer in winter. A professional insulation specialist can help you select the right type of insulation for your climate, and provide expert installation. They can also assist you with air-sealing to improve energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs.
The cost of insulation depends on the material and the R-value you choose. The R-value indicates how well a material resists heat flow, with higher values providing greater energy savings.
You have several options for insulating your home, including blankets, boards and spray foam. Some types can be installed by homeowners, but most require professional installation. You should ask contractors what materials they use and the R-values they achieve to compare costs.
Fiberglass, mineral wool and cellulose are all common types of insulation. They are available in rolls or sheets and fit between wall studs and ceiling joists. They are usually installed over a moisture barrier to prevent water leaks. They are affordable and offer good R-values.
Closed and open-cell foam are also good insulators, but they are more expensive. They provide excellent resistance to moisture and air leakage, but they shouldn’t be used below ground level or in areas that could absorb water.
Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are prefabricated, insulated structural elements that replace conventional stick framing for walls and ceilings. They typically consist of a 4-inch-thick foam core sandwiched between two sheets of plywood or OSB. They are stronger than drywall and more resistant to damage from wind, rain and hail. They are also more energy efficient than traditional construction and offer a higher R-value per inch of thickness.
The average cost for SIPs is $7 to $12 per square foot, including labor and materials. Spray foam does an exceptionally good job of creating a tight thermal barrier, but it is expensive. It can be used on walls, floors and ceilings and provides an R-value of up to R16. For best results, the insulation should be sprayed over a moisture barrier to prevent mold and mildew.
