When I bought my house the inspector said the roof was leaking. Being the optimist I am, I thought a little roof tar and I would be good. That just shows how little I knew about roofs.
After waking up to a steady stream of water entering my attic I found I had a lot to learn. Once the rain stopped I patched the roof but knew I had to do something about this aging roof.
I did some research online and since the roof was the original one on the house, it was time to replace it. Asphalt roofs last 15-20 years, mine was 26 years old.
Since I know as much about roofing as I know about brain surgery I had to do some research. Cost was a factor, as it always is. Asphalt roofs are some of the least expensive to install and maintain.
If you need a new roof get bids from at least three companies. This is an important step, the price difference for my roof was a $2000 spread. It may be tempting to go with the least expensive but your research is not finished yet.
Call their references. Ask the hard questions. One thing I wanted to know is how much work was involved on my part. Was there going to be extensive clean up after they were finished? How long was the job going to take. Most importantly, did people feel good about the men who did the work and the response they received from the company.
I wound up choosing the mid priced company and I couldn’t be happier. Everyone I talked to said they showed up on time, completed the job when they said it would be completed and clean up after themselves.
Your roof protects your largest investment. Not just your home but the people who live there and the things you love. Knowing that my house is now waterproof gave me piece of mind. Taking the time to find the right company made the price worthwhile.